-: [rti4empowerment] Train Passport Offices in RTI in Next 3 months

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

[rti4empowerment] Train Passport Offices in RTI in Next 3 months - CIC [1 Attachment]

[Attachment(s) from Sunil Ahya included below]

Dear Friends,

Central Information Commission's instructs Passport Offices across the country to train Passport Officials in RTI Act, in next three months.

Appellant: Shri C J Karira

Respondent: Ministry of External Affairs

EXCERPTS FROM THE DECISION:

INQUIRY ORDERED FOR DISCIPLINARY ACTION:

There seems to be total indifference on the part of the security guards towards the propriety that needs to be maintained in an office atmosphere which is frequented by the public, therefore Inquiry Ordered u/s. 18(2) of the RTI Act. The inquiry report along with information on action taken on the individuals may be sent to the Appellant by 30 August, 2011, under intimation to the Commission.

SHOW-CAUSE PENALTY NOTICE:

Show-cause as to why a penalty should not be imposed upon PIO for seemingly willfully obstructing the supply of information to the Appellant. The response to reach the Commission by 25 August, 2011.

COMPLIANCE WITH SECTION 4 OF THE RTI ACT:

It seems from the Appellant's submission that very little attempt has been made by the Public Authority (passport office) to comply with the provisions under Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, although the Law has been in force for nearly 6 years. The Appellate Authority is therefore directed to ensure (with reference to the Appellant's first appeal) that not just the passport office in Secunderabad but all other passport offices in the country ensure complete compliance with Sections 4(1)(b) and 4(2) of the RTI Act, by the end of August 8, 2011.

TRAINING IN RTI FOR STRICT COMPLIANCE OF THE RTI ACT:

It is not just the Appellant but the undersigned too has observed that few officials in passport offices are aware of the RTI Act and the provisions therein. The Commission therefore recommends u/s 19(8)(a)(v) of the RTI Act that all passport officials in all passport offices across the country be made to undergo a half day to one day in house awareness course on the RTI Act so that there is greater transparency in the functioning of the passport offices. It is suggested that these trainings be completed within the next 3 months. The Appellate Authority may wish to issue instructions to the passport offices in this regard.

For more details, please peruse the complete decision attached herewith this e-mail.

Best Regards,

Sunil.

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Attachment(s) from Sunil Ahya

1 of 1 File(s)