Friday, September 4, 2009

FEE & COST RULES

REGULATION OF FEE & COST RULES, 2005
In exercise of the powers conferred by clauses (b) and (c) of subsection (2) of Section 27 of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (22 of 2005), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely :-
1. Short title and commencement-
(1) These rules may be called the Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) Rules, 2005.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions- In the rules, unless the context otherwise requires :-
(a) ‘Act means the Right to Information Act, 2005;
(b) ‘Section’ means section of the Act;
(c) All other words and expressions used herein but not defined and defined in the Act shall have the meanings assigned to them in the Act.
3. A request for obtaining information under sub-section (1) of Section 6 shall be accompanied by an application fee of rupees ten by way of cash against proper receipt or by demand draft or bankers cheque payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority.
4. For providing the information under sub-section (I) of Section 7, the fee shall be charged by way of cash against proper receipt or by demand draft or bankers cheque payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority at the following rates :-
(a) rupees two for each page (in A-4 or A- size paper)created or copied;
(b) actual charge or cost price of a copy in larger size paper,
(c) actual cost or price for samples or models; and
[(d) for inspection of records, no fee for the first hour; and a fee of rupees five for each subsequent hour (or fraction thereof ) thereafter.]*
5. For providing the information under sub-section (5) of Section 7, the fee shall be charged by way of cash against proper receipt or by demand draft or bankers cheque payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority at the following rates :-
(a) for information provided in diskette or floppy rupees fifty per diskette or floppy; and
(b) for information provided in printed form at the price fixed for such publication or rupees two per page of photocopy for extracts from the publication.
* [Subs. by the Right to Information (Regulation of Fee and Cost) (Amendment) Rules, dated 27-10-2005

Fee Rules in Brief

Central Government
Application Fee- Rs. Ten by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque/Postal order
Additional Fee-
A4/A3 paper- Rs Two per page, Larger paper- actual cost; Printed publications- fixed price, photocopies/extracts- Rs Two per page; Floppy/diskette- Rs 50; Samples/ models on actual cost; Inspection of records – 1st hour free and Rs Five for each subsequent hour.
Andhra Pradesh
Application Fee- No fee at village level, Rs 5 at mandal level;
Rs 10 for all other public authorities.
By Cash/DD/bankers’cheque
Additional Fee-
A4/A3 paper- Rs Two per page; Larger paper on actual cost; Priced publications, printed matter, text, maps, plans, floppies, CDs, models or material- sale price; Maps/plans on actual cost; Floppy Rs 50, CD Rs 100, DVD- Rs 200;
Samples and models on actual cost; Postal charges additional; Inspection of records-1st hour free and Rs Five for each subsequent 15 mins.
Arunachal Pradesh
Application Fee- Rs 50 by Treasury challan.
Electronic applications fees to be submitted within seven days
Rs 500 for info. on tender documents/ bids/ quotation/ business contracts.
Additional Fee-
Other than priced publications- Rs Five per page;
Priced publications- price fixed, First appeal Fee- Rs 50
Assam
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque
Additional Fee-
A4/A3 paper- Rs Two per page; Larger paper- actual cost; Printed publications- fixed price, photocopies/extracts- Rs Two per page; Floppy/CD- Rs 50; Samples/models- actual cost; Inspection of records- 1st hour free and Rs Five for each subsequent 15 mins.
Chhattisgarh
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/treasury challan
Additional Fee-
A4/A3 paper- Rs Two per page; Larger paper- actual cost; Printed publications- fixed price, photocopies/extracts- Rs 2 per page; Floppy/CD- Rs 50; Samples or models- actual cost;
Inspection of records- Rs 50 for 1st hour.
For BPL requestors
If information relates to life of person- to be provided in form requested;
If other information, which can be given in 50 photocopied A4 pages within Rs 100- to be provided in form requested;
if more than 50 pages or cost of production more than Rs 100 – requestor to inspect records/files.
For Non-BPL requestors
If information relates to life of person- to be provided in the form requested, cost of production at Rs 100 per page or calculated by considering cost of human resources, computer time, etc.
Daman and Diu (UT)
Application Fee- Rs 25 by Treasury challan
Additional Fee-
A4/A3 paper- Rs Two per page; Larger paper- actual cost; Floppy- Rs 50; CD- Rs 100; Sample/models- actual cost; Inspection of records-
for 10 year old records- Rs 100 per day.
for 20 year old records- additional fee of Rs 25 per day.
No inspection permissible for more than 3 hours a day.
Gujarat
Application Fee- Rs 20 Cash/DD/pay order/non-judicial stamp
(electronic applications fees to be submitted within seven days)
Additional Fee-
A4/A3 paper- Rs Two per page; Larger paper- actual cost; Publications- actual price; Floppy/CD- Rs 50;
Samples/models/photographs- actual cost;
Inspection of records- 1st half an hour free, Rs 20 for each subsequent half hour.
Himachal Pradesh
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Treasury challan.
Additional Fee-
Printed publications – printed price; A4- Rs 10 per page;
Larger paper- actual cost subject to a minimum of Rs 20 per page; Floppy- Rs 50; CD- Rs 100;
Inspection of records- Rs 10 per 15 mins.
Jharkhand
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque/
Postal Order/non-judicial stamp
Additional Fee
A4/A3- Rs 2 per page; Larger paper- actual cost; Printed publications- fixed price, photocopies/extracts- Rs 2 per page; Floppy/CD- Rs 50; Sample/models- actual cost; Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 5 for each subsequent half hour.
Karnataka
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque/
Postal Order/Treasury challan
Additional Fee
A4 paper copies- Rs 2 per page; Maps, plans, reports, partial record, technical data, sample or models- fee fixed by PIO; Floppy/CD/diskette or any other electronic mode- Rs 50 per item; Samples- fee fixed by PIO; Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 20 for each subsequent half hour; Inspection of works- fee fixed by PIO.
Kerala
Application Fee- Rs 10
Additional Fee- A4 paper copies- Rs 2 per page; Large size paper- actual cost of copy; Floppy/CD- Rs 50 per item. For print copies Rs 2 per page; Samples/models- actual cost; Inspection of records – 1st hour free, Rs 10 for each subsequent half hour.
Madhya Pradesh
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/non-judicial stamp
Additional Fee- Proactive disclosure information- Rs 10 per application;
Printed or electronic format- actual cost; Floppy/diskette/video cassette- actual cost as determined by the PIO;
Samples- cost fixed by the PIO; Inspection of documents- Rs 50 for 1st hour, Rs 25 for each subsequent 15 minutes.
Appeal Fee- First appeal to Appellate Authority– Rs 50; Second appeal to SIC- Rs 100.
Maharashtra
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque/ court fee stamp,
Additional Fee- A4/A3 paper – Rs Two; Larger paper- actual cost;
Maps/documents, etc- price fixed; Printed publications- fixed price; photocopies/extracts – Rs Two per page; Floppy/CD- Rs 50; Inspection of records-
1st hour free, Rs 5 for each subsequent 15 minutes.
Appeal- First appeal- Rs 20; Second appeal to SIC- Rs 20.
Meghalaya
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque
Additional Fee
A4/A3 paper- Rs 2 per page; Larger paper- actual cost; Printed publications- fixed price, photocopies/extracts- Rs 2 per page; Floppy/diskette- Rs 50; Samples/models- actual cost; Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 5 for each subsequent 15 minutes.
Nagaland
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque
Additional Fee
A4/A3 paper- Rs 2 per page; Larger paper- actual cost;
Printed publications- fixed price,
photocopies/extracts- Rs 2 per page; Floppy/CD- Rs 50;
Samples/models- actual cost;
Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 5 for each subsequent hour.
Orissa
Application Fee- Rs 20 by Cash/Treasury challan
Additional Fee
(by cash) A4 paper – Rs Five per page; A4 print out from computer- Rs 10 per page; Maps/plans – cost fixed by PIO depending upon the cost of labour, material, equipment and other ancillary expenses;
Video cassette/microfilm/microfiche- reasonable cost fixed by PIO depending upon the cost of labour, material, equipment and other ancillary expenses; Floppy/CD- Rs 100; Inspection of records- Rs 15 per hour or fraction thereof.
Appeal Fee (by Court fee stamp)- First appeal- Rs 40;
Second appeal to SIC- Rs 50.
Punjab
Application Fee- Rs 50 by Cash/DD/cheque/Treasury challan
Additional Fee
A4/A3 paper- Rs 10 per page; Larger paper- actual cost; Printed publications- fixed price, photocopies/extracts or Rs 10 per page; Floppy- Rs 50; Diskette- Rs 100; Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 10 for each subsequent 15 minutes.
Rajasthan
Application Fee- Rs 10 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque
Additional Fee
A4/A3 paper- Rs 2 per page; Larger paper- actual cost;
Printed publications- price fixed, photocopies/extracts- Rs 2 per page; Floppy/CD- Rs 50; Samples/models- actual cost;
Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 5 for each subsequent 15 minutes.
Tamil Nadu
Application Fee- Rs 50 by Cash/DD/bankers’cheque
Additional Fee
A4/A3 paper- Rs 2 per page; Larger paper- actual cost;
Printed publications- price fixed; Floppy/CD- Rs 50;
Sample/models- actual cost;
Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 5 for each subsequent 15 minutes.
Tripura
Application Fee- Rs 10 by cash
Additional Fee
A4/A3 paper- Rs 2 per page; Larger paper- actual cost;
Printed publications- price fixed, photocopies/extracts or Rs 2 per page; Floppy/CD- Rs 50; Samples/models – actual cost;
Inspection of records- 1st hour free, Rs 5 for every subsequent 15 minutes.
 
Note- Application fees paid in cash should be against receipt.
Disclaimer- The contents of this table are merely for a simple guideline.

