Punjab official fined Rs.20250 for delaying info under RTI

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Punjab official fined Rs.20250 for delaying info under RTI
GURPREET SINGH MEHAK Wednesday, 10 October 2007

FATEHGARH SAHIB: The Punjab State Information Commission has fined an Executive Officer of Rs 20,250 for not providing information under Right to Information Act.

Information commissioners R.K. Gupta and P.P.S. Gill imposed fine on Sukhdev Singh, Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Rampura Phul in Bathinda district. Bathinda Deputy Commissioner has been asked to recover the amount from the EO’s salary in four equal monthly equal installments and report compliance on Monday of third week of February, 2008.

The case relates to information sought by a lawyer Amandeep Goyal, a resident of Rampura Phul. It was observed by the information commissioners that the complainant has asked for a photocopy of the gazette notification issued by the Punjab Government. It has taken four months for the department in supplying of such a simple information. This does not speak well of the respondent-department. It is also seen that the present incumbent Sukhdev Singh, EO, Municipal Council, Rampura Phul who joined the department on July 3, 2007 has not bothered to appear in person or to deputy any body before the Commission on July 13, August 6 and September 3.

The EO finally appeared before the Information Commission on October 1. The Commission took serious view of such negligence on his part and he is, accordingly, fined at the rate of Rs.250 per day from July 13, 2007 to October 1, 2007 subject to a maximum of Rs.25,000 . The commission observed that as far as supply of information is concerned, the case stands disposed of. Now the EO will have to deposit Rs 20,250 as fine for 81 days at the rate of Rs 250 per day.

PunjabNewsline.com - Punjab official fined Rs.20250 for delaying info under RTI