My First success with RTI

[karira]

Finally, my first success using the RTI Act !

I wanted to file 2 applications under the RTI Act.
The concerned PIO refused to accept my application fee in cash.
The departments website clearly stated the application fee can be paid by Cash or Bankers Cheque or D/D.

So for good measure, apart from the 2 applications I wanted to file, I filed a third one regarding this matter of cash payment. I had to spend some time in drafting the application correctly so that it sounded like a genuine application under RTI.

Today, just when 30 days were about to expire, I got a reply from the PIO. They have said that "arrangements are now being made to receive application fee in cash hereafter"

[ganpat1956]

Good work Karira!

[maneesh]

Great Work Karira

[karira]

Well, this was only a success story as far as receiving the reply.

The Public Authority in question is still not accepting cash for the application fee inspite of over 4 months having passed after agreeing to do so.
The website continues to state that application fees for RTI applications will be accpeted by cash, D/D or B/C.
What can I do now ?
Please guide me.

[dr.a]

pls mention who / where cash acceptance refused

[jps50]

Pl. send a money order.If it is central govt, I always prefer IPO which cost 50 paise only. In Gujarat U can get Rs.20/- stamp franked in nominated banks with no extra charges. I have made a practice to send by speed post/regd ad, because if one visits personally, the officers act indifferently.

[karira]

Originally Posted by dr.a

pls mention who / where cash acceptance refused

Commercial Taxes Department, Govt. of AP

Originally Posted by jps50

Pl. send a money order.If it is central govt, I always prefer IPO which cost 50 paise only. In Gujarat U can get Rs.20/- stamp franked in nominated banks with no extra charges. I have made a practice to send by speed post/regd ad, because if one visits personally, the officers act indifferently.

The commission for IPO is Re. 1.00 for a Rs 10.00 IPO. That is what I paid in Secunderabad, Nehru Nagar Post Office, on 8th January 2008. Any change in the charges since then ?

[jps50]

On the IPO they have mentioned 50 paise, perhaps old stationery. They are actually charging Re1/-. I stand corrected.

[jiwateshwar]

Karira Ji,
Any updates in this regard?? Would love to know what happnd next!

[karira]

Still not accepting cash.
The reason given is that as per internal rules, the particular department is Not Allowed to handle cash ! (LOL)
Have shown them the section 22 in the RTI Act which states:

The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in the Official Secrets Act, 1923, and any other law for the time being in force or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any law other than this Act.

But still not effect.

[sandeepbaheti]

Take a fresh RTI application (asking for steps taken on earlier one) and insist on paying cash. If they refuse, file a complaint to SIC under sec 18(1)(a) for refusing to accept the application.
Regarding the earlier application also you can file a complaint to SIC under Sec 18(1)(e) for providing misleading/false information stating that the PIO never had the intention of implementing a mechanism for cash payment.

[sngupta]

The RTI 2005 is really an act synonyms of freedom. I am able to get so many informations in RTI which is very usefull to settle my greviences. If CIC will improve the roll definately RTI will be very big tool for transparency and accountability in society specially against the Govt.

[ambrish.p]

Karira Ji,
please post that RTI application (mentioned in post #1)
regards

[karira]

Originally Posted by sandeepbaheti

Take a fresh RTI application (asking for steps taken on earlier one) and insist on paying cash. If they refuse, file a complaint to SIC under sec 18(1)(a) for refusing to accept the application.
Regarding the earlier application also you can file a complaint to SIC under Sec 18(1)(e) for providing misleading/false information stating that the PIO never had the intention of implementing a mechanism for cash payment.

Thanks for the suggestion.
Unfortunately, the APSIC does not believe in the existence of Sec 18.
Maybe, I can file a new RTI application and then use it as a test case to file a Complaint under Sec 18, using the recent Allahabad High Court Judgement.

Originally Posted by ambrish.p

Karira Ji,
please post that RTI application (mentioned in post #1)
regards

Will upload tomorrow, since its on my other machine.

[sandeepbaheti]

When the PIO refuses to accept cash, ask him for the complaint book and mention therein. Also take a copy of the complaint to be used later as evidence. This method works for banks. I'm not sure if it will work for Tax Dept.

[karira]

Originally Posted by ambrish.p

Karira Ji,
please post that RTI application (mentioned in post #1)
regards

Attached to this post.

[sandeepbaheti]

As mentioned in the doc:

Kindly note that this application fee, by its present mode of payment, is being paid under Protest and I reserve the full right to demand compensation and refund of expenses incurred in securing this Bankers Cheque fro the Public Authority.

Could you throw some more light on what exactly this means? It may be useful to applicants who wish to pay application fee by bankers cheque.

[karira]

It basically means that I am being forced to pay the application fee through some mode that costs me extra amount. I have the right to claim back that extra amount from the PA.

This is a normal practice followed in revenue matters (especially Customs). If I pay the Customs Duty "under protest", then I reserve the full right to claim back refund of the excess duty charged at a later date.