📚 JAIIB 2025 • PPB • Module A • Chapter 21 of 21

Right to Information Act, 2005

RTI Act 2005: citizens can seek info from public authorities (PSU banks covered). Fee ₹10. Response in 30 days (48 hours for life/liberty). Transfer within 5 days. Exemptions: sovereignty, commercial secrets, fiduciary. CIC: max 10 commissioners, 3yr/65yr. Penalty: ₹250/day, max ₹25,000. Overriding effect.

⏱ 15 min read🎯 High Exam Weightage🧠 5 Memory Tricks⚡ 8 Flash Cards

Banky Handles RTI Requests! 📄

Public sector banks are public authorities under RTI Act. Any citizen can request information and you must respond within 30 days. Understanding exemptions, fees, and penalties protects you from disciplinary action!

“Sir, we received an RTI application asking for details of all NPAs above Rs 1 crore. Do we have to share this?” 📄

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Section 1 of 9

Why Read This Chapter?

RTI promotes transparency and accountability — PSU banks must comply!

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Does RTI apply to banks?

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Yes — to all PSU banks and institutions owned/controlled by government (they are public authorities). The citizen files an application with ₹10 fee, and the PIO must respond within 30 days (48 hours if life/liberty is at stake). But there are exemptions — commercial secrets, trade secrets, and information that would harm the bank’s competitive position can be withheld. Personal information with no public interest is also exempt. The Act has overriding effect over Official Secrets Act and other laws!

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Exam Marks

2-3 questions — every citizen has RTI (True), public authority = comprehensive definition (option d), Central Govt does NOT appoint CPIO (False), RTI includes diskettes/floppies (option d = all), transfer within 5 days (True). Moderate weightage.

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Career Growth

As a PSU bank officer, you may be designated as PIO — knowing RTI prevents penalties and disciplinary action

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Real Life

RTI is a powerful tool for citizens — you can use it to get information from any government body or PSU bank

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Section 2 of 9

How Will It Benefit You?

Real career advantages

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Give me a real scenario!

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📄 Scenario: An RTI application arrives at your branch asking for details of loan defaults above ₹50 lakh. You check: (1) Application with ₹10 fee ✅. (2) Your branch is a public authority ✅. (3) Is the info exempt? Commercial secrets of third parties may be protected, but loan default data linked to public interest may need disclosure. (4) You must respond within 30 days. (5) If the info relates to a third party, consult them first. You forward to the CPIO for proper handling. Manager: ‘Follow the process — RTI penalties are serious!’ 🌟

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Section 3 of 9

What Is This Chapter About?

30-second summary

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Quick version, sir!

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This chapter covers: RTI Act 2005: Enacted for transparency and accountability. Replaced Freedom of Information Act 2002. Extends to whole India. Public authority: Established by Constitution, Parliament, State Legislature, or govt notification. Includes bodies owned/controlled/substantially financed by government. All PSU banks = public authorities. Right to Information (Sec 3): All citizens have RTI. Includes: inspection of work/documents/records, taking notes/extracts/certified copies, certified samples, information in electronic form (diskettes/floppies/tapes/printouts). No reason required for seeking information. Fee: ₹10 (cash/DD/banker cheque/IPO). Additional fee for copies (₹2/page A4/A3). Inspection: free first hour, ₹5 per 15 min after. Below poverty line: free. Time limit: 30 days from receipt. 48 hours if life/liberty. Transfer to other authority: 5 days (excluded from 30-day count). Delayed info = provided free. PIO: Designated by public authority (not Central Govt — exam PYQ!). Assistant PIO at sub-divisional level. Exemptions (Sec 8): Sovereignty/integrity, contempt of court, commercial confidence/trade secrets, fiduciary relationship, foreign govt confidence, endanger life, investigation, cabinet papers. Banks: competitive position harm = exempt. Personal info with no public interest = exempt. Third party: Consult before disclosing. Public interest may override. Appeal: 1st appeal: officer senior to CPIO (30 days). 2nd appeal: CIC/SIC (90 days). CIC: Chief Information Commissioner + max 10 commissioners. Appointed by President on PM committee recommendation. 3 years or 65 years (whichever earlier). Not eligible for reappointment (but IC can become CIC). HQ: Delhi. SIC: Same structure at state level. Governor appoints on CM committee. Penalties: ₹250/day, max ₹25,000. Disciplinary action for persistent failure, mala fide denial, destruction of info. Overriding effect: Overrides Official Secrets Act 1923 and other laws. No court shall entertain suit against RTI orders (only appeal). Does NOT apply to intelligence/security organisations (except corruption/human rights).

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Section 4 of 9

Key Definitions — Banky Asks, Mentor Explains

Every term explained like you’re 10

Critical Term

RTI Act 2005

Citizens can seek info from public authorities — PSU banks covered — promotes transparency and accountability

2005

Banky’s Understanding: RTI Act 2005: Enacted for practical regime of citizens accessing information under public authorities. Promotes transparency and accountability. Contains corruption. Replaced Freedom of Information Act 2002. Extends to whole India. All PSU banks and govt-controlled institutions = public authorities. Exemption: commercial secrets that harm competitive position. Personal info with no public interest also exempt.

🧒 Analogy: RTI is like a flashlight that citizens can shine into any government office or PSU bank — whatever is hidden in the dark must be revealed (with some exceptions for sensitive matters)!

Critical Term

Public Authority

Established by Constitution/Parliament/State Legislature/govt — includes bodies owned/controlled/financed by govt — PSU banks covered

Comprehensive

Banky’s Understanding: Public authority (exam PYQ!): Any authority/body/institution established by: (a) Constitution, (b) Parliament law, (c) State Legislature law, (d) Govt notification/order. Includes bodies owned/controlled/substantially financed by govt. Also includes NGOs substantially financed by govt. All PSU banks = public authorities. The definition is comprehensive (exam PYQ! — not just govt established or by law, but ALL of the above).

🧒 Analogy: Public authority = anyone funded by taxpayer money. PSU banks (govt owns majority), govt bodies, constitutional authorities — if public money runs it, the public can inspect it!

Critical Term

Fee, Time Limit & PIO

Fee ₹10. Response in 30 days (48 hrs life/liberty). Transfer 5 days. PIO designated by public authority (NOT Central Govt!)

₹10, 30 days

Banky’s Understanding: Fee: ₹10 (cash/DD/banker cheque/IPO). Additional: ₹2/page (A4/A3). Inspection: free 1st hour, ₹5 per 15 min after. BPL: free. Delayed info = free. Time limit: 30 days. Life/liberty = 48 hours. Transfer to other authority = 5 days (excluded from 30 days). PIO: Central/State Public Information Officer designated by public authority itself (exam PYQ! — NOT by Central Govt). Assistant PIO at sub-divisional level to receive and forward. No reason required for seeking info.

🧒 Analogy: ₹10 = the price of a movie ticket gives you the right to watch the entire government show! 30 days is the deadline — like a pizza delivery guarantee. Miss it = info served free!

Critical Term

Exemptions (Sec 8)

Sovereignty, contempt, commercial secrets, fiduciary, foreign govt, endanger life, investigation, cabinet papers

8 categories

Banky’s Understanding: Exempt from disclosure: (1) Prejudice sovereignty/integrity. (2) Expressly forbidden by law/contempt of court. (3) Breach of Parliament privilege. (4) Commercial confidence, trade secrets, intellectual property. (5) Fiduciary relationship. (6) Foreign govt confidence. (7) Endanger life/safety. (8) Investigation/prosecution. (9) Cabinet papers. Banks: Competitive position harm = exempt. Personal info without public interest = exempt. Third party info: consult first. Public interest may override commercial secrets (except legally protected).

🧒 Analogy: Like a house with some rooms locked — the living room (general info) is open, but the bedroom (personal secrets), vault (commercial secrets), and safe room (national security) stay locked. Public interest key can open some locked rooms!

Critical Term

CIC & Penalties

Chief IC + max 10 ICs. 3yr/65yr. Penalty: ₹250/day, max ₹25,000. Overrides Official Secrets Act.

