Dimapur, May 3 (MExN): Public information officers of PHE, PWD (R&B), PCCF and Soil are in the dock for failing to provide specified information to an applicant under the Right to Information Act (RTI). The PIOs, initially informed to have cited ignorance of the procedures in dispensation of the information demanded, have been served show-cause notice by the State Information Commission, why they should not be penalized.
That is, a penalty of Rs 43,000 in fines for delaying the demanded information for 172 days. Rs 250 for every day delayed, that is. NGRC-I CU president KC Angami had filed for information from the PHED requesting documents related to supply and construction works under the department w.e.f. January, 2006 update.
Not receiving it within the time limit of 30 days, he submitted a first appeal to the Appellate Authority, Directorate of PHED. The same happened – he did not receive any info. Angami therefore called for a second appeal before the Commission on March 9, 2007 praying for necessary action. The appeal was heard by the Commission on 18.4.2007.
The PHED PIO stated that he had received the application but not the fee of Rs. 10. He expressed ignorance of the information or the details, as levels of officers in the department have their delegated powers consignee and agreements at appropriate levels.
The Chief Engineer and Appellate Authority, PHED also expressed that they are not experienced and were not clear whether the information sought relate to “Directorate of district level information.”
The appellant did not agree to the plea about ignorance of RTI provisions or procedures. He stated that information for 8 months only w.e.f. January, 2006, was sought and if the department has not issued any work order during that period, they reply should have been given accordingly.
The same happened with the PWD. Angami submitted an application under RTI to the PIO, Chief Engineer, PWD (Housing) Nagaland, Kohima requesting for construction work documents. Not receiving any response within 30 days, the applicant submitted an appeal before the first appellate Authority. Again, he did not receive any decision from the Appellate Authority within the statutory time limit. The matter was heard by the full Commission on the 18.th The PIO was stated to be on tour. Here, the APIO also stated that he was unaware about the request for information.
On both the cases, the commission took note of the delay and also of not providing the information requested. All the concern officials of the above state departments have been asked to appear before the full Commission on May 15 and to show reasons why they should not pay the penalty. The commission also directed the departments to furnish the information requested, within 10 working days from the issue of this order.
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