Why was RTI request denied?: SIC to TMT

Times of India: Thane: Monday, November 03, 2014.

The Konkan bench of the State Information Commission has rapped the Thane Municipal Transport (TMT) for denying information to an RTI applicant and directed it to make the data available. The bench has also asked TMT to ensure all information about its operations be made available on its website within three months.

Rajeev Datta, a Thane based RTI applicant had filed an application in May 2012, seeking information about daily operations and financial transactions of the TMT since 2000.

He asked for the number of buses in the city everyday, details of diesel sourcing, bill settlements and dealers among others.

"The rule says all information should be put online within six months of the query but the TMT has still not done anything on this front. Further, it has been delaying giving me information citing vague reasons," said Datta.

In June 2012, the TMT gave him information but held details on diesel procurement stating it needed time to source the data. Datta then approached the appellate officer in June 2012 and then finally the Konkan SIC in May 2013. The case came up for review in October 2014.

Konkan bench chaired by T F Thekekara ruled that the undertaking will have to ensure the daily transactions of the undertaking be updated online.

"We are in the process of updating the information online. The information sought by the applicant is also being readied and will be made available soon," said a senior official from the transport body.