To find the correct Public Information Officer (PIO) for filing an RTI in India, you need to identify the public authority holding the information and the designated officer responsible for providing it. Steps • Identify the public authority – Determine which government department/office holds the information. – For central subjects, it will be under a Central Government department; for state matters, under a State Government department. • Check official RTI sections on websites – Most public authorities have a dedicated “RTI” or “Disclosure under Section 4” page. – These pages list the name, designation, address, email, and phone number of the PIO/APIO. • Use RTI portals – Central Government: Visit [https://rtionline.gov.in](https://rtionline.gov.in) → Select department → View PIO details. – State Governments: Many states have their own RTI portals (e.g., Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu). These list PIO contacts. • Contact the public authority directly – You can call or email the department’s general inquiry number and ask for the PIO’s details. – Some small offices display PIO details on a notice board in their premises. • If unsure – File with the Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO) in any nearby public authority office; they must forward it to the correct PIO within 5 days under Section 5(2) of the RTI Act. Tip Always address your RTI to the correct PIO with clear mention of the public authority’s name, so that your request is not rejected for being misdirected.

Dear Client, Finding out the right Public Information Officer (PIO) is key to a successful RTI application. The PIO is the point person in a public authority for responses to information requests. Here is what you do to find the right PIO:. Identify the Public Authority: First out of which governmental agency does your information come from the central ministry, a state department, or a local municipality? Check the Official Website: To get PIO details go to the main website of the public authority. In the RTI section which they usually have listed out those details you may find what you are looking for. If You Can't Find It: The RTI Act has in place a safety net. We may not know the right PIO which is why you should direct your application to “The Public Information Officer” and also include the name and address of the public authority. What the law says is that the PIO is to forward your application to the proper authority within five days should they determine it is out of order. You no longer need to include the PIO’s name on the form. Put down “Public Information Officer” and the right public body’s address which will get your request to the proper place. I hope this answer helps to resolve your queries. Don’t hesitate to reach out with any further questions. Thank you!