₹250/day, ₹25K max

Banky’s Understanding: CIC: Chief Information Commissioner + max 10 commissioners. Appointed by President on recommendation of PM (chair) + LoP in LS + Union Cabinet Minister (PM nominee). 3 years or 65 years (whichever earlier). Not reappointed (but IC can become CIC). HQ: Delhi. SIC: Same structure. Governor appoints on CM committee. Penalties: ₹250/day, max ₹25,000. For: persistent failure, mala fide denial, incorrect/misleading info, destruction of info. Can recommend disciplinary action. Overriding: Overrides Official Secrets Act 1923 and all other laws. No court can entertain suit (only appeal).

🧒 Analogy: CIC is like the Supreme Court of information — 10 judges (commissioners), appointed by the President, with the power to fine ₹250/day (up to ₹25K) for withholding information. Even the Official Secrets Act bows to RTI!

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Section 5 of 9

Chapter Explained in Simple Stories

So easy even Banky’s nephew understands

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Sir, explain this like a story!

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Three bite-sized stories coming up — impossible to forget! 🚀

📄 Block 1: RTI Basics — Fee, Time & PIO

RTI Act 2005: All citizens can seek info. PSU banks = public authorities. No reason required.

Fee: ₹10. Copies: ₹2/page. Inspection: free 1st hour, ₹5/15min after. BPL = free. Delayed = free.

Time: 30 days (48 hours life/liberty). Transfer: 5 days (excluded from 30).

PIO: Designated by public authority (NOT Central Govt — exam PYQ!). Asst PIO at sub-divisional level.

Right includes: Inspection, copies, samples, electronic form (diskettes/tapes/printouts).

Key Term

PIO ≠ Central Govt

The Central/State Public Information Officer is designated by the PUBLIC AUTHORITY itself — NOT by the Central Government. This is a frequently tested distinction.

🧑‍💼 Banky: “Fee=₹10, response=30 days, life/liberty=48 hrs, transfer=5 days, PIO by authority not CG! 📄”

🔒 Block 2: Exemptions, CIC & Penalties

Exempt: Sovereignty, contempt, commercial secrets, fiduciary, foreign govt, endanger life, investigation, cabinet. Banks: competitive harm + personal info exempt.

CIC: Chief IC + max 10 ICs. President appoints (PM committee). 3yr/65yr. HQ: Delhi.

Penalties: ₹250/day, max ₹25,000. Disciplinary action for persistent failure/mala fide denial.

Overriding: Overrides Official Secrets Act 1923. No court suit (only appeal).

Not applicable: Intelligence/security orgs (except corruption/human rights).

Key Term

₹250/Day Max ₹25K

CIC can impose penalty of ₹250 per day of delay, subject to maximum ₹25,000. This is for persistent failure, mala fide denial, incorrect info, or destruction of records.

🧑‍💼 Banky: “Exempt: commercial secrets/fiduciary. CIC: 10 ICs, 3yr, ₹250/day max ₹25K. Overrides OSA! 🔒”

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Section 6 of 9

Exam Angle — Every Testable Point

All facts, numbers, definitions JAIIB tests

✅ Must-Know Facts — Highest Probability

Every citizen has right to information from public authority — True (exam PYQ!)
Public authority definition is comprehensive (Constitution+Parliament+State+Govt notification) — exam PYQ!
Central Govt does NOT appoint CPIO — public authority designates — exam PYQ! (False)
RTI includes diskettes/floppies/tapes/printouts — ALL (exam PYQ!)
Transfer of request to another authority within 5 days — True (exam PYQ!)
Fee: ₹10 | Copies: ₹2/page | Inspection: free 1st hour, ₹5/15min after
Time limit: 30 days | Life/liberty: 48 hours | Transfer 5 days excluded from 30
PIO designated by public authority itself — NOT Central Govt
Exempt: sovereignty, commercial secrets, fiduciary, foreign govt, investigation, cabinet
Banks: competitive position harm = exempt | Personal info no public interest = exempt
CIC: Chief IC + max 10 commissioners | 3 years or 65 years | President appoints
Penalty: ₹250/day, max ₹25,000 | Disciplinary action for persistent failure
Overrides Official Secrets Act 1923 | No court suit (only appeal)
Not applicable to intelligence/security orgs (except corruption/human rights)
BPL applicants: information provided free | Delayed info: provided free

