Information about the funds allocated by Centre for the State Elections
4 Mar, 2012Background
The Appellant sought the information regarding the funds allocated by the Central Government to the respective State/UT Governments during the year 2004 and 2009 for the conduct of the Lok Sabha Elections. The appellant also desired information regarding the steps taken by the Central Government for providing legal aid to weaker sections of the society. The PIO informed that the Central Government releases funds on provisional basis to the respective State/ UT Governments as per their demand for Lok Sabha Elections while providing information about the amount released to the State/UT Governments for the Lok Sabha Elections 2004 and 2009. For the details of expenditure incurred by the respective State/UT Governments, the PIO replied that the details of expenditure are the concern of the respective State/UT Governments and can be obtained from them, if the appellant so desires. Regarding legal assistance to the weaker sections, the PIO replied that this matter did not pertain to Legislative Department and the matter was transferred first to the Department of Legal Affairs and then to the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) under section 6(3) of the RTI Act. The PIO, NALSA thereafter provided requisite information to the appellant.
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The respondent submitted that they have already informed the appellant with the details of the expenditure concerns the respective State/UT Governments and hence this information can be obtained from them. The Commission remitted the matter back to the First Appellate Authority with the direction to pass a speaking order regarding the details of expenditure incurred by the respective State/UT Governments, out of the allocations made to them for the conduct of Lok Sabha Elections.
Citation: Shri Avdesh Kumar v. Ministry of Law & Justice, Legislative Department in file no. CIC/SS/A/2011/001831
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/136
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