CIC had directed to upload all applications regarding de-notification of various Khasras on the website of secretariat - PIO: only 51 de-notification applications uploaded - CIC: LG (Delhi) to augment the manpower and computer resources
21 Dec, 2013CIC had directed to upload all applications regarding de-notification of various Khasras on the website of secretariat - PIO: 51 de-notification applications have been uploaded, for 1000 applications specific data is not available thus action remains to be taken - CIC: Lt Governor of Delhi should give directions for augmenting the manpower and computer resources to complete the task in a time bound manner
ORDER
Facts:
1. Further to Commission’s orders of even number dated 1 August 2013, 27 September 2013 and 20 November 2013 matter was heard today. Both parties as above appeared in person and made submissions. The matter of the present case pertains to review of compliance of Commission’s directions pertaining to the uploading of information pertaining to all applications. Received/processed/approved/rejected and pending during the period 13 December 2007 – 22 The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything inconsistent therewith contained in the Official Secrets Act, 1923 (19 of 1923), and any other law for the time being in force or in any instrument having effect by virtue of any law other than this Act. June 2012 pursuant to the announcing of the policy regarding de-notification of various Khasras (land) which were notified for acquisition but in whose case, the full process was not completed and compensation was also not awarded.
2. Respondent SPIO/Deputy Secretary, Land and Building Department, GNCTD stated that so far total number of 51 de-notification applications have been uploaded on the website of L & B Department in the prescribed format. Documents in support of her averments were also submitted before the Commission. It was also stated by her that there are approximately 1000 applications (specific data is not available regarding the numbers) in respect of which action remains to be taken.
Decision notice
3. Having heard the parties, Commission is appreciative of the initiative taken by L&B Department and particularly of the SPIO in complying with the directions of the Commission. We have already stated the importance of bringing about transparency in the matter of the RTI application as stated above and the same cannot be overstated. Any lack of transparency will undoubtedly reflect in arbitrary decision making resulting in allegations of corruption and perception of poor governance. However, this is just a beginning and the SPIO will not be in a position to complete the task for achieving transparency in respect of all the pending cases with the meager resources at her command. Therefore, a copy of this order be marked to the honourable Lt Governor of Delhi so that he can give suitable directions for augmenting the manpower and computer resources of the L&B Department thereby enabling them to complete the task in a time bound manner.
(Smt. Deepak Sandhu)
Chief Information Commissioner
Citation: Shri Rajiv Kapoor v. Lt. Governor’s Secretariat in Adjunct II Appeal: No. CIC/AD/A/2012/002931/DS