can a public servant use rti

[satvansh]

after going through some of the related threads, i am now confused on to whether a public servant working either with Central or State Government can use RTI. What is the rule position on this. Whether it goes against public servant's conduct rules.

really appreciate, if it can be substantiated

[jiwateshwar]

I don't think it goes against the conduct. There was a thread somewhere here about the fact that maximum number of RTI applications are actually being filed by civil servants themselves to seek solutions to their service matters. Further, it would be stupid or illogical to ban civil servants from using RTI as they could easily get the application filed by someone else. If you look around, some of our members are always very eager about filling RTi applications on others behalf.

[jps50]

Like any other citizen, public servants can freely use RTI. In fact in 2006-07 nearly 48% of applications under RTI were from govt employees including IAS, IPS, IFS officers!

[colnrkurup]

As per existing Rules public servants can file RTI applications. But my personal view is that generally there should not be any requirement for a public servant to resort to RTI channel. Public servants do have many other laid down inbuilt system to redress grievence or seek information. For Eg.if a public servant want to know why he is posted to an undesirable place second time when majority of his collegues were not posted once, he can seek his superior officer's interview and present his case. There are every chance of his getting relief. But if he resort to RTI chanel he will be inviting wrath of his superiors who will not spare an opportunity to transfer him to that undesirable post and always be in search of a justification to post him there.The general excuse they put forth is that "in the interest of public service"

All those public servants using RTI Act should bear in mind that such attempts are not generally liked by their superiors and any venture to do so should be resorted to only if they are prepared to face the consequences. This apect is too conspicuous in all the cases brought out in this forum so far.

[nile0611]

All those public servants using RTI Act should bear in mind that such attempts are not generally liked by their superiors and any venture to do so should be resorted to only if they are prepared to face the consequences. This apect is too conspicuous in all the cases brought out in this forum so far.

Tell your friend to file and application of your behalf and make it a point that information asked not only pertains to you but to entire unit of staff.