Navigating RTI Applications with the Ministry of External Affairs: Key Contacts and Procedures
In the realm of transparency and accountability, the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, serves as a powerful tool for Indian citizens to access information held by public authorities.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), responsible for India’s foreign relations, handles a wide array of queries related to diplomatic matters, consular services, and more.
However, filing an RTI application with the MEA requires precision in addressing the correct officials and divisions to ensure timely responses. This article, brought to you by RTI Lawyer – a dedicated section of Legal Light Consulting LLC – outlines the essential correspondence details for RTI-related matters based on official MEA guidelines.
Whether you’re seeking information on foreign policy, visas, or passports, understanding these channels can streamline your process and avoid unnecessary delays.
General RTI Applications to the Ministry of External Affairs
For RTI applications pertaining to all divisions of the MEA (excluding Consular, Passport & Visa, Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA), and Indian Missions/Posts abroad), applications should be directed to the designated Central Public Information Officer (CPIO). This ensures that your request is handled efficiently within the RTI framework.
- Central Public Information Officer (CPIO): Shri Guru Prakash Under Secretary (RTI) Ministry of External Affairs Room No. 1024, Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhawan, 23-D, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001 Phone: 011-23085300, 011-23085227 in Website: www.mea.gov.in
If you need to appeal a decision or escalate your query, the First Appellate Authority (FAA) is available:
- First Appellate Authority (FAA): Dr. B. Sriram Director (ADP) and First Appellate Authority Ministry of External Affairs Room No. 4095, Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhawan, 23-D, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001 Phone: 011-23085363, 011-23085364
Additionally, the MEA has appointed a Nodal Officer for proactive disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act. This role focuses on voluntarily making information public to reduce the need for formal RTI requests. Currently, Shri B. Vanlalvawna holds the charge as Joint Secretary (Admin) in this capacity.
How to Submit an RTI Application
To file an RTI application with the MEA, address it to the Under Secretary (RTI) at the RTI Cell using the CPIO details mentioned above. Clearly specify the information sought from MEA records. The application fee is Rs. 10/- (Rupees Ten only), payable via Indian Postal Order, Bank Draft, or Banker’s Cheque in favor of “PAO, MEA, New Delhi.”
For Indian citizens seeking information from Indian Embassies, High Commissions, or Consulates abroad, applications should be submitted directly to the concerned mission via post (Dak) or email. The RTI fee can be paid using the e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) facility, making it convenient for overseas applicants.
RTI for Consular, Passport, and Visa (CPV) Division
The CPV Division handles matters related to consular services, passports, and visas. If your RTI query pertains specifically to this area, use the following dedicated contacts to avoid rerouting.
- Central Public Information Officer (CPIO): Shri SRH Fahmi Director (CPV) Room No. 06, Patiala House Annexe, CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
- First Appellate Authority (FAA): Dr. Binoy George Joint Secretary (CPV) Room No. 20, Patiala House Annexe, CPV Division, Ministry of External Affairs, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
RTI for Passport Issuance in India
Passport-related queries, particularly those concerning issuance within India, fall under the Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division. This includes information on application processes, status updates, and related policies.
- Central Public Information Officer (CPIO): Ms. Somica Srivastava Under Secretary (PSP-I) Room No. 29, Patiala House Annexe, Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
- First Appellate Authority (FAA): Dr. K. J. Srinivasa Joint Secretary (Passport Seva Project and Chief Passport Officer) Room No. 8, Patiala House Annexe, Passport Seva Project (PSP) Division, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001
RTI for Affiliated Organizations and Overseas Missions
For entities associated with the MEA but operating independently:
- Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR): Visit www.iccr.gov.in/rti for detailed CPIO and FAA information.
- Indian Council of World Affairs (ICWA): Access RTI details at www.icwa.in/show_content.php (likely the RTI section).
- Indian Missions/Posts Abroad: For RTI contacts specific to embassies or consulates, refer to the MEA website at www.mea.gov.in.
These links provide up-to-date information, as personnel and procedures may evolve.
Best Practices for Filing RTI with MEA
To maximize the effectiveness of your RTI application:
- Be specific: Clearly describe the information needed, including time periods or document references.
- Use the correct channel: Misdirected applications can lead to transfers under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, causing delays.
- Pay fees accurately: Ensure the mode of payment is as specified to avoid rejection.
- Appeal wisely: If dissatisfied with the response, file a first appeal with the FAA within 30 days, followed by a second appeal to the Central Information Commission if necessary.
