Information about the printing and issuance of currency notes and coins - the ways and means adopted by RBI to curb the circulation of fraudulent notes and the duties and responsibilities of the RBI - CIC: responsibilities of the RBI to be informed
24 Sep, 2013O R D E R
RTI application
1. The appellant filed an RTI application with the PIO on 17.5.2012 seeking information about the printing and issuance of currency notes and coins. In all, information has been sought on 5 points. The CPIO informed the appellant on 23.5.2012 that his RTI application has been sent to the concerned PIO for necessary action.
2. On not receiving final reply from the PIO, the appellant filed an appeal on 16.6.2012 with the first appellate authority (FAA). No reply of the FAA is available on the file. The appellant approached the Commission on 4.9.2012 in second appeal.
Hearing
3. The appellant and the respondent both participated in the hearing through video conferencing.
4. The appellant referred to his RTI application of 17.5.2012 and stated that had sought information about the ways and means which the RBI is adopting to curb the circulation of fraudulent notes. The appellant further stated that he wanted to know the duties and responsibilities of the RBI in this regard and the steps taken to ensure how the circulation of fraudulent currency notes is being prevented.
5. The appellant also stated that he wanted to know the amount of notes which are made available to the dealers and shopkeepers by the bank and the system that has been put in place for imposing discipline. The respondent stated that he filed this RTI application because he feels that the steps to curb the malpractices in this regard have been inadequate.
6. The respondent stated that they have already responded to the appellant on 8.6.2012 in which the responsibilities of the RBI have been clearly outlined.
7. The appellant stated that he has not received any reply from RBI.
Decision
8. The respondent is directed to resend to the appellant a copy of their letter dated 8.6.2012 along with any material available in context of the discussions in the hearing today on the RTI application. The appeal is disposed of. Copy of the decision be given free of cost to both the parties.
(Vijai Sharma)
Information Commission
Citation: Shri Ghanshyam Das Maheshwari v. RBI in Decision No. CIC/VS/A/2012/001444/04692