Central Information Commission
Mr. Ravinder Kumar vs Northern Railway, New Delhi on 22 January, 2010
Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/C/2010/000030
Dated 22nd January, 2010
Name of the Complainant : MR. RAVINDER KUMAR
Name of the Public Authority : NORTHERN RAILWAY, NEW DELHI
Background
1. The Applicant filed his RTI application on 08.04.09 with the CPIO, Railway Board, New Delhi seeking information about class/category of privilege passes that may be issued to him according to service and basic pay. He also wanted to know when he is entitled to Rly. pass specifically for the period between 01.01.08 to 01.09.08 and later. The PIO replied on 14.07.09 providing the information. Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed his First Appeal on 22.07.09 stating that concerned Sr. class did not pay attention to Rly. Board letter and commenting that the PIO's reply has furnished incorrect information. On not receiving any reply, the Applicant filed a complaint before the Commission on 18.11.09 requesting for the correct information.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner scheduled the hearing for 22nd January, 2010.
3. Mr. Mohar Singh, PIO cum Sr. DMM, Mr. Rattan Chand Sr. PSC cum Nodal Officer, Mr. D.B. Malik, CDMS represented the Public Authority.
4. The Complainant was present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Respondent submitted that the Complainant's query is related to his travel allowance as a Railway servant. In this connection the Appellant produced the RPF rules 1987 which stated that the benefit of privilege passes will be admissible to all group of C & D employees even if the officers concerned are not given the scale of pay of the post but only a normal allowance. The Respondent, however, refuted the Appellant's contention and stated that the rule being quoted by the Appellant is only for the ASMs who are covered under different norms of appointment, promotion etc. The Commission after hearing both sides, holds that complete information has been provided. However, the is advised to take this matter up with higher authorities and to inform the Appellant about whether the Appellant is covered under the Railway Protection Force Rules, 1987 para 3, or not. , at the earliest. The appeal is accordingly disposed off.
6. The PIO also to showcause as to why a penalty should not be imposed upon him for not providing the information within the mandatory period of one month.
7. The appeal is accordingly disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian) Deputy Registrar Cc:
1. Mr. Ravinder Kumar # 620 New Residential Complex Centre Jain Tihar New Delhi - 110 064.
2. The PIO Northern Railway Divisional Railway Manager's Office State Entry Road New Delhi.
3. The Appellate Authority Northern Railway Divisional Railway Manager's Office State Entry Road New Delhi.
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC