Information on the ambulances purchased in connection with the Commonwealth Games 2010, which were subsequently rejected etc was sought - CIC: matter is of high public interest; provide the relevant information along with file notes and other papers
31 Aug, 2014FACTS
2. The appellant submitted that, through his RTI application dated 1-10-2011, he is seeking information on the ambulances purchased by the Respondent authority, in connection with the Commonwealth Games 2010, which were subsequently rejected and again taken from the same dealer, expenditure involved, the functional condition of the ambulances, if not functional, who is responsible for the pecuniary loss to the Government, etc. The PIO has provided information through his letter dated 8-11-2011, on which the appellant filed first appeal before the FAA. The FAA by his order dated 27-12-2011, upheld the information furnished by the PIO and directed the appellant to approach the PIO (CATS) for the rest of the information, to whom the RTI application was transferred. Claiming dissatisfaction at the information supplied by the respondent authority, the appellant filed 2nd appeal before the Commission and also on the ground that the PIO (CATS) did not supply any information as he also redirected back to the PIO (Health & FW) to get the information.
Decision:
3. Heard the submissions made by both the parties. The respondent authority is directed to provide the information relevant to purchase of rejected ambulances, without depending on any other office or public authority, along with file notes and other papers having the record of purchase of those ambulances, within one month from the date of receipt of this order. The Commission suggests the Public Authority to keep in mind that three years were passed by them, without furnishing the relevant information to the appellant. The matter is of high public interest and the appellant does not have any private interest. The information sought by him is not a secret information and not exempted under any provisions of the RTI Act and hence a serious effort shall be initiated to provide all the information to the appellant, the same should be complied within 1 month of receipt of this order.
4. The appeal is disposed of.
(M. Sridhar Acharyulu)
Information Commissioner
Citation: Mr. R.C. Gupta v. Department of Health and Family Welfare, GNCTD, Delhi in File No.CIC/AD/A/2013/001676SA