RTI Appeal Filed with UP Information Commission in missing file case Over Unanswered Queries with Mirzapur Energy Department
An RTI applicant, Yogi M P Singh, has therefore filed a second appeal with the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission, raising serious concerns regarding the transparency of the information dissemination process. He is, in fact, citing a total lack of response from the Public Information Officer (PIO), which is crucial for maintaining accountability within government departments.
Additionally, there is also no response from the First Appellate Authority (FAA) of the Energy Department in Mirzapur, further complicating his attempts to obtain essential information. The appeal, which is registered as A-20241201927, importantly highlights a case about a missing file related to a farmer’s compensation claim, a matter of significant consequence for those seeking rightful compensation for damages incurred.
Consequently, it seeks action against the officials for failing to give information within the stipulated time under the RTI Act, 2005, emphasizing the vital need for adherence to established protocols that ensure citizens can access the information they are entitled to. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges faced by citizens when navigating bureaucratic systems, which should ideally facilitate, rather than obstruct, the flow of information.
Appeal and Applicant Details in missing file case of UPPCL EDD II Mirzapur.
- Second Appeal Registration Number: A-20241201927
- Appeal Filed On: 23/12/2024
- Appellant’s Name: Yogi M P Singh
- Address: Surekapuram Colony, Jabalpur Road, Mirzapur City, Uttar Pradesh, PIN – 231001
- Mobile Number: 7379105911
- Email: yogimpsingh@gmail.com
- Department Concerned: Energy Department, Mirzapur District
Timeline of the RTI Application and Appeals
The case, therefore, demonstrates a classic example of official inaction; consequently, this has forced the appellant to escalate the matter through the proper channels in order to seek justice and resolution.
The prolonged delay and lack of response have contributed to a sense of frustration not only for the appellant but also for others who find themselves trapped in similar situations, highlighting a systemic issue that affects numerous individuals.
Furthermore, the missing file case is one of the models of corruption that reveals how bureaucratic inefficiencies can undermine trust in public institutions, making it imperative for reforms to be implemented to ensure accountability and transparency in administrative processes.
1. Initial RTI Application (under Section 6(1))
- Application Date: 10-10-2024
- Application Number: PUVNL/R/2024/60543
- Status: “RTI REQUEST RECEIVED” as of 10-10-2024.
- PIO Action: No information was provided within the stipulated time.
2. First Appeal (under Section 19(1))
- First Appeal Date: 16-11-2024
- Appeal Registration Number: PUVNL/A/2024/60309
- Status: “RTI APPEAL RECEIVED” as of 16-11-2024.
- FAA Action: The FAA issued no response or order.
Officials Named in the Appeal (Respondents)
- Public Information Officer (PIO):
- Name: Manish Kumar Shrivastava
- Designation: EE EDD-II, FATAH, Mirzapur
- Mobile: 9450963598
- Email: ee.2mirzapur@puvvnl.in
- First Appellate Authority (FAA):
- Name: RAM BHUJARAT
- Designation: EDC FATAH, Mirzapur
- Mobile: 9415304000
- Email: seedcmirzapur1@gmail.com
The Core Issue: Information Sought by the Appellant
The report submitted by Tehsil Sadar on 19th June 2021 revolves around the RTI application, which was designed to shed light on various pressing issues regarding public safety and infrastructure development.
This application was particularly significant as it aimed to address concerns related to hazardous construction practices in the area.
Later, officials at the office of the Executive Engineer, Electricity Distribution Division 2nd, Mirzapur found the report missing, raising questions about bureaucratic efficiency and accountability.
The absence of this document not only stalled the ongoing investigations but also created a sense of unease among the local populace who were eagerly awaiting resolutions to their grievances.
The appellant sought the ensuing specific information: details about the status of the missing report, the measures being taken to locate it, and any possible steps that would be implemented to prevent such occurrences in the future.
- Firstly, Public staff held the file from 19th June 2021 to 5th October 2024. Give their names and posting details.
- Secondly, Details of any action taken by the Executive Engineer about the missing file.
- Thirdly, The police registered a First Information Report (FIR) about the missing file.
- Furthermore, Copies of any office memos, circulars, and government orders issued by Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL). These documents concern the handling of missing office files.
- Information on the established mechanism and procedures for taking action against file custodians responsible when official documents go missing. This includes copies of relevant circulars and government orders.
Background of the Case
The appellant, moreover, provides context for the query. They state that, additionally, the missing report pertains to the case of Dayanand Singh S/O Shobhnath Singh. Specifically, his crop burnt on 18th April 2021 due to an electrical short circuit. Subsequently, the Lekhpal prepared a compensation assessment report on 15th June 2021. Furthermore, the Kanungo forwarded it to the Executive Engineer’s office on 19th June 2021.
The appellant further notes that a communication dated 7th November 2022 from the same Executive Engineer’s office raised objections. It asked for the missing file as these objections were based on the file. These objections were made on the compensation application.
- Obviously, A copy of the FIR regarding the crop burning.
- Next, A copy of the farmer’s bank passbook.
- Finally, The initial of the Tehsildar Sadar Mirzapur on the compensation assessment paper.
This background suggests that the office was processing the case in 2022. However, the starting report of 2021 later found to be missing. This prompted the RTI query.
Relief Sought from the Information Commission
In his second appeal, Yogi M P Singh has formally requested the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission to thoroughly examine the issues surrounding his previous requests.
He has articulated a need for greater transparency and accountability in the handling of information requests, emphasizing that the previous responses were inadequate and lacked clarity.
Singh’s appeal highlights the significance of proper adherence to the regulations governing public information, underscoring his determination to ensure that citizens’ rights to access information are upheld and that the commission addresses the technical failures previously noted.
- Direct the PIO to give the requested information promptly.
- Furthermore, start action against the Public Information Officer, Manish Kumar Shrivastava. This action should be under Section 20 of the RTI Act, 2005. Additionally, he neglected to give information.
- Recommend disciplinary action against the First Appellate Authority, RAM BHUJARAT, for dereliction of duty and for supporting the PIO’s inaction. As a result, such case of missing file should not repeat.
The appellant concludes his plea by stating that, consequently, such withholding of public services promotes “anarchy, lawlessness, and chaos.” Therefore, he calls for harsh steps against wrongdoers in order to strengthen democratic values.
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