Implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005

What is "Information"?

Under the Right to Information Act, 2005, the term "information" is defined to mean all documents and records held in the custody of a Public Authority in any form (electronic or physical). All such "information" can be provided to the applicants, subject to the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. However, please note that the RTI Act , 2005 is only meant to obtain "information" that already exists with the Public Authority and cannot be used for seeking advice/opinion on an issue.

Eligibility of Applicants

Please note that the information under RTI Act can be sought only by Indian Citizens. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not covered by this Act. Consequently, applicants are advised to submit proof of Indian citizenship along with their application to the Consulate General of India in Sydney.

Fee for Seeking Information

Applicants who are Indian Citizens based in Australia: A person who desires to seek information under the RTI Act from the Central Public Information Officer of the Consulate General of India is required by law to pay, along with the application, A$0.25 [25 Australian Cents, approximately equal to Rs. 10/- (Rupees ten)], as fee prescribed under the RTI Act. The payment of fee shall be made by way of cash only at the Consulate General of India in Sydney between 9.30 AM and 12.30 PM on any working day. Depending on the nature and quantity of the documents sought, other charges may be applicable as per the RTI Act.

Applicants who are Indian Citizens based in India: The fee of Rs.10/- (Rupees Ten only) in respect of such application is to be made by way of Indian Postal Order/Bank Draft/Banker's Cheque payable to "PAO, MEA, New Delhi". Please send the same along with your application by Post.

New Facility of Electronic Indian Postal Order: Please see e-Post Office Portal for more details.

A write-up on the facility of e-IPO - Facility of e-IPO for payment of RTI fee in Indian Missions extended to`Indian citizens abroad'

Central Public Information Officer

Application for seeking information relevant to Consulate General of India in Sydney may be addressed to the Central Public Information Officer in writing only through a letter, fax or E-Mail. Particulars of the Public Information Officer are as follows:

Mr. Arindam Banerjee
Vice Consul (Consular & OCI)
Consulate General of India
Level 3, 109 Pitt Street
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel : +61-2-9223-2702
Fax : +61-2-9231-2299
E-Mail : [email protected]

First Appellate Authority

If the applicant is not satisfied with the response of the Central Public Information Officer, he/she may approach the First Appellate Authority in writing only at the details given below:

Dr. Vinod Bahade
Deputy Consul General
Consulate General of India
Level 3, 109 Pitt Street,
Sydney NSW 2000, Australia
Tel: +61-2-9223-2702
Fax: +61-2-9231-2299
E-Mail: [email protected]

You can also download the Right to Information Manuals for Consulate General of India in Sydney.