Appeal Procedure Rules, 2005

Notification
In exercise of the powers conferred by clauses (e) and (f) of sub-section (2) of section 27of the Right to Information Act, 2005 (22 of 2005), the Central Government hereby makes the following rules, namely:-
1. Short title and commencement-
(1) These rules may be called the Central Information Commission (Appeal Procedure) Rules, 2005.
(2) They shall come into force on the date of their publication in the Official Gazette.
2. Definitions-
In these rules, unless the context otherwise requires,-
(a) "Act" means the Right to Information Act, 2005;
(b) "section" means section of the Act;
(c) "Commission" means the Central Information Commission;
(d) words and expressions used herein and not defined but defined in the Act, shall have the meanings respectively assigned to them in that Act.
3. Contents of appeal-
An appeal to the Commission shall contain the following information, namely :-
(i) name and address of the appellant;
(ii) name and address of the Central Public Information Officer against the decision of whom the appeal is preferred;
(iii) particulars of the order including number, if any, against which the appeal is preferred;
(iv) brief facts leading to the appeal
(v) if the appeal is preferred against deemed refusal, the particulars of the application, including number and date and name and address of the Central Public Information Officer to whom the application was made;
(vi) prayer or relief sought;
(vii) grounds for the prayer or relief;
(viii) verification by the appellant; and
(ix) any other information which the Commission may deem necessary for deciding the appeal.
4. Documents to accompany appeal-
Every appeal made to the Commission shall be accompanied by the following documents, namely :-
(i) self-attested copies of the Orders or documents against which the appeal is being preferred;
(ii) copies of documents relied upon by the appellant and referred to in the appeal; and
(iii) an index of the documents referred to in the appeal.
5. Procedure in deciding appeal-
In deciding the appeal the Commission may,-
(i) hear oral or written evidence on oath or on affidavit from concerned or interested person;
(ii) peruse or inspect documents, public records or copies thereof;
(iii) inquire through authorised officer further details or facts;
(iv) hear Central PIO, APIO or such Senior Officer who decide the first appeal, or such person against whom the complaint is made, as the case may be;
(v) hear third party; and
(vi) receive evidence on affidavits from Central Public Information Officer, Central Assistant Public Information Officer, such Senior Officer who decided the first appeal, such person against whom the complaint lies or the third party.
6. Service of notice by Commission-
Notice to be issued by the Commission may be served in any of the following modes, namely :-
(i) service by the party itself;
(ii) by hand delivery (dasti) through Process Server;
(iii) by registered post with acknowledgement due; or
(iv) through Head of office or Department.
7. Personal presence of the appellant or complainant-
(1) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, shall in every case be informed of the date of hearing at least seven clear days before that date.
(2) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may at his discretion at the time of hearing of the appeal or complaint by the Commission be present in person or through his duly authorised representative or may opt not to be present.
(3) Where the Commission is satisfied that the circumstances exist due to which the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, is being prevented from attending the hearing of the Commission, then, the Commission may afford the appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, another opportunity of being heard before a final decision is taken or take any other appropriate action as it may deem fit.
(4) The appellant or the complainant, as the case may be, may seek the assistance of any person in the process of the appeal while presenting his points and the person representing him may not be a legal practitioner.
8. Order of the Commission-
Order of the Commission shall be pronounced in open proceedings and be in writing duly authenticated by the Registrar or any other officer authorised by the Commission for this purpose.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. When does the RTI Act come into force?
The Act came into force on 12 October, 2005 (120th day of its enactment on 15 June, 2005).

2. Who is covered under this act?
The Act extends to the whole of India except the state of Jammu and Kashmir [S.12].

3. What does information mean?
Information means any material in any form including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advice, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models and data held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force but does not include “file notings” [S.2(f)].

4. What does Right to Information mean?
It includes the right to:
-Inspect work, documents and records.
-Take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records.
-Take certified samples of material.
-Obtain information in the form of printouts, diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode [S.2(j)].

5. What are the obligations of the public authority?
It shall publish within 120 days of the enactment:

-The particulars of its organization, functions and duties;
-The powers and duties of its officers and employees;
-The procedure followed in its decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability;
-The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions;
-The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records used by its employees for discharging its functions;
-A statement of the categories of the documents held by it or under its control;
-Particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with, or representation by the members of the public, in relation to the formulation of policy or implementation thereof;
-A statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted by it. Additionally, information as to whether the meetings of these are open to the public, or the minutes of such meetings are accessible to the public;
-A directory of its officers and employees;
-The monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations;
-The budget allocated to each of its agencies, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made;
-The manner of execution of subsidy programs, including the amounts allocated and the details and beneficiaries of such programs;
-Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it;
-Details of the information available to, or held by it, reduced in an electronic form;
-Particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room, if maintained for public use; and
-The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers [S.4(1)(b)].

6. What is not open to disclosure?
The following are exempt from disclosure [S.8]:
-Information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the state, relations with a foreign state or lead to incitement of an offence;
-Information which has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court;
-Information, the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature;
-Info. including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information;
-Information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information;
Information received in confidence from foreign governments;
-Information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes;
-Information, which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders;
-Cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, secretaries and other officers; and
-Information, which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual.
-Notwithstanding any of the exemptions listed above, a public authority may allow access to information, if public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm to protected interests.

7. Is partial disclosure allowed?
Only that part of the record which does not contain information which is exempt from disclosure and which can reasonably be severed from any part that contains exempt information, may be provided [S.10].

8. What does a “public authority” mean?
It means any authority or body or institution of self-government established or constituted [S.2(h)]:
-By or under the Constitution;
-By any other law made by Parliament;
-By any other law made by the State Legislature;
-By notification issued or order made by the appropriate government and includes anybody owned, controlled or substantially financed; and
-Non-government organizations substantially financed directly or indirectly by the appropriate government.

9. Who is excluded?
Central Intelligence and security agencies specified in the Second Schedule like IB, R&AW, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Narcotics Control Bureau, Aviation Research Center, Special Frontier Force, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, Special Service Bureau, Special Branch (CID), Andaman and Nicobar, The Crime Branch-CID-CB, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Special Branch, Lakshadweep Police. Agencies specified by the state governments through a notification will also be excluded. The exclusion, however, is not absolute and these organizations have an obligation to provide information pertaining to allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Further, information relating to allegations of human rights violations could be given but only with the approval of the Central or State Information Commission, as the case may be [S.24].

10. Who are “third parties”?
A third party means a person other than the citizen making a request for information and includes a public authority. Third parties have a right to be heard in respect of applications and appeals dealing with information submitted by them to the government in confidence [S.2(n) and S.11].

11. Who are Public Information Officers (PIOs)?
PIOs are officers designated by public authorities in all administrative units or offices under it to provide information to the citizens requesting information under the Act. Any officer, whose assistance has been sought by the PIOs for the proper discharge of his or her duties, shall render all assistance and for the purpose of contraventions of the provisions of this Act, such other officer shall be treated as a PIOs.

12. What are the duties of a PIO?
PIOs shall deal with requests from persons seeking information and where the request cannot be made in writing, to render reasonable assistance to the person to reduce the same in writing.
If the information requested for is held by or its subject matter is closely connected with the function of another public authority, the PIO shall transfer, within 5 days, the request to that other public authority and inform the applicant immediately.
PIOs may seek the assistance of any other officer for the proper discharge of his/her duties.
PIOs, on receipt of a request, shall as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within 30 days of the receipt of the request, either provide the information on payment of such fee as may be prescribed or reject the request for any of the reasons specified in S.8 or S.9.
Where the information requested for concerns the life or liberty of a person, the same shall be provided within 48 hours of the receipt of the request.
If the PIO fails to take a decision on the request within the period, he shall be deemed to have refused the request.
Where a request has been rejected, the PIO shall communicate to the requester:
(i) the reasons for such rejection,
(ii) the period within which an appeal against such rejection may be preferred, and
(iii) the particulars of the Appellate Authority.
PIOs shall provide information in the form in which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the Public Authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question.
If allowing partial access, the PIO shall give a notice to the applicant, informing:
(i) that only part of the record requested, after severance of the record containing information which is exempt from disclosure, is being provided;
(ii) the reasons for the decision, including any findings on any material question of fact, referring to the material on which those findings were based;
(iii) the name and designation of the person taking the decision;
(iv) the details of the fees calculated by him/her and the amount of fee which the applicant is required to deposit;
(v) his/her rights with respect to review of the decision regarding non-disclosure of part of the information, the amount of fee charged or the form of access provided.
If information sought has been supplied by a third party or is treated as confidential by that third party, PIO shall give a written notice to the third party within 5 days from the receipt of the request and take its representation into consideration.
The third party must be given a chance to make a representation before the PIO within 10 days from the date of receipt of such notice.

13. What is the application procedure
Apply in writing or through electronic means in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area to the PIO, specifying the particulars of the information sought.
Reason for seeking information are not required to be given.
Pay fees as may be prescribed (if not from to the below poverty line category).

14. What is the time limit to get the information?
Thirty days from the date of application;
48 hours for information concerning the life and liberty of a person;
Five days shall be added to the above response time, in case the application for information is given to an Assistant Public Information Officer;
If the interests of a third party are involved then the time limit will be 40 days (maximum period + time given to the party to make a representation); and
Failure to provide information within the specified period is deemed refusal.

15. What is the fee?
Application fees to be prescribed which must be reasonable;
If further fees are required, then the same must be intimated in writing with calculation details of how the figure was arrived at;
An applicant can seek review of the decision on fees charged by the PIO by applying to the appropriate Appellate Authority;
No fees will be charged from people living below the poverty line; and
An applicant must be provided information free of cost if the PIOs fails to comply within the prescribed time limit.

16. What could be the grounds for rejection?
If it is covered by exemption from disclosure (S.8).
If it infringes the copyright of any person other than the state (S.9).

17. Who are the Appellate Authorities?
First Appeal :
First appeal to the officer senior in rank to the PIO in the concerned Public Authority within 30 days from the expiry of the prescribed time limit or from the receipt of the decision (delay may be condoned by the Appellate Authority if sufficient cause is shown).
Second Appeal : Second appeal to the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission as the case may be, within 90 days of the date on which the decision was given or should have been made by the First Appellate Authority (delay may be condoned by the Commission if sufficient cause is shown).
Third Party appeal against a PIO’s decision must be filed within 30 days before first Appellate Authority and, within 90 days of the decision on the first appeal, before the appropriate Information Commission which is the second appellate authority. Burden of proving that denial of information was justified lies with the PIO.
First Appeal shall be disposed of within 30 days from the date of its receipt. Period extendable by 15 days if necessary (S.19).

