Central Information Commission
Mr. Shri Subhash Chandra Agrawal vs Ministry Of Railways on 16 June, 2010
Central Information Commission
CIC/OP/A/2009/000004AD
Dated June 16, 2010
Name of the Applicant : Shri S. C. Agrawal
Name of the Public Authority : Ministry of Railways, New Delhi
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application on 23.10.08 with the PIO, Min. of Railways asking for the following information/documents:
(i) Yearwise data of new employment provided in Railways in accordance with residents of States in the last five years.
(ii) Yearwise data of new trains and extension of frequency of existing trains according to states of origination/termination in last five years.
(iii) Statewise details of new factories/units attached to Railways (like coach factories) mentioning investment made in such units yearwise in last five years.
(iv) Statewise annual budgetary allocation by Railways in last five years
(v) Any other related information
(vi) Filenotings
After the Applicant's first appeal made on 5.12.2008 on not receiving any information,, the PIO replied to the Applicant on 28.11.08 enclosing information against point 2 giving details of new trains along with originating and terminating stations and informing the Applicant that trains are not introduced statewise in Indian Railways. Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant preferred a second appeal before the Commission on 30.1.09 stating that incomplete information has been provided to him against point 2 and that state wise information has not been furnished .
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing for June 16, 2010.
3. Shri V.K. Samuel, APIO & Shri Niraj Verma, Director represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant was present during the hearing.
Decision
5. During the hearing, with regard to point 2, the Respondent explained that new trains are not introduced state wise . Hence no such data is maintained by the Railways. With regard to the point 4 in the second appeal, the PIO, Rly. Board is directed to obtain available information with regard to the Statewise Annual Budget Allocations by Railways in the last 5 years from the ED(Budget) including the budget sets after ensuring that the relevant portions are flagged, to facilitate easy access to information by the Appellant. Information against point 1 regarding statewise data of new employment in Railways in accordance with residents in states to be obtained from different RRBs and furnished to the Appellant. Information against point No.3 may be obtained from Dir (PSUs) and provided to the Appellant. ED(RRB) to coordinate with RRBs for obtaining the information. All information to be provided by end July, 2010, free of cost, to the Appellant.
6. The appeal is accordingly disposed of (Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian) Deputy Registrar Cc:
1. Shri S.C. Agrawal, 1775, Kucha Lattushah Dariba Delhi110006
2. The PIO Railway Board, New Delhi
3. The Appellate Authority Railway Board, New Delhi
4. Officer incharge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC