Appellant sought confirmation regarding the authenticity of unsigned DAVP rate card - Respondent: any confirmation is to be done by Chairman, DAVP; the minutes are self-explanatory & the covering letter is a confirmation in itself - CIC: Appeal dismissed

Information sought:

The appellant sought information on 6 points regarding authenticity of DAVP rate card for Audio-Video Productions (2012-15).

Relevant facts emerging during hearing:

Both parties are present. The appellant filed an RTI application on 15.02.2013, seeking the above information. The PIO in his reply stated that the queries sought do not fall under the definition of ‘information’ u/s 2(f) “information” means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force; of the RTI Act. The FAA too dismissed the appeal while upholding the PIO’s decision. The appellant stated that information sought was very specific and that he is only seeking confirmation regarding the authenticity of unsigned DAVP rate card whether it is approved or not as there is no seal or signature on the same of the members who attended the meeting of Rate Fixation Committee. The respondent from NFDC stated that they are just a signatory member of the committee and any confirmation is to be done by Chairman, DAVP, who is the head of the committee and not by their organisation. The appellant stated that the Committee members have signed the covering letter of the said meeting but not the actual rate card which is annexed thereto. The respondent from NFDC stated that the minutes are self-explanatory and that the covering letter signed by the members is a confirmation in itself. On query by the Commission from the respondent from DAVP, the respondent stated that the said rate is authenticated and is issued under the seal of the Director, DAVP.

Decision:

After hearing both the parties and perusal of record, the Commission affirms with the view of the respondents that the said minutes of the meeting are self-explanatory and that the rate card annexed thereto is authenticated. No further information can be provided to the appellant. The appeal is accordingly disposed of accordingly.

(Yashovardhan Azad)

Information Commissioner

Citation: Shri Parmod Suri v. National Film Development Corporation Limited in F.No.CIC/DS/A/2013/002275-YA