What are the powers and functions of the Information Commissions?
1. The Central Information Commission/State Information Commission has a duty to receive complaints from any person:
a) Who has not been able to submit an information request because a PIO has not been appointed;
b) Who has been refused information that was requested;
c) Who has received no response to his/her information request within the specified time limit;

d) Who thinks the fees charged are unreasonable;
e) Who thinks information given is incomplete or false or misleading; and
f) Any other matter relating to obtaining information under this law.
2. Power to order inquiry if there are reasonable grounds.
3. CIC/SCIC will have powers of Civil Court such as:
a) Summoning and enforcing attendance of persons, compelling them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce documents or things;
b) Requiring the discovery and inspection of documents; c) Receiving evidence on affidavit;
d) Requisitioning public records or copies from any court or office;
e) Issuing summons for examination of witnesses or documents; and
f) Any other matter which may be prescribed.
4. All records covered by this law (including those covered by exemptions) must be given to CIC/SCIC during inquiry for examination.
5. Power to secure compliance of its decisions from the Public Authority includes:
a) Providing access to information in a particular form; b) Directing the public authority to appoint a PIO/APIO where none exists;
c) Publishing information or categories of information; d) Making necessary changes to practices relating to management, maintenance and destruction of records;
e) Enhancing training provision for officials on RTI;
f) Seeking an annual report from the public authority on compliance with this law;
g) Require it to compensate for any loss or other detriment suffered by the applicant;
h) Impose penalties under this law; or
i) Reject the application (S.18 and S.19).

What are the penalty provisions?
Every PIO will be liable for fine of Rs. 250 per day, up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000, for:
Not accepting an application;
Delaying information release without reasonable cause;
Malafidely denying information;
Knowingly giving incomplete, incorrect, misleading information;
Destroying information that has been requested; and
Obstructing furnishing of information in any manner.
The Information Commission (IC) at the Centre and the State levels will have the power to impose this penalty.
The Information Commission can also recommend disciplinary action for violation of the law against an erring PIO (S.20).

What is the jurisdiction of courts?
Lower Courts are barred from entertaining suits or applications against any order made under this Act (S.23). However, the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts under Articles 32 and 225 of the Constitution remains unaffected.

What is the role of Central/State Governments?
Develop educational programs for the public, especially disadvantaged communities on RTI;
Encourage Public Authorities to participate in the development and organization of such programs;
Promote timely dissemination of accurate information to the public;
Train officers and develop training materials;
Compile and disseminate a User Guide for the public in the respective official language; and
Publish names, designations, postal addresses and contact details of PIOs and other information such as notices regarding fees to be paid, remedies available in law if request is rejected etc. (S.26).

Who has the rule making power?
Central Government, State Governments and the Competent Authority as defined in S.2(e) are vested with powers to make rules to carry out the provisions of the RTI Act (S.27 & S.28).
30. Who has the power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this Act?
If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions in the Act, the Central Government may, by order published in the Official Gazette, make provisions necessary/expedient for removing the difficulty (S.30).
Courtesy : www.cic.gov.in

Friday, October 19, 2007

Appellate Authorities and PIOs of BCCL

First Appellate Authorities and Public Information Officers of BCCL, subsidiary of Coal India under Right to Information Act

BCCL : AA and PIOs: (STD 0326)

Head Quarter, Koyla Bhawan, Dhanbad

AA- D.Kumar CGM(WCD), 2230201

PIO- R.N.Prasad, GM (Welfare), 2230901/2230199

Barora AA- A. Sarkar, CGM 2392075

PIO- O. Rahman, AGM

Block-II AA- D. Roy, CGM, 2392008

PIO- B. Singh, APM

Govindpur AA- A. K. Roy, GM, 2392162

PIO- P. K. Srivastava, PM

Katras AA- P. L. Vyas, GM, 2372823

PIO- K. N. Ambasta, PM

Sijua AA- A. K. Singh, CGM, 2372204

PIO- R. Tiwary, Dy.PM/PIO

Kusunda AA- Md. A. Ansari, CGM, 2291327

PIO- R. K. Raman, Ar.Mgr.(Pl.)

Putki Balihari AA- G. Koley, GM, 2230215

PIO- S. Ravi, FM

Kustore AA- D. C. Jha, GM, 2240220

PIO- Dr.A. K. Singh, APM

Bastacolla AA- P. K. Chakroborty, GM 2291112

PIO- S. K. Pandey, Dy.CPM

Lodna AA- Sri R. Sinha, CGM, 2460653

PIO- T. K. Bandopadhyay, AGM (Plg.)

East Jharia AA- Dinesh Srivastava,, GM 2320018

PIO- A. K. Sinha, Dy.CPM

West Jharia AA- V. K. Sinha, GM 2273483

PIO- U. K. Dubey, PM

Chanch Victoria AA- A. K. Sengupta, GM, (0314)2520103

PIO- Balendu Sharma, PM

Washery Dvn AA- V. D. Singh, CGM, 2222646

PIO- Ganesh Prasad PM



Click here for list of other Coal India Subsidiaries

Thursday, October 4, 2007

PIOs in Ranchi District

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PIO's in BCCL, CMPDI

BCCL
Koyla Bhawan, Koyla Nagar, Dhanbad, Jharkhand
AA M.R.Narke, Director(Finance), BCCL, Dhanbad.
PIO K.P Keshri, Dy.Chief Mining Engineer, BCCL, Koyla Bhawan
0326-2230133-147 Extn. 3245, E-Mail : bccltscmd@cmpdi.co.in
APIO K.B. Srivastava, Sr.PRO, BCCL, Koyla Bhawan, Dhanbad
0326-2230133-147, Extn. 3256, Fax 2230220
APIO K.N. Ambastha, PM(A), BCCL Katras Area, Dhanbad.
APIO S.K. Pandey, Dy.CPM, BCCL, Bastacolla Area, Jharia, Dhanbad
APIO U.K. Choubey, PM, BCCL, W.J.Area, Dhanbad
APIO O.Rahman, Addl.GM,BCCL, Barora Area, Baghmara, Dhanbad.
APIO R. Tewari, Dy.PM(Admn), Govindpur Area, Bilbera House, Dhn
APIO P.K. Srivastava, PM(Admn),BCCL, Sijua Area, Dhanbad.
APIO R.K. Raman, Area Manager(Plg),BCCL Kusunda Area, Dhanbad.
APIO A.K. Mandal, Asst. Survey Officer, E.J. Area, Bhowra, Dhanbad.
APIO Surendra Singh, Addl.GM, BCCL P.B. Area, Dhanbad.
APIO P.P. Mahata, Dy.CPM,BCCL, Block-II Area, Baghmara,Dhanbad.
APIO T.K. Bandyopadhyaya, AM(Plg) BCCL, Lodna Area, Dhanbad.
APIO (Smt.) Meena Bedekar,Dy.CPM, BCCL C.V. Area, Barakar (W.B)
APIO R.H. Toppo, Dy.CPM,BCCL-CCWO, Washery Division, Dhn.
APIO D.K. Srivastava, Dy.CPM, BCCL Kustore Area, Dhanbad
CMPDI
Gondwana Place, Kanke Road, RANCHI - 834 008, Jharkhand
AA S.Chakrabarti, Director (T/RD&T), 0651-2230030, 2230777
PIO R.K.Srivastava, GM (ICT), ICT Division, 0651-2230497,2230414
APIO T.K.Samata, DGM (BDD), 0651-2230116, bdd@cmpdi.co.in

PIO's in CCL

Central Coalfields Limited
Darbhanga House, Ranchi-834001, Jharkhand
CCL Head Quarter
AA Shri N Nayak CGM(E&M)
0651- 2360788, 2231527 eandm_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO R.K.Choudhary, General Manager, Geology
0651-2360031, 2230590 gs_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
APIO Vineeta Sharan, Personnel Manager,
0651-2360031, 2231084, gs_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
CCL Argada Area
AA R.A.Singh, GM, Argada, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.
06553-266244 06553-266278 argada_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO T.M.Konthote, Staff Officer(P&P), Argada, Hazaribagh
06553-266244 argada_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
CCL Barka-Sayal Area
AA B.D.Yadav, GM, Sayal, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
06553-258319 06553-258331, barkakana_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO V.K Birthray, Staff Officer (P&P), Sayal, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
06553-258319 barkakana_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
CCL Bokaro & Kargali Area
AA J.A. Ansari, GM, Bermo, Bokaro, Jharkhand– 829104
06549-220258 06549-220125 kargali_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO R.K.Amar, Bermo, Bokaro, Jharkhand– 829104,
9431323763 kargali_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
CCL Dhori Area
AA Nawab Singh, CGM, Dhori, Bokaro, Jharkhand- 825102
06549-220175 06549-220447
PIO A. Khan, Staff Officer (P&P), Dhori, Bokaro, 06549-220301
CCL Hazaribagh Area
AA S.N. Singh, GM, Chari, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
06546-232630 06546-232640 hazaribagh_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO R.K. Bubna, Staff Officer (P&P), Chari, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
CCL Kuju Area
AA P. N. Thakur, GM, Kuju, Hazaribagh, Jharkhand - 825316
06553-281240 06553-281380 kuju_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO M.K. Dawn, Staff Officer, (P&P), Kuju- 825316, 06553-281884
CCL Kathara Area
AA S. Ghosh General, Manager, Kathara Colliery, Bokaro- 829116
Jharkhand, 06549-235366, 235222 kathara_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO Subrata Mukherjee, Dy.Chief Engineer(CP), Kathara Colliery
Bokaro, Jharkhand -829116, 06549-235598
CCL North Karanpura Area
AA R.V. Singh, CGM, Dakra, Ranchi, Jharkhand- 829210,
06531-236874, 236803, nk_ccl@cmpdil.co.in
PIO D. Sinha, Staff Officer (P&P), Dakra, Ranchi, 9431392158
CCL Piparwar Area
AA N. Das, CGM, Bachra, Chatra, Jharkhand 829201, 06531-225000 06531-266615, piparwar_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO S.L. Jain (acting) Staff Officer (P&P) Bachra, 06531-266611
CCL Rajrappa Area
AA N.K. Singh, GM, Rajrappa Project, Hazaribagh-829150
06553-251103 06553-251346 rajrappa_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO S.P. Sarangi, Staff Officer(P&P),Rajrappa, 06553-251119, 251109
CCL Rajhara Area
AA S.N. Sinha, GM, Rajhara, Daltonganj, Jharkhand, 06562-222653
9431138594, 06562-240915, 230826, rajhara_ccl@cmpdi.co.in
PIO Nagendra Sharma, Ex.Eng.(Civil), Rajhara, 06562-222653

