Whispers Forum

Vide order dated 20.08.2022, the CIC had directed the respondent to revisit the RTI application and provide the action taken report within four weeks. A complaint was filed for non-compliance of CIC order. In reply to the notice, the PIO stated that they had furnished the information available with them. It came to their notice that the matter was under investigation by Police Authorities and information sought by RTI application was exempt under Section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act. After adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case and perusal of records, the CIC observed that the PIO had failed to bring the above facts to the notice of the CIC for arriving at a proper decision during hearing. The CIC expressed its displeasure at the lackadaisical attitude of the PIO. However, since the PIO had provided available information and stated that the matter was under investigation by Police Authorities, the PIO was directed to submit their assertions on affidavit before the CIC.
Comments
The PIO should have a thorough understanding of the provisions of the RTI Act and also the facts of the case failing which an error might be committed. In this case, the PIO initially failed to provide the information, then could not defend it before the CIC, subsequently failed to follow the order of the CIC and later provided the information but claimed before the CIC that it was exempt. Indicates really poor grasp of the role to be played by the PIO.
Citation: Shri Harshit Goel v. Punjab & Sind Bank, CIC/PASBK /A/2020/671310; 18.05.2023
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

It is high time for Indian government to implement Universal Basic Salary. There should be fixed salary for private professionals, bare minimum for example Rs 20,000 in the times where we witness increasing price of goods and service. A minimum salary for example of Rs 20,000 for private professional would ease their life and raise their living standard and earn them respect in society and at the same time, fulfil their basic minimum needs of food, shelter , education , health and clothing , for a family of four i.e. parents and two children.
Nidhi Jain

With elections approaching in many states to be followed by 2024 general elections, the political parties are doling out freebies to woo voters. Freebies should be discouraged because ultimately people have to pay for them. They will have to pay more taxes, and the price of commodities will rise. Nothing will happen till May 2024. Prices will somehow be kept under control, but after May 2024? Poor public will pay for the generosity of the politicians. One shudders to think how steeply the prices will rise after the 2024 general elections.
Aditya Singh

Yesterday I read in the whispers about the Government appending to convert Chairman post to a political one and today read, the bureaucratic post to the Deputy chairman. This restructuring has been pending for several years, In the name of an autonomous body, it is borrowing, spending and creating debt left, right & the centre which the Government has to repay, not NHAI. Like in Public sector banks, CMD post has been bifurcated into Chairman and MD, which has brought larger transparency, the same is need of the hour for NHAI as the board are working in the most non transparent manner which is costing the lakhs of cr. in public exchequer .. late than never .. this is good move.
Dr Nitin ex-consultant NITI Aayog

This is one of the best master strokes by the Government if approved. Organisation which is having the highest debt burden including Arbitration claim, more than any big state, need to take steps for transparency. At present the organization is at its lowest point full of corruption due to its non transparency structure, weak cadre due to organization -Contractor nexus which need to be fixed in public interest. The whole organization from Chairman to Group B & C staff is being run with whims & fantasy rather than sound principles.
Priyanka
Sealed envelope procedure is a relic
The sealed envelope procedure is a relic of the past and should be terminated. There is no point of extending and delaying the benefits to an individual.
Shubh Chinkan

Dissatisfied due to non-receipt of any response from the PIO, the Appellant filed a Second Appeal before the CIC after approaching the FAA. The CIC observed that in many cases in response to queries about their non-response to RTI applications, the PIOs concerned say that they have no access to the online RTI portal. Hence, the outgoing PIO must inform the new incumbent PIO about the user id and password of the department online RTI portal. Moreover, the PIOs also complain about the malfunctioning of the portal. Hence, under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, the CIC advised the PIO, Headquarter Delhi Jal Board, to oversee that proper training for the handling of RTI matters including access to online RTI portal and about its proper functioning is ensured to the CPIOs and others connected with the RTI implementation in the department. The CIC held that it is a matter of extreme importance for the implementation of the RTI Law.
Comments
It is the responsibility of the outgoing PIO to land over the charge of the pending cases and also user id and password of the department online RTI portal. If the same has not been done, appropriate action must be initiated against the culprit.
Citation: Mr. Avnish Kumar Tyagi v. Delhi Jal Board, CIC/DELJB/A/2022/656815-UM; Date of Decision: 22.05.2023
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

WIC has progressed over the years into a fine forum for all views. Excellent. The accident in Odisha is heart rending. The Indian Railways have clawed back to get systems functioning again. The entire effort was led by the Railway Minister himself on site. The cause of the accident is under deep investigation. We will soon see reports of what happened from investigators. A little patience will help in the WIC forum. It is very obvious that with General Elections 2024 approaching the forum will see contrarian political viewpoints. No issues on that if stated calmly and logically. An informed debate is wonderful.
Devindra