Central Information Commission
Ashok Kumar Ranchhodbhai Parmar vs Jal Shakti Department Ut Of J & K on 21 November, 2025
के न्द्रीय सूचना आयोग
Central Information Commission
बाबा गंगनाथ मागग,मुननरका
Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
नई दिल्ली, New Delhi - 110067
नितीय अपील संख्या / Second Appeal No. (As Per Annexure)
निकायत संख्या / Complaint No.
Ashok Kumar Ranchhodbhai Parmar ... अपीलकताग/Appellant
...निकायतकताग/Complainant
VERSUS
बनाम
1. CPIO: Chief Engineer,
Jal Shakti (PHE) Department ...प्रनतवािीगण/Respondent
Kashmir, Srinagar, J & K
2. CPIO: the Chief Engineer
Jal Shakti (PHE) Department
Jammu, Jammu, J & K
Relevant dates emerging from the appeal/Complaint:
Sl. Second Date of RTI Date of Date of Date of Date of
No. Appeal Application CPIO's First FAA's Second
No./Co Reply Appeal Order Appeal/Co
mplaint mplaint
1. 132425 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
2. 132167 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
Page 1 of 30
3. 132165 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
4. 132170 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
5. 132169 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 01.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
6. 132168 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
7. 132163 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 01.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
8. 132164 29.02.2024 28.03.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 01.10.2024
record
9. 29.02.2024 Not on 16.04.2024 Not on 17.09.2024
130239
record record
10. 130235 29.02.2024 Not on 16.04.2024 Not on 17.09.2024
record record
11. 127803 08.12.2023 12.01.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 27.08.2024
record
12. 127802 08.12.2023 12.01.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 27.08.2024
record
13. 127801 08.12.2023 12.01.2024 16.04.2024 Not on 29.08.2024
record
14. 127800 29.02.2024 Not on 16.04.2024 Not on 27.08.2024
record record
15. 131428 29.02.2024 Not on 16.04.2024 Not on 25.09.2024
record record
Note - The above-mentioned cases have been clubbed together for decision as these
are based on similar RTI Applications and are between similar parties.
Date of Hearing: 19.11.2025
Date of Decision: 20.11.2025
Page 2 of 30
CORAM:
Hon'ble Commissioner
_ANANDI RAMALINGAM
ORDER
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132425
1. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information regarding Tenders Civil Works in Jal Jeevan mission on the following points:
a) Copy of government order/s issued by Competent Authority for constitution of Contract Committee for approval of the recommendations of the UT Level Purchase Committee and other Purchase Committees in terms of SO-15 dated 09/01/2020 and copy of Administrative Approvals obtained from Administrative Secretary of Department and Mission Director, Jal Jeevan Mission for execution of civil works (Bore wells/ Tube wells/ Dug wells , Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network including GSRs/SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kashmir Province of UT of J&K in Kashmir Province;
b) Copy of government orders issued by Competent Authority for constitution of purchase Committees to finalize tenders for engagement of contractors for execution of civil works ((Bore wells/ Tube wells/ Dug wells , Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network including GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Kashmir Province from August, 2019 till February, 2024;
c) Copy of minutes of the meetings of Purchase Committees to finalize tenders for engagement of contractors for execution of civil works (Bore wells/ Tube wells/ Dug wells , Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network including GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) Kashmir Province of UT of J&K from August, 2019 till February, 2024 along with copy of recommendations of the committee which were placed before Jal Shakti Department for approval in terms of SO-15 dated 09/01/2020 Page 3 of 30 and copy of Administrative Approval obtained from Jal Shakti Department for execution of said civil works in Kashmir Province;
d) Copy of tenders floated by Purchase Committees for tenders for engagement of contractors for execution of civil works (Bore wells/ Tube wells/ Dug wells, Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network including GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kashmir Province of UT of J&K from August 2019 till February, 2024;
e) Details of bidders who submitted bid in response to tenders floated by Purchase Committees for engagement of contractors for execution of Bore wells/ Tube wells/Dug wells, Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network including GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kashmir Province of UT of J&K from August, 2019 till February, 2024; ..., etc./ other related information 1.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
1. The orders are available on the JKGAD and Department websites.
2. The orders are available on the JKGAD and Department websites.
3. Not applicable as per SO 15.
4. NA
5. NA Etc. 1.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 1.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Second Appeal/Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132167
2. The Appellant/Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information regarding e-way bills of pipes on the following points:
a) Information about diameters, quantity and e way bills for GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) received at store of at store of Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, Kashmir for use in Page 4 of 30 Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kashmir Province as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
Sr. No. Name of Qty of pipes Date of Date of Copy of e way supplier/ dispatch receipt /name bills for each address of of location vehicle manufacturing unit 1 2 3
b) Information about suppliers, payments, diameter, and quantity of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) for use in Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kashmir province of UT of J&K as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
Sr. No. Name of Address of Quantity of Date of Payment Copy of e supplier Manufacturing pipes receipt details way bills unit /name of for each location vehicle 1 2 3
c) Information about diameters, quantity and e way bill for ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes received at store of Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, Kashmir for use in Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Kashmir Province as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
Sr. No. Name of Qty of pipes Date of Date of Copy of e way supplier/ dispatch receipt /name bills for each address of of location vehicle manufacturing unit 1 2 3 ..., etc./ other related information 2.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-Page 5 of 30
"Information is not maintained in the department in the given format."
2.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 2.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal/Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132165
3. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Details of incomplete/defunct schemes in Districts of Kashmir Province under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) District Name Estimated Administrative Date Online Funds Reasons for No. of of cost (As Approval/ of & advanced non- households WSS per AA)/ Technical AA/TS Offline Procurement completion to be Year of Sanction cost Store covered Schedule (Yes/No) (Yes/No) of Rates (SORs)
b) Component wise details of incomplete/defunct schemes in Districts of Kashmir Province under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP).
District S. Component Estimated Expenditure Funds Balance Funds Physical No. Cost (As till date advanced cost required Status per AA) Procurement for Store completion 3.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
a) Schemes under NRDWP are in execution/in progress stage.Page 6 of 30
b) No such data is maintained by the department.
3.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 3.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132170
4. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Status of tendering/allotment of works (District wise) under Jal Jeevan Mission in Kashmir as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
S. Component District Total Works Works Works Works non Remarks No. Works allotted Started completed completed 1 Borewells/ Anantnag Tube wells/ Kulgam Dug wells Pulwama Shopian Budgam Baramulla Bandipora Kupwara Total 2 Over Head Anantnag Tanks Kulgam (OHTs) Pulwama Shopian Budgam Baramulla Bandipora Kupwara Total 3 Anantnag Kulgam Page 7 of 30 Rapid Sand Pulwama Filtration Shopian Plants Budgam Baramulla Bandipora Kupwara Total 4 Pipe Anantnag Network Kulgam (incl. GSRs/ Pulwama SSFPs) Shopian Budgam Baramulla Bandipora Kupwara Total ..., etc./ other related information 4.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
a) All allotments are available on the Department website.
b) The Status of expenditure is available on IMIS.
4.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 4.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132169
5. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Copy of government orders issued by General Administrative Department/ Finance Department/ Jal Shakti Department for constitution of purchase Committees to procure GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) / ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Page 8 of 30 Pipes / HDPE Pipes for Water Supply Schemes of Kashmir Province under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 in UT of J&K.
b) Copy of minutes of the meetings of purchase Committees constituted by General Administrative Department/Finance Department/ Jal Shakti Department for procurement of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes)/ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes /HDPE Pipes for Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 in Kashmir Province UT of J&K along with copy of each recommendation of the committee which was placed before Jal Shakti Department for approval to be obtained in terms of SO-15 dated 09/01/2020 issued by Government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and copy of Administrative Approval for each recommendation obtained from Jal Shakti Department.
c) Copy of tenders floated by Jal Shakti Department for procurement of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes)/ ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes/HDPE Pipes for Water Supply Schemes of Kashmir Province under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 in UT of J&K. 5.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
a) The orders are available on the JKGAD and Department Website.
b) Not applicable as per SO 15
c) Details are available on JK Tenders Website.
