Inputs of Flight Standards Directorate on Renewal of pilot licenses - PIO: Renewal of Pilot License is a generic term and inputs might have been provided on various occasions on case to case - CIC: Information cannot be provided without specific details
11 Sep, 2023Information sought:
The Appellant sought following information:
“1. Please refer to the information provided by you, to the information sought by me, vide SI. No 5, of your later F.N00/24/20174-11, dated 06 Dec 21, Sub: RTI Application dated 08.11.2021 under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (Copy attached)
2. I have sought very specific information, pertaining to, the file noting/ views/ comments/ inputs/ advice etc, of the Flight Standards Directorate (FOls/ SFOls/ Dy CFOIs/CFOI), on the subject RENEWAL OF PILOT LICENSES, from the period, 01 Jan 2020 to date, hence, the same is not generic. As far as the File number is concerned, the same should be known to you and available with you, as those belongs to you. lt is kindly requested that you may forward my RTI, to the Flight Standards Directorate, to obtain the information and the file number, if the same is not known to you and provide the information, in whatsoever form that it may be, or direct me to obtain the information, directly from the Flight Standards Directorate.”
PIO furnished reply, vide letter dated 12.04.2022, as under:
The subject matter (Renewal of Pilot Licenses) is generic term and inputs/comments from FSD on the matter might have been provided on various occasions from time to time and on case to case basis during the period specified in the application. Therefore, the information cannot be provided, without having specific details.
Dissatisfied with the response received from PIO, Appellant filed First Appeal, vide letter dated 10.05.2022.
The FAA vide order dated 27.05.2022 upheld the reply furnished by the CPIO
Written submission dated 22.08.2023 has been received from the CPIO and same is taken on record for perusal
Grounds for Second Appeal:
The PIO has not provided correct information to the Appellant.
Relevant Facts emerging during Hearing:
The following were present: -
Appellant: Present via phone
Respondent:
1. Mr. Chandramani Pandey, Dy Director, DGCA
2. Mr. V. Santhanam, Dy. Director, DGCA
The Appellant stated that the relevant information has not been furnished to him till date. He requested to direct the PIO to furnish the information as sought.
The Respondent reiterated the averments made in their written submission and stated that the issuance/ renewal of pilot licenses is a function of DTL (Directorate of Training & Licensing), DGCA. DTL is the nodal directorate for the same, however some cases related with license issue/renewal/endorsement etc. are received by FSD (Flight Standards Directorate) from DTL to obtain specific comments/inputs/views of FSD (FOIs/ SFOIs/ Dy. CFOls/ CFOIs), whenever required on case to case basis during the period specified in the application. Furthermore, as per office records, there was no file available in FSD with the title name Renewal of Pilot Licenses.
Decision:
At the outset, Commission directs the concerned PIO to furnish a copy of their latest written submission along with annexures if any, to the Appellant, free of cost via speed-post and via e-mail, within 07 days from the date of receipt of this order and accordingly, compliance report be sent to the Commission.
Keeping in view the facts of the case and the submissions made during hearing, the Commission is of the view that an appropriate response as per the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005 has been provided by the Respondent since only such information that is held and available with a public authority can be provided to the information seekers and giving reasons/ opinions/ interpretations, etc are beyond the scope of duty of the CPIO. Hence, no further intervention of the Commission is required in the instant matter.
The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Heeralal Samariya
Information Commissioner
Citation: Lt. Col. Rajendran J. (Retd.) v. Directorate General of Civil Aviation, CIC/DGOCA/A/2022/636015; Date of Decision: 25.08.2023