The RTI Cell of the Home & Hill Affairs Department functions as the nodal unit for matters relating to implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005 within the Department. The Cell facilitates transparency and accountability by coordinating receipt, processing, and disposal of applications and appeals under the RTI framework.

The RTI Cell deals with all applications, petitions, queries, and miscellaneous matters received under the Right to Information Act, 2005. It processes RTI applications addressed to the Department and ensures their timely forwarding to the concerned Public Information Officers (PIOs) and Assistant Public Information Officers (APIOs).

The Cell monitors adherence to statutory timelines prescribed under the Act and coordinates compilation of replies received from various branches and cells of the Department for communication to applicants.

It processes first appeals received under the RTI Act and places the same before the designated First Appellate Authority for examination and disposal.

The RTI Cell also handles correspondence relating to complaints, show-cause notices, and directions issued by the State Information Commission or Central Information Commission, as applicable, and coordinates submission of replies and compliance reports.

Further, the Cell maintains records of RTI applications, appeals, and disposals, and facilitates preparation of periodic statements and reports required under the Act.

The Cell is headed by the Senior Special Secretary / Special Commissioner/Special Secretary and assisted by Joint Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary, Officer on Special Duty, Section Officer, Head Assistant, Upper Division Assistants, and Lower Division Assistants, as per the departmental allocation of business.

Right to Information Act, 2005

West Bengal RTI rules, 2006 (with amendments)