Information regarding the design, supply, installation, testing & commissioning of 25 portable VSATs along with Accident site communication system for Disaster Management was sought - CIC: Inspection of documents in respect of the Railways tender allowed
22 May, 2015ORDER
RTI Application:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application dated 13.02.2013 seeking detailed work information, i.e., design, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of 25 nos remote quick deployable suitcase type portable VSATs along with Accident site communication system on ARTs for Disaster Management over Indian Railways Tender No. IRPMU/W/2011/179/Disaster Management (VSAT) dated 12.12.2011. The CPIO responded on 11.03.2013. The appellant filed first appeal dated 09.04.2013 with the first appellate authority. The FAA responded on 08.05.2013. The appellant filed second appeal on 30.07.2013 with the Commission.
Hearing:
2. The appellant and the respondent both participated in the hearing personally.
3. The appellant referred to his RTI application and stated that he sought information about a tender mentioned in the RTI application and incomplete information was provided to him.
4. The respondent stated that they provided copy of tender document along with corrigendum, copy of letter of acceptance, details of schedule of items and trial and demonstration reports vide letter dated 08.05.2013. The respondent further stated that portable VSAT equipment along with accident site communication equipment comes in the category of critical/security equipment used for strategic purposes of Disaster Management in Indian railway. The equipments in the subject are also interlinked with material related to Ministry of Defence. Therefore, these information cannot be disclosed to third party u/s 8(1)(a) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence; of the RTI Act. These information are also related to commercial confidence, trade secret/national security related issues and intellectual property exempted u/s 8(1)(d) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, there shall be no obligation to give any citizen, information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information; of the RTI Act.
Decision:
5. The respondent is directed to enable the appellant to inspect the relevant file within 30 days of this order. The appeal is disposed of. Copy of decision be given free of cost to the parties.
(Vijai Sharma)
Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri Laxmi Singh v. Indian Railway Project Management Unit in Decision No.CIC/BS/A/2013/002265/VS/09430