2010 (3) TMI 948 - Commission - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues:
1. Appellant's second-appeal related to specific queries from RTI-application.
2. Furnishing accurate information corresponding to certain queries.
3. Lack of seriousness in providing information by the custodian of the information.
4. Obligation to disclose further information under RTI.

Analysis:
1. The appellant's second-appeal focused on queries related to the number of computers, expenditure on computer hardware, AMC details, future computerization plans, audit reports, annual budget, and vacancies in the ATFE. The CPIO initially provided information from the custodian of the information, the Assistant Registrar, ATFE, Shri Kulvinder Singh.

2. After considering submissions, the Commission directed the CPIO to furnish accurate information for queries at Sl. Nos. C & I after collecting it from office records. For query J, the CPIO was directed to provide the information as it was deemed improbable that ATFE was unaware of its Annual Budget. However, for other queries, there was no obligation to disclose further information.

3. The Commission noted a lack of seriousness in the replies provided by the Assistant Registrar, ATFE, Shri Kulvinder Singh. The Commission emphasized that officers should not dismiss queries by claiming records are not centrally maintained. RTI queries should be seen as tools for internal reforms and better record-management, promoting good governance and transparency.

4. The judgment highlighted the importance of utilizing RTI queries for organizational improvement and emphasized that RTI should be approached in the spirit of good governance. The appeal was disposed of with directions for the CPIO to provide accurate information within two weeks. The Commission stressed the need for constructive responses to RTI queries for the benefit of both information seekers and the organization itself.