Whispers Forum

The appellant sought the copy of Letter from competent authority for Lok Sabha Elections held in Delhi in May 2024 and the list of RCS staff deputed for election duty from the Registrar of Co-Operative Societies, GNCTD, regarding Bannu Biradari CGHS Ltd. The Appellant contended that the PIO neither forwarded the RTI Application to the Administration branch nor gathered the information from the concerned record holder. The CIC observed that the CPIO’s reply is prima-facie evasive/misleading. The CIC further observed that the PIO ought to have forwarded the RTI Application to the Administration branch or should have sought the assistance of the concerned record holder as per Section 5(4) of the RTI Act. Further, the CIC commented that the FAA is also found to have abdicated the statutory duty under the RTI Act. The CIC directed to provide the information permissible under RTI Act. Noting the absence of the PIO or an authorized representative during the hearing, the CIC directed the PIO to send a proper written explanation stating the reasons for acting in defiance of the stipulations contained in the notice of hearing.
Comments
The PIO is expected to seek the help of the holder of information under section 5(4) of the RTI Act. The concerned individual whose assistance is sought to provide the information is the deemed PIO.
Citation: Adarsh Kumar Dua v. Registrar of Co-Operative Societies, GNCTD, Second Appeal No. CIC/RECOS/A/2024/139457; Date of Decision: 22.01.2026
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

At least it will run from the Center and not by a family run “high command ”
VD
Banerjee should contest by election
I think Mamta Banerjee should move to rajya sabha and Abhishek Banerjee should contest by election and became the leader of opposition in west Bengal assembly
CK
A strong, tech-driven organizational model of BJP
The Bharatiya Janata Party has indeed built a strong, tech-driven organizational model—data analytics, booth-level management, social media outreach, and centralized messaging. That gives it an edge in many elections across India.
T Nambiar

It's not fair to select KC as CM, the opposition leader for all these years was VD and he led this fight back and now that UDF has come to power. Suddenly the high command decides who is the CM. No wonder this party had a down fall in the past and please respect the emotions of the public. This victory is not because of high command's effort. Anyways if KC becomes the CM, mark my words after 5 years from now BJP will come into power and that will be the end of High Command
Deepak
“Mamata 's defiance Mode”
Didi's refusal to step down as CM seems a natural reaction especially for registering protests against the SIR carried out in Bengal by ECI resulting in deletion of 91 lakhs voters and SC's unfavourable pronouncements.
The idea seems sending a political message across the board.
But, quite the opposite, should she not resign gracefully in deference to people's mandate.?
Creating a constitutional crisis ,post election,could lead to avoidable violence.Public suffers ultimately.
The opposition should fight for their constitutional rights - politically and legally under law of the land.
A K Saxena (Former civil servant)

This would be a terrible choice. Victory was for team udf.But considering the local terrain, a considerable section of people voted for UDF considering VD's political stands. He stepped in when party was in ventilator. He boosted the morale of several party workers right from both level. He was able to bring a good culture during the changing times. From Few hartals to criticising the ruling front and similarly supporting them when required both inside and outside the house. He was also able to gel with a section of youth who lost belief in politics. KC and RC are also good leaders in their own spheres. But VDS should be the natural choice here as he is more familiar with the pulse of common man.
Vipin

The appellant sought information about the number of personnel sanctioned, vacant and available posts in Municipal Corporation of Delhi and related information. The PIO asked the appellant to deposit Rs. 376/- for providing a copy of Scheduled for the year 2023-24 (Schedule contains a total of 188 pages @ Rs 2 per page). The Respondent submitted that the Appellant has not deposited the additional fee till the date of hearing. The CIC observed that the information sought pertains to sanctioned, filled and vacant posts in MCD, which directly relates to its organizational structure and public appointments. Such information falls within Section 4(1) (b)(i) and (ii) of the RTI Act and is mandatorily required to be disclosed on a suo motu basis by the Public Authority. Hence, the insistence on charging photocopying fees in this case is not justified, as the denial of free access runs contrary to the spirit of proactive disclosure. The CIC noted that the MCD is not complying with the provisions of section 4 (1) (b) of the RTI Act in letter and spirit and counseled that every Public Authority shall make constant endeavour to take steps in accordance with the requirements of Section 4 (1) (b) of the RTI Act to provide as much information suo moto to the public at required intervals through various means of communications, including internet, so that public does not have to resort to the use of RTI Act to obtain basic information. The MCD was advised to expedite updating of information in compliance with provisions of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005.
Comments
The question of further fee to be demanded in case of information which is required to be disclosed pro-actively has been categorically dealt in this case. The public authorities should provide the information as required under section 4 on their website.
Citation: Pooja Verma v. Municipal Corporation of Delhi, File No: CIC/MCDND/A/2024/112338; Date of Decision : 11.09.2025
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

True, specifically after Modi, govt failed to privatise LIC owned IDBI Bank in 2026 (due to the fact that both received bids were below the reserve price), it has started hiring experts from the private sector for executive director positions in 12 govt banks. This will reduce promotion aspects, for permanent employees of these 12 govt banks.
Rajat
AAP not able to deliver
The fact is that AAP has not been able to deliver on its promises in Punjab and the law and order has worsened under their govt. The CM is a joke. So it is a very tough battle. The opposition has a very good chance to take advantage of the anti-incumbency.
H Agrawal
Visionary roadmap for Viksit Rajasthan
It's truly inspiring to see the visionary roadmap 2047 for Viksit Rajasthan, With over 40 years of professional experience in cement industries, we are now embarking on a new initiative focused on developing ground level manpower skills. We are in the process of setting up a dedicated Training studio for skill development. We sincerely hope that this initiative will contribute meaningfully towards achieving the next level of this vision.
Anil Sharda

Frequent transfers in India, in any central/state government department or any public sector organization, often do more harm than good. While transfers are intended to ensure administrative neutrality and prevent the misuse of power, in practice they frequently disrupt efficiency, continuity, and accountability. One of the biggest drawbacks is the loss of institutional memory. When officers are transferred too often, they barely have enough time to understand local issues, let alone implement long-term solutions. Development projects get delayed or abandoned midway, as each new officer brings a different approach or set of priorities, which leads to inconsistency in governance and slows down progress. Transfers also negatively impact employees’ personal lives. Relocation every few years creates instability for families. Children’s education suffers, spouses struggle to maintain careers, and the constant adjustment to new environments leads to stress and reduced productivity. Instead of focusing fully on their responsibilities, employees are forced to manage repeated personal disruptions. Another serious concern is the misuse of transfers as a political tool. In many cases, transfers are not based on performance or administrative need but are influenced by political pressure or favouritism. Honest officers may be punished with sudden transfers, while compliant ones are rewarded with stable postings. This undermines meritocracy and discourages integrity in the system. Moreover, frequent transfers weaken accountability. When an officer knows they may not stay long in a position, there is less incentive to take ownership of long-term outcomes. Responsibility becomes diffused, and it becomes difficult to hold anyone accountable for failures. In conclusion, while transfers are sometimes necessary, excessive and arbitrary transfers in India create instability, reduce efficiency, and open the door to misuse. A more balanced and transparent transfer policy—with fixed tenures and clear criteria—would help improve governance and employee well-being.
YKP
Political and administrative leadership needed in Kerala
What Kerala needs is political and administrative leadership that is innovative and open to fresh ideas to attract investment, including asset monetization to unlock capital and ease the fiscal situation, fund raising, infra finance and global players. This is why it needs the new CM to encourage the bureaucracy led by the new Chief Secy to be forward looking with an investment perspective and national/international thinking
Sanjeev Kumar

Nice initiative “Hum Jiyenge Tho Hamara Bharat Desh Jiyega” …Feeling So proud for this type of initiative..Thanks sir
Ravi Shekhar
Keralam State needs spurt in development activities
Yes Keralam State which is ranked high in many social indexes needs spurt in development activities especially infrastructure, climate for good business etc. The Unionbaji is an utmost headache and it has to be tackled ruthlessly, otherwise no industry will survive here.
Muralidharan Kozikode
Make rules for consent by women officers
I agree, women officers face more difficulties when transferred. The government should look into this and make rules for consent by women officers for transfers particularly in the initial years of their service.
S Gopal