The Department of Posts, Government of India have launched ‘eIPO’ (Electronic Indian Postal Order) service with effect from March 22, 2013. With this facility, one can purchase an Indian Postal Order electronically by paying a fee on line through e-Post Office portal (www.epostoffice.gov.in). It can also be accessed through India Post website (www.indiapost.gov.in. As per RTI Rules, 2012, fees may be paid electronically, if facility for receiving fees electronically is available with the public authority.

Initially, this facility was available only for Indian citizens abroad. With effect from 13 February 2014, this service has been extended to Indian citizens residing in India also. It helps in seeking information from the Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) under the RTI Act, 2005. Debit and credit cards of any bank powered by Visa/Master can be used to purchase eIPOs.

The user needs to get him/her registered at the website. He has to select the Ministry/Department from which information is desired under RTI Act and eIPOs so generated can be used to seek information from that Ministry/Department only. A printout of the eIPO is required to be attached with the RTI application. If the RTI application is being filed electronically, eIPO is required to be attached as an attachment.

It may be noted that this facility is only for purchasing an Indian Postal Order electronically. All the other requirements for filing an RTI application as well as other provisions regarding eligibility, time limit, exemptions, etc. as provided in the RTI Act, 2005 will continue to apply.