5.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 01.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 5.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132168
6. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Information of incomplete/defunct Water Supply Schemes in Districts of Kashmir Province under Jammu Kashmir Infrastructural Development Finance Corporation Page 9 of 30 (JKIDFC), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and CAPEX as under:
Sr. Name Estimated Administrative Dt. Year of Funds Reasons No. of No. of cost Approval/ of Schedule advanced to for non- household Scheme Technical AA/ of Rates Procurement completion to be Sanction TS (SORs) Store of scheme covered (Yes/ No) (Yes/No)
b) Information of component Wise Status of Water Supply Schemes in all Districts of Kashmir Province under Jammu Kashmir Infrastructural Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and CAPEX as under:
Sr. Name of Estimated Expenditure Funds Balance Funds Physical Remarks No. component cost (As advanced to cost required status per AA) Procurement for Store completion 6.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
a) Schemes under JKIDFC, NABARD and CAPEX are in execution/in progress stage
b) No such data is maintained by the department.
6.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 6.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Page 10 of 30Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132163
7. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) District wise information about diameters and quantity of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) used till February, 2024 in Water Supply Schemes of Kashmir Province as per approved District Action Plan of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in July, 2022 and after obtaining Administrative Approval and Technical Sanction from Competent Authority as under: Name of District Sr. No. Name of Qty of Date of Date of Qty of Unused Remarks WSS pipes dispatch receipt of pipes (Balance) from supply at used Qty Procurement District Division HQ
b) District wise information about diameters and quantity of ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes used till February, 2024 in Water Supply Schemes of Kashmir province as per approved District Action Plan of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in July, 2022 and after obtaining Administrative Approval and Technical Sanctions from Competent Authority as under:
Name of District Sr. No. Name of Qty of Date of Date of Qty of Balance Remarks WSS pipes dispatch receipt of pipes Qty from supply at used Procurement District Division HQ
c) District wise information about diameters and quantity of HDPE pipes used till February, 2024 in Water Supply Schemes of Kashmir Province as per approved District Action Plan of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in July, 2022 and after obtaining Page 11 of 30 Administrative Approval and Technical Sanctions from Competent Authority as under:
Name of District Sr. No. Name of Qty of Date of Date of Qty of Balance Remarks WSS pipes dispatch receipt of pipes Qty from supply at used Procurement District Division HQ 7.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under
"Copies of DAPs are available on the Department Website. Since the schemes are under execution so the quantity used cannot be worked out till the completion of the schemes."
7.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 01.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 7.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Second Appeal No. CIC/UTOJK/A/2024/132164/C
8. The Appellant/Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Information about bidders/suppliers who participated in bidding process of Jal Shakti Department for procurement of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes)/ ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes/HDPE Pipes for Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for Kashmir Province from August, 2019 till February, '2024 in UT of J&K as under:
Sr. No. Name/address of Rate quoted by Details of Rate quoted by bidders/ suppliers all bidders/ qualified qualified suppliers Page 12 of 30 bidders/ bidders/ suppliers suppliers
b) Information about supply of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) for Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February,2024 for Kashmir Province in UT of J&K as under:
Sr. No. Name/address of Ordered Date of Date of Date of Amount/ manufacturing quantity supply receipt of third party date of unit of suppliers order supply inspection/ payment to location supplier
c) Information about supply of ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes for Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 for Kashmir Province in UT of J&K as under:
Sr. No. Name/ address of Ordered Date of Date of Date of Amount/ manufacturing quantity supply receipt of third-party date of unit of suppliers order supply inspection/ payment to location supplier
d) Information about supply of HDPE Pipes for Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 for Kashmir Province in UT of J&K as under:
Sr. No. Name/ address of Ordered Date of Date of Date of Amount/ manufacturing quantity supply receipt of third-party date of unit of suppliers order supply inspection/ payment to location supplier Page 13 of 30 ..., etc./ other related information 8.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 28.03.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
"Information is not maintained in the department in the given format. However the details of bidders are available on JK Tender website and the allotments are available on department website."
8.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 8.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal/Complaint dated 01.10.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/JSDJK/C/2024/130239
9. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Copy of government orders issued by General Administrative Department/ Finance Department/ Jal Shakti Department for constitution of purchase Committees to procure GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) / ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes / HDPE Pipes for Water Supply Schemes of Jammu Province under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 in UT of J&K.
b) Copy of minutes of the meetings of purchase Committees constituted by General Administrative Department/Finance Department/ Jal Shakti Department for procurement of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes)/ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes /HDPE Pipes for Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 in Jammu Province UT of J&K along with copy of each recommendation of the committee which was placed before Jal Shakti Department for approval to be obtained in terms of SO-15 dated 09/01/2020 issued by Government of UT of Jammu and Kashmir and copy of Administrative Approval for each recommendation obtained from Jal Shakti Department.
c) Copy of tenders floated by Jal Shakti Department for procurement of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes)/ ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes/HDPE Pipes for Page 14 of 30 Water Supply Schemes of Jammu Province under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till February, 2024 in UT of J&K. 9.1. Claiming that he had not received any response from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record.
9.2. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 17.09.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/JSDJK/C/2024/130235
10. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Information of incomplete/defunct Water Supply Schemes in all Districts of Jammu Province under Jammu Kashmir Infrastructural Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and CAPEX as under:
Sr. Name Estimated Administrative Date Year of Funds Reason for No. of No. of Cost Approval/ of schedule advanced to non- household scheme Technical AA/ of rates Procurement completion to be Sanction TS (SORs) Store of covered (Yes/No) (Yes/No)
b) Component Wise Status of Water Supply Schemes in all Districts of Jammu Province under Jammu Kashmir Infrastructural Development Finance Corporation (JKIDFC), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) and CAPEX as under:
Sr. Name of Estimated Expenditure Funds Balance Funds Physical Remarks No. component cost (As advanced to required Status per AA) Procurement for Store completion 10.1. Claiming that he had not received any response from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record.Page 15 of 30
10.2. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 17.09.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127803
11. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 08.12.2023 seeking information on the following points:
a) Details of incomplete/defunct schemes in District under National Rural Drinking Water Programme (NRDWP) Name Estimated Administrative Date Online Funds Reason for No. of of Cost (As Approval/ of & advanced to non- household WSS per AA) / Technical AA/ Offline Procurement completion to be Year of Sanction TS cost Store of covered schedule (Yes/No) (Yes/No) of rates (SORs)
b) Component wise details of incomplete/defunct schemes in all Districts under National Rural Drinking Water Programme Sr. Component Estimated Expenditure Funds Balance Funds Physical No. cost (As till date advanced to cost required Status per AA) Procurement for Store completion 11.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 12.01.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
"Please refer to your RTI application dated 08-12-2023, which was received in this office on 11-12-2023. The response to your application was required by 11th January 2024. While some of the documents are readily available, the information requested is extensive and requires obtaining certain documents from various sources. Therefore, we kindly request additional time to compile the information and provide a comprehensive response."
11.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant/Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record.
Page 16 of 3011.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Appellant/Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal/Complaint dated 27.08.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127802
12. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 08.12.2023 seeking information on the following points:
a) District wise details of diameters and quantity of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) used in Water Supply Schemes of Jammu province as per approved District Action Plan of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in July, 2022 :
Sr. No. Name of Total Qty Date of Date of Qty used Balance Remarks scheme of GI dispatch receipt of Qty pipes from supply at unused required procurement District Division, HQ Jammu
b) District wise details of diameters and quantity of ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes used in Water Supply Schemes of Jammu province as per approved District Action Plan of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in July, 2022:
Sr. No. Name of Total Qty Date of Date of Qty used Balance Remarks scheme of DI dispatch receipt of Qty pipes from supply at unused required procurement District Division, HQ Jammu
c) District wise details of diameters and quantity of HDPE pipes for use in Water Supply Schemes of Jammu province as per approved District Action Plan of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in July, 2022:
Sr. No. Name of Total Qty Date of Date of Qty used Balance Remarks scheme of HDPE dispatch receipt of Qty from supply at unused Page 17 of 30 pipes procurement District required Division, HQ Jammu
d) District wise details of diameters and quantity of HDPE Pipes used in Water Supply Schemes of Jammu province which were not included in approved District Action Plan of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in July, 2022:
Sr. No. Name of Total Qty Date of Date of Qty used Balance Remarks scheme of HDPE dispatch receipt of Qty pipes from supply at unused required procurement District Division, HQ Jammu 12.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 12.01.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
"Please refer to your RTI application dated 08-12-2023, which was received in this office on 11-12-2023. The response to your application was required by 11th January 2024. While some of the documents are readily available, the information requested is extensive and requires obtaining certain documents from various sources. Therefore, we kindly request additional time to compile the information and provide a comprehensive response."
