1. Purpose This SOP outlines the procedure for handling RTI requests at Kumbhalkar College of Social Work, Wardha. It aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the college's operations as mandated by the RTI Act, 2005.
2. Scope This procedure applies to all employees, students, and stakeholders of Kumbhalkar College of Social Work who are involved in the receipt, processing, and management of RTI requests.
3. Definitions RTI Act: The Right to Information Act, 2005, which provides a mechanism for citizens to request information from public authorities. Public Authority: Any organization or body established or constituted by law or by a government, including Kumbhalkar College of Social Work. Public Information Officer (PIO): An officer designated to handle RTI requests.
4. Responsibilities Principal: Ensure overall compliance with the RTI Act and appoint the PIO and Appellate Authority.
Public Information Officer (PIO): Responsible for receiving, processing, and responding to RTI requests.
Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO): Assists the PIO in handling RTI requests and provides information as required.
Appellate Authority: Handles appeals in cases where the requester is not satisfied with the response provided by the PIO.

5. Procedure
5.1. Receiving RTI Requests
1. Submission:
- RTI requests can be submitted in writing
- Requests should be addressed to the PIO of Kumbhalkar College of Social Work.
2. Format:
- Requests should include the applicant’s name, contact details, and specific information sought.

5.2. Processing RTI Requests
1. Acknowledgment:
- The PIO will acknowledge the receipt of the request within 5 working days. - An acknowledgment receipt will be issued, including a unique reference number.
2. Processing:
- The PIO will review the request and determine the information sought.
- If the information is held by another public authority, the PIO will transfer the request to the appropriate authority within 5 days of receipt and inform the requester.
3. Providing Information:
- The PIO will provide the requested information within 30 days from the date of receipt of the request.
- If additional time is required, the PIO will inform the requester of the extension period, which cannot exceed 30 additional days.

5.3. Fees
1. Payment:
- The applicant is required to pay a nominal fee as prescribed under the RTI Act.
- Fees can be paid in cash or through a demand draft as per the college’s guidelines.
2. Exemption:
- Information related to life and liberty of a person will be provided free of charge.

5.4. Handling Appeals
1. First Appeal:
- If the requester is dissatisfied with the response or does not receive a response, they may file a first appeal with the Appellate Authority within 30 days from the date of the response or the expiry of the 30-day period.
2. Second Appeal:
- If the requester is dissatisfied with the decision of the Appellate Authority, a second appeal can be filed with the State Information Commission.
3. Record-Keeping
- All RTI requests, responses, and related correspondence will be documented and maintained by the PIO. - Records will be kept for a minimum of five years from the date of the request.
4. Training and Awareness
- Regular training sessions will be conducted for staff to ensure compliance with the RTI Act.- Awareness programs will be held to inform stakeholders about their rights under the RTI Act.
5. Review and Revision
- This SOP will be reviewed annually and revised as necessary to ensure compliance with the RTI Act and any amendments thereto.
6. Contact Information For RTI requests or queries, contact:
Public Information Officer (PIO) Approved by:
Principal/Director
Kumbhalkar College of Social Work, Wardha