Some of the SICs and even the
CIC advance an excuse of giving more time to the PIOs to get trained and used to the concept of
RTI Act for not awarding penalty. I don't think this is justifiable. Everyone, right from the PIOs to the Informtion Commissioners have to change their concept of
RTI Act. Presently, in every case, the emphasis seems to justify " Why the information should be given". All one has to do is to change this concept to "Why the information should not be given" .
On receipt of a request, the PIOs should see why the informtion sought should not be given. He has to ask himself certain questions like, Is the informtion held by him ?, Has the prescribed fee has been remitted ?, Does the information fall under any of the exceptions given in Sections 8 and 9 ? & Does the information sough disproportionatly divert the resources of the public authority or not? If the answer is "YES" ,there should not be any reasons for not giving the information sought. All other excues are only window dressings.