RTI Act raps Tribal Development Director
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, July 15 2011:
State Chief Information Commissioner has slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on the Director of Tribal Development (TD) Department C Hangsing for not furnishing his replies in time over an application filed under Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Under the provisions of RTI Act, one TK Haokip had filed an application requesting certain information related to the TD Department.
But Director C Hangsing, who is also the State Public Information Officer (SPIO) concerned of the Department failed to furnish the information being sought in time.
In his application, TK Haokip sought information related to the number of hostels constructed for boys and girls by TD Department and the amount of the fund sanctioned for the purpose.
The applicant had also sought copies of the documents related to fund released for the construction work and the estimated cost, the sites where the hostels have been constructed as well as the year-wise list of the beneficiaries under schemes related Horticulture, Agriculture, Farming, Housing, Water Tank, Sewing Machine, Embroidery equipments since 2008 .
In addition to this, the applicant also wanted the copies of the official notification that had been issued inviting tender from firms/agencies or contractors in connection with supplying the materials like GCI sheet, Sewing machines, water tanks, embroidery equipments, red blankets, etc that were provided to the beneficiaries, the list of the firms or agencies or contractors who responded to the tender, the official procedure and guidelines for selecting the suppliers.
Furthermore, in his application, TK Haokip sought the list of the voluntary organisations or non-Governmental organisations which have been provided financial assistance by the Department, the exact amount given and the copies of the APRs (Actual Payment Receipts).
As the TD Director failed to give his response to the application in time, TK Haokip lodged a complaint with the State Chief Information Commissioner, who subsequent heard the complaint and issued an order on July 8 directing TD Director C Hangsing to pay a fine of Rs 25000.The order of the State Chief Information Commissioner has also made it clear that the amount should be deposited in the Head of Account-Major Head of Account-0070 of the Administrative Service within 15 days from the date of receipt of the said order.
Furthermore, it has been directed that TD Director should furnish the informations being sought within a week's time and handed over the copies of the informations/documents furnished to the State Chief Information Commissioner.