RTI System in Bihar in Disarray: Information Due in 30 Days Pending for Over 1,800 Days

Patna: The implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Bihar appears to be in a state of serious disarray, raising sharp questions about governance and administrative accountability in the state. Information that is legally mandated to be provided within 30 days has, in some cases, remained pending for over 1,800 days, exposing systemic failure in the RTI mechanism.

The issue has come into sharp focus following a public statement by Ritu Jaiswal, former village head and an independent candidate in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections. Taking to social media platform X, Jaiswal shared screenshots from the official RTI portal, alleging gross negligence by departments functioning under the Bihar government, particularly the Revenue and Land Reforms Department.

“In Bihar, seeking information under the RTI Act has become an exercise in frustration,” Jaiswal stated. “Applications are forwarded by the General Administration Department, which functions under the Chief Minister’s control, but thereafter no action is taken. If the government does not intend to provide information, it should shut down the RTI portal altogether. Taking fees from applicants and denying them information is completely unjustified.”

Shocking Delays Revealed

The screenshots shared from the RTI portal reveal that multiple applicants duly paid the prescribed RTI fees, with payment status marked as ‘successful’. However, their applications continue to show a ‘pending’ status even after several months and years.

One application, filed on 3 January 2021 (Application No. BR202100060017) with the Revenue and Land Reforms Department, has remained unanswered even after 1,809 days. Other cases include applications pending for 361 days, 334 days, and over 100 days, despite clear statutory timelines.

Under the RTI Act, information must be provided within 30 days, and in cases where applications are transferred between departments, the transfer is required within seven days. However, applicants allege that in Bihar, transfers often take months, followed by prolonged inaction lasting years.

Public Anger and Political Fallout

The issue has triggered widespread public outrage on social media. Dozens of users have responded to Jaiswal’s post, sharing their own experiences of RTI applications pending since 2022 and earlier. Many questioned whether state officials even understand or respect the RTI law, while others described the situation as “administrative anarchy”.

Ritu Jaiswal, a former RJD leader known for her outspoken stance on social issues, contested the 2025 Assembly elections as an independent candidate. Though unsuccessful, she continues to actively raise governance-related concerns. Her latest intervention has reignited debate over transparency, accountability, and the effectiveness of Bihar’s Information Commission.

Law Reduced to a Mere Formailty?

The RTI Act was enacted to empower citizens and ensure transparency in governance. However, the situation in Bihar suggests that the law has been reduced to a mere formality, undermining public trust in institutions. Despite the existence of a State Information Commission, applicants continue to face prolonged delays without explanation or accountability.

As questions mount and public pressure grows, the spotlight is now firmly on the Nitish Kumar-led Bihar government to explain the delays and take corrective action. For thousands of citizens seeking information, the promise of transparency remains unfulfilled — trapped indefinitely in the status of “pending.”