RTI Application to Income Tax CPIO at KOLKATA

[Adhya.s]

Thanx for the information . Hope the absence of any system for submitting a RTI Application by hand at the Income Tax Office at Bamboo Villa Kolkata gets resolved soon by your placing the matter before the CIC.

At the present outset, what would be the BEST way out for me for submitting my RTI Application as I am assessed by a ITO posted in Bamboo Villa only?

1) At Chowringhee is the IT Head Quarters. If I submit there, who should it be addressed to as the CPIO as the CIT and ITO in my case are both posted at Bamboo Villa and not Chowringhee. Will Chowringhee accept my Application where the CPIO (my ITO) is at posted at Bamboo Villa?

OR 2) Should I send it by 'SPEED POST WITH A/D' to the ITO at Bamboo Villa address only where I am assessed?

WHICH IS THE BEST OPTION?

Finally, will enclosing a INDIAN POSTAL ORDER for Rs.10/- in favor of 'ACCOUNTS OFFICER' suffice for my application to be treated as a VALID RTI APPLICATION under the law?

Awaiting a reply soon

Subrata

[sandeepbaheti]

For now, the best way is to sent the application through speed post. IPO for Rs 10 favouring Accounts Officer will suffice.

[Adhya.s]

Thanx. I would proceed as you have advised. I will also keep you posted with the progress made in this regard time to time.

Regards
Subrata

[jps50]

If U cannot locate exact CPIO , U can file with CPIO of nearest IT office, who is bound to redirect the application to correct CPIO [whereever he is in INdia] by studying informatin sought, within 5 days of its receipt by him. U should attach IPO of Rs.10 fvg. "Accouts Officer, Income tax dept" and made payable at the place where U are submitting/mailing appln.

[Adhya.s]

What is the correct Payee name of the IPO? "ACCOUNTS OFFICER" or "ACCOUNTS OFFICER, INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT" ?

I feel including INCOME TAX DEPARTMENT in the Payee's name will not be acceptable by the ITO.

PLEASE CONFIRM.

[sandeepbaheti]

Either of the two. Even you can leave the payee's name blank. The PIO will fill it himself.

[Adhya.s]

Should the Application and Envelope containing the same be addressed or marked to "PIO" or "CPIO" ?? What is the difference between the designation of a PIO and CPIO ? Is the ITO of my circle/ward where I file my annual return a PIO or a CPIO ?? If, the ITO is the PIO then who is the CPIO ?? Is it the CIT ?? There is a confusion as to what is the difference between a PIO and a CPIO as in the RTI Act? What is the difference between their roles, powers and jurisdiction?? Please give a detailed reply for me and others in this forum to understand the law and its execution.

[Atul Patankar]

PIO is Public Information Officer . Loosely, CPIO is a PIO in a central government department. The other variety is SPIO , which is a PIO in a state government department/ organisation. As Income Tax is under central government, the PIO is CPIO . Functionally there is no dofference between PIO and CPIO . You can address your application to either CPIO or PIO - both are the same person, your assessing officer (ITO).

A person senior in rank to the PIO will be First Appellate Authority - FAA . It may be the CIT - but not necessarily. The first appellete authority's role is to hear the appeals mdae under RTI against decisions of the PIOs under him - for denial of information , providing misleading information , delay in providing information , etc.

These abbrevations can be confusing for a person new to them, but than god there are not too many. You can surely get the hang of it in a short period.

[Adhya.s]

Finally, for RTI Application to Income Tax Office:

1) It should be addressed to CPIO or PIO , who is same person and is the ITO of the ward/circle where the Return is filed by assessee/applicant.

2) The RTI Application fees should be paid by enclosing a Indian Postal Order of Rs.10/- .

3) The filling-in of the IPO should be as:

(a) Pay To: fill in as "Accounts Officer" or leave it blank with a note
in application requesting the PIO to fill it in as appropriate.

(b) Sender Name and Address: Fill in the Applicant's name & address

(c) At the Post Office at: Name of place where application is made
as- Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai.

NOW PLEASE CONFIRM WHETHER THE ABOVE STEPS ARE CORRECT TO MY UNDERSTANDING.

ALSO CONFIRM WHETHER THE POSTAL ORDER SHOULD BE CROSSED BY DRAWING TWO PARALLEL LINES AS DONE ON A CHEQUE??

[sandeepbaheti]

You have understood the process correctly. IPO can be crossed just like cheque. Go ahead with the application. All the best!