At RTI Lawyer, we specialize in guiding clients through complex RTI processes, including those involving government ministries like the MEA. If you encounter challenges or need personalized assistance, our team at Legal Light Consulting LLC is here to help. Stay informed, stay empowered – transparency is your right.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For the latest updates, always verify details on official MEA sources
FAQ: Filing RTI with Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) – All Your Questions Answered
1. Where should I send a general RTI application to the Ministry of External Affairs? Address it to: Shri Guru Prakash, Under Secretary (RTI) Room No. 1024, Jawahar Lal Nehru Bhawan, 23-D, Janpath, New Delhi – 110001 Phone: 011-23085300, 011-23085227 Email: usrti@mea.gov.in | sorti@mea.gov.in
2. What is the RTI application fee for MEA? Rs. 10/- (Rupees Ten only) payable through Indian Postal Order/Bank Draft/Banker’s Cheque in favour of “PAO, MEA, New Delhi”.
3. Who is the First Appellate Authority (FAA) for general RTI matters in MEA? Dr. B. Sriram Director (ADP) & First Appellate Authority Room No. 4095, Jawaharlal Nehru Bhawan Phone: 011-23085363, 011-23085364 Email: diradp@mea.gov.in
4. Can I file RTI for information held by Indian Embassies/Consulates abroad? Yes. File directly with the concerned Embassy/High Commission/Consulate via post or email. Pay the Rs. 10 fee through e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) facility.
5. Where do I file RTI related to Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV) matters? CPIO: Shri SRH Fahmi, Director (CPV) Room No. 06, Patiala House Annexe, Tilak Marg, New Delhi – 110001 Phone: 23386760 | Email: dircpv1@mea.gov.in
FAA: Dr. Binoy George, Joint Secretary (CPV) Room No. 20, Patiala House Annexe Phone: 011-23387104, 011-23782821 | Email: jscpv@mea.gov.in
6. Who handles RTI for passport issuance in India (Passport Seva Project)? CPIO: Ms. Somica Srivastava, Under Secretary (PSP-I) Room No. 29, Patiala House Annexe Phone: 011-23388648, 011-23071370 | Email: uspsp1@mea.gov.in
FAA: Dr. K. J. Srinivasa, Joint Secretary (PSP) & Chief Passport Officer Room No. 8, Patiala House Annexe Phone: 011-23387013, 011-23384536 | Email: jscpo@mea.gov.in
7. How do I get RTI details of ICCR (Indian Council for Cultural Relations)? Visit: https://www.iccr.gov.in/rti
8. Where can I find RTI contacts for ICWA (Indian Council of World Affairs)? Visit: https://www.icwa.in/show_content.php (RTI section)
9. How do I find CPIO of a specific Indian Mission/Post abroad? Check the official list on: https://www.mea.gov.in
10. Who is the Nodal Officer for proactive disclosure in MEA? Shri B. Vanlalvawna, Joint Secretary (Administration) – current charge holder.
11. Will my RTI be rejected if sent to the wrong division? No, but it will be transferred under Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, causing delay of up to 5–10 days. Always use the correct CPIO to get faster response.
12. Can I pay RTI fee through cash or online transfer for MEA headquarters? No. Only IPO/Demand Draft/Banker’s Cheque payable to “PAO, MEA, New Delhi” is accepted for MEA HQ. Use e-IPO only for overseas missions.
13. I received no reply in 30 days. What should I do? File a First Appeal with the concerned FAA (details above) within 30 days of expiry of the 30-day reply period.
14. Still no satisfactory reply after First Appeal? File a Second Appeal or complaint with the Central Information Commission (CIC) online at https://cic.gov.in within 90 days.
15. I need help drafting or filing RTI to MEA. Whom should I contact? Reach out to RTI Lawyer (rtilawyers.com) – expert division of Legal Light Consulting LLC specializing in MEA, passport, visa & overseas mission RTIs.
Last updated: November 13, 2025 | Source: Official MEA RTI Cell guidelines For personalized assistance, visit rtilawyers.com or call our RTI helpline. Transparency is your right – we make it simple!
This guide is published for educational and informational purposes only to help applicants understand the RTI process related to passport and consular delays. It does not constitute legal advice.
If you need assistance in drafting, filing, or appealing RTI applications, you can contact the RTI Lawyers Team at Legal Light Consulting.