Central Information Commission
Mrskanika Baweja vs Ministry Of Home Affairs on 8 September, 2015
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
CLUB BUILDING (NEAR POST OFFICE)
OLD JNU CAMPUS, NEW DELHI110067
Decision No.CIC/VS/A/2014/000852/SB/
Dated: 08.09.2015
Appellant: Mrs. Kanika Baweja,
10123, ORCHID PETALS, SOHNA ROAD,
GURGAON
Haryana.
Respondent: Central Public Information Officer,
Ministry of Home Affairs,
North Block,
New Delhi110001.
Date of Hearing: 08.09.2015
ORDER
1. Mrs. Kanika Baweja has filed an online RTI application dated 22.10.2013 with the CPIO, Ministry of Home Affairs seeking information/clarification on a circular dated. 15.03.2013 issued by FCRA division regarding discontinuance of practice of visiting by NGOs in the FCRA wing of Foreigner's division on Mondays and Wednesdays.
2. On not receiving any reply, the appellant filed first appeal dated 19.12.2013. The FAA's order, if any, is not available on file. The appellant filed second appeal datet. 24.3.2014 before the Commission.
Hearing:
3. The appellant was not present despite notice. The respondent submitted a written submission vide letter dated 03.09.2015
4. The CPIO/Director (FCRA) has stated in his written submissions dated 3.9.2015 that he would not be able to attend hearing on 8.9.2015 as he will be away on official foreign tour. Hence he has requested for another date of hearing after 11.9.2015. Besides, he has stated that certain cases relating to grant of prior permission under FCRA, 2010, where there were similarity in names/nature of the Indian recipients and foreign donors, were kept pending for finalizing guidelines in this regard. The additional guidelines have since been finalized on 19.08.2014. Based on the additional guidelines such cases of prior permission under FCRA2010 have now been/are finalized. Further, in order to redress grievances relating to registration/prior permission under FCRA, 2010, Director (FCRA) takes monthly meeting with the genuine representatives of the associations. The telephonic queries as well as messages received on emails of Director (FCRA) and Under Secretary (FCRA) are also promptly attended to.
Decision:
5. The Commission observes that the information sought by the appellant is in the nature of the raising queries or asking questions, which does not constitute information as defined under section 2(f) of the RTI Act. However, the Commission directs the respondent to provide information relating to guidelines for grant for prior permission under FCRA, 2010 as well as the mechanism for redressal of grievances relating to registration/prior permission under FCRA, 2010 within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of this order.
6. The Appeal is disposed of. Copy of decision be given free of cost to the parties.
(Sudhir Bhargava) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy (V.K. Sharma) Designated Officer