12.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 12.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 27.08.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127801
13. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 08.12.2023 seeking information on the following points:
Page 18 of 30a) Copy of government orders issued for constitution of purchase Committees to finalize tenders of engagement of contractors for execution of civil works for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and from August, 2019 till October, 2023 in UT of J&K.
b) Copy of minutes of the meetings of meetings of Purchase Committees to finalize tenders for engagement of contractors for execution of Bore wells/ Tube wells/ Dug wells , Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network (incl. GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till October, 2023 in UT of J&K along with copy of recommendations of the committee placed before Jal Shakti Department for approval in terms of SO-
15 dated 09/01/2020 and copy of Administrative Approval obtained from Jal Shakti Department.
c) Copy of tenders floated by Purchase Committees for tenders for engagement of contractors for execution of Bore wells/ Tube wells/ Dug wells, Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network (incl. GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till October, 2023 in UT of J&K.
d) Details of bidders who submitted bid in response to tenders floated by Purchase Committees for engagement of contractors for execution of Bore wells/ Tube wells/ Dug wells, Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network (incl. GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till October, 2023 in UT of J&K.
e) Details of work orders placed to eligible bidders for engagement of contractors for execution of Bore wells/Tube wells/ Dug wells, Over Head Tanks (OHTs), Rapid Sand Filtration Plants and Pipe Network (incl. GSRs/ SSFPs) for Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) from August, 2019 till October, 2023 in UT of J&K. 13.1. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 12.01.2024 and the same is reproduced as under:-
"Please refer to your RTI application dated 08-12-2023, which was received in this office on 11-12-2023. The response to your application was required by 11th January Page 19 of 30 2024. While some of the documents are readily available, the information requested is extensive and requires obtaining certain documents from various sources. Therefore, we kindly request additional time to compile the information and provide a comprehensive response."
13.2. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 13.3. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal/Complaint dated 29.08.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127800
14. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Information about diameters, quantity and e way bills for GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) received at store of at store of Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, Jammu for use in Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu Province as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
Sr. No. Name of Qty of pipes Date of Date of Copy of e supplier/ dispatch receipt/ name way bills for address of of location each vehicle manufacturing unit 1 2 3
b) Information about suppliers, payments, diameter, and quantity of GMS Tubes (GI Pipes) for use in Water Supply Schemes under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu province of UT of J&K as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
Sr. No. Name of Address of Quantity Date of Payment Copy of e supplier manufacturing of pipes receipt/ details way bills unit name of for each location vehicle 1 2 3 Page 20 of 30
c) Information about diameters, quantity and e way bill for ISI marked Centrifugally Cast (Spun) Ductile Iron Pipes received at store of Jal Shakti (PHE) Department, Jammu for use in Water Supply Schemes of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) in Jammu Province as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
Sr. No. Name of Qty of pipes Date of Date of Copy of e supplier/ dispatch receipt/ name way bills for address of of location each vehicle manufacturing unit 1 2 3 ..., etc./ other related information 14.1. Claiming that he had not received any response from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record. 14.2. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Complaint dated 27.08.2024.
Complaint No. CIC/JSDJK/C/2024/131428
15. The Complainant filed an RTI application dated 29.02.2024 seeking information on the following points:
a) Status of tendering/allotment of works (District wise) under Jal Jeevan Mission in Kashmir as on 29th February, 2024 as under:
S. Component District Total Works Works Works Uncompleted Remarks No. Works allotted Started completed Works 1 Borewells/ Jammu Tube wells/ Samba Dug wells Kathua Udhampur Reasi Poonch Rajouri Ramban Doda Page 21 of 30 Kishtwar Total 2 Over Head Jammu Tanks Samba (OHTs) Kathua Udhampur Reasi Poonch Rajouri Ramban Doda Kishtwar Total 3 Rapid Sand Jammu Filtration Samba Plants Kathua Udhampur Reasi Poonch Rajouri Ramban Doda Kishtwar Total 4 Pipe Jammu Network Samba (incl. GSRs/ Kathua SSFPs) Udhampur Reasi Poonch Rajouri Ramban Doda Kishtwar Total ..., etc./ other related information Page 22 of 30
15.1. Claiming that he had not received any response from the CPIO, the Complainant filed a First Appeal dated 16.04.2024. FAA's order, if any, is not available on record.
