A State Public Information Officer (SPIO) is a designated official under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, responsible for processing and responding to requests for information from citizens within state government departments and public authorities.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
- Receiving Applications: Accepts written or electronic RTI applications from citizens requesting information under the control of the public authority.
- Providing Information: Processes queries and provides the requested details within the statutory timeframe (typically 30 days from receipt, or 48 hours if it concerns life or liberty).
- Assisting Applicants: Assists citizens who are unable to reduce their requests into writing.
- Transferring Requests: Transfers an RTI application (or relevant part) to another public authority within 5 days if the information requested pertains to that other authority.
- Deduction of Fees: Informs the applicant of any additional fees required for providing copies or inspecting records.
- Refusal of Information: Issuing a formal rejection notice citing specific exemptions under Section 8 or 9 of the RTI Act if information cannot be disclosed.
Appeals & Escalation Hierarchy
- State Public Information Officer (SPIO): Primary contact for filing an initial RTI request.
- First Appellate Authority (FAA): An officer senior to the SPIO within the same department. Applicants can file a First Appeal within 30 days if information is delayed, incomplete, or rejected.
- State Information Commission (SIC): An independent statutory body where applicants can file a Second Appeal or complaint if dissatisfied with the FAA's decision.
