Addition of surname in son’s name in service record - CIC: Delay of 05 days in transferring the RTI application from Min of Defence to Dept of Military Affairs and a further delay of 15 days to the PIO - CIC: PIO cautioned to strictly follow the timelines
10 May, 2022Information Sought:
The complainant had submitted a request dated 24 Jan 2020 to the Zila Sainik Kalyan Board (ZSKB), Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh for addition of surname in his son’s name in his service record. The said letter was forwarded by ZSKB to BS on 24/01/2020. In this regard, he has sought the following information:
1. Provide the copy of the Dak Inward Register evidencing the receipt of letter dated 24/01/2020, referred to above.
2. Provide the daily progress report for the action taken on the said letter.
3. Name & designation of the officials who have dealt with the said letter. Also provide remarks/views/comments/ opinion given by the said officials.
4. And other related information.
Grounds for filing Complaint:
The CPIO did not provide the desired information.
Submissions made by Complainant and Respondent during Hearing:
The complainant was not present to plead his case despite service of hearing notice on 25.02.2022 vide speed post acknowledgment No. ED038593294IN. However, in his complaint he had stated that since the desired information was not provided to him inspite of expiry of the time limit specified under the RTI Act, penalty may be imposed on the concerned CPIO and he may be compensated for the harassment caused to him.
The CPIO submitted that a final reply was given on 01.10.2020. He further submitted that before the hearing also they talked to the appellant and he informed that he will not attend the hearing as he is satisfied and his grievance has been redressed.
Observations:
From a perusal of the relevant case records, it is noted that undoubtedly there was a delay of 05 days in transferring the RTI application from Ministry of Defence to Department of Military Affairs. Thereafter, there was a further delay of 15 days in forwarding the RTI application to the CPIO Rakesh Rawat. While disposing of the RTI application on 05.08.2020, the CPIO had stated that since the concerned PIO holding the information is not aligned to the online portal, the RTI application has been forwarded by post to the concerned PIO for final disposal.
Decision:
In view of the above, the Commission accepts the submissions of the CPIO and does not find any scope for further intervention in the matter. However, the concerned CPIO is cautioned to strictly follow the timelines stipulated under the RTI Act.
The complaint is disposed of accordingly.
Vanaja N. Sarna
Information Commissioner
Citation: Virendra Yadav v. The Commodore, Bureau of Sailors (BS) in File No.:- CIC/INAVY/C/2020/685461, Date of Decision: 11/03/2022