Central Information Commission
CIC/OK/A/08/00757-AD
Dated May 8, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Mr.Kuldeep Singh
Name of the Public Authority : Northern Railway, New Delhi
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.17.10.07 with the CPIO, NR, Baroda
House, New Delhi. He requested for the following information:
i) Names of candidates from running category who were selected in the
GDCE examination conducted by RRB/All in the year 1999-2000 for the
post of JE/Mech/Elect/C&W/S&T/PWAY/E&RC (Examination coordinated
by GM/NR Baroda House for Northern Railway vide letter dt.29.4.99)
ii) Names of running staff candidates joined after selection in the above
stated examination and their place of posting. Also mention their
current railway and place of posting
iii) The pay of how many candidates (names) of running category selected
in this GDCE examination is fixed by giving them the benefit of 30%
(running allowance reckoned as pay). Under what rule the pay is fixed
iv) The pay of how many candidates (names) of running category selected
in this GDCE examination is fixed by not giving them the benefit of
30% (running allowance reckoned as pay). Under what rule the pay is
fixed
v) Whether the GDCE is considered departmental or otherwise. The
posting of selected candidates from one division to another division
under this examination is to be considered administrative or otherwise.
vi) A copy of letter dt.23.9.1958 to be supplied. Also to provide copy/s of
any letter/s superceding or in continuation of this letter.
The CPIO replied on 26.11.07 as follows:
i & ii) File is untraceable. Therefore, information cannot be provided.
However, efforts are being to locate the file.
iii & iv) Panel received from RRBs is sent to Divisions in the normal course who
in turn fix up the pay of candidates. It is therefore requested that the
information is sought from concerned division where said staff
appointed under GDCE are posted
v) GDCE is a departmental examination. The posting of candidates from
one division to another is on administrative ground.
Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed an appeal dt.20.12.07 with the
Appellate Authority. The Appellate Authority replied on 12.2.08 as follows:
i & ii) The file containing panel is not traceable. Dept. has informed that
efforts are being made to locate the same
iii & iv) The details as desired by the applicant are not maintained by the
Railway. It is not practically possible to provide the information as
desired as it would disproportionately divert the resources of the Public
Authority.
Aggrieved with this reply, the Applicant filed a second appeal dt.nil before
CIC.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing for May 8, 2009.
3. Mr. Mohar Singh, Sr. D.M.M.-cum-CPIO, Mr. Mohinder Partap, APIO, Mr.
Naresh Kumar, APO, Mr. V.R. Dubey, DMS, Mr. Ashwini Kumar, Dy. CPO, Mr.
Naresh Kumar, APO, Mr. Devender Gautam, Sr. Clerk and Mr. Ram Chander,
Sr. Clerk represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant was present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Respondent agreed to trace the missing file at the earliest and to provide
all the information. Accordingly, the Commission directs the CPIO to provide
all the available information after also checking with the Head Office.
6. The CPIO is directed to show cause why a penalty of Rs.250/- per month
should not be imposed on him for not having provided the information within
the mandatory period. The reponse to reach the Commission by 5 June,
2009.
7. All the information to be provided to the Appellant him by 5th June, 2009.
6. The appeal is disposed off.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(G.Subramanian)
Asst. Registrar
Cc:
1. Mr.Kuldeep Singh
JE-II/C&W/NDLS
Plot No.59-B/3
Tanish Apartment
Rajendar Nagar
Sector 5, Sahibabad
Ghaziabad 201 005
Uttar Pradesh
2. Mr.T.Tirkey
The CPIO
Northern Railway
HQ Office
Baroda House
Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi 1
3. The Appellate Authority &
Sr.Deputy General Manager
Northern Railway
HQ Office
Baroda House
Kasturba Gandhi Marg
New Delhi 1
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC