Central Information Commission
Mr.Girish Kumar Sharma vs Indian Oil Corporation Limited (Iocl) on 21 December, 2011
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Room No. 308, B-Wing, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
File No.CIC/LS/A/2011/002356
File No.CIC/LS/A/2011/002359
Appellant : Shri Girish Kumar Sharma
Public Authority : IOCL, Noida.
Date of hearing : 21.12.2011
Date of Decision : 21.12.2011
Facts :-
Heard today dated 21.12.2011. Appellant not present but is represented by Shri Hori Lal Sharma. IOCL is represented by Shri V.K. Verma, Chief Manager(LPG) and Ms. Namita Kumari, Asstt. Manager(Law). They are heard and the records perused.
2. These appeals have been filed by the appellant herein. Hence, they are being disposed of through a common order. It is the grievance of the appellant that the distributor of Gabhana Indane Gas Service, Sarita Vihar, near Roadways Bus Stand, Gabhana, District Aligarh, is not giving the LPG gas connections to the local residents. Besides, he is not doing 'refill' before 50 days and, thus, is indulging in gross irregularities.
3. This is not the first time that such like grievances have been ventilated before this Commission. It would be pertinent to mention that no less a person than a former Chief Secretary of the State of Karnataka, who also held the position of Chief Information Commissioner of the State of Karnataka, faced similar difficulties in getting refill of the gas cylinder. The appeal filed by said Shri Mishra was decided by this Commission vide order dated 9.11.2011 in File No. CIC/LS/A/2011/001638. Paras 08 & 09 of the order are reproduced below :-
"8. The appellant has mentioned that the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas had published a Citizens' Charter way back in 1997 which has become outdated. He has also alleged that he made a complaint for non-delivery of gas and waited for 11 days and yet the distributor did not take any action. The appellant has suggested that the IOCL be directed to publish a new Citizens' Charter-II in this regard. I cannot not agree with him more. Further, in my opinion, BPCL and HPCL also stand on the same footing.
9. In view of the above discussion, I hereby direct the CMDs of IOCL, BPCL and HPCL u/s 25(5) of the RTI Act to publish Citizens' Charters regarding their respective Companies in this regard in 04 months time. I order accordingly. The CMDs will send compliance report to this Commission in 04 months time. The Commission believes that publication and adherence to the proposed New Citizens' Charter, in the long run, would foster transparent functioning of these public authorities in conformity with the spirit of the RTI Act."
4. In the facts and circumstances of the case, I deem it expedient to direct the CPIO to have an enquiry made into the matter in two months time and take remedial action, if needed, as per rules. A copy of the enquiry report may also be sent to this Commission for record.
Sd/-
( M.L. Sharma) Central Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy. Additional copies of orders shall be supplied against application and payment of the charges, prescribed under the Act, to the CPIO of this Commission.
( K.L. Das ) Deputy Registrar Address of parties :-
1. The Deputy General Manager & CPIO, IOCL, Marketing Division, UP State office-II, E-8, Sec.I, Noida-201301.
2. Shri Girish Kumar Sharma s/o Sh. Deepchand Sharma, Kahrola Village, Bulandshahar, Uttar Pradesh.