Whispers Forum

A complaint dated 17.12.2024 for non-compliance of CIC’s order dated 22.07.2024 was heard by the CIC. In the order dated 22.07.2024, the CIC had admonished the casual conduct of Mr. RP Yadav, Supt.-cum PIO, Social Welfare (South), GNCTD, Delhi and had directed to revisit the RTI Application and provide a revised reply. The CIC noted that there is a substantial delay in compliance with the order and the respondent failed to explain the reasons for the delay. The CIC referred to the criteria for processing or sanctioning of the application, under the Financial Assistance to Persons with Special Needs (popularly known as Disability Pension). The CIC noted that Ms. Madhu (Appellant’s niece) is a physically challenged person; an orphan; a member of scheduled caste; a girl child; unmarried who cannot carry out her daily activities without assistance; and has no independent means of livelihood. The CIC observed that “The extraordinary circumstances and adverse conditions faced by Ms. Madhu establish her as the weakest of the weak and poorest of the poor, being the most deprived citizen whose case deserved extra sensitivity, and it certainly could not have been dealt with in an ordinary manner by the respondent public authority in the department of Social Welfare. The appellant, being her aunt, is the only support Ms. Madhu has”. For the loss, harassment and detriment suffered by her, the Department of Social Welfare was directed by the CIC to pay a compensation of Rs. 92,000/- to the appellant within a week.
Comments
In this case, the application for compensation of Disability Pension to Ms. Madhu was forwarded to the Deputy Director (FAS), New Delhi and was pending on the date of hearing. The case was dealt with in a very casual and insensitive manner as per the CIC and the action was condemned. The CIC observed in the order that the insensitivity as established based on the records is appalling to put it most euphemistically.
Citation: Ms. Devki v. Supdt. (South), Department of Social Welfare, New Delhi, CIC/DSWGD/A/2023/119725; Order dated 14.01.2025
Citation: Piyush Sharma v. O/o the Executive Engineer (E), PWD, New Delhi, File No: CIC/PWDDL/A/2023/132711; Date of Decision : 29.10.2024
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

America had vowed to eliminate the Taliban and kept seizing control over Afghanistan for 20 years. America handed over Afghanistan to the Taliban after 20 years. The Taliban is still alive. Similarly, Israel pledged to annihilate Hamas and carried out collateral damage to Gaza killing more than 46 thousand innocent Palestinians. Israel killed Hamas and Hezbollah leaders but failed to ensure safe release of Israeli citizens in the custody of Hamas. Now, Hamas came face to face to strike a deal with Israel to get released Hamas militants in Israeli jail. Hamas is still alive despite having carried out heavy aerial bombardment on Gaza.
Sunil Kumar

As per guidelines issued by the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), the period of deputation may not exceed after five years.
Kusum
Congratulations ISRO!
The ISRO scientists and the entire space fraternity of the country deserve applause for demonstrating capability in successfully docking its two satellites and achieving rendezvous in space. Manoeuvring the orbital speed and distance between two satellites is a complex process. The magnificent feat has done India proud. The secret of success lies in the total autonomy and relative freedom granted to organizations like ISRO and the Deptt of Atomic Energy by the successive political dispensations since inception in scientific and technological pursuit. The ISRO is now close to setting up a permanent space station to facilitate further space experiments. This is bound to impact the global order.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

Today's cartoon by Aarushi is outstanding! My heartiest appreciation!
Arudran
Good news on Makar Sankranti
Congratulations to the wise voters of India, who ensured that ISRO continues to pursue its mission by giving the 3rd term of office to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Recall the treatment meted out to ISRO scientists by the previous government, which served the foreign vested interests in ruining ISRO efforts. The S Band business and concomitant hit reputed ISRO scientists received! And today they are congratulating them! When the prime minister assures the people of “na khaunga, na khane doonga”, exemplary results are achieved at minimum cost: less than Rupees 125 Crore for the docking mission! Soros gang has kissed dust; META’s Zuckerberg has apologised for misinformation on people’s verdict 2024; without wasting precious time the 8th Central Pay Commission has been announced. Delhi took the lead in the Lok Sabha elections by delivering all the seven seats to Narendra Modi. Delhi has to keep strengthening the hands of the prime minister by giving him total support always as the enemy has shifted HQs to Delhi to fight the Indian Nation. Congratulations ISRO , congratulations people of India, congratulations Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the good news on this Makar Sankranti 2025!
M L Gupta

Newspapers are reporting in the last 15-20 days, allegations-counter allegations , against the PM and CM of Delhi on the alleged lavish spending on the renovation/repair of the official residence of the PM and CM in Delhi. Maintenance/renovation/repair of official houses are done by CPWD or State PWD. There are guidelines issued by the Government, which stipulate the expenditure that can be incurred on various official buildings, houses etc. These are sanctioned by competent authority and carried out by CPWD/State PWD. Therefore only these two authorities: CPWD/State PWD can tell the exact amount spent on the renovation/repair of the two houses. If they had deviated from the guidelines, who authorised/permitted the deviations and how they adjusted it in their account? Those are the people who are responsible for the alleged lavish spending on these two houses and not the occupants of these houses. These are the official residences of the PM and CM. The future PM and CM will also occupy these houses.
S Gopal

The appellant sought information about installation of Digital Programmable Water Fountain with RGB Lights and other related information. Before the CIC, the appellant contended that the PWD has not informed the amount of photocopy charges which is to be deposited to obtain the information. The CIC observed that it is a serious lacuna on the part of the Respondent in giving incomplete information to the Appellant. Not informing the exact amount of photocopy charges and the process for depositing the same amounts to obstruction of information on the part of the Respondent under the RTI Act. The CIC directed the PWD to be cautious in future and ensure that such lapses do not recur. The CIC further noted that the first appeal of the Appellant was duly received in the office of the Public Authority and directed the Respondent to be careful and sure while making any submissions before the CIC. The CIC directed to inform the exact number of pages which is to be given under the RTI Act along with total amount and mode by which the same is to be deposited by the Appellant. The Respondent was directed to provide information to the Appellant within a week from the date of receipt of payment. The FAA was further directed to ensure compliance of the order.
Comments
The PIO must be cautious and inform the applicant about the quantum of fee to be paid along with the details of calculation how the amount has been arrived at. In this case, the CIC could have taken resort to Section 7(6) of the RTI Act to order providing the information free of cost to the applicant due to the delay. Section 7(6) reads, ‘Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (5), the person making request for the information shall be provided the information free of charge where a public authority fails to comply with the time limits.
Citation: Piyush Sharma v. O/o the Executive Engineer (E), PWD, New Delhi, File No: CIC/PWDDL/A/2023/132711; Date of Decision : 29.10.2024
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

Lot of posts are appearing regarding shortage of IAS officers. If that be so, let IAS officers posted on deputation in Central Government be repatriated to their cadres. And equally brilliant PCS officers of State Service be promoted as IAS to fill the gap. Why PCS officers are given 3rd degree treatment by IAS, similar to torture by British to Bhartiyas. And in Centre there are direct recruit Class one officers of 36 organised services who can man the senior posts of JS, AS, Secretary and Cabinet Secretary. Why monopoly of only IAS in Centre and State administration? Monopoly of IAS in higher central posts is being gradually removed by PM. Hope monopoly of IAS ends soon, like British masters were removed from Bharat to protect Bhartiya natives. Jai Hind.
Bharath
IAS officer Ghuge's dream
Good initiate! Appreciate your work, thoughts and process towards woman empowerment. Great! Keep it up. All the best.
Prafull Deokate