RTI for Defense & Security Bodies: What You Can & Can’t Ask (2025 Guide)
Defense and security are sensitive areas. Under Section 24 of the RTI Act, 2005, intelligence and security organizations are exempt from disclosure, except for allegations of corruption and human rights violations. But citizens can still use RTI for specific administrative and welfare-related information.
Where RTI Applies in Defense & Security
- Pensions & Welfare: Ex-servicemen and their families can request pension sanction orders, delays, and welfare fund utilization.
- Recruitment & Exams: Candidates can access recruitment notifications, merit lists, and cut-off marks for exams conducted by defense recruitment boards.
- Canteen Stores Department (CSD): Citizens can ask for stock availability, pricing, and allocation records.
- Administrative Data: Budget allocations, construction contracts, and non-strategic infrastructure records are accessible.
- Corruption or HR Violations: Citizens can file RTI alleging corruption or rights violations even in exempt organizations.
Where RTI Does Not Apply
- Operational Secrets: Deployment of troops, weapons details, war strategies.
- Intelligence Inputs: RAW, IB, and other listed intelligence bodies are outside RTI except for corruption/rights violations.
- National Security Matters: Any disclosure that affects sovereignty, security, or strategic interests.
Sample RTI Queries for Defense
- Please provide certified copy of pension sanction order for PPO no. ___ issued by ___ office.
- Please provide certified merit list and cut-off marks for recruitment exam ___ held on date ___.
- Please provide details of expenditure and utilization certificate for ECHS/Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme funds in district ___ for 2024–25.
- Please provide stock availability records for CSD canteen no. ___ for the period ___.
- Please provide details of disciplinary action taken in corruption case no. ___ within defense unit ___.
Authorities You Can File With
- Ministry of Defence (MoD): For pensions, budgets, and welfare funds.
- Defense Recruitment Boards: For exam results, notifications, and cut-off details.
- CSD (Canteen Stores Department): For inventory and pricing records.
- Ex-Servicemen Welfare Departments: For pensions and health schemes.
RTI cannot reveal national security details, but it ensures transparency in pensions, recruitment, welfare, and administrative matters. FileMyRTI helps you draft applications that work within the Act’s limits.
FAQs on RTI for Defense & Security
Q1. Can RTI be used for Army deployment details?
No. Operational and deployment details are exempt under Section 24 due to national security.
Q2. Can ex-servicemen use RTI for pensions?
Yes. Pension sanction orders, processing delays, and disbursement records can be accessed.
Q3. Can candidates use RTI for recruitment exam data?
Yes. Merit lists, cut-off marks, and selection details are available from recruitment boards.
Q4. Can corruption cases in defense be probed with RTI?
Yes. Allegations of corruption or human rights violations are exceptions even for exempt bodies.
Q5. Can I ask for CSD canteen stock details via RTI?
Yes. Stock and allocation records of CSD canteens can be accessed under RTI.
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