CAPIO’s in Bihar/Jharkhand

CAPIO’s in Bihar/Jharkhand
Central Assistant Public Information Officers at GPO in Bihar and Jharkhand
Araria- Manager(CCC), Araria MDG- 854311, 06453-222199 Aurangabad Manager(CCC), Aurangabad- 824101, 06186-223109 Banka Manager(CCC), Banka HO- 813102, 06424-231651 Begusarai Manager(CCC), Begusarai HO- 851101, 06243-210673 Bhabhua Manager(CCC), Bhabhua MDG- 821101,06189-224233
Bhagalpur Manager(CCC), Bhagalpur- 812001, 0641-2303320
Bhojpur Manager(CCC), Bhojpur- 802301, 06182-233329 Buxar Manager(CCC), Buxar HO- 802101, 06183-224624 Champaran(E) SPOs, Bettiah- 845438, 06254-230188
Champaran(W) SPOs, Motihari- 845401, 06252-232667
Darbhanga Manager(CCC), Darbhanga- 846005, 06272-246195/6 Gaya Manager(CCC), Gaya- 823001, 0631-2220084
Gopalganj Manager(CCC), Gopalganj HO- 841426, 06156-224605
Jamui Manager(CCC), Jamui HO- 811307, 06345-224039
Jehanabad Manager(CCC), Jehanabad HO- 804408, 06114-223334 Katihar Manager(CCC), Katihar HO- 8544105, 06452-242301
Khagaria Manager(CCC), Khagaria MDG- 851204, 06244-222082
Kishanganj Manager(CCC), K.Ganj MDG-855107, 06456-222726
Lakhisarai Manager, Lakhisarai MDG- 811311, 06346-232031 Madhepura Manager(CCC), M.Pura MDG- 852113, 06476- 224336 Madhubani Manager(CCC), Madhubani- 847211, 06276-226347 Munger Manager(CCC), Munger, 811201, 06344-224464
Muzaffarpur Manager(CCC), Muzaffarpur- 842002, 0621-2282146
Nalanda Manager(CCC), Nalanda-803101, 06112-222019 Nawada Manager(CCC), Nawada-805110, 06324-216519 Patna Manager(CCC), Patna GPO- 800001, 0612-2213079 Purnea Manager(CCC), Purnea- 854301, 06454-222518 Rohtash Manager(CCC), Sasaram- 821115, 06184-227793 Saharsa Manager(CCC), Saharsa, 852201, 06478-222815
Samastipur Manager(CCC), Samastipur- 848101, 06274-222324
Saran Mnr.(CCC), Saran Dn Chhapra- 841301, 06152-243698
Sheikhpura Manager(CCC), S.Pura MDG- 811105, 06341-224925
Shiohar Manager(CCC), Shiohar- 843329, 06222-257203 Sitamarhi Manager(CCC), Sitamarhi- 843301, 06226-250235 Siwan Manager(CCC), Siwan HO- 841226, 06154-242925
Supaul Manager(CCC), Supaul MDG- 852131, 06473-225208
Vaishali Manager(CCC), Vaishali- 844101, 06224-276556
CAPIO’s in Jharkhand
Ranchi Manager(CCC), SSPOs, Ranchi- 834001, 0651-2207691
Bokaro Manager(CCC), B.S.City HO- 827001, 06542-247781
Deoghar Manager(CCC), B.Deoghar HO, 06432-222307
Dhanbad Manager(CCC), SSPOs, Dhanbad- 826001,0326-2220026
Dumka Manager(CCC), S.P. Dn. Dumka - 814101, 06434-222284
Garhwa Manager(CCC), Garhwa MDG- 822114, 06561-222220 Giridih Manager(CCC), SPOs, Giridih- 815301, 06532-222632
Godda Manager, Godda MDG- 06422-2220221
Gumla Manager(CCC), Gumla HPO- 835207, 06524-223005 Hazaribagh Manager(CCC), SPOs, Hzb-825301, 06546-222315
Jamtara Manager(CCC), Jamtara MDG- 815351, 06433-222232 Koderma Manager(CCC), J.Telaiya MDG- 835302, 06534-222402 Latehar Manager(CCC), Latehar MDG- 829206, 06565-247620 Lohardaga Manager(CCC), Lohardaga MDG- 825302, 06526-24028 Pakur Manager(CCC), Pakur MDG- 816107, 06435-222001 Palamau Manager(CCC), SPOs, D.Ganj- 822101, 06562-222076
Sahibganj Manager(CCC), S.Ganj MDG- 816109, 06436-2223030 Saraikela Manager(CCC), Saraikela SO-833219, 06597-234610 Simdega Manager(CCC), Simdega MDG- 835223, 06525-26230
Singhbhum(E) Manager(CCC), SSPOs, Singhbhum Division, Jamshedpur, 0657-2340032, sspostjsr@rediffmail.com Singhbhum(W) Manager(CCC), Chaibasa HO- 833201, 06582-252346

Address of Info Comm.

Names and Addresses of the Chief Information Commissioners
in Central and State Information Commissions


At Centre : Mr. Wajhat Habibullah
Club Building, Old JNU Campus, New Delhi- 110067
Ph- 26761137, 26105041, Fax- 26186536
Email- whabibullah@nic.in, www.cic.gov.in

Andhra Pradesh : Shri C D Arha
AP Secretariat, Hyderabad - 500022, 040-23452620 www.scic.ap.gov.in
Assam : Shri R S Mooshahary
Janata Bhawan, Dispur, Guwahati- 781006, Off- 0361-2261676
Fax- 2261900, 2261676 cic@sicassam.in
scic-as@nic.in www.sicassam.in

Bihar : Shri Shashank Kumar Singh
4th Floor, Suchana Bhawan, Bailey Road,
Opp. New Secretariate, Patna- 800021 Ph- 0612 2225713
Fax- 2235466 query@bsic.co.in www.bsic.co.in

Chattisgarh : Shri A K Vijayavargiya
Nirmal Chhaya Bhavan, Meera Datar Road, Shankar Nagar
Raipur- 492001, Off- 0771-4024406, 4024140
akvijayvargiya@nic.in www.cg.nic.in/sic

Goa : Shri A Venkatratnam
Shrama Shakthi Bhavan, Ground Floor, Patto, Panaji, GOA
Pin- 403401 Off- 0832-2413774, 09860287282 avr@nic.in, http://egov.goa.nic.in/rtipublic/sic.aspx

Gujarat : Shri R N Das
1st Floor, Bureau of Economics & Statistics Building
Sector-18, Gandhinagar-382 018
Off.- 079-23252701, 23252966, Resi- 23230993
gscic@gujarat.gov.in http://intranet.guj.nic.in/gic

Haryana : Shri G Madhavan
SCO No. 70-71, Sector 8C, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh
Off- 0172-2726568, Resi- 2793628
madhavang@hry.nic.in http://cicharyana.gov.in

Himachal Pradesh : Shri P S Rana
Room No.222, Armsdale Building, HP Secretariat
Shimla-171002 Off- 0177-2621904, 2880726 Resi- 2812236

Jharkhand :
Engineering Hostel Number- 2, Dhurwa, Ranchi
0651-2401421, 9431707118, Fax- 2401418, 2401421

Karnataka : Shri K K Misra
3rd floor, 3rd Stage, Multi Storied Buildings
Dr.Ambedkar Road, Bangalore- 560001
Ph- 080-22371191, Fax- 22371192
scic@karnataka.gov.in http://www.kic.gov.in

Kerala : Shri Palatt Mohandas
Punnen Road, Thiruvananthapuram- 695039, Kerala
Ph- 0471-2333147, Fax- 2330920 www.infokerala.org

Madhya Pradesh : Shri T N Shrivastava
Nirwachan Bhawan, II Floor, 58, Arera Hills, Bhopal- 462011 Ph- 0755-2761367, 9425365434 www.mpsic.nic.in

Maharashtra : Shri Suresh Vinayakrao Joshi
15th Floor, New Administrative Building,
Madame Cama Road, Opp. Mantralaya, Mumbai, 400032 022-22856078, 9821525427, sic.maharastra.gov.in

Meghalaya : Shri G P Wahlang
Meghalaya Secretariat, Shillong-1
Off 064-2226102 gpw@shillong.meg.nic.in

Mizoram : Shri Robert Hrangdawla
Off- 2334833, Res- 2316001, 9436140247

Nagaland : Shri P. Talitemjen
PB No. 148, Kohima-797001, Nagaland
Off- 0370-2292595, Fax- 2291798, Res- 2242983
cic_nagaland@yahoo.co.in nlsic.gov.in

Orissa : Shri Dhirendra Nath Padhi
State Guest House Annexe, Room 44, Unit- 5
Bhubaneshwar 751001 Off- 0674-2534300 hon_scic@ori.nic.in http://orissasoochanacommission.nic.in

Punjab : Shri Rajan Kashyap
SCO No.84-85, Sector 17-C, Chandigarh
Ph & Fax- 0172-2740543 Res- 2740353
www.infocommpunjab.com

Sikkim : Shri D K gajmer
Lower Secretariat, opp. Super Market, Gangtok- 737101
Ph- 03592-205710, Fax- 228526, Resi- 203048, 9434023532
gajmerdk@yahoo.co.in www.cicsikkim.gov.in

Tamil Nadu : Shri. S Ramakrishnan
No.89, Dr Alagappa Road, Purasaiwalkam, Chennai- 600084
www.tn.gov.in/rti/sic.htm

Tripura : Shri B K Chakraborty
Civil Secretariat, Agartala, West Tripura- 799001
Off- 0381-2218021, 9436120039 scic-tic-tr@nic.in

Uttaranchal : Shri R S Tolia
4, Subhash Road, 4th Floor, Dehradun- 248001
Off- 0135-2712100, 2712200, 2712079 Fax 2666779
www.gov.ua.nic.in/uic

Uttar Pradesh : Justice Shri Mohd Asgar Khan
6th Floor, Indira Bhawan, Lucknow - 226001
Off- 0522-2288598, 2235798, Fax- 2288600
www.upsic.up.nic.in

West Bengal : Mr. Arun Bhattacharya
2nd Floor, Bhabani Bhaban, Alipore, Kolkata- 700027
Telefax : 033-24791966