Department of post ordered to take steps for payment of KVP
7 Mar, 2012Background
The appellant sought reasons for non-payment of the amount due on the Kisan Vikas Patras (KVPs) which he purchased from Head Post Office, Agra in the year 2000. The maturity year of these instruments was 2005 but the appellant claimed that even after the expiry of the maturity date, the Department did not pay the due amount to him. He also submitted that he has been knocking at every door to realize the amount against these instruments. The Lok Adalat of the Department headed by Post Master General, Agra agreed to pay the principal amount of Rs. 50,000/- which the appellant didn’t accept stating that the said amount has been lying with the Department since 2000 and, therefore, he is entitled to interest thereon.
View of CIC
The respondent submitted that the matter was pending in the District Consumer Forum at Agra for the decision and the case is scheduled again for the next hearing. The Central Information Commission noted that the core issue of payment of amount due to the appellant has not been addressed either in the PIO’s order or in the order of the First Appellate Authority. The respondent admitted before the Commission that the instruments were genuine and the amount could not be paid to the appellant as an employee of the Postal Department had committed a fraud in this matter.
The Commission observed that it is purely a departmental matter. The appellant cannot be held responsible for this fraud and his hard earned money cannot be allowed to evaporate into the thin air. The Commission observed that it does not speak well for any of the Department and clearly militates against the principles of equity, justice and fair play. The Post Master General, Agra, was directed by the Commission to take steps for payment of the principal amount and the interest to the appellant as per rules.
Comments
The RTI Act is principally about seeking and obtaining information. However, the Commission has directed to take affirmative action in many cases in the interest of equity, justice and fair play.
Citation: Smt. Mithilesh Kumari v. Dept.of Posts in file no. CIC/LS/A/2011/001666
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/143
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission