Team Goemkarponn
PANAJI: The Department of Information and Publicity (DIP) has strongly refuted reports published in sections of the local media claiming that the RTI online portal implemented by the department is non-functional and that the department is unaware of the issue, terming the reports as misleading and false.
In a clarification issued on January 21, 2026, the DIP stated that the RTI online portal (rtionline.goa.gov.in) has been functioning properly. The department clarified that the portal was designed and developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) and is maintained by the same agency. The portal facilitates citizens in filing RTI applications, first appeals and making online payments of RTI fees.
The department further stated that in line with the objectives of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the portal aims to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities. Since its launch, the portal has received a total of 2,634 RTI applications, 424 first appeals and 34 second appeals.
Placing the latest data on record, the DIP informed that up to January 20, 2026 alone, the portal received 170 online RTI applications and 20 first appeals, contradicting the claims made in the reports. The department asserted that these figures clearly indicate that the portal is operational.
The DIP expressed regret that no journalists contacted the concerned officials for information or clarification regarding the RTI portal before publishing the said news items.
The department also informed that applicants facing any difficulty while filing RTI applications can contact the department directly or write to the designated helpline email for assistance.
