Now, your RTI complaint is sure to be registered
TNN, Aug 28, 2010, 03.33am IST
LUCKNOW: In order to provide respite to applicants, the Uttar Pradesh
State Information Commission (UPSIC) has taken a positive step. The
complaints made by the applicants will be heard in the commission in
all instances.
The chief information commissioner (CIC), UP, has issued an order in
this regard saying that complaints made at the commission by
applicants be examined and registered under section 18 of the Right to
Information Act, 2005, for further action on them. The CIC has also
directed information commissioners (ICs) that notice be sent to the
public information officer (PIO) of the department, against which the
complaint has been made.
The RTI applicants whose complaints were not heard and sent to the
departments as first appeals were facing delay and difficulties. The
CIC, therefore, has issued an order saying that PIO should be asked by
the commission to provide information to the applicant within the
specified time.
And if the officer is unable to provide the information within the
specified time period then the applicant should be informed about it.
Besides, the order also says applicant should be given a reason by the
PIO for delay in providing the information.
When contacted, ICs agreed that in most cases complaints are heard.
And in certain cases if complaints are sent back as first appeals to
the department, it is done only after hearing has taken place.
Commission cannot refuse to hear complaints as that is provided under
the Act, was the common opinion. On the other hand, RTI activists are
of the opinion that in some cases, UPSIC was not accepting complaints
under section 18 of the Right To Information Act. On the contrary,
complaints sent to the commission by applicants were being converted
into first appeal under section 19(1) of the Act. The appeal was then
sent to the first appeals authority of the department and the
complaint was disposed of in first hearing.
"Applicants were a harassed lot due to this," said activist, Urvashi Sharma.
In case, first appeals authority did not respond to the appeal,
applicants had no option but to move second appeal to the commission
and wait for hearing.
The activists had taken up the issue with UPSIC, the governor and the
chief ministers' office. The commission finally has taken note of the
activists' complaint and issued the order. It has therefore, been made
compulsory that complaints of applicants be heard.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/lucknow/Now-your-RTI-complaint-is-sure-to-be-registered/articleshow/6448468.cms
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Urvashi Sharma
RTI Helpmail( Web Based )
aishwaryaj2010@gmail.com
Mobile Rti Helpline
8081898081 ( 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. )
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