Hindustan Times: Ludhiana: Wednesday,
12 August 2020.
The
state information commission has imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on the municipal
corporation’s (MC’s) public information officer (PIO) deputed at Zone A for
failing to provide information sought under the RTI Act.
In his
complaint, activist Rohit Sabharwal said he had sought information regarding
action taken on his complaint dated June 5, 2019 regarding the alleged corrupt
practices of the Zone A building inspector Rahul Pal in August, 2019.
The
complaint was marked to the principal secretary of the local bodies department.
Sabharwal had sought a vigilance inquiry as the building inspector was accused
of allowing illegal construction in the areas under his jurisdiction at the
time. Sabharwal said he had received no information about the action taken.
The
commission observed that the PIO had not replied to the show-cause notice
issued nor was he present for the hearing.
In the
order, dated August 5, the state information commissioner Lt Gen Ajae Kumar
Sharma (retd) observed it was the fifth consecutive hearing but the PIO had
failed to supply the information.
A
penalty of ₹10,000 was imposed on the PIO, which will be deducted from his
salary and submitted with the state treasury. The PIO has been directed to
supply the information, reply to the show-cause notice and provide documentary
proof regarding submission of the penalty.
He has
also been directed to remain present during the next hearing scheduled for
September 14.
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