Appellant: Why juniors in the same Trade are drawing higher pay? Clarify the case and rectify the observations - PIO replied and claimed that the grievance was resolved - CIC is not an appropriate forum for raising grievance but to disseminate information
15 Aug, 2021Information Sought:
The appellant has sought the following information with regard to anomaly in his pay:
As per pay slip for July, 2017, the appellant has been placed at Band Pay of Rs.33900/- p.m. instead of Rs.34900/- p.m. Whereas his juniors in the same Trade (PNA) are drawing higher pay. Clarify the case and rectify the observations on the issues of Band Pay and explain how his juniors are getting more basic pay than him.
Grounds for Second Appeal
The CPIO has not provided the satisfactory information.
Submissions made by Appellant and Respondent during Hearing:
The appellant was not present to plead his case. However, in his second appeal memo he had stated that he is not satisfied with the reply of the CPIO. He has prayed that his case may be reviewed and an early action may be taken. The CPIO submitted that an appropriate reply was given to the appellant on 16.10.2018. He also informed that the grievance of the appellant was resolved in the month of September, 2019 and his salary was kept at par with his juniors as mentioned by him.
Observations:
From a perusal of the relevant case records, it is noted that the appellant through his RTI application had raised a grievance regarding his pay while submitting that the basic pay of his juniors is more than his basic pay and also that they have been promoted whereas he was not, so he wanted an explanation in this regard. Even though the CPIO had given some information to the appellant and his grievance has been resolved as on now, however, it is brought to the notice of the appellant that the Commission is not an appropriate forum for raising such grievances as the core job of the Commission is to ensure that information is disseminated. Therefore, he is advised to approach the Grievance Redressal Cell of the organisation for settlement of his grievance.
Decision:
In view of the above, the Commission upholds the reply of the CPIO and does not find any scope for further intervention in the matter.
The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Vanaja N. Sarna
Information Commissioner
Citation: Mallikarjuna Rao Thota v. Pay Accounts Office (Other Rank), Army Medical Corps in File no.: - CIC/CGDAC/A/2019/137947, Date of Decision: 02/06/2021