Indian Kanoon - Search engine for Indian Law

Central Information Commission

Umesh Kumar Prasad vs Department Of Posts on 6 February, 2026

                                    केन्द्रीय सूचना आयोग
                           Central Information Commission
                                बाबा गंगनाथ मागग,मुननरका
                            Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
                               नई निल्ली, New Delhi - 110067
नितीय अपील संख्या / Second Appeal No. CIC/POSTS/A/2025/605364

Umesh Kumar Prasad                                             ... अपीलकताग/Appellant

                                    VERSUS
                                     बनाम
CPIO: Department of Posts,
Patna                                                      ...प्रनतवािीगण/Respondents

Relevant dates emerging from the appeal:

RTI : 21.11.2024               FA   : 20.12.2024               SA     : 29.01.2025

CPIO : 20.12.2024              FAO : 27.01.2025                Hearing : 15.01.2026


Date of Decision: 30.01.2026
                                        CORAM:
                                  Hon'ble Commissioner
                                _ANANDI RAMALINGAM
                                       ORDER

1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 21.11.2024 seeking information on the following points:

➢ "I am submitting this RTI application to seek detailed information regarding the document verification process for the Gramin Dak Sevak (GDS) Online Engagement Schedule, July-2024, conducted by the Department of Posts. My queries are as follows

1. Number of Rounds of Document Verification a. How many rounds of document verification are conducted for GDS 2024 engagement?

b. What are the reasons for conducting multiple rounds of verification, if applicable?

2. Documents Required for Verification a. Please provide a comprehensive list of documents required for document verification at Patna GPO for GDS 2024 engagement. b. Are additional documents requested at the local level? If yes, provide the list and reasons for such requests.

c. Why are some documents not clearly specified in the email notification (e.g., X th Admit Card)?

3. Verification Process Provide a step-by-step explanation of the verification process for each type of document: Class 10th Marksheet/Certificate.

i. Which authority verifies the authenticity of these documents? ii. What steps are taken if the document is found to be forged? Identity Proofs (Aadhaar, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License)-

i. Explain the process followed for verifying each type of identity proof. ii. ii. Specify whether digital verification methods, such as online portals, are used.

Medical Certificate-

1. What specific details in the certificate are verified? ii. Which official or medical authority is responsible for the verification? iii. Is there any process to ensure the authenticity of the issuing medical officer? Community/Caste/EWS/PWD Certificates-

I. How are these certificates verified?

ii. What steps are taken if discrepancies are found?

4. Use of UIDAI Portal for Aadhaar Verification-

a. Is the Patna GPO authorized to use the UIDAI portal for verifying Aadhaar details, including update history?

b. Does the GPO require candidates to provide OTPs for Aadhaar verification? c. Is this practice compliant with the Aadhaar Act, 2016, and privacy laws? d. If authorized, provide copies of guidelines or orders permitting the use of UIDAI portal for such purposes.

5. Process for Verification by Local Authorities (Patna GPO Staff)- a. What are the additional responsibilities of Patna GPO staff during the document verification process?

b. Do the staff request extra documents or certifications? If yes, explain the rationale behind such requests.

6. General Procedures and Guidelines a. Are there any standard operating procedures (SOPs) issued to Patna GPO staff for the document verification process? If yes, kindly provide a copy. b. How is the authenticity of applicants knowledge of local/tribal dialects verified (if applicable)?

7. Timeline and Outcome a. What in the average timeline for completing the document verification process? b. How are candidates informed about the outcome of their verification?"

2. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 20.12.2024 and the same is reproduced as under :-

1. A. Information sought is not clear. However, it is to submit that GDS Online Engagement Schedule, July 2024, I to IV list generated on the https://indiapostgdsonline.cept.gov.in website.

B. Please see the Standard Procedure process (SOP) available on www.indiapost.gov.in/www.indiapostgdsonline.gov.in

2. A. Not available in tabular form.

B. Yes, original educational documents are required to tally with online submission to ensure genuineness of the same.

C. All documents are available on the portal.

3. Please visit the standard operating procedure (SOP) available on www.indiapost.gov.in/www.indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. Authenticity of these documents verified from the concerned Le who have issued the documents Action is taken as per rules.

