Department of Posts, Government of India has launched a service called “eIPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) to enable Indian citizens abroad to purchase an Indian Postal Order electronically by paying a fee online through e-Post Office Portalhttp://www.epostoffice.gov.in .  It can also be accessed through India Post website www.indiapost.gov.in .

2. At present, this facility is provided only for Indian citizens abroad to facilitate them to seek information from the Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) under the RTI Act, 2005.  Debit and Credit cards can be used to purchase eIPO.

3. The user needs to get himself/herself registered at the website.  He has to select the Ministry/Department from whom he desires to seek the information under the RTI Act and the eIPO 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. An eIPO can be used only once with an RTI application.

4.  It may be noted that this facility is only for purchasing an Indian Postal Order electronically.  All the 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.