CIC took grave exception to the absence of the PIO, EPFO for the hearing without intimating any reasons thereof, despite duly served notice - CIC issued a strict warning and advised the PIO to seek prior permission before absenting himself
20 Apr, 2020Information Sought:
The appellant has sought the following information:
1. Photocopy of Note put up for considering his letters dated 08.12.2017 and 19.05.2018 and comments made at various levels of hierarchy on the note. Details of authority which approved the final reply to his grievance registered under Registration No. ROBND/E/2018/21915.
2. Whether any one at any level of hierarchy tried to take note of the facts mentioned by him in his letters dated 08.12.2017 and 19.05.2018 and enclosures to the said letters.
3. Reasons for calling for information, which is readily available in EPFO itself, as final reply to his first grievance dated 06.05.2018.
4. And other related information.
Grounds for Second Appeal
The CPIO has provided the incomplete/unsatisfactory information. Submissions made by Appellant and Respondent during Hearing: Both the parties remained absent during the hearing.
Observations:
Based on a perusal of the record, it was noted that an apt and point-wise reply was given to the appellant. The Commission is not able to find any fault in the reply of the CPIO more so when the appellant himself was not present to contest the reply. However, the Commission takes grave exception to the absence of the CPIO, EPFO for the hearing without intimating any reasons thereof, despite duly served notice on 28.02.2020 vide speed post no. ED396301348IN.
Decision:
In view of the above, the present CPIO is issued a strict warning for remaining absent during the hearing without any intimation to the Commission. The CPIO, EPFO is advised to seek prior permission of the Commission before absenting himself and in case such a lapse is repeated in future, the Commission will be constrained to take strict action against him.
The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Vanaja N. Sarna
Information Commissioner
Citation: Srinivas Chavali v. Employees Provident Fund Organisation in Decision no.: -CIC/EPFOG/A/2018/636645/03190, Date of Decision: 30/03/2020