15.2. Aggrieved with the non-receipt of the FAA's order, the Complainant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal/Complaint dated 25.09.2024.
16. The Complainant arrived late and did not attend hearing of the first eight cases. He arrived midway through the hearing and participated in the hearing of the remaining cases, but refused to mark his attendance or sign his name after hearing. Mr. Sajid Mushtaq Pandit
- PIO/Technical Officer to Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti(PHE) Department, Srinagar and Mr. Varinder Singh - - PIO/Technical Officer to Chief Engineer, Jal Shakti(PHE) Department, Jammu attended the hearing through video conference.
17. The Complainant contended that he had not been provided information to his satisfaction. He reiterated the contentions from his complaints and narrated the background of the case that his promotion to the Apex Scale (LEVEL 17 in the Pay Matrix) was denied by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India by initiating Regular departmental Action under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969 on the basis of complaint by the then Chief Secretary, Government of Jammu and Kashmir. Consequently CAT proceedings followed and pensionary benefits including Pension, leave encashment and gratuity were denied to him by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India by initiating Regular departmental Action under Rule 8 of the All India Services (Discipline & Appeal) Rules, 1969. He has contended in the complaints that he sought the aforementioned information through RTI applications to substantiate his case before the Central Administrative Tribunal, Jammu and obtain his pensionary benefits. He was informed that since he has not filed Second Appeal under Section 19 of the RTI Act, but filed Complaints under Section 18 of the RTI, he cannot be provided information. Despite being repeatedly asked to specify which information sought by him is not available in the public domain, the complainant was unable to state even a single instance. He contended in a generic term that he wants information and sought opinion as to what legal recourse he should take in order to remedy the aforementioned situation regarding the withholding of Page 23 of 30 his pensionary benefits and other service related grievances he has with the employer organisation.
18. The respondents while defending their case inter alia stated that first of all the complainant has sought huge volume of information which is already available in public domain. Compiling such proportion of information would adversely impact human resources of the organisation, hence the complainant has been requested repeatedly to visit the respondents and obtain the necessary information from public records in case he is unable to locate the same on his own. However, the complainant has chosen not to visit the respondent to collect information he has sought through his RTI applications.
18.1. The respondent- PIO, Srinagar referred to written submission dated 10.11.2025 through which he has submitted common comprehensive and self explanatory contentions with respect to the first eight cases, viz. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132425, 132167,132165,132170,132169,132168,132163 and 132164 filed against the O/o Chief Engr., Jal Shakti Dept, Srinagar. He has contended that dissatisfied with the PIO's response dated 28.03.2024 in the first eight cases, the complainant filed First Appeal dated 16.04.2024 and was called for hearing on 11.06.2024 vide office letter dated 04.06.2024 for one of the RTI (out of 08) wherein, both the PIO and the appellant presented their views and discussions were held before the First Appellate Authority. The First Appellate Authority upheld the information provided by the PIO and accordingly the appeal filed by the applicant for the said application was dismissed vide office dated 12.06.2024.
The Respondent from Srinagar has further contended that the applicant was again called for hearing (1st call) on 21.06.2024 by the First Appellate Authority for remaining seven (07 No.) RTI applications vide office letter dated 12.06.2024 but the applicant did not attend. The applicant was again called for hearing (2nd Call) on 27.06.2024 vide office letter dated 21.06.2024 but again no response was received from his end.
On perusal of information provided by the PIO, the First Appellate Authority found the information in consonance with the provisions of the RTI Act 2005 and PIO has adequately addressed the queries raised by the appellant for the remaining seven (07) applications.
Page 24 of 30Accordingly, the First appeal filed by the appellant was dismissed and the decision of the Public Information Officer was upheld by First Appellate Authority vide Order dated 04.07.2024. Copy of the FAA's order has been duly placed on record by the respondent. This was followed by another appeal by the applicant before the First Appellate Authority on the ground of "Inappropriate hearing and rejection of first appeal" received on 06.08.2024 and subsequently the applicant was again called for 3 rd hearing on 21.08.2024 vide letter dated 06.08.2024, which was virtually attended by the representative of the appellant (Adv. Ashutosh Khanna), wherein FAA again upheld the information provided by the PIO vide order dated 10.10.2024 directing the PIO to provide clarifications on few points, which the PIO vide letter dated 19.10.2024 provided to the applicant. Copy of all relevant supporting documents have been attached with the written submission by the respondent.
