Which Indian state became the second state in the country to accept online applications by launching an e RTI portal?

Introduction / Context:
The Right to Information (RTI) Act is a landmark transparency law in India. To make RTI more accessible, some states have introduced online RTI portals that accept applications electronically. This question asks which state became the second in India to accept online RTI applications through its own e RTI portal.

Given Data / Assumptions:
- The focus is on a state level e RTI portal accepting online applications.
- The question highlights that this state was the second in the country to do so.
- The options list Maharashtra, Telangana, Haryana, Delhi, and Kerala.
- It is known that Maharashtra pioneered several RTI innovations, which is relevant to identifying the second state.

Concept / Approach:
Maharashtra is widely recognised for early RTI initiatives, but this question asks for the second state that launched its own e RTI portal for online applications. Delhi introduced such an e RTI portal, becoming the second state or union territory based jurisdiction to accept RTI applications online after Maharashtra. Therefore, the correct choice is Delhi, not Maharashtra or the other states listed.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Maharashtra was among the earliest innovators in implementing RTI effectively. Step 2: Note that the question does not ask about the first state but the second state to launch an e RTI portal for online applications. Step 3: Remember that Delhi launched its online e RTI portal and was widely reported as the second state level jurisdiction to provide such a facility. Step 4: Compare each option and eliminate those that do not match this specific distinction. Step 5: Conclude that Delhi is the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
News reports and government announcements at the time of the launch of Delhi's e RTI portal specifically described Delhi as becoming the second state or union territory to provide an online RTI application facility after Maharashtra. This corroborates that Delhi is the correct choice in this question.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Maharashtra: Recognised as the first state level jurisdiction with strong RTI implementation and related innovations, not the second.
Telangana: Has its own RTI mechanisms but was not identified as the second state to launch an e RTI portal of this nature.
Haryana: Also implements RTI but does not fit the specific description given in the question.
Kerala: Well known for e governance initiatives, yet not identified as the second state to launch an e RTI portal for online applications in this context.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners may quickly choose Maharashtra because it is strongly associated with RTI reforms, overlooking the detail that the question is about the second state, not the first. Others may guess based on general impressions of e governance without recalling the specific fact about Delhi's portal. Paying attention to the qualifiers in the question, such as second state, is essential to select the right option.

Final Answer:
The second state in India to accept online RTI applications by launching an e RTI portal was Delhi.