CDSCO Tightens RTI Appeal Timelines, Division Heads To Face Penalties For Lapses : Written By Susmita Roy

Medical Dialogues: Delhi: Friday, 26 September 2025.
The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) has issued a fresh circular outlining internal timelines and procedures for handling Right to Information (RTI) appeals.

This came in line with the observation that several RTI appeals are pending beyond the prescribed disposal timeline of 45 days in some divisions. For example, appeal numbers CDSCO/A/E/00036, CDSCO/A/E/00040, and CDSCO/A/E/00047 have been delayed.
Furthermore, the circular added that instances have been noted where RTI applications are not being addressed within the stipulated timeframe.
In order to ensure strict compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005, a meeting was held by the First Appellate Authority (FAA) on 28.08.2025 where it was decided that that the following instructions shall be strictly adhered to by all Divisions/DPIOs/ Officers concerned of CDSCO (HQ):

1. For Non-Pertinent RTI Applications: All Divisions/DPIOs must forward RTI applications that do not pertain to their division to the appropriate division or department within 2 days via the RTI-MIS Portal, along with proper remarks.
   
2. If RTI Application Pertains to Another Divisions/Departments: The DPIO must submit a reply to the CPIO within 2 days, indicating that the RTI has been transferred to the relevant division or external department, via the RTIMIS Portal.
   
3. If RTI Application is Partially Related to the Division: The concerned Division Head/DPIO must submit their part of the reply to the CPIO within 7 days, so that the CPIO can consolidate responses from other divisions through the RTI-MIS Portal.
   
4. If RTI Application is Fully Related to the Division: The Division Head/DPIO must submit a complete reply to the CPIO within 15 days, enabling the CPIO to review and submit the response within the prescribed timeline via the RTI-MIS Portal.
   
5. For RTI Appeals involving Multiple Divisions: If the original RTI application was responded to by more than two divisions, the appeal reply must be submitted within 2 days to the RTI Cell via e-office.
   
6. For RTI Appeals handled by a Single Division: If only one division handled the original RTI application, the appeal reply should be submitted within 7 days to the RTI Cell via e-office.
   
7. Additional Comments Requested by FAA: In cases where the FAA seeks comments from divisions that did not respond to the original RTI application, the concerned Division Head must provide a response within 2 days.
   
8. Second Appeals: Replies for second appeals must be submitted by each Division Head to the RTI Cell within 2 days. DPIOs are also instructed to attend CIC hearings as scheduled, along with the CPIO via HOD of concern division.
   
9. Information update on CDSCO official Website under sue-Muto. All division should update information on official website under Sue-Muto in every week if any.
   

The circular further warned that responsibility for any penalty imposed by the Central Information Commission (CIC) due to delays will rest with the concerned DPIO or Division Head.
"All Divisions/Officers are requested to ensure strict compliance with the above instructions to avoid delays and ensure smooth functioning of RTI-related matters. In case the reply is not submitted within the stipulated period and any penalty is imposed by the Central Information Commission (CIC), the responsibility for the same shall rest with the concerned DPIO/Division Head, as per the provisions of the RTI Act." the circular stated.
(To view the officialnotice, click here)