Use of bilingual language in official documents - all forms and stationery are available bilingually - reason for the computer printing of pass books in English alone and reason why the computer printing is not bilingual - CIC: provide the information
12 Sep, 2013ORDER
RTI application:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application on 14.2.2012 seeking information pertaining to the use of bilingual language in official documentations.
2. The PIO responded on 12.03.2012 and provided pointwise information to the appellant. The appellant filed a first appeal on 12.04.2012 with the first appellate authority (FAA). The FAA responded on 12.05.2012 and upheld the decision of CPIO. The appellant filed a second appeal on 14.08.2012 with the Commission.
Hearing:
3. The appellant and the respondent both participated in the hearing through video conferencing.
4. The appellant stated that he wants to know why is the computer printing of pass books still continuing in English and why has the computer printing of pass books not started in Hindi.
5. The respondent stated that the CPIO responded with pointwise information to the appellant on 12.03.2012 and the first appellate authority upheld the decision of CPIO. The respondent stated, in a communication to the Commission on 12.08.2013, that they are following the official language policy vigorously in their banks. The respondent stated in the hearing that all related forms and stationery are available bilingually.
6. The appellant stated that he wants to get the following information: (i) reason for the computer printing of pass books still continuing in English; and (ii) any specific reason why the computer printing is not bilingual in all matters.
Decision:
7. The respondent is directed to provide to the appellant, within 30 days of this order, the information sought in para 6. The appeal is disposed of. Copy of decision be given free of cost to the parties.
(Vijai Sharma)
Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri Puttu Lal Gupta v. State Bank of India in Decision No.CIC/VS/A/2012/001300/04424