How should an application be processed by a PIO?

i)                   Check whether application money (fee) has been paid properly.

ii)                Examine whether what has been sought is ‘Information’ as per the Act.

iii)              Examine whether the information sought pertains to him and,

a.       If it is the subject-matter of another Public Authority, transfer the application to the concerned PIO within 5 days under intimation to the applicant.

b.      Seek help of other officer(s) within the Public Authority, if required.

iv)              Examine whether third party information is involved and if the PIO intends to disclose the same, issue a notice within 5 days to it.

v)                 Examine whether the information sought is exempted from disclosure and if so, whether partial information can be provided.

vi)              Calculate if further fee is required to be paid and if yes,

a.       Intimate it to the applicant giving the details of calculations and name and address of the appellate authority and the time limit within which an appeal may be filed.

b.      Receive further fee and ensure correctness of it.