CIC directs MCD to computerise complaints registration and disposal process
7 Aug, 2013
An application was filed with the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act seeking to get information about the actions taken by the local body on complaints of illegal constructions in Shahdara.
As the applicant was not satisfied with the answer provided in the reply, he approached the Central Information Commission (CIC). The CIC found out during the hearing that in many cases information is not provided to the applicants on the grounds that the complaint could not be traced. The information commission held that the situation can be controlled by resorting to a computerised system whereby the complaints by the citizens could be tracked and monitored.
Under the powers granted under Section 19(8)(a)(iii) and Section 19(8)(a)(iv) of the RTI Act, the CIC ordered the three Municipal Corporations of Delhi to initiate a time bound action for computerization of complaints registration and disposal processes. The CIC directed the Commissioners of the three municipal corporations to allocate funds for the purpose which might require additional computers, staff and their training. The CIC also directed the MCD to submit an action taken report on the said order.
Should other organisations follow the suit or wait for an order by another information commission?