What You'll Learn
- Why the government can reject your Yuva Shakti application without giving a reason
- How an RTI application forces the BDO to disclose the exact rejection reason
- Step-by-step RTI format with copy-paste template for scheme rejection cases
- The appeal process if the PIO rejects your RTI or gives an incomplete answer
When your Yuva Shakti Bharosa Card application is rejected, the standard response is a generic message: "Application rejected due to eligibility criteria not met" or simply "Rejected" with no explanation. This is legally insufficient under the RTI Act, 2005. Section 7(8)(i) of the Act requires that every rejection order must cite the specific reason and the relevant legal provision. According to the RTI Wiki's analysis of grounds for rejection, a generic "exempt under Section 8" letter is itself an appealable defect — and the Public Information Officer (PIO) can be personally penalised up to ₹25,000 under Section 20 for wrongful refusal.
According to a Drishti IAS analysis (February 2025), nearly 40% of all RTI rejections across India do not include any valid reason. If the BDO or scheme authorities rejected your Yuva Shakti application without explaining why, an RTI application is the legal tool that forces transparency. The RTI Act gives you the right to ask for file notings, internal correspondence, and the specific clause under which your application was rejected. The scheme cannot hide behind bureaucratic silence.
What You Can Ask in Your RTI for Scheme Rejection
A well-drafted RTI application for a rejected Yuva Shakti application should ask for the following specific pieces of information. Each question must be numbered separately as per RTI guidelines:
- Copy of the rejection order — including the specific clause and reason cited for rejection
- File notings related to your application — all internal notes, comments, and decisions made by BDO staff and the Block Level Screening Committee
- Field verification report — a copy of the investigator's report if a spot verification was conducted
- List of documents considered during your application review — and which documents were found insufficient, if any
- Names and designations of officers who participated in the rejection decision
- Appeal process details — the specific authority to whom you can appeal and the applicable timeline
RTI Application Format for Yuva Shakti Rejection (Copy-Paste)
Here is a ready-to-use RTI format specifically drafted for Yuva Shakti Bharosa Card rejection cases. You can copy this, fill in your details, and submit it online or by post.
The Public Information Officer,
[Name of BDO Office / Block Development Office],
[Your Block Name], District: [Your District], West Bengal
Subject: RTI application regarding rejection of Yuva Shakti Bharosa Card application #[Your App Ref Number]
Details of Applicant:
Name: [Your Full Name]
Address: [Your Address]
Mobile: [Your Mobile Number]
Email: [Your Email]
Query No. 1: Please provide a certified copy of the rejection order for my Yuva Shakti Bharosa Card application (Ref. No. [Number]), including the specific clause, section, and reason under which my application was rejected.
Query No. 2: Please provide copies of all file notings, internal correspondence, and committee minutes related to the review and rejection of my application.
Query No. 3: Please provide a copy of the field verification report (if any) submitted by the enquiry team regarding my application.
Query No. 4: Please provide the list of all documents I submitted and specify which document(s) were found to be insufficient or invalid, with reasons.
Query No. 5: Please provide the names and designations of all officers who were part of the Block Level Screening Committee that reviewed my application.
Query No. 6: Please inform me of the specific appellate authority to whom I can appeal this rejection and the applicable timeline for filing the appeal.
The information sought relates to my own matter and does not attract Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act. If any information is denied, please cite the specific exemption clause with reasons as mandated under Section 7(8)(i) of the RTI Act, 2005.
I am enclosing the RTI fee of ₹10 through [IPO/Banker's Cheque/Cash].
Yours faithfully,
[Your Signature]
[Your Full Name]
How to Submit Your RTI Application
There are three ways to submit your RTI application for Yuva Shakti rejection:
Method 1: Online (Recommended)
- Visit rtionline.gov.in — the central RTI portal (for central government departments)
- For state-level schemes like Yuva Shakti (West Bengal government), use the WB RTI portal at wb.gov.in/rti or your district's official website
- Select the Public Authority as your block's BDO office or the West Bengal Labour Department
- Fill in your name, address, and paste the six queries from the template above
- Pay the ₹10 fee online through netbanking, debit/credit card, or UPI
- Save the acknowledgement number for tracking
Method 2: By Post
- Address your application to the PIO of the BDO Office in your block
- Enclose a ₹10 Indian Postal Order (IPO) payable to the Accounts Officer of the concerned department
- Send by registered post or speed post — keep the receipt as proof
- The PIO must respond within 30 days (Section 7 of RTI Act)
Method 3: In Person
- Visit your BDO office during working hours
- Ask for the PIO or the Assistant PIO designated for RTI applications
- Submit your written application with ₹10 cash and obtain a receipt
What Happens After You File the RTI
Under the RTI Act, 2005, the PIO must respond within 30 days of receiving your application (Section 7). The response will be one of four outcomes:
| Outcome | Meaning | Next Step |
|---|---|---|
| Full Information | PIO provides all requested documents | Review and file appeal if needed |
| Partial Information | Some info provided, some denied | File first appeal within 30 days |
| Rejection with Reason | PIO cites specific Section 8 clause | Appeal if reason is invalid |
| No Response (Deemed Refusal) | PIO does not respond in 30 days | File first appeal immediately |
The Appeal Process: What to Do If Your RTI Is Rejected
If the PIO rejects your RTI or gives incomplete information, you have the right to file a First Appeal under Section 19(1) of the RTI Act. The first appeal must be filed within 30 days of receiving the PIO's response or within 30 days of the response deadline (if no response was received). The first appellate authority is typically a senior officer within the same department — the Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) or the District Magistrate's office. If the first appeal is also rejected or not addressed within 45 days, you can file a Second Appeal with the West Bengal State Information Commission (WBSIC) or the Central Information Commission (CIC) depending on the scheme's administrative jurisdiction.
RTI Fee and Payment
The RTI application fee is ₹10 for central government departments. For West Bengal state government departments, the fee is also ₹10 per application. Payment can be made through Indian Postal Order (IPO), banker's cheque, demand draft, or online payment on the RTI portal. Applicants below the poverty line (BPL card holders) are exempt from paying the RTI fee under Section 6 of the RTI Act. If the information requested involves large volumes of photocopying, additional charges may apply at ₹2 per page (or as prescribed by the state rules).
Common Mistakes That Weaken Your RTI
- Vague questions: Instead of "Why was I rejected?", ask for specific documents — rejection order, file notings, verification report
- Too many questions in one application: The Karnataka RTI Rules limit applications to one subject and 150 words. While West Bengal has no such strict limit, keeping queries focused on your rejection reason is more effective
- Not citing your application reference number: Always include your Yuva Shakti application reference number for faster processing
- Forgetting Section 7(8)(i): Include the line that any rejection must cite the specific clause — this puts the PIO on notice that you know the law
- Not keeping proof of delivery: Always submit by registered post or online so you have proof of when the application was received
Conclusion
The RTI Act, 2005 is your strongest legal weapon when the government rejects your Yuva Shakti Bharosa Card application without explanation. A well-drafted RTI forces the BDO to disclose the exact rejection reason, provide file notings, and reveal which committee members made the decision. If the PIO refuses or delays, you have a clear appeal path up to the Information Commission. The ₹10 fee is negligible compared to the ₹3,000 monthly benefit you are fighting for. Most importantly, an RTI response that reveals a genuine error in your rejection can form the basis for a successful appeal and reinstatement of your application. Do not accept silence — file your RTI today.
Last Updated: May 21, 2026 | Source: Right to Information Act 2005, RTI Wiki, rtionline.gov.in