Central Information Commission
Mr.Prahalad Puri vs Punjab National Bank on 14 January, 2013
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
CLUB BUILDING (NEAR POST OFFICE)
OLD JNU CAMPUS, NEW DELHI110 067
TEL: 01126179548
Decision No.CIC/SM/A/2011/002069/VS/01785
Appeal No.CIC/SM/A/2011/001785/VS
Dated: 14.1.2013
Appellant: Shri Prahalad Puri,
S/o Late Shri Kunwar Puri,
VillVehata Gusai,
DisttBudaun,
U.P.
Respondent: Public Information Officer,
Sarva U.P. Gramin Bank,
Regional Office,
Civil Lines,
Budaun, U.P.
Date of Hearing: 14.1.2013
ORDER
Facts:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application on 07.02.2011 seeking information relating to the debt waiver scheme and related issues.
2. The PIO responded on 05.03.2011. The PIO further informed on 3.5.2011 that the debt waiver and debt relief scheme was applicable for the 2008 debtors. The appellant filed a first appeal on 24.5.2011 with the first appellate authority (FAA). The FAA responded on 18.6.2011 and upheld the PIO decision. The appellant filed a second appeal on 18.08.2011 with the Commission.
Hearing:
3. The appellant participated in the hearing and recalled his RTI application which had 7 points. The appellant stated that the RTI Act was responded to with delay which was a contravention of the RTI Act. It was further stated that of the 7 points of information, he received information on only the fourth point and in so far as information on the other points is concerned, that was incomplete and misleading.
4. The appellant stated that the information that he sought was with reference to the Central Government's Loan Waiver Scheme, the details, list of those who availed of the benefits, the addresses and names of the personnel working in the bank, the expenditure on a generator set and the process for handling the complaints received in the bank. The appellant stated that he did not have faith in the bank.
5. The respondent stated that they made every effort to provide the information and that the information was given in July 2011, though it was after the order of the FAA. The respondent stated that he is ready with all the information and every document pertaining to the RTI application would be made available for inspection by the appellant and the photo copies of the pertinent documents would also be provided. The respondent said that the information being sought is very spread out hence the appellant would be given facility to inspect all the available documents.
6. The appellant stated that he will not come to the bank office and expected the information to be given to him at one place, which should be delivered to him.
7.The respondent stated that if the appellant does not want come to the office, he would go to the village itself where the appellant lives to provide the information.
8. The appellant stated that he will neither go the office of the bank nor there is any need for the respondent to come to his place of residence, he needed the information in the routine form. The appellant further stated that the respondent has already contravened the RTI Act because of the late submission of information, which is also incomplete and misleading.
9. It is understandable that the points on which the information is sought is quite spread out and covers a very large canvas. The difficulty in providing the information comprehensively can be understood. However, what is expected is that the bank must provide the information on time and as necessary enable the appellant to inspect the relevant files with provision of photo copies of the pertinent documents.
Decision:
10. The respondent is directed to:
(a) provide information as available regarding points 1, 4, 5, 6, and 7 of the RTI application;
(b) enable inspection of the file regarding points 2 and 3 and provide photo copies of the pertinent documents;
(c) show cause why action should not be taken against the respondent for contravening the timelines prescribed in the RTI Act; and
(d) comply with the above within 30 days of issuance of this order.
The appeal is disposed of. Copy of decision be given free of cost to the parties.
(Vijai Sharma) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy (V.K. Sharma) Designated Officer