India’s government has extended the e-IPO (electronic Indian postal order) facility to 176 Indian missions and posts abroad, including the Consulate General of India in Jeddah.

The facility was launched in March to enable Indian citizens living abroad to pay an online fee to seek information under the Right To Information Act 2005 through the e-Post Office portal www.epostoffice.gov.in. The consulate said this step had been taken after citizens reported having difficulties seeking information under the act.

To obtain the e-IPO, a user should register at either www.epostoffice.gov.in or at www.indiapost.gov.in and select the ministry or department from where information is sought. The e-IPO is generated by making a payment using a debit or credit card.

The applicant must attach a printout of the e-IPO with the RTI application. If the RTI application is being filed electronically, an e-IPO is required as an attachment.

This facility is only for purchasing an Indian Postal Order electronically and all requirements for filing an RTI application, as well as other provisions regarding eligibility, time limit and exemptions as provided in the RTI Act of 2005 will continue to apply.