Unyielding Silence on LED scam: A Citizen’s Fight for Transparency Under RTI in Uttar Pradesh
A recent Second Appeal was filed with the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC). It highlights a worrisome lapse in adherence to the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, particularly evident in the silence surrounding the LED scam issues.
The case was filed by an appellant from Mirzapur against the Nagar Vikas Department in Jaunpur District. It demonstrates an alleged systemic failure by both the Public Information Officer (PIO) and the First Appellate Authority (FAA). They neglected to supply information about a significant municipal procurement matter.
This appeal, registered as UPICR20240000149, serves as a reminder. It highlights the challenges citizens face in leveraging the RTI Act to demand accountability, fighting against the silence on LED matters and the unwillingness to address the scam.
The Core Grievance about Silence on LED scam: Non-Response at Every Stage
The appellant, Yogi M P Singh, filed his first RTI application on August 25, 2024. He sought information about an alleged financial scandal in the Jaunpur Municipality. The law mandates that a PIO must give a response within 30 days. Yet, the appellant states the PIO—the Executive Officer (EO) Municipality Jaunpur—neglected to supply any information within the stipulated time, maintaining silence on matters including the LED controversy and the need for transparency amidst claims of scam.
The appellant received no response initially. Hence, they filed a First Appeal on October 23, 2024. This was done with the FAA—the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) Jaunpur. According to the appeal particulars, the FAA also did not issue an order. The agency did not give a reply. This left the appellant with no recourse but the Second Appeal to the UPIC.
This dual failure to respond is exactly what the appellant highlights. They describe it as a “mockery of the provisions of the right to information act 2005.” It suggests an “insolence to the provisions” of the law, especially in cases involving LED procurement and the resulting silence related to the scam.
The Information Sought: A Probe into LED Light Procurement
The RTI inquiry focuses on a financial irregularity involving the acquisition of 900 LED street lights for the Jaunpur Nagar Palika in December 2021, supplied by a firm named Maa Ganga & Sons. The officials procured the lights, each with a power of 60 watts, at an alleged price of Rs 6,250 per light. The total amount, including GST, reaches Rs 56,24,999. Public allegations claim that officials purchased the lights at a price higher than the market rate, prompting an official investigation, yet the details remain obscured, enveloping the LED procurement in silence and ambiguity over a potential scam.
The appellant’s five-point information inquiry focuses on this probe:
- The enquiry report based on the findings of the three-member team set up by the District Magistrate, Jaunpur.
- A copy of the letter of nomination of the team members.
- The name and designation of officers who processed and approved the enquiry report.
- The terms and conditions of the contract between the municipality and the supply company.
- The name and posting details of the Executive Officer who granted the tender.
The three-member investigation committee reportedly included the SDM Sadar, Chief Treasurer, and Executive Engineer Electricity, each bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to the table.
According to the appeal, the investigation itself raised several pertinent questions that could not be overlooked.
This situation unfolded after the company owning the street lights could not be verified online, which not only complicated matters further but also enhanced the opacity surrounding the LED-related procurement issues.
This lack of transparency has led to growing concerns and suspicions of a scam, causing stakeholders to demand greater accountability and clarity regarding the entire procurement process and the entities involved.
The implications of these findings could potentially undermine public trust in future municipal contracts if they are not addressed promptly.
The Call for Action: Curbing Anarchy in Public Service
In the Second Appeal, Mr. Singh’s plea to the Chief Information Commissioner is direct and impassioned. He argues that when public authorities fail to reveal information, it promotes “anarchy, lawlessness, and chaos”. This defeats the RTI Act’s primary goals of transparency and accountability and leaves silence on critical issues like the LED scandal, thereby urging action on the concealment related to the scam.
The appellant is requesting the UPIC to take “harsh steps against the wrongdoer.” These actions aim to restore the citizenry’s confidence. They also seek to strengthen democratic values. The case will now be heard by the UPIC. It will decide if the PIO and FAA violated the mandatory disclosure provisions of the RTI Act. It will also decide what relief should be granted, including the imposition of penalties.
The outcome of this Second Appeal will be a significant test of the Information Commission’s resolve and its commitment to upholding transparency and accountability within government operations.
It aims to uphold the spirit of the RTI Act, which was designed to empower citizens by promoting openness against administrative inertia and alleged defiance.
This is particularly crucial in light of the current silence surrounding LED issues and potential scams, which have raised concerns among the public regarding mismanagement and corruption.
By addressing these matters, the Commission has the opportunity to reaffirm its role as a guardian of public interest, ensuring that the principles of accountability are not merely rhetoric but actively practiced, thus restoring faith in the systems designed to protect citizens’ rights.
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