Central Information Commission
Shabbirahmed F Shaikh vs Ministry Of External Affairs on 16 March, 2017
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
2nd Floor, 'B' Wing, August Kranti Bhawan
Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi-110066
Tel: +91-11-26186535
Appeal No.CIC/KY/A/2016/000350
Appellant: Shabbir Ahmed Shaikh,
1274, Navgharis Pole, Near Rangila Pole,
Shahpur, Ahmedabad, Gujarat-380001.
Respondent: Central Public Information Officer
Haj Committee of India, Haj House,
7A, M.R.A. Marg, Mumbai-400001.
Date of Hearing: 10.03.2017
Date of Decision: 10.03.2017
ORDER
Facts:
1. The appellant filed RTI application dated 16.03.2015 seeking information on 4 points regarding Haj applications and funds received by Haj Committee of India for Haj pilgrimage to Saudi Arabia during FY 2013-14 to 2015-16 with regard to (i) No. of applications received for Haj pilgrimage for FY 2013-14 to 2015-16, (ii) Amount of non-refundable processing fee received (iii) Purposes for which non-refundable processing fee is collected and (iv) Funds received and utilized for Haj pilgrimage.
2. The CPIO responded on 13.07.2015 by giving a point wise reply. The appellant filed first appeal dated 25.07.2015 before the first appellate authority (FAA). The FAA responded on 05.10.2015. The appellant filed second appeal to the Commission on 15.02.2016 on the ground that information should be provided to him.
Hearing:
3. The appellant and the respondent participated in the hearing.
4. The appellant stated that he wants to know the purpose of utilization of Rs. 300/- collected from each Haj applicant; Profit and Loss account and Balance Sheet of Haj Committee for the year 2013, 2014 and 2015. The appellant stated that before 2013 no such amount Rs. 300 being was collected by the Committee.
5. The respondent stated that the total amount received towards non refundable processing fees has been furnished to the appellant. The respondent stated that out of Rs. 300/- non refundable processing fees collected from the piligrims, an amount of Rs. 150 is paid to State Haj Committees from 2013. This amount is utilized for meeting various administrative expenses incurred towards processing of Haj Application Forms, Passports, MOFA of Haj, Visa Stationary, Bracelets, Identity Card, Haj Guide , Medical Inoculation etc. by HCOI and State Haj Committees.
Discussion/ observation:
6. The Commission observed that the Profit & Loss account and Balance Sheet should be on public domain.
Decision:
7. The respondent is directed to provide Profit & Loss account and Balance Sheet of Haj Committee for the years 2013, 2014 and 2015within 30 days of this order. This should also be put-up on their website.
The appeal is disposed of. Copy of the order be given to the parties free of cost.
(Radha Krishna Mathur) Chief Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy (S.C. Sharma) Dy. Registrar