ÿþ<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.01 Transitional//EN"> <html xmlns:v="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:vml" xmlns:o="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40"> <head> <meta http-equiv="Content-Language" content="en-us"> <title>West Bengal Information Commission</title> <meta http-equiv="Content-Type" content="text/html; charset=windows-1252"> <STYLE type=text/css>@import url( ../css/WBIC.css ); </STYLE> <style> <!-- table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-parent:""; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"} li.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-bottom:.0001pt; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; margin-left:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-top:0in} --> </style> </head> <body> <table height="189" border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"> <tr> <td height="76" width="900"> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber1" height="35"> <tr> <td width="33%" height="35"> <p align="center"> <img border="0" src="../images/fourlions.jpg" width="70" height="101"></td> <td width="33%" height="35"> <img border="0" src="../images/banner.gif" width="648" height="102"></td> <td width="34%" height="35"> <p align="center"> <img border="0" src="../images/flag.gif" width="68" height="50" align="right"></td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> <tr bgcolor="#AED7FF"> <td height="30" width="100%"> <p align="center">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<font color="#800000">||&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="../Index.htm" style="text-decoration: none"><font color="#800000">Home</font></a>&nbsp;</font> <font color="#800000">&nbsp; 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<a class="link" style="text-decoration: none" href="contact_us.htm">Contact Us</a></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" height="19"> <font color="#0000FF"><a class="link" style="text-decoration: none" href="../Application Procedure(in Bengali)/Application Procedure.pdf">† ¬ Ç ¦ ¨ • • ° ¾ ° ª ¦ Í § ¤ ¿ </a></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="100%" height="30"> <p align="center"> <img border="0" src="../images/bottomtab.gif" width="128" height="30"></td> </tr> </table> <br> &nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="85%" height="16"> <table bgcolor="white" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" bordercolor="#111111" width="100%" id="AutoNumber6" height="312"> <tr valign="top"> <td width="100%" height="312" bgcolor="#EAFFFF"> <p align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b><i><font size="6" color="#008000">Frequently Asked Questioned </font> <font size="6"><font color="#FF0000">(FAQ )</font></font></i></b></p> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="border-collapse: collapse" bordercolor="#111111" width="89%" id="AutoNumber10" align="left" height="1"> <tr> <td width="13%" height="26"> &nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="26"> <font color="#FF0000"> <b><font face="Times New Roman">01</font><span style="font-family: Arial">.<span style="font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-size:7.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&nbsp; </span> </span></b> </font></td> <td width="93%" height="26"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#01. When does it come into force">When does it come into force?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="13%" height="23"> &nbsp;</td> <td valign="top"width="3%" height="23"> <font color="#FF0000"> <b> <font face="Times New Roman">02</font><span style="font-family: Arial">.</span></b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="23"> <p align="justify"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-variant:normal; font-size:7.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <a href="#02. Who is covered">Who is covered?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td width="13%" height="21">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="21"><font color="#FF0000"><b> <font face="Times New Roman">03</font><font face="Arial">.</font></b><span style="font-style:normal; font-variant:normal; font-weight:700; font-size:7.0pt; font-family:Times New Roman"> </span></font></td> <td width="93%" height="21"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#03. What does information mean">What does information mean?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="21">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="21"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-weight:700">04.</span></font></td> <td width="93%" height="21"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#04. What does Right to Information mean">What does Right to Information mean?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="22">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="22"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-weight:700">05.</span></font></td> <td width="93%" height="22"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#05. What are the obligations of public authority">What are the obligations of public authority?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="17"></td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="17"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-weight:700">06.</span></font></td> <td width="93%" height="17"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#06. What is not open to disclosure">What is not open to disclosure?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="22">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="22"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-weight:700">07.</span></font></td> <td width="93%" height="22"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#07. Is partial disclosure allowed">Is partial disclosure allowed?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="20">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="20"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-weight:700">08.</span></font></td> <td width="93%" height="20"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#08. What does a public authority mean">What does a &quot;public authority&quot; mean?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="20">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="20"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman; font-weight:700">09.</span></font></td> <td width="93%" height="20"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#09. Who is excluded">Who is excluded?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="20">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="20"><font color="#FF0000"><b>10.</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="20"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#10. Who are Third Parties">Who are 'Third Parties'?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="21">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="21"><font color="#FF0000"><b>11</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="21"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#11. Who are Public Information Officers (PIOs)">Who are Public Information Officers (PIOs)?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="19">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="19"><font color="#FF0000"><b>12</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="19"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#12.What are the duties of a PIO">What are the duties of a PIO?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="21">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="21"><font color="#FF0000"><b>13</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="21"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#13. What is the Application Procedure for requesting information">What is the Application Procedure for requesting information?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="15"></td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="15"><font color="#FF0000"><b>14</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="15"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#14. What is the time limit to get the information">What is the time limit to get the information?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="23">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="23"><font color="#FF0000"><b>15</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="23"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#15. What is the fee">What is the fee?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="19">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="19"><font color="#FF0000"><b>16.</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="19"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#16. What could be the ground for rejection">What could be the ground for rejection?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="18"></td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="18"><font color="#FF0000"><b>17.</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="18"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#17. Who are the Appellate Authorities">Who are the Appellate Authorities?&nbsp;</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="22">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="22"><font color="#FF0000"><b>18.</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="22"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#18. How is Central Information Commission constituted">How is Central Information Commission constituted?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="21">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="21"><font color="#FF0000"><b>19</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="21"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#19. What is the eligibility criteria and what is the process of appointment of CIC/IC">What is the eligibility criteria and what is the process of appointment of CIC/IC?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="27">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="27"><font color="#FF0000"><b>20.</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="27"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#20. What is the term of office and other service conditions of CIC">What is the term of office and other service conditions of CIC?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="24">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="24"><font color="#FF0000"><b>21</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="24"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#21. What is the term of office and other service conditions of IC">What is the term of office and other service conditions of IC?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="30">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="30"><font color="#FF0000"><b>22</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="30"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#22. How is the State Information Commission constituted">How is the State Information Commission constituted?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="37">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="37"><font color="#FF0000"><b>23</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="37"> <p align="justify"><font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><a href="#23. What is the eligibility criterion and what is the process of appointment of State Chief"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">What is the eligibility criterion and what is the process of appointment of State </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;&nbsp; <br> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Chief Information Commissioner/State Information Commissioners?</span></a></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="23">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="23"><font color="#FF0000"><b>24</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="23"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#24. What are the powers and functions of Information Commissions">What are the powers and functions of Information Commissions?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="23">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="23"><font color="#FF0000"><b>25</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="23"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#25. What is the reporting procedure">What is the reporting procedure?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="23">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="23"><font color="#FF0000"><b>26</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="23"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#26. What are the penalty provisions">What are the penalty provisions?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="27">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="27"><font color="#FF0000"><b>27</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="27"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#27. What is the jurisdiction of courts">What is the jurisdiction of courts?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="24">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="24"><font color="#FF0000"><b>28</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="24"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#28. What is the role of Central/State Governments">What is the role of Central/State Governments?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="21">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="21"><font color="#FF0000"><b>29</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="21"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#29. Who has the Rule making power">Who has the Rule making power?</a></span></font></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="13%" height="21">&nbsp;</td> <td valign="top" width="3%" height="21"><font color="#FF0000"><b> 30</b></font></td> <td width="93%" height="21"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><a href="#30. Who has the power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this act">Who has the power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this act?</a></span></font></td> </tr> </table> <p align="left"> <b><font color="#008000"><i><font size="7"><br> </font></i></font> <span style="font-family: Arial"><span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><br> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span><br> </span></b><span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><b><span style="font-family: Arial"><br> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>&nbsp;</span></b></p> <p style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: .5in"><b><span style="font-family: Arial"><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <font color="#0000FF"><br> &nbsp;</font></span></b></p> <p style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: .5in">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: .5in">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: .5in">&nbsp;</p> <p style="text-indent: -.25in; margin-left: .5in"><b><span style="font-family: Arial"> <font color="#0000FF"><br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> <br> &nbsp;</font></span></b></p> <table > <tr > <td > <blockquote> <p align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="01. When does it come into force">01. When does it come into force?</span></a></font><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> It comes into force on the 12th October, 2005 (120th day of its enactment on 15th June, 2005). Some provisions have come into force with immediate effect viz. obligations of public authorities [S.4(1)], designation of Public Information Officers and Assistant Public Information Officers[S.5(1) and 5(2)], constitution of Central Information Commission (S.12 and 13), constitution of State Information Commission (S.15 and 16), non-applicability of the Act to Intelligence and Security Organizations (S.24) and power to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Act (S.27 and 28).</p> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td width="740" valign="top" height="19" > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="02. Who is covered">02. Who is covered? </a> </font> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <br> The Act extends to the whole of India except the State of Jammu and Kashmir. [S.(12)]</span></blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="03. What does information mean"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">03. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">What does information mean?</span></a></font><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> Information means any material in any form including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force[S.2(f)].</span></blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="04. What does Right to Information mean"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">04. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">What does Right to Information mean?</span></a></font><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> It includes the right to -</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></p> <ol start="1" type="i" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> inspect works, documents, records.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> take notes, extracts or certified copies of documents or records.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> take certified samples of material.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> obtain information in form of printouts, diskettes, floppies, tapes, video cassettes or in any other electronic mode or through printouts.[S.2(j)]</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td > <blockquote> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt" align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="05. What are the obligations of public authority"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> 05. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What are the obligations of public authority?</span></a></font><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> It shall publish within one hundred and twenty days of the enactment:-</span></p> <br> <font color="#0000FF">&nbsp;i.</font><font color="#008000">&nbsp;</font> the particulars of its organization, functions and duties;<br> <font color="#0000FF">&nbsp;ii.</font>&nbsp; the powers and duties of its officers and employees;</span><br> <font color="#0000FF">iii.</font>&nbsp; the procedure followed in its decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability; <br> <font color="#0000FF">iv.</font> the&nbsp; norms set by it for the discharge of its functions; <br> <font color="#0000FF">v.</font>&nbsp; the rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records used by its employees for discharging its functions; vi. a <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; statement of the categories of the documents held by it or under its control; <br> <font color="#0000FF">vii.</font> the particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with, or representation by the members of the <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; public, in relation to the formulation of policy or implementation thereof; <br> <font color="#0000FF">viii.</font> a statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; by it. Additionally, information as to whether the meetings of these are open to the public, or the minutes' of such <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; meetings are accessible to the public; <br> <font color="#0000FF">ix.</font>&nbsp;&nbsp; a directory of its officers and employees;<br> <font color="#0000FF">x.</font>&nbsp;&nbsp; the monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; as provided in its regulations; <br> <font color="#0000FF">xi.</font>&nbsp; the budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; reports on disbursements made; <br> <font color="#0000FF">xii.</font> the manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details and beneficiaries <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; of such programmes; <br> <font color="#0000FF">xiii.</font> particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it; <br> <font color="#0000FF">xiv.</font> details of the information available to, or held by it, reduced in an electronic form; <br> <font color="#0000FF">xv.</font>&nbsp; the particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; or reading room, if maintained for public use; xvi.the names, designations and other particulars of the Public&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Information Officers.[S.4(1)(b)] </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="06. What is not open to disclosure"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">06. </span> </a> </font> <a name="06. What is not open to disclosure"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What is not open to disclosure?</span></a></font><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> The following is exempt from disclosure [S.8)]</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></p> <ol start="1" type="i" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information, disclosure of which would prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of India, the security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State, relation with foreign State or lead to incitement of an offence</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information which has been expressly forbidden to be published by any court of law or tribunal or the disclosure of which may constitute contempt of court;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information, the disclosure of which would cause a breach of privilege of Parliament or the State Legislature;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information;&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information available to a person in his fiduciary relationship, unless the competent authority is satisfied that the larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information received in confidence from foreign Government;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information, the disclosure of which would endanger the life or physical safety of any person or identify the source of information or assistance given in confidence for law enforcement or security purposes;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information which would impede the process of investigation or apprehension or prosecution of offenders;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> cabinet papers including records of deliberations of the Council of Ministers, Secretaries and other officers;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or which would cause unwarranted invasion of the privacy of the individual;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Notwithstanding any of the exemptions listed above, a public authority may allow access to information, if public interest in disclosure outweighs the harm to the protected interests.</span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="07. Is partial disclosure allowed">07. <span lang="EN-GB" > Is partial disclosure allowed?</span></a></font><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> Only that part of the record which does not contain any information which is exempt from disclosure and which can reasonably be severed from any part that contains exempt information, may be provided. [S.10]</span></blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p style="margin-left: 0in; margin-right: 0in; margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: .0001pt"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="08. What does a public authority mean"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> 08. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What does a &quot;public authority&quot; mean?</span></a></font><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> It means any authority or body or institution of self-government established or constituted: [S.2(h)]<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; by or under the Constitution;<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; by any other law made by Parliament;<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; by any other law made by State Legislature;<br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; by notification issued or order made by the appropriate Government.and includes any- <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">body owned, <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; controlled or substantially financed non-Government organization substantially financed&nbsp; directly or <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; indirectly by the appropriate Government.</blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td " valign="top" "> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <blockquote> <p align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="09. Who is excluded"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">09. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Who is excluded?</span></a></font><br> Central Intelligence and Security agencies specified in the Second Schedule like IB, R&amp;AW, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Economic Intelligence Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Narcotics Control Bureau, Aviation Research Centre, Special Frontier Force, BSF, CRPF, ITBP, CISF, NSG, Assam Rifles, Special Service Bureau, Special Branch (CID), Andaman and Nicobar, The Crime Branch-CID-CB, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Special Branch, Lakshadweep Police. Agencies specified by the State Governments through a Notification will also be excluded. The exclusion, however, is not absolute and these organizations have an obligation to provide information pertaining to allegations of corruption and human rights violations. Further, information relating to allegations of human rights valuations could be given but only with the approval of the Central or State Information Commission, as the case may be. [S.24)]</span></p> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="10. Who are Third Parties"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">10. </span> </a> </font> <a name="10. Who are Third Parties"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Who are 'Third Parties'?</span></a></font><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> A third party means a person other than the citizen making a request for information and includes a public authority. Third parties have a right to be heard in respect of applications and appeals dealing with information submitted by them to the Government in confidence. [S.2(n) and S.11]</span></blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="11. Who are Public Information Officers (PIOs)"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">11. </span> </a> </font> <a name="11. Who are Public Information Officers (PIOs)"> <font color="#FF0000"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Who are Public Information Officers (PIOs)?</span></a></font><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> PIOs are officers designated by the public authorities in all administrative units or offices under it to provide information to the citizens requesting for information under the Act. Any officer, whose assistance has been sought by the PIO for the proper discharge of his or her duties, shall render all assistance and for the purpose of contraventions of the provisions of this Act, such other officer shall be treated as a PIO.</span></blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="12.What are the duties of a PIO"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">12.</span></a></font><a name="12.What are the duties of a PIO"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><font color="#FF0000">What are the duties of a PIO?</font></span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> PIO shall deal with requests from persons seeking information and where the request cannot be made in writing, to render reasonable assistance to the person to reduce the same in writing.</span><br> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> I</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">f the information requested for is held by or its subject matter is closely connected with the function of another public authority, the PIO shall transfer, within 5 days, the request to that other public authority and inform the applicant immediately.PIO, on receipt of a request, shall as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within 30 days of the receipt of the request, either provide the information on payment of such fee as may be prescribed or reject the request for any of the reasons specified in S.8 or S.9.PIO, on receipt of a request, shall as expeditiously as possible, and in any case within 30 days of the receipt of the request, either provide the information on payment of such fee as may be prescribed or reject the request for any of the reasons specified in S.8 or S.9.Where the information requested for concerns the life or liberty of a person, the same shall be provided within</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> forty-eight hours of the receipt of the request.If the PIO fails to give decision on the request within the period specified, he shall be deemed to have refused&nbsp;the request.<br> Where a request has been rejected, the PIO shall communicate to the requester - (i) the reasons for such</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;rejection, (ii) the period within which an appeal against such rejection may be preferred, and (iii) the particulars of the Appellate Authority.PIO shall provide information in the form in which it is sought unless it would disproportionately divert the resources of the Public Authority or would be detrimental to the safety or preservation of the record in question.&nbsp;If allowing partial access, the PIO shall give a notice to the applicant, informing:</span></blockquote> <p style="text-indent: 0in; margin-left: 66.0pt"> <span style="font-family: Arial Narrow"><font color="#0000FF">a.</font><span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><font color="#0000FF">&nbsp;&nbsp;</font> </span></span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">that only part of the record requested, after severance of the record containing information which is exempt from disclosure, is being provided;</span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0in; margin-left: 66.0pt"> <font color="#0000FF"> <span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">b.<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp; </span></span> </font> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">the reasons for the decision, including any findings on any material question of fact, referring to the material on which those findings were based;</span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0in; margin-left: 66.0pt"> <span style="font-family: Arial Narrow"><font color="#0000FF">c.</font><span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><font color="#0000FF">&nbsp;</font>&nbsp; </span></span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">the name and designation of the person giving the decision;</span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0in; margin-left: 66.0pt"> <span style="font-family: Arial Narrow"><font color="#0000FF">d.</font><span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"><font color="#0000FF">&nbsp;</font>&nbsp; </span></span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">the details of the fees calculated by him or her and the amount of fee which the applicant is required to deposit; and</span></p> <p style="text-indent: 0in; margin-left: 66.0pt"> <span style="font-family: Arial Narrow"><font color="#0000FF">e.</font><span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">his or her rights with respect to review of the decision regarding non-disclosure of part of the information, the amount of fee charged or the form of access provided.<br> If information sought has been supplied by third party or is treated as confidential by that third party, the PIO shall give a written notice to the third party within 5 days from the receipt of the request and take its representation into consideration. Third party must be given a chance to make a representation before the PIO within 10 days from the date of receipt of such notice.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;</td> </tr> </table> <table> <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="13. What is the Application Procedure for requesting information">13. What is the Application Procedure for requesting information?</a></font><blockquote> <table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="75%" id="AutoNumber11"> <tr> <td width="5%" align="center"><font color="#0000FF">1.</font></td> <td > <p align="justify">Apply in writing or through electronic means in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area, to the&nbsp; PIO, specifying the particulars of the information sought for. </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="5%" align="center"><font color="#0000FF">2</font></td> <td width="95%">Reason for seeking information are not required to be given;<span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </td> </tr> <tr> <td width="5%" align="center"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <font color="#0000FF">3</font></td> <td width="95%"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> Pay fees as may be prescribed (if not belonging to the below poverty line category). </td> </tr> </table> </blockquote> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="14. What is the time limit to get the information"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">14. </span> </a></font> <a name="14. What is the time limit to get the information"><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><font color="#FF0000">What is the time limit to get the information?</font></span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 1. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">30 days from the date of application</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">48 hours for information concerning the life and liberty of a person</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">5 days shall be added to the above response time, in case the application for information is <br> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">given to Assistant Public Information Officer. &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 4. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">If the interests of a third party are involved then time limit will be 40 days (maximum period+ <br> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">time given to the party to make representation). &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 5. </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Failure to provide information within the specified period is a deemed refusal.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="15. What is the fee"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">15. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What is the fee?</span></a></font></p> <ol start="1" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Application fees to be prescribed which must be reasonable.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> If further fees are required, then the same must be intimated in writing with calculation details of how the figure was arrived at;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Applicant can seek review of the decision on fees charged by the PIO by applying to the appropriate Appellate Authority;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> No fees will be charged from people living below the poverty line</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Applicant must be provided information free of cost if the PIO fails to comply with the prescribed time limit.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="16. What could be the ground for rejection"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">16. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What could be the ground for rejection?</span></a></font></p> <ol start="1" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> If it is covered by exemption from disclosure. (S.8)</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> If it infringes copyright of any person other than the State. (S.9)</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="17. Who are the Appellate Authorities"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">17. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Who are the Appellate Authorities?</span></a></font><ol start="1" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> First Appeal: First appeal to the officer senior in rank to the PIO in the concerned Public Authority within 30 days from the expiry of the prescribed time limit or from the receipt of the decision (delay may be condoned by the Appellate Authority if sufficient cause is shown).&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Second Appeal: Second appeal to the Central Information Commission or the State Information Commission as the case may be, within 90 days of the date on which the decision was given or should have been made by the First Appellate Authority. (delay may be condoned by the Commission if sufficient cause is shown).&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Third Party appeal against PIO's decision must be filed within 30 days before first Appellate Authority; and, within 90 days of the decision on the first appeal, before the appropriate Information Commission which is the second appellate authority.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Burden of proving that denial of Information was justified lies with the PIO.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> First Appeal shall be disposed of within 30 days from the date of its receipt. Period extendable by 15 days if necessary. (S.19)&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="18. How is Central Information Commission constituted"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">18. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> How is Central Information Commission constituted?</span></a></font></p> <ol start="1" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Central Information Commission to be constituted by the Central Government through a Gazette Notification.&nbsp; &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Commission includes 1 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and not more than 10 Information Commissioners (IC) who will be appointed by the President of India.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Oath of Office will be administered by the President of India according to the form set out in the First Schedule.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Commission shall have its Headquarters in Delhi. Other offices may be established in other parts of the country with the approval of the Central Government.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Commission will exercise its powers without being subjected to directions by any other authority. (S.12)&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="19. What is the eligibility criteria and what is the process of appointment of CIC/IC"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">19. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What is the eligibility criteria and what is the process of appointment of CIC/IC?</span></a></font></p> <ol start="1" type="1" > <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Candidates for CIC/IC must be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> CIC/IC shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory. He shall not hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession. (S.12)</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Appointment Committee includes Prime Minister (Chair), Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and one Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister. &nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="20. What is the term of office and other service conditions of CIC"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">20. </span> </font> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <font color="#FF0000">What is the term of office and other service conditions of CIC?</font>&nbsp;</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <br> &nbsp;&nbsp; 1.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">CIC shall be appointed for a term of 5 years from date on which he enters upon his office or </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp; <br> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">till he attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 2.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">CIC is not eligible for reappointment.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; 3. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Salary will be the same as that of the Chief Election Commissioner. This will not be varied to <br> </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> the disadvantage of the CIC during service. (S.13)</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="21. What is the term of office and other service conditions of IC"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">21. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What is the term of office and other service conditions of IC?</span></a></font><ol start="1" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> IC shall hold office for a term of five years from the date on which he enters upon his office or till he attains the age of sixty-five years, whichever is earlier and shall not be eligible for reappointment as IC.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Salary will be the same as that of the Election Commissioner. This will not be varied to the disadvantage of the IC during service.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> IC is eligible for appointment as CIC but will not hold office for more than a total of five years including his/her term as IC. (S.13)&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="22. How is the State Information Commission constituted"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">22. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> How is the State Information Commission constituted?</span></a></font><ol start="1" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> notification. It will have one State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and not more than 10 State Information Commissioners (SIC) to be appointed by the Governor.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Oath of office will be administered by the Governor according to the form set out in the First Schedule.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> The headquarters of the State Information Commission shall be at such place as the State Government may specify. Other offices may be established in other parts of the State with the approval of the State Government.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> The Commission will exercise its powers without being subjected to any other authority.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal" align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <br> </span><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="23. What is the eligibility criterion and what is the process of appointment of State Chief"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">23. </span> </a> </font> <a name="23. What is the eligibility criterion and what is the process of appointment of State Chief"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <font color="#FF0000">What is the eligibility criterion and what is the process of appointment of State Chief</font> </span> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><font color="#FF0000">Information Commissioner/State Information Commissioners?</font><br> <br> The Appointments Committee will be headed by the Chief Minister. Other members include the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly and one Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></p> <p > <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">The qualifications for appointment as SCIC/SIC shall be the same as that for Central Commissioners.</span></p> <p style="margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt" align="justify"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">The salary of the State Chief Information Commissioner will be the same as that of an Election Commissioner. The salary of the State Information Commissioner will be the same as that of the Chief Secretary of the State Government. (S.15)</span></blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table class="MsoNormalTable"> <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="24. What are the powers and functions of Information Commissions"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">24. </span> </font> <font color="#FF0000"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What are the powers and functions of Information Commissions?</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> </font><br> </span> <font size="3">1. The Central Information Commission/State Information Commission has a duty to receive complaints from any person - </font><font color="#008000"><font size="3">&nbsp;</font><br> &nbsp;</font><table class="MsoNormalTable" width="701" > <tr> <td valign="top" width="36" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> a)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="655" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> who has not been able to submit an information request because a PIO has not been</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> appointed ;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="36" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> b)</span></td> <td width="655" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> who has been refused information that was requested;&nbsp;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="36" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> c)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="655" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> who has received no response to his/her information request within the specified time limits ;&nbsp;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="36" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> d)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="655" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;who thinks the fees charged are unreasonable ;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="36" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> e)</span></td> <td valign="top" width="655" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> who thinks information given is incomplete or false or misleading ;and</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" width="36" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> f)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="655" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> any other matter relating to obtaining information under this law.</span></td> </tr> </table> <ol start="2" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Power to order inquiry if there are reasonable grounds.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> CIC</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> /</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> SCIC will have powers of Civil Court such as -&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></li> </ol> <table > <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> a)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> summoning and enforcing attendance of persons, compelling them to give oral or written evidence on oath and to produce documents or things;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> b)</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> requiring the discovery and inspection of documents;&nbsp;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> c)&nbsp;</span></td> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> receiving evidence on affidavit ;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> d)&nbsp;</span></td> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;requisitioning public records or copies from any court or office&nbsp;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> e)</span></td> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> issuing summons for examination of witnesses or documents</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> f)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;any other matter which may be prescribed.</span></td> </tr> </table> <ol start="4" type="1" style="margin-bottom: 0in"> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> All records covered by this law (including those covered by exemptions) must be given to CIC/SCIC during inquiry for examination.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Power to secure compliance of its decisions from the Public Authority includes-</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></li> </ol> <table class="MsoNormalTable" > <tr> <td valign="top"> <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> a)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> providing access to information in a particular form;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> b)</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> directing the public authority to appoint a PIO/APIO where none exists;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> c)&nbsp;</span></td> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> publishing information or categories of information;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> d)&nbsp;</span></td> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> making necessary changes to the practices relating to management, maintenance and destruction of records ;&nbsp;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> e)</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> enhancing training provision for officials on RTI;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> f)&nbsp;</span></td> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> seeking an annual report from the public authority on compliance with this law;&nbsp;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> g)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> require it to compensate for any loss or other detriment suffered by the applicant ;</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> h)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> impose penalties under this law; or</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal" align="center" style="text-align:center"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> i)&nbsp;</span></td> <td width="94%" valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> reject the application. (S.18 and S.19)</span></td> </tr> </table> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table class="MsoNormalTable" > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="25. What is the reporting procedure"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">25. </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> What is the reporting procedure?</span></a></font></p> <ol > <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Central Information Commission will send an annual report to the Central Government on the implementation of the provisions of this law at the end of the year. The State Information Commission will send a report to the State Government .</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Each Ministry has a duty to compile reports from its Public Authorities and send them to the Central Information Commission or State Information Commission, as the case may be.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Each report will contain details of number of requests received by each Public Authority, number of rejections and appeals, particulars of any disciplinary action taken, amount of fees and charges collected etc.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> <li class="MsoNormal"> <p align="justify"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Central Government will table the Central Information Commission report before Parliament after the end of each year. The concerned State Government will table the report of the State Information Commission before the Vidhan Sabha (and the Vidhan Parishad wherever applicable). (S.25)</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></li> </ol> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table class="MsoNormalTable" > <tr > <td valign="top" > <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;<font color="#FF0000">&nbsp;&nbsp; <a name="26. What are the penalty provisions">26. </a> </font> </span> <font color="#FF0000"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> <a name="26. What are the penalty provisions">What are the penalty provisions?</a></span></font></p> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> Every PIO will be liable for fine of Rs. 250 per day, up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/-, for -</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -1.0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>i.<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> not accepting an application;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -1.0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>ii.<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> delaying information release without reasonable cause;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -1.0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>iii.<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> malafidely denying information;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -1.0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>iv.<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> knowingly giving incomplete, incorrect, misleading information;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -1.0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>v.<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> destroying information that has been requested and</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: -1.0in; margin-left: 1.0in; margin-right: .5in"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;"> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span>vi.<span style="font:7.0pt &quot;Times New Roman&quot;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></span> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> obstructing furnishing of information in any manner.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span></p> <blockquote> <p class="MsoNormal"> <span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> The Information Commission (IC) at the Centre and the State levels will have the power to impose this penalty. The Information Commission can also recommend disciplinary action for violation of the law against an erring PIO. (S.20)</span></blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table class="MsoNormalTable" > <tr > <td valign="top" "> 27. What is the jurisdiction of courts?</span></td> </tr> <tr> <td valign="top"> <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="27. What is the jurisdiction of courts">27.<span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">What is the jurisdiction of courts?</span></a><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"><br> </span>&nbsp;</font><br> <font size="3">Lower Courts are barred from entertaining suits or applications against any order made under this Act. (S.23) However, the writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts under Articles 32 and 225 of the Constitution remains unaffected.</font></p> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr > <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="28. What is the role of Central/State Governments">28. What is the role of Central/State Governments?</a><br> </font><br> <span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana"> 1.&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Develop educational programmes for the public especially disadvantaged communities on RTI.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">2.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Encourage Public Authorities to participate in the development and organization of such <br> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">programmes.&nbsp;</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">3.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Promote timely dissemination of accurate information to the public.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">4.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Train officers and develop training materials.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">5.&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Compile and disseminate a User Guide for the public in the respective official language.</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> <br> </span><span style="font-family: Arial Narrow">6.</span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">Publish names, designation postal addresses and contact details of PIOs and other information such <br> </span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-size: 10.0pt; font-family: Verdana">as notices regarding fees to be paid, remedies available in law if request is rejected etc. (S.26)</span><span lang="EN-GB" style="font-family: Arial Narrow"> </span> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr> <td valign="top"> <blockquote> <font color="#FF0000"> <a name="29. Who has the Rule making power">29. Who has the Rule making power?</a><br> </font><br> Central Government, State Governments and the Competent Authority as defined in S.2(e) are vested with powers to make rules to carry out the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005.(S.27 &amp; S.28)</blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> <table > <tr> <td valign="top" > <blockquote> <p align="justify"><font color="#FF0000"> <a name="30. Who has the power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this act">30. Who has the power to deal with the difficulties while implementing this act? </a> <br> </font><br> If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions in the Act, the Central Government may, by Order published in the Official Gazette, make provisions necessary/expedient for removing the difficulty. (S.30)</p> </blockquote> </td> </tr> </table> </td> <TD vAlign=top align=left width=76 height="469" bgcolor="#EAFFFF"> <SCRIPT language=JavaScript src="../JavaScript/top.js"></script> </TD> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </td> </tr> </table> </body> </html>