CIC: It is a sad state of affairs that even after 9 years, appellant has not received the reward money of Rs. 500/- due to administrative reasons; provide the details of winding up of the scheme, appellant’s contribution & refund status of the same

File noting related to grant of award & the contribution made under the scheme was sought - PIO: the Reward Sanctioning Authority having exceeded the financial limits and the matter is pending with the Government - CIC: It is a sad state of affairs that even after 9 years, appellant has not received the reward money of Rs. 500/- due to administrative reasons; provide the details of winding up of the scheme, appellant’s contribution & refund status of the same

ORDER

Information sought:

The appellant sought information regarding order no. 13/D2/Estt-II/IGP/2006/POL dated 15.08.2006, issued by IGP, granting reward of Rs. 500/- in recognition of good work done by him for Chief Minister Medal 2006, status of contribution made by him for two schemes under superannuation fund in Puducherry Police Welfare Society and file notings of MACP.

Relevant facts emerging during hearing:

Since, both the above mentioned appeals are same, both are being clubbed together for hearing to avoid multiplicity of proceedings. Both parties are present and heard. The appellant was represented by Shri Ganesh. The appellant filed an RTI application on 05.08.2013 seeking the above information. PIO, Supdt. Of Police Training & Welfare vide letter dated 19.09.2013 informed the appellant that it was decided to wind up the said schemes by refunding the amount with nominal benefit and matter regarding another scheme to be launched is under consideration of the society and decision will be taken in this regard shortly. PIO, Sudpt. of Police (HQ) vide letter dated 08.10.2013 provided point wise reply to the appellant. Being not satisfied with the response of the public authority, appellant filed the present appeal before the Commission. The appellant stated that file notings related to award of Rs. 500/- to the appellant and details regarding the contribution made under the scheme has not been provided to him till date and requested for direction to provide the same. The respondent stated that delay is due to the Reward Sanctioning Authority having exceeded the financial limits and the matter is pending with the Government. Now, on 19.01.2015, they have sent a proposal to the Government for enhancing the reward budget to Rs. 15 lakhs per year and after receipt of government sanction, old reward dues will be cleared. Regarding contribution made under the scheme, the respondent stated that the said scheme was closed and the appellant was intimated in this regard. He further stated that MACP has been awarded to the appellant and arrears along with other benefits have already been provided to him.

Decision:

After hearing both the parties and on perusal of record, the Commission directs the respondent to provide the complete information regarding winding up of the scheme in question along with details of appellant’s contribution and refund status of the same to him, within two weeks of receipt of this order, under intimation to the Commission. The Commission notes with concern that a man in uniform has not received a reward amount of Rs. 500/- for the Hon’ble Chief Minister Medal 2006. It is a sad state of affairs that even after 9 years, he has not received the reward money of Rs. 500/- due to administrative reasons. The Commission directs the PIO to bring this matter in the knowledge of Chief Secretary, Government of Puducherry for information and necessary action in this regard. The appeals are disposed of accordingly.

(Yashovardhan Azad)

Information Commissioner

Citation: Shri R. Segar Puducherry v. Police Dept. in F.No. CIC/YA/A/2014/000706, F.No. CIC/YA/A/2014/001334