Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/C/2009/000451
Dated 17th September 2009
Name of the Applicant : MR. G. SARASWATHI
Name of the Public Authority : DEPTT OF POSTS
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dated 30.03.09 with the CPIO Deptt of
Posts, Chennai, seeking the Arrears calculation sheet as she was sanctioned
life time Arrears of Rs. 17810/-. She wanted to know what action was taken
on her letter dated 11.03.09. The CPIO replied on 12.05.09 informing the
Appellant that the date of retirement of the pensioner was 30.11.79 and
hence the claimant is a pre 2006 family pensioner. He also stated that as per
OM dated 01.09.08 from Department of Pensions and Pensioners’ Welfare, the
pension disbursing authorities should themselves ensure payment of revised
pension arrears in respect of pre 2006 pensioners. He suggested that she
approach the Post Master, Mylapore Head Office for the information. Being
aggrieved with this reply, the Appellant filed a Complaint before the CIC on
18.05.09 stating that there was a delay to providing the reply and that the
CPIO should have transferred the application as per Section 6 (3) under the
RTI Act, 2005 with in 5 days.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing on 17th September, 2009.
3. Mr. A. Malaichamy, Senior Accounts Officer represented to the Public
Authority.
4. The Applicant was heard through audio conference and was represented by
her son.
Decision
5. The Appellant stated that the information which he received from Post Master
Mylapore, consisted of only 4 pages which were not legible. He added that out
of the 4 pages 2 pages were not clear. It was his contention that the
information was only provided because of the notice for hearing sent by the
Commission. He however added that he would be “more than satisfied” if the
60% arrears are credited to his mother’s account at the earliest. The
Respondent submitted that the 40% LTA arrears were paid on 30.04.09 and
that orders for payment of remaining 60% arrears have been recently
received from the Central Government and the amount has been released for
payment on 09.09.09. The Commission accordingly directs the CPIO to ensure
that the payment of 60% arrears in this case is credited to the A/c of the
Appellant by 30.09.09, under intimation to the Commission.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian)
Assistant Registrar
Cc:
1. Mr. G. Saraswathi,
Old No. 20, New No. 24,
Devanathan Road,
Mandaveli,
Chennai, 600028
2. The CPIO
Deptt of Posts,
O/o the CPMG,
Tamilnadu Circle,
Chennai
3. Officer in charge, NIC
4. Press E Group, CIC