Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/09/00156
Dated March 25, 2009
Name of the Applicant : Ms. Surya S.Lumba
Name of the Public Authority : BSNL, Ahmedabad
Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI request dt.18.7.08 with the CPIO, BSNL,
Ahmedabad. She requested for information relating to Form 16, Medical Bill,
GPF withdrawal and salary arrears pertaining to Ms. Meena Sumitradas
Lumba, her sister who is an employee of BSNL, Ahmedabad. She stated that
(1) her sister had sent a representation regarding non receipt of Form 16
which has already been sent by her to the office of General Manager
(Finance) vide letter dt. 14.6.08. ; (2) while the applicant was on tour her
husband was admitted to Jeevraj Mehta Charitable Trust Hospital in
emergency. She had submitted the medical bills for treatment. However
they were not accepted. She wanted to know how much reimbursement she
is entitled to as per CGHS rules, when the reimbursement would be made and
the details of medical reimbursement made to her, if any (3) details of GPF
reimbursement made to her (4) she mentioned that till date she has not
received stepping salary arrears already sanctioned and due to her since
3.10.05. She wanted to know when the matter would be cleared and the
name of the responsible officer who has caused the delay.
The CPIO replied on 11.8.08 enclosing a note from Sr. AO(Cash) giving point-
wise information. Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed her first
appeal dt.20.8.08 with the Appellate Authority commenting on the
information provided by the CPIO. The Appellate Authority replied on 5.9.08
enclosing information obtained from CAO (Finance), O/o CPMG, Ahmedabad.
Aggrieved with the reply, the Applicant filed her second appeal dt.12.9.08
before CIC.
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the
hearing for March 25, 2009.
3. Mr. Satya Pal, CGM & Appellate Authority and Mr. D.H.Vohra, SDE(RTI)
represented the Public Authority.
4. The Applicant’s representative was present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Commission noted that a similar case involving the Appellant was heard
earlier by the Commission on January 15, 2009, No.SA/UG/F5601 6H4Q/AD
and that the Commission had rejected the appeal on the ground that it relates
to service matters and that no information has been sought by the Appellant.
In this case too the Commission is of the opinion that issues raised by the
Appellant including Medical reimbursement, withdrawal of GPF, payment of
arrears, transfer and posting and choice of station are all service matters and
cannot be sorted out at the level of the Commission and advises the Appellant
to approach a suitable forum for redressal of her grievances.
6. The appeal id accordingly rejected.
(Annapurna Dixit)
Information Commissioner
Authenticated true copy:
(K.G.Nair)
Designated Officer
Cc:
1. Ms.Surya S.Lumba
E-201, Satej Appt
Opp. AUDA Sport Complex
Thaltej
Ahmedabad 380 054
2. The CPIO &
General Manager (A)
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
O/o Chief General Manager
Gujarat Circle
Telephone Bhavan
C.G.Road
Nr.Navrangpura
T.E.Building
Ahmedabad 380 006
3. The Appellate Authority &
Chief General Manager Telecom
Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited
O/o Chief General Manager
Gujarat Circle
Telephone Bhavan
C.G.Road
Nr.Navrangpura
T.E.Building
Ahmedabad 380 006
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC