Central Information Commission
2nd Floor, August Kranti Bhawan,
Bhikaji Cama Place, New Delhi - 110 066
Website: www.cic.gov.in
Decision No.5051/IC(A)/2010
F. No.CIC/MA/A/2009/000815
Dated, the 21st January, 2010
Name of the Appellant: Shri. P.V. Kothaiyah
Name of the Public Authority: Railway Board
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Facts
:
1. The case was scheduled for hearing on 21/1/2010. But, the appellant did
not avail of this opportunity of personal hearing. The appeal is, therefore,
examined on merit.
2. The appellant has asked for information relating to ACR grades, DPC
proceedings, SAG promotion, etc. The CPIO has replied and furnished partial
information while the information relating to ACR grades and DPC minutes have
been refused u/s 8(1)(j) of the Act, on the ground that the documents in question
are confidential documents. The appellant has pleaded before the Commission
for providing complete information, as asked for by him.
Decision:
3. In a number of cases, this Commission has directed the public authorities
to disclose information relating to the ACR grades, so as to enable the
employees to improve upon their work performance. Likewise, this Commission
has also advised the public authorities to put in public domain the proceedings of
DPC so as to enable the affected persons to observe and scrutinize the selection
process, with a view to ensuring transparency and objectivity in the selection
process. In view of this, denial of information, mainly the ACR grades and DPC
proceedings, u/s 8(1)(j) is unjustified. The CPIO is, therefore, directed to furnish
the information asked for within 15 working days from the date of issue of this
decision, failing which penalty proceedings u/s 20(1) of the Act would be initiated.
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“If you don’t ask, you don’t get.” – Mahatma Gandhi
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4. The appeal is thus disposed of.
Sd/-
(Prof. M.M. Ansari)
Central Information Commissioner ii
Authenticated true copy:
(M.C. Sharma)
Deputy Registrar
Name & address of Parties:
1. Shri. P.V. Kothaiyah, dy. CME/Project, Central Workshop, Southern
Railway, Ponmalai, Tiruchirappalli – 620 004.
2. Smt. B.K. Minz, CPIO, Railway Board, Rail Bhawan, New Delhi.
3. Sh. P.K. Sharma, Appellate Authority, Railway Board, Rail Bhawan, New
Delhi.
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“All men by nature desire to know.” – Aristotle
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