Eliciting information related to APL, BPL and AAY cards under RTI

Background

The applicant filed an application under Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Department of Food & Supplies, Government of National Capital territory of Delhi (GNCTD) seeking information related to the allocation and sale of wheat, rice, and sugar during the months of September and October, 2011. He also wanted some information related to Above Poverty Line (APL), Below Poverty Line (BPL) and Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) cards which were registered. The Public Information Officer (PIO) provided point wise reply and enclosed 53 pages of information. The applicant filed the First Appeal and stating that incorrect information has been furnished to him while pointing out some discrepancies in the information provided by the PIO and that given in the cards. The First Appellate Authority (FAA) directed the PIO to provide complete information. In compliance with the Appellate Authority’s order, the PIO replied to the appellant once again stating that the information has already been furnished to him.

View of CIC

The Central Information Commission (CIC) noted that the appellant has not sought any specific information but was only expressing his grievance against the Public Authority for issuing fake BPL & AAY cards. The Commission held that it is not clear as to what information the appellant is still seeking. However, the Commission directed the PIO to once again review the First Appeal and provide the required clarification in respect of the discrepancies pointed out by the appellant in it.

Comment

While filing the second appeal the appellant should clearly state the grounds for second appeal and the desired information for which the appeal is being filed.

Citation: Mr. Mahipal Sahoo v. Department of Food &Supplies, Government of NCT of Delhi, in File No. CIC/AD/A/2012/001384