Central Information Commission
Mr.Kailash Chandra Panda vs Bsnl, Bhubaneswar on 5 May, 2009
Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/C/09/00236
Dated May 5, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Mr.Kailash Chandra Panda
Name of the Public Authority : BSNL, Bhubaneswar
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.27.12.08 with the CPIO, BSNL, Bhubaneswar. He requested for the following specific information regarding deferment from disconnection regarding 150 Top defaulters of Koraput Telecom District:
i) What is the term temporary exemption from disconnection of a number.
ii) What is its period
iii) Is the DE or any other officer authorized in this regard by the GM/DM
as per the guideline have approved for deferment of disconnection of the top 150 working numbers
iv) If so, certified copy of all such order/s
v) If there is no such deferment order and later approval of DET has not been given, , who is responsible for not disconnecting the telephones
vi) Is there any provision to contemplate a departmental action against the delinquent officer/official who has not taken any action to pass any deferment order and report the same to DE for approval
vii) If there is such provision will BSNL take any action against the delinquent officials
viii) If no, reasons thereof.
He also provided a schedule of the top 150 defaulters of the Koraput Telcom district as on 30.11.08.
On 1.1.09 the SSP, Koraput Division transferred the RTI request to the General Manager cum CPIO, BSNL Bhubaneshwar for disposal at their end under intimation to the Applicant. The CPIO, Bhubaneshwar replied on 3.2.09 providing point wise information.
Aggrieved with this decision, the Applicant filed a complaint before the CIC on 27.2.09 stating that he had asked for the information about the number of telephones having huge outstanding billsm which have not been disconnected. According to the Applicant the GM, Telecom District has neither issued any deferment order nor has power been delegated to any officer of the Telecom District for temporary exemption from disconnection. He also added that some BSNL officers are also defaulters and the total outstanding amount against 150 numbers is nearly Rs.26,75,722/-.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing for May 5, 2009.
3. Both the Appellant and the Respondent were absent at the hearing Decision
4. After reviewing the documents provided to the Commission by the Complainant, the Commission directs the CPIO to provide complete th information as sought in the RTI request by 30 May, 2009 and also directs the CPIO to show cause why a penalty of Rs.250/- per day should not be imposed on him for not providing the information within the mandatory period. The response to reach the Commission with 15 days of the issue of this Order.
5. The appeal is disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian) Asst. Registrar Cc:
1. Shri Kailash Chandra Panda Telephone Bhawan Malkangiri Colony 764 048 Orissa
2. Mr.U.S.Panda The CPIO & General Manager (O) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited O/o Chief General Manager Telecom Orissa Circle, Unit III Bhubaneswar 751 001
3. Officer in charge, NIC
4. Press E Group, CIC