Navigating the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA): A Complete Guide to Correspondence Details

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is the cornerstone of India’s international relations, managing everything from diplomatic ties to consular services like passports. Given its vast and complex structure, filing a Right to Information (RTI) application with the MEA can be daunting.

A common point of confusion is determining the correct official and address for different types of queries.

This guide, brought to you by the legal experts at RTI Lawyer, demystifies the process by providing a clear, structured breakdown of the designated Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and First Appellate Authorities (FAAs) for various divisions within the MEA.

Using the correct contact information is the first critical step to ensuring your RTI application is accepted and processed efficiently.

I. For All MEA Divisions (General Queries)

This category covers the bulk of the Ministry’s work, excluding the specific divisions listed separately below. This includes policy matters, diplomatic appointments, and administrative functions.

Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) – Where to File Your RTI:

• Designated Officer: Shri Guru Prakash, Under Secretary (RTI)

• Postal Address: Room No. 1024, Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhawan, 23-D, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001

• Telephone: 011-23085300, 011-23085227

• Email: usrti[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in, sorti[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

• Website: www.mea.gov.in

First Appellate Authority (FAA) – For Filing Your First Appeal:

If you are dissatisfied with the CPIO’s response (or lack thereof), you can file an appeal with the FAA.

• Designated Officer: Dr. B. Sriram, Director (ADP) and First Appellate Authority

• Postal Address: Room No. 4095, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.

• Telephone: 011-23085363, 011-23085364

• Email: diradp[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

Important Notes for this Category:

• RTI Fee: The application fee of ₹10 must be paid via an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Bank Draft, or Banker’s Cheque payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.”

• Indian Missions Abroad: Indian citizens seeking information from Indian Embassies, High Commissions, or Consulates should file their RTI application directly with the concerned mission. The fee can be paid using the e-IPO facility.

II. For Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV) Division

This division handles matters related to visa policies, OCI cards, and other consular services (excluding passport issuance in India).

Central Public Information Officer (CPIO):

• Designated Officer: Shri SRH Fahmi, Director (CPV)

• Postal Address: Room No. 06, Patiala House Annexe, CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001

• Telephone: 011-23386760

• Email: dircpv1[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

First Appellate Authority (FAA):

• Designated Officer: Dr. Binoy George, Joint Secretary (CPV)

• Postal Address: Room No. 20, Patiala House Annexe, CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001

• Telephone: 011-23387104, 011-23782821

• Email: jscpv[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

III. For Passport Issuance in India

For queries specifically related to the application status, grievances, or procedures concerning passport issuance within India, you should contact the Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division.

Central Public Information Officer (CPIO):

• Designated Officer: Ms. Somica Srivastava, Under Secretary (PSP-I)

• Postal Address: Room No. 29, Patiala House Annexe, Passport and Seva Project (PSP) Division, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001

• Telephone: 011-23388648, 011-23071370

• Email: uspsp1[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

First Appellate Authority (FAA):

• Designated Officer: Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (Passport Seva Project) & Chief Passport Officer

• Postal Address: Room No. 8, Patiala House Annexe, Passport and Seva Project (PSP) Division, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001

• Telephone: 011-23387013, 011-23384536, 011-23071370

• Email: jscpo[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in

IV. For Other Attached Bodies

For information concerning the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) or the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), please visit their respective websites for dedicated RTI contact details:

• ICCR: www.iccr.gov.in/rti

• ICWA: www.icwa.in/show_content.php

Key Takeaway for a Successful RTI Application

The MEA has streamlined its RTI process by designating specific officers for different domains. Filing your application with the incorrect CPIO is a common reason for delays and rejections. Before drafting your application, clearly identify the subject of your query and use the corresponding contact details provided above.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The designations and contact information are subject to change. For complex cases or legal guidance on drafting a precise RTI application, it is advisable to consult with a dedicated RTI lawyer.

Struggling with an RTI application or an appeal? The legal consultants at RTI Lawyer are here to help you navigate the process with confidence. [Contact us] for professional assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Filing an RTI with the Ministry of External Affairs

Q1: I have a question about my pending passport application. Which MEA official should I address my RTI to?

You should address your RTI application to the CPIO of the Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division. The designated officer is Ms. Somica Srivastava, Under Secretary (PSP-I), at Room No. 29, Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001. Ensure your application fee is payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.”

Q2: My RTI query is about a visa policy for a specific country. Which division handles this?

Queries related to visa policies fall under the Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV) Division. Your RTI should be filed with Shri SRH Fahmi, Director (CPV), at the address provided for the CPV Division. Do not confuse this with the PSP Division, which handles passport issuance within India.

Q3: I need information from the Indian Embassy in London. Where do I send my RTI application?

You must file your RTI application directly with the Indian Embassy/High Commission in London. The general MEA RTI Cell in Delhi does not process applications for information held by missions abroad. You can use the e-IPO facility to pay the ₹10 fee when filing electronically.

Q4: What is the difference between the CPIO and the FAA?

The Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) is the first point of contact who is legally obligated to provide the information you seek. If you are unhappy with their response—for example, if they deny information, provide incomplete data, or do not reply within 30 days—you can file an appeal with the First Appellate Authority (FAA).

Q5: How can I pay the ₹10 fee for an RTI to the general MEA divisions?

The fee must be paid via a method that does not require a personal visit, such as an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Bank Draft, or Banker’s Cheque. It should be made payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.” Cash is generally not accepted.

Q6: I want information about a cultural exchange program managed by the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR). Who is the CPIO?

For attached bodies like the ICCR and the Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), you must check their official websites for dedicated RTI contact details. The MEA’s central CPIOs do not handle their information. You can find the links to their RTI pages in our main article.

Q7: I filed an RTI with the CPIO for general MEA queries but got no response. What should I do now?

If you did not receive a response from the CPIO (Shri Guru Prakash) within 30 days, you should file a First Appeal with the designated First Appellate Authority for that division, Dr. B. Sriram, Director (ADP). Your appeal should clearly state the details of your original application and the grounds for your appeal.

Q8: Why is it so important to send my RTI to the correct CPIO?

Sending your application to the wrong CPIO is a common reason for delays and rejections. The MEA has a decentralized RTI structure where officers are designated for specific domains (e.g., passports, visas, policy). The correct CPIO has direct access to the relevant records, ensuring a faster and more accurate response.