The prompt response of Public Authority receives appreciation from CIC
4 Aug, 2012Background
Through an application filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the appellant brought to the notice of the Public Information Officer (PIO) the fact that the smart card window printer installed at one of the railway office of the public authority was giving illegible printouts. He asked the PIO what can be done by him in this matter and what could be the time limit for fixing the problem. The PIO informed the applicant that all the printers (TVS) will be replaced by new printers very soon. The First Appellate Authority (FAA) stated that instructions have already been given to all commercial staff for replacement of used ribbon.
View of CIC
The Central Information Commission (CIC) noted that the appellant has not sought any information in material form, but has made a request to the public authority to look into a certain problem which has occurred in the printer installed in one of the office. The Commission stated that this was something which cannot be examined or decided under the RTI Act. However, the Commission appreciated the fact that the respondents promptly acted on the appellant’s request and have taken necessary action in the matter.
Comments
A public authority should try to imbibe the spirit of the RTI Act and not merely restrict to providing ‘information’. The railways deserve appreciation for the good work and other organisations should emulate the same.
Citation: Mr. D.S. Pawar v. Central Railway Office in File No. CIC/AD/A/2012/000830
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/535
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission