Central Information Commission
CIC/OP/A/2009/000013 -AD
Dated 14th December, 2009
Name of the Applicant : MR. MAHINDRA SINGH
Name of the Public Authority : RAIL COACH FACTORY, PUNJAB
Background
1. The Applicant filed his RTI request on 20.03.08 with the PIO / Rail Coach Factory,
Kapurthala stating that in the year 1977-78 the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
had implemented a Plan under Family Planning Scheme for compensation in case of
failure of Sterilisation (Tuboctomy/Vasectomy). In this connection he wanted a copy of
the Scheme. On 03.10.08 the Sr. PRO & PIO, Rail Coach Factory, Kapurthala replied to
the Applicant stating that information sought is not available in the Coach Factory
office. He requested the Applicant to directly contact the Ministry of Health & Family
Welfare. Being aggrieved with the reply, the Applicant filed a complaint before the
CIC reiterating his request for the information.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner scheduled the
hearing for 14th December, 2009.
3. Mr. Gurjit Singh, Sr. PRO & PIO represented the Public Authority.
4. Efforts were made to contact the Applicant but failed because of telephone was busy.
Decision
5. The Respondent submitted that the information is more than 20 years old and that
although the information sought was not available in his factory as it was established
only in 1987, and did not relate to his Ministry, he visited the Ministry of Health &
Family Welfare several times to search old files and locate the information sought by
the Complainant. He stated that with difficulty he was able to locate a GOI notification
No.II-3.77(9) dated 20.06.1997 related to Family Welfare Programme – Pattern of
Central Assistance for payment of Compensation in cases of failure of Sterilisation
(Tubctomy/Vasectomy), which was immediately supplied to the Complainant. The
Commission while appreciating the efforts made by the CPIO to go out of his way to
provide the information, holds that available information has been provided to the
Complainant and accordingly disposes off the Appeal.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian)
Assistant Registrar
Cc:
1. Mr. Mahindra Singh
E.No. 484033
Qtr. No.373-C
Type III, Rail Coach Factory Compound
Kapurthala – 144 602.
2. The PIO
Rail Coach Factory
Kapurthala
Kapurthala
Punjab.
3. The Appellate Authority
Rail Coach Factory
Kapurthala
Kapurthala
Punjab.
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC