CIC slams Delhi govt for virtual collapse of RTI regime

In a decision on the matter pertaining to status of water bodies in Delhi, the Central Information Commission came down heavily on the Delhi government. “The above trail of transfers indicates a virtual collapse of the RTI regime and is travesty of justice. It is ironical to note that the detailed information available on the Delhi government website whereas the PIO, DPGS instead of providing the said information chose to transfer his responsibility on irrelevant and unconnected public official.”
 
The applicant has sought the details on number of water bodies existing in Delhi and as to what is being done by the government to preserve them. Instead of addressing the issue the matter moved to 10 different irrelevant PIOs.  There are roughly 971 water bodies in the capital but there are only 250 which still have water and come under the clean category. Over 300 water bodies have dried up and 100 have been overtaken by encroachment.
 
Putting it bluntly, the Information Commissioner Yashovardhan Azad wrote in his decision,” The Commission is given to understand that a consultant of considerable repute has been employed by the Delhi Government to bolster RTI regime. The Delhi Government is well advised to utilize his services in not only sensitizing the CPIOs and PIOs but under senior echelons too of the Government. Only then matter of national importance can be attended to in a manner befitting the requirements of the RTI regime.”
 
The Commission also noted that senior officers are not involved in the RTI process and as a result, officials designated to furnish information are neither checked nor monitored properly. It was also decided to send the copy of the order of the CIC to the Delhi Chief Minister and Lt Governor.