18.2. With respect to the seven other cases filed by the same Complainant, viz. CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/130239, 130235,127803,127802,127801,127800 and 131428 filed against the O/o Chief Engr., Jal Shakti Dept, Jammu , the PIO sent a written submission dated 11.11.2025 stating that in each of the 7 cases, PIO had sent reply dated 28.03.2024 stating as under:
CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/130239: In response to queries 1 and 3 information is available on the departmental and JK Tender website respectively. With respect to query no. 2, the respondent informed that it was not applicable as per SO 15.
CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/130235: In response to queries 1 it was informed that schemes under JKIDFC, NABARD and CAPEX are in execution/in progress stage and in response to query no. 2 it was informed that no such data is maintained by the department.
CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127803: In response to queries 1 it was informed that schemes under NRDWP are in execution/in progress stage and in response to query no. 2 it was informed that no such data is maintained by the department.Page 25 of 30
CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127802: In response to all three queries, it was informed that copies of DAPs are available on the Department Website. Since the schemes are under execution so the quantity used cannot be worked out till the completion of the schemes.
CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127801: In response to queries no. 1 and 2, it was informed that the orders are available on JKGAD and Departmental websites. In response to the query no. 3 it was informed that it is not applicable as per SO 15. The information sought under queries no. 4 and 5 were "NA" and in response to query no. 6, the PIO informed that the work orders are available on the Departmental website.
CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/131428: In response to the query number 1, the respondent informed that all information of allotments are available on departmental website and with respect to query number 2, the respondent stated that the status of expenditure is available on IMIS.
The Respondent further stated in the written submission that despite the above responses dated 28.03.2024, the Complainant filed First Appeals dated 16.04.2024 and on perusal of the matter, the FAA found the PIO's response(s) to be in order and thus upheld it.
19. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the aforementioned cases, hearing the respondents and the complainant and perusal of records, observes that appropriate responses based on available records had been duly provided by the respondents, in consonance with the provisions of the RTI Act. The public authority is not mandated under the RTI Act to collect or create information. The Commission finds it pertinent to refer to the observation of the Apex Court in the decision dated 09.08.2011 in [Civil Appeal No. 6454 of 2011] in the case of Central Board Of Secondary Education & Anr. vs Aditya Bandopadhyay & Ors [(2011) 8 SCC 497]specifically discussing this aspect:
35. At this juncture, it is necessary to clear some misconceptions about the RTI Act. The RTI Act provides access to all information that is available and existing. This is clear from a combined reading of section 3 and the definitions of `information' and `right to information' under clauses (f) and (j) of section 2 of the Act. If a public authority has any information in the form of data or analysed data, or abstracts, or statistics, an applicant may access such information, subject to the exemptions in section 8 of the Act. But where Page 26 of 30 the information sought is not a part of the record of a public authority, and where such information is not required to be maintained under any law or the rules or regulations of the public authority, the Act does not cast an obligation upon the public authority, to collect or collate such non- available information and then furnish it to an applicant. A public authority is also not required to furnish information which require drawing of inferences and/or making of assumptions. It is also not required to provide `advice' or `opinion' to an applicant, nor required to obtain and furnish any `opinion' or `advice' to an applicant. The reference to `opinion' or `advice' in the definition of `information' in section 2(f) of the Act, only refers to such material available in the records of the public authority. Many public authorities have, as a public relation exercise, provide advice, guidance and opinion to the citizens. But that is purely voluntary and should not be confused with any obligation under the RTI Act.
