Central Information Commission
Dr.P.L.Soni vs Icfre, Dehradun on 21 April, 2009
Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/C/09/00192
Dated April 21, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Dr.P.L.Soni
Name of the Public Authority : ICFRE, Dehradun
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.17.10.08 with the CPIO, ICFRE, Dehra Dun. He requested for the following information:
i) What action has been taken in formulating scheme for providing the medical facilities to the absorbees/retirees of FRI into ICFRE.
ii) Difficulties for not following the example of Wild Life Institute (autonomous body under MoEF) who has already provided medical facilities at par with CGHS to their retirees
iii) In case, any scheme has been formulated, copy to be provided.
The PIO replied on 19.1.09 as follows:
i & ii) ICFRE has continuously approached MoEF & Health Ministry with a request to cover the retirees of ICFRE who before absorption has rendered 20 years or more service in the Central Govt. and thereafter retired as ICFRE employees. But the request has not been acceded to. In reply, the Directorate of Health Services has informed that DoPT is separately preparing a scheme of Health Insurance as an alternative to CGHS and the serving as well as the retired employees of autonomous organization may be benefited under the scheme. DoPT has been requested to furnish the details of the scheme of Health insurance for further action at their end.
iii) ICFRE has not formulated any scheme for providing medical facilities to the absorbed retirees of ICFRE so far. However, the matter is under consideration.
Not satisfied with the information the Applicant filed a complaint dt.17.2.09 before CIC.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing for April 21, 2009.
3. Mr. Sardar Singh Chauhan, Office Supdt. and Mr. NarenderKumar, Head Clerk represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant was not present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Respondent submitted that information was provided on 19.1.09. With regard to the Appellant's appeal to the Commission for information against Point 2 of his letter dated 17.10.08, the Respondent stated that a Committee has been set up to look into the matter of providing CGHS facilities to ICFRE retirees and the Appellant was a special invitee at the meeting held by the Committee to decide on the matter. The recommendations of the Committee are being sent to the Board of Governors for their approval.
6. Since all available information has been provided to the Appellant, the appeal is accordingly disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian) Asst. Registrar Cc:
1. Dr.P.L.Soni Hon. Secretary ICFRE Pensioners Welfare Association 5 Panditwari, Phase II Dehra Dun
2. Mr.Sandeep Tripathi The PIO & Secretary Indian Council of Forestry Research & Education P.O. New Forest Dehradun 248 006 Uttarakhand
3. Officer in charge, NIC
4. Press E Group, CIC