RTI Rejection Rate Falls to 3.26% in 2024–25, CIC Informs Rajya Sabha
No compiled data on partially answered applications; over 29,000 second appeals pending as of February 2026.
New Delhi: The Central Information Commission (CIC) has informed that it does not collect or maintain consolidated data on partially answered Right to Information (RTI) applications or the number of unresolved cases. The Commission clarified that information requests may be denied under specific exemptions provided in the RTI Act, 2005, including provisions related to personal information under Section 8(1)(j). Data on rejected RTI applications across public authorities are published in Annexure-1 of the CIC’s Annual Reports, available on its official website. Government statistics indicate a steady improvement in transparency practices, with the rejection rate of RTI applications declining to 3.26% in 2024–25 from 7.21% recorded in 2013–14. The data encompass ministries, departments, attached and subordinate offices, and autonomous bodies. The CIC also provided an update on pending cases, reporting that as of February 1, 2026, a total of 29,034 second appeals and 3,577 complaints remain pending before the Commission. However, it noted that records on the average disposal time for appeals and complaints are not maintained. The information was shared by Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.