📝 Previous Year Questions

Q: Every citizen has RTI:

A: True ✅

Q: Public authority means:

A: (d) Comprehensive definition — all of the above ✅

Q: Central Govt appoints CPIO:

A: False ✅ (public authority designates)

Q: RTI includes:

A: (d) All — inspection, copies, samples, electronic form ✅

Q: Transfer within 5 days:

A: True ✅

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Section 7 of 9

Memory Tricks That STICK

Lock every fact permanently

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Too many facts! Help! 🤯

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These tricks will lock everything in forever! 🧲

🧠 Trick 1 — Fee = ₹10

Application fee

RTI application fee = ₹10! Copies = ₹2/page Inspection = free 1st hour BPL = FREE Delayed = FREE

RTI application costs just ₹10. Copies are ₹2 per page. First hour of inspection is free. BPL and delayed info are completely free.

🧠 Trick 2 — 30 Days / 48 Hours

Time limits

Normal info = 30 DAYS Life/liberty = 48 HOURS Transfer = 5 DAYS (5 days excluded from 30!)

PIO must respond within 30 days. For life/liberty issues, it is just 48 hours. If transferred to another authority, the 5 transfer days are excluded from the 30-day count.

🧠 Trick 3 — PIO by Authority

NOT Central Govt

PIO designated by = PUBLIC AUTHORITY! (NOT by Central Government!) Each authority appoints its own PIO Asst PIO at sub-divisional level

The public authority itself designates its PIO. The Central Government does NOT appoint CPIOs. This is a common exam trap.

🧠 Trick 4 — ₹250/Day Max ₹25K

Penalty

Penalty for PIO delay: ₹250 per DAY! Max = ₹25,000! + Disciplinary action possible

CIC can fine ₹250/day for each day of delay until info is furnished, up to ₹25,000 maximum. Can also recommend disciplinary action.

🧠 Trick 5 — Overrides OSA

Overriding effect

RTI OVERRIDES: Official Secrets Act 1923 ✅ All other laws ✅ No court can question RTI orders (Only appeal, no suit!)

RTI has overriding effect over the Official Secrets Act and all other laws. Court cannot entertain any suit against RTI orders — only appeal under RTI Act.

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Section 8 of 9

Visual Summary — Chapter Map

Entire chapter in one diagram

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Section 9 of 9

Flash Revision — Last-Minute Cards

Read these 10 minutes before exam

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EXAM IN 15 MINUTES! 😰

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8 cards — read twice, you’ll get every question right! 💪

RTI Act

2005 | All citizens | PSU banks covered

Transparency + accountability | Replaced FOI Act 2002

Fee

₹10 application | ₹2/page copies

BPL = free | Delayed info = free

Time Limit

30 days | Life/liberty = 48 hours

Transfer: 5 days (excluded from 30)

PIO

Designated by PUBLIC AUTHORITY (not CG!)

Asst PIO at sub-divisional level

Exempt

Sovereignty, commercial secrets, fiduciary

Banks: competitive harm + personal info exempt

CIC

Chief IC + max 10 ICs | 3yr/65yr

President appoints | PM committee | HQ: Delhi

Penalty

₹250/day | Max ₹25,000

Disciplinary action for persistent failure

Override

Overrides Official Secrets Act 1923

No court suit — only appeal under RTI

⚡ Chapter 21 Complete — The Right to Information Act, 2005

RTI 2005: all citizens can seek info from public authorities (PSU banks covered) | Fee ₹10 | No reason needed
Time: 30 days (48 hrs life/liberty) | Transfer 5 days excluded | PIO by public authority (NOT Central Govt!)
Exempt: sovereignty, commercial secrets, fiduciary, investigation, cabinet | Banks: competitive harm exempt
CIC: max 10 commissioners, 3yr/65yr, President appoints | Penalty: ₹250/day, max ₹25K | Overrides OSA

Banky says: “RTI=₹10 fee, 30 days, PIO by authority not CG, ₹250/day penalty, overrides OSA!” 🎉📄

You now understand RTI — the most powerful transparency tool in India. As a PSU bank officer, handle RTI requests carefully and on time! 💪

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