Information about a FD and security deposit certificate was sought by a contractor - PIO: the matter being old, there was some problem in tracing out the file; reply would be provided in a few weeks - CIC: provide information in 30 days
10 Oct, 2014O R D E R
Facts:
1. The appellant filed an RTI application on 20.9.2012 seeking information about the return of a fixed deposit document and security deposit certificate. The CPIO responded on 18.10.2012. The appellant filed an appeal before the First Appellate Authority (FAA) on 21.11.2012. The FAA responded on 17.12.2012 informing the appellant that this was very old case and the file could not be traced. The appellant filed a second appeal with the Commission on 11.2.2013.
Hearing:
2. The appellant and the respondent were heard through videoconferencing.
3. The appellant referred to his RTI application of 20.9.2012 and stated that he was Railway and PWD contractor and often carried out works for the railways. The appellant stated that in the present instance, he had carried out certain works by way of residential quarters and which was completed somewhere around the year 2003 and that he has been seeking information for quite some time about the return of the FD certificate that he had deposited earlier and also for the return of the security deposit but he is not getting any information from the respondent.
4. The respondent stated that this is correct that the appellant has submitted an RTI application and that this matter has already got delayed and the reason for this delay is that the matter was an old one and there was some problem in tracing out the file. But, now the file has been traced and that they are in touch with the executing agency and within a few weeks the FD matter and security deposit matter will be settled and the RTI application would also be responded with the correct facts.
5. The respondent stated that in so far as the FD is concerned, the papers are available and that this will be done early. But, in so far as the security deposit is concerned as the matter is more than three years old, certain formalities would be required to be completed for which the Traffic Accounts department is at work. The respondent stated that a comprehensive response providing a status update will be given to the appellant in the next two or three weeks.
Decision:
6. The respondent is directed to provide a comprehensive updated status of the case to the appellant within 30 days of this order. Appeal is disposed of. Copy of this order be given free of cost to the parties.
(Vijai Sharma)
Information Commisioner
Citation: Shri Vijay Kumar Jain v. North Western Railway in Decision No.CIC/AD/A/2013/000669/VS/07905