New Delhi: The government on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that the percentage of rejected RTI applications has declined significantly over the years, falling to 3.26% in 2024–25, compared to 7.21% in 2013–14.
The data was shared by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and MoS in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Upper House.
The figures are based on the Annual Reports of the Central Information Commission (CIC).
RTI Disposal Trends Since 2021
According to the CIC’s Annual Reports, the overall trend in disposal of RTI applications since 2021 is as follows:
Disposal of RTI Requests
The data shows a steady increase in the number of RTI replies between 2021–22 and 2023–24, followed by a slight dip in 2024–25. Transfers of RTI applications have also risen consistently over the period.
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Rejection Rate Declines Over the Years
The government highlighted that the percentage of rejection of RTI applications across various Public Authorities — including Ministries, Departments, Attached Offices, Subordinate Offices and Autonomous Bodies — has decreased significantly.
- 2013–14: 7.21% rejection rate
- 2024–25: 3.26% rejection rate
This indicates a downward trend in refusals over the past decade.
Public-authority-wise data on rejected RTI requests is available in Annexure-1 of the CIC Annual Reports, accessible on the official website of the Central Information Commission.
Grounds for Denial Under RTI Act
The CIC clarified that information may be denied or refused under specific provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.
One of the key grounds includes:
Section 8(1)(j): Denial on the basis of “personal information”
Other exemptions are also provided under various sections of the Act.
Data Not Maintained on Partial Responses
The Central Information Commission has informed that:
- Data regarding partially answered RTI applications is not collected or compiled.
- Data on remaining unresolved cases is also not maintained.
The average time taken for disposal of second appeals and complaints is not maintained.
Pending Appeals and Complaints Before CIC
As per the latest update:
- 29,034 second appeals were pending before the CIC as of February 1, 2026.
- 3,577 complaints were also pending as of the same date.
These figures reflect the current workload before the Commission.
Government’s Response in Rajya Sabha
The information was provided by Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday, addressing questions related to the disposal, rejection rates, and pendency of RTI applications and appeals.
The data highlights both improvements in rejection rates and ongoing challenges related to pendency and data compilation.
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