Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/09/00385
Dated May 5, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Mr.Kailash Chandra Panda
Name of the Public Authority : BSNL, Bhubaneswar
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.28.11.08 with the CPIO, BSNL,
Bhubaneswar. He requested for information regarding activation of blank SIM
cards at various BSNL Mobile customer care nodes in Orissa Circle and
activation of blank SIM issued due to theft/damage of the old SIM card as
per proforma provided by the Applicant. The CPIO replied on 24.12.08
enclosing the required information. Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant
filed an appeal dt.16.1.09 with the Appellate Authority stating that the
information provided by the CPIO is partial. He also requested that the
names of all the C.C.N. which are excluded in the list provided by different
Telecom Districts be provided to him after being countersigned by the CPIO.
He also gave a list of officers whose assistance could be sought by the CAPIO.
The Appellate Authority replied on 18.2.09 stating that if a blank SIM
activation has not been done at a CCN point then there is no need of
mentioning the name of that CCN point in the nil report. He further added
that new types of queries have been made by the Applicant at the appeal
stage which cannot be admitted. Accordingly he upheld the decision of the
CPIO. Aggrieved with the reply, the Applicant filed a second appeal dt.6.3.09
before CIC requesting for information about all the places in Orissa where the
mobile CCN are installed and the number of SIM cards activated at those
points. According to him except three Telecom districts, the remaining 10
telecom districts have provided partial information as they have willfully
suppressed some CCN stations. His contention was that due to negligence of
BSNL staff most of the CCN are not in working condition, thereby causing
public harassment. He stated that more than Rs.2.00 lakhs investment was
made on installation of each CCN.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing for May 5, 2009.
3. Both the Appellant and the Respondent were absent for the hearing
Decision
4. The Commission directs the CPIO to provide information about all the mobile
CCNs installed in Orissa and the number of SIM cards activated at those
points by 5th June, 2009.
5. The appeal is disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian)
Asst. Registrar
Cc:
1. Shri Kailash Chandra Panda
Telephone Bhawan
P.O.Malkangiri Colony 764 048
Distt. Malkangiri (Orissa)
Orissa
2. Mr.U.S.Panda
The CPIO &
General Manager (O)
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
O/o Chief General Manager Telecom
Orissa Circle, Unit III
Bhubaneswar 751 001
3. Mr.A.N.Rai
The Appellate Authority &
Chief General Manager Telecom
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
O/o Chief General Manager Telecom
Orissa Circle, Unit III
Bhubaneswar 751 001
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC