Central Information Commission
Mrchodipalli Rajeswara Rao vs Steel Authority Of India Ltd. (Sail) on 18 February, 2016
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama Place,
New Delhi-110066
F.No. CIC/CC/A/2014/002877
F.No. CIC/CC/A/2014/002897
F.No. CIC/CC/A/2014/003099
Date of Hearing : 15.02.2016
Date of Decision : 18.02.2016
Complainant/Appellant : Shri C.R. Rao
Visakhapatnam
Respondent : Shri G. Srinivasan Rao, CPIO
Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL) Visakhapatnam Information Commissioner : Shri Yashovardhan Azad Relevant facts emerging from complaint/appeal:
RTI application filed on : 08.09.2014, 08.09.2014 & 26.08.2014 CPIO replied on : No reply First Appeal filed on : 20.10.2014, 20.10.2014 & 20.10.2014 First Appellate Authority (FAA) order on : No order passed Complaint/ Second Appeal received on : 08.12.2014, 08.12.2014 & 05.12.2014 The appellant is not present while the respondent is present and heard. Since, both parties are same in the above mentioned appeals, therefore, these appeals are clubbed together for hearing and disposal to avoid multiplicity of proceedings.
F.No. CIC/CC/A/2014/002877 The appellant filed an RTI application on 08.09.2014, seeking information regarding names, addresses, educational qualifications, date of joining of Board of Directors of RINL, reports of their assets, properties etc. and other related information. On not receiving any response from the CPIO within the prescribed time period, appellant filed first appeal. The FAA did not dispose of the first appeal.
The respondent stated that complete information as available on record and as admissible under the RTI Act has already been furnished to the appellant vide reply dated 17.11.2014. On query by the Commission as to whether the first appeal was disposed of or not, the respondent stated that no such appeal has been received by them in their office.
F.No. CIC/CC/A/2014/002897 The appellant filed an RTI application on 08.09.2014, seeking e-procurement guidelines, rules, acts, names, addresses of the authority implementing e-procurement guidelines, rules, details of works called for through e-procurement since 2004 etc. and other related information. On not receiving any response from the CPIO within the prescribed time period, appellant filed first appeal. The FAA did not dispose of the first appeal.
The respondent stated that information as available on record has been provided to the appellant vide reply dated 09.02.2016. He stated that inspection was also offered to the appellant but he did not turn up. On query by the Commission as to why information was not supplied within the prescribed time period, the respondent stated that since the information was voluminous and are spread across various sections in the department, it took time to compile the same. He however, regretted for the delay caused and assured the Commission that such mistake will not be repeated in future. As regards first appeal, he stated that they have not received it.
F.No. CIC/CC/A/2014/003099 The appellant filed an RTI application on 26.08.2014, seeking information on 6 points regarding assets, properties, date of promotions etc of Directors, Head of Depts., General Managers of RINL, reports of CSR and other related information. On not receiving any response from the CPIO within the prescribed time period, appellant filed first appeal. The FAA did not dispose of the first appeal.
The respondent stated that information as available on record has been provided to the appellant vide reply dated 17.02.2016. Regarding delay, he stated that since the information was voluminous and are spread across various sections in the department, it took time to compile the same. He however, regretted for the delay caused and assured the Commission that such mistake will not be repeated in future. As regards first appeal, he stated that they have not received the same.
Decision:-
After hearing the respondent and on perusal of record, the Commission comes to the conclusion that information has been provided to the appellant in all the above 3 appeals. As regards delay caused in furnishing reply to the appellant, the Commission cautions the CPIO to strictly adhere to the time limits prescribed under the Act.
The appeals are disposed of accordingly.
(Yashovardhan Azad) 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.
(V.D. Naniwadekar) Designated Officer Copy to:-
Central Public Information Officer under RTI First Appellate Authority under RTI Deputy General Manager, Director - (Personnel), Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited, Room No.-G-25, ED(Works) Building, D-2 D-Block, 2nd Floor, Admin. Building, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam Steel Plant, Visakhapatnam-530031 (A.P.). Visakhapatnam-530031 (A.P.).
Shri Chodipalli Rajeswara Rao S/o. Late Somulu, D.No.-15-3-231, 50th Ward, GVMC, Gangavaram (V), Pedagantyada (M), Visakhapatnam-530044 (A.P.).