Central Information Commission
Mr.H.R.Singh vs Bsnl, New Delhi on 11 February, 2009
Central Information Commission
SA/UG/F2572774FU
Dated February 11, 2009
Name of the Appellant : Mr.H.R.Singh
Name of the Public Authority : BSNL, New Delhi
Background
1. The Appellant filed an RTI request dt.18.8.08 with the CPIO, BSNL, New Delhi. The Appellant stated that a list of Sr.AOs to be considered for promotion to the grade of STS on ad-hoc basis has been called for by the Asst. Dir.Genl.(SEA) vide his letter dt.1.8.08. In this context, Appellant requested for the following information:
i) What is the minimum eligibility/service condition for the promotion of STS on ad-hoc basis.
ii) Is there any relaxation of Scheduled Caste for the promotion of STS on ad-hoc basis. If yes, provide details.
iii) Is there any relaxation of Scheduled Tribe for the promotion of STS on ad-hoc basis. If yes, provide details
iv) Why there is no member of S.T among the Sr.AO called for promotion of STS on ad-hoc basis in the above noted list. The CPIO replied on 9.9.08 as follows:
i) In BSNL, Recruitment Rules for Group 'A' officers have not yet been framed. Hence, eligibility conditions as given in DoT's Recruitment Rules are still being followed in BSNL for promotion of eligible officers. The minimum eligibility condition for promotion of AO/Sr.AO to STS is seven years regular service.
ii&iii) Copy of DoPT OM No.22011/2/2002/Estt(D) dt.6.1.06 enclosed
iv) All the eligible Sr.AOs belonging to ST category had already been promoted on 29.5.08. There is no Sr.AO who is the member of ST eligible for promotion to STS on ad-hoc basis The Appellate Authority in response to the Appellant's appeal dt.29.9.08 replied on 23.10.08 stating that information as defined u/s 2(f) of RTI Act, 2005 and as available in this office has been provided. The Appellant filed a second appeal dt.24.11.08 before CIC.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing on February 11, 2009.
3. Mr.Joginder Singh, AGM and Mr.K.N.Sanyal represented the Public Authority.
4. The Appellant Mr.H.R.Singh arrived at the hearing after the respondents left.
Decision
5. While the respondents submitted that they had provided all available information to the appellant including the rules governing the relaxation for SC/ST officials, the appellant stated that the information he received was not in anyway relevant to the information he was seeking. He stated that he wanted to know whether there is any relaxation for SC / ST for the promotion of STS on adhoc basis.
6. The Commission directs the CPIO to inform the Appellant about any rules providing relaxation to SC/ST for promotion to STS on ad-hoc basis. If the answer is yes, the appellant may be given the rules to support the answer. The information to be provided within 20n days of receipt of this Order.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(K.G.Nair) Designated Officer Cc:
1. Mr.H.R.Singh G-73, SGM Nagar K.C.Badkal Road NIT Faridabad 121 001
2. The CPIO & The Jt.DDG (MIS-II) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited A-506, Statesman House B-148, Barakhambha Road New Delhi 110 001
3. The Appellate Authority & The DDG Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited A-506, Statesman House B-148, Barakhambha Road New Delhi 110 001
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC