Filing of RTI applications is now online in all Central government ministries and departments through a web portal.The address is www.rtionline.gov.in. Launching the facility in New Delhi this evening, Minister of State for Personnel V Narayanasamy said other Central government organisations, including public sector undertakings, will transact RTI applications through the portal in the next phase.

He said the initiative is aimed at saving people's time and energy in filing RTI applications. He said Indian citizens living abroad can also avail of the facility. The minister asked the states to replicate the online platform to empower citizens with the RTI instrument.

Narayanasamy highlighted the need for creating more awareness on the provisions of RTI Act so that people can use the weapon to seek information from the government.

Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Personnel Syamal Kumar Sarkar said the ministry will conduct a survey soon to find out experiences of public authorities in dealing with RTI applications and gauge public perception on the government steps to tackle corruption.

AIR correspondent reports that the portal will enable tech savvy people to file applications at the click of a button. An information seeker can submit a fee of ten rupees via Internet banking through State Bank of India, SBI, and its associate banks using the website. Credit or debit cards can also be used for payment.