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37. The right to information is a cherished right. Information and right to information are intended to be formidable tools in the hands of responsible citizens to fight corruption and to bring in transparency and accountability. The provisions of RTI Act should be enforced strictly and all efforts should be made to bring to light the necessary information under clause (b) of section 4(1) of the Act which relates to securing transparency and accountability in the working of public authorities and in discouraging corruption. But in regard to other information, (that is information other than those enumerated in section 4(1)(b) and (c) of the Act), equal importance and emphasis are given to other public interests (like confidentiality of sensitive information, fidelity and fiduciary relationships, efficient operation of governments, etc.). Indiscriminate and impractical demands or directions under RTI Act for disclosure of all and sundry information (unrelated to transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities and eradication of corruption) would be counter-productive as it will adversely affect the efficiency of the administration and result in the executive getting bogged down with the non- productive work of collecting and furnishing information. The Act should not be allowed to be misused or abused, to become a tool to obstruct the national development Page 27 of 30 and integration, or to destroy the peace, tranquility, and harmony among its citizens. Nor should it be converted into a tool of oppression or intimidation of honest officials striving to do their duty. The nation does not want a scenario where 75% of the staff of public authorities spends 75% of their time in collecting and furnishing information to applicants instead of discharging their regular duties. The threat of penalties under the RTI Act and the pressure of the authorities under the RTI Act should not lead to employees of a public authorities prioritizing 'information furnishing', at the cost of their normal and regular duties."
Information available in public domain records including domain name and weblink etc. have been duly provided to the complainant, vide the aforementioned responses. In so far as the Complainant's service related grievance/dispute with employer is concerned, adjudication of the same does not fall within the purview of the RTI Act, nor can his request seeking legal opinion as sought by him during hearing be entertained under the ambit of the Act. As is evident, his case is already before the appropriate legal forum viz. Hon'ble CAT, Jammu.
20. Dealing with the merits of the aforementioned cases, it is noted that information sought by the Complainant is voluminous and available as such in public domain, hence the respondent has provided appropriate response by providing the complainant with available information as defined under Section 2(f) of the RTI Act. The Complainant has chosen to approach the Commission with the aforementioned complaints and hence the only point of adjudication is to find out whether there was any willful concealment of information. Records of the cases reveal that the Respondents from both Srinagar and Jammu had sent appropriate responses to the Complainant in terms of the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. Therefore, no question of deliberate or wilful denial of information is found in these cases. The Hon'ble Supreme Court of India in the case of Chief Information Commissioner and Another v. State of Manipur and Anr. in Civil Appeal Nos. 10787-10788 of 2011 dated 12.12.2011, has specified the ambit of jurisdiction under Complaint filed invoking Section 18 of the RTI Act as under:
Page 28 of 30"...30. ...The only order which can be passed by the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission, as the case may be, under Section 18 is an order of penalty provided under Section 20. However, before such order is passed the Commissioner must be satisfied that the conduct of the Information Officer was not bona fide.
31. We uphold the said contention and do not find any error in the impugned judgment of the High court whereby it has been held that the Commissioner while entertaining a complaint under Section 18 of the said Act has no jurisdiction to pass an order providing for access to the information."
In the light of the aforementioned settled legal principle, the Commission is of the opinion that response provided by the Respondent suffers from no legal infirmity and neither any case of deliberate or malafide denial or concealment of information by the Respondents is found in the aforementioned cases. Hence, no action under Section 18 of the RTI Act is required in these cases. Accordingly, the complaints are disposed of as such.
Copy of the decision be provided free of cost to the parties.
Sd/-
(Anandi Ramalingam) (आनंिी रामललंगम) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयुक्त) दिनांक/Date: 20.11.2025 Authenticated true copy O. P. Pokhriyal (ओ. पी. पोखरियाल) Dy. Registrar (उप पं जीयक) 011-26180514 Addresses of the parties:
1. The CPIO O/o. Chief Engineer Jal Shakti (PHE) Department Kashmir, CPIO, New Engineering Complex, Silk Factory Road, Raj Bagh, Srinagar, J & K-190008 Page 29 of 30 2 The CPIO O/o. the Chief Engineer Jal Shakti (PHE) Department Jammu, CPIO, Near RTO Office, Narwal, Jammu, J & K-180006 3 Ashok Kumar Ranchhodbhai Parmar Annexure of Second Appeals/Complaint Sl. No. Second Appeal/Complaint No. 1 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132425 2 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132167 3 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132165 4 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132170 5 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132169 6 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132168 7 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/132163 8 CIC/UTOJK/A/2024/132164/C 9 CIC/JSDJK/C/2024/130239 10 CIC/JSDJK/C/2024/130235 11 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127803 12 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127802 13 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127801 14 CIC/UTOJK/C/2024/127800 15 CIC/JSDJK/C/2024/131428 Page 30 of 30 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-
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