1. Please visit the standard operating procedure (SOP) of GDS online engagement process schedule, july-2024, available on www.indiapost.gov.in/www.indiapostgdsonline.gov.in i Yes, as per standard procedure process (SOP) of GDS online engagement process schedule, July-2024.

LAs per standard operating procedure (SOP) of GDS online engagement process schedule, july-2024 available on www.indiapost.gov.in/www.indiapostgdsonline g ü. Information sought is not clear iii. As per standard procedure process (SOP) of GDS online engagement process schedule, www.indiapostgdsonline.gov.in. 2024 LAs per standard operating procedure (SOP) ot GDS online engagement process schedule, July Available www.indiapost.gov.in/www.indiapostgdsonline.gov.in Action is taken as per standard operating procedure (SOP) of GDS online engagement process schedule, July-2024

4. a. Not available is tabular form.

b. Not available is tabular form.

c. Not available is tabular form d. Not available is tabular form.

5. a. To take the documents in file and submit to the verification authority for further processing.

h. If any error is found in the document provided by the candidate, the candidate is requested to submit the relevant document.

6. a. Yes standard operating, procedure (SOP) of GDS online engagement process schedule, July-2024 available www.indiapost.gov.in. & www.indiapostydsonline.gov.in b. As per standard operating procedure (SOP) of GDS online engagement process schedule, July-2024 Available on wwwindiapostgdsonline.gov.in a. Not available is tabular form b. A system generated letter is handed over to the candidate.

7. a. a. Not available is tabular form b. A system generated letter is handed over to the candidate."

3. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 20.12.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. The FAA vide order dated 27.01.2025 upheld the reply given by the CPIO.

4. Aggrieved with the FAA's order, the Appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal dated 29.01.2025.

5. The appellant remained absent and on behalf of the respondent Kumar Praveen Singh, CPIO's representative, attended the hearing through video conference.

6. The respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that the information sought by the appellant was not maintained in tabular format and the SOP and Schedules in reference to which the appellant had sought clarification, the same were already available in public domain. Therefore, the relevant weblink was shared with the appellant in their reply dated 20.12.2024.

7. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing the respondent and perusal of records, observes that the reply given by the respondent is ambiguous and cryptic. It is noted that the appellant prima facie did not seek data in Page 5 of 7 tabular form, as indicated by the CPIO in their reply dated 20.12.2024. Further, the CPIO is expected to address the queries in terms of its merits with proper application of mind and invoke applicable provisions of the RTI Act, if necessary.

Keeping in view the foregoing discussion, the CPIO is directed to re-visit the RTI application and provide specific revised reply against point nos 2, 4 and 7 of the RTI application and in case of the queries raised in form of clarificatory questions, the CPIO shall give an appropriate reply, by relying upon the relevant provisions under RTI Act, to the appellant within 15 days from the date of receipt of this order, under due intimation to the Commission. Besides, it is noted that the Appellant has sought for additional relief in the second appeal which was not originally mentioned in the RTI application, hence, the same cannot be allowed at the stage of second appeal. Additionally, the SOPs and Schedules in relation to the subject-matter mentioned in the RTI application are available in public domain, hence, the Appellant's request for a copy of the same cannot be acceded to. With these observations and directions, the appeal is disposed of.

Copy of the decision be provided free of cost to the parties.

Sd/-

(Anandi Ramalingam) (आनंदी रामल ंगम) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयुक्त) निनां क/Date: 30.01.2026 Authenticated true copy O. P. Pokhriyal (ओ.पी. पोखररयाल) Dy. Registrar (उप पंजीयक) 011-26180514 Page 6 of 7 Addresses of the parties:

1. The CPIO, Office of the Chief Postmaster General, Department of Posts, Patna GPO, Patna, Bihar - 800001

2. Umesh Kumar Prasad Page 7 of 7 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-

Nil Powered by TCPDF (www.tcpdf.org)