The key takeaway from the blog post:
is the critical warning against “forced satisfaction” and the manipulation of digital grievance systems.
Specifically, it highlights:
- The OTP as a Tool of Coercion: A One-Time Password (OTP) on the Jansunwai portal is meant to be the citizen’s private “digital signature.” When police officials ask for this OTP, they are essentially attempting to bypass the complainant’s right to express dissatisfaction, allowing the department to artificially inflate its performance metrics.
- The Conflict of Interest: The IGRS Feedback Cell, which is part of the police department, cannot objectively “help” a citizen provide feedback on its own performance. The blog underscores that any request for an OTP by a government official during a feedback call is likely an attempt to escape accountability.
- The Importance of Auditable Evidence: The post emphasizes that transparency shouldn’t rely on the PIO’s word alone. In this case, the existence of call recordings (taped feedback) serves as the ultimate “truth-test” to determine if officials are following the law or misleading the public.
- The Role of the RTI Activist: It showcases how experienced activists use the RTI Act to expose systemic loopholes—moving beyond simple data collection to challenging the intent and legality of administrative procedures.
This blog post analyzes a recent RTI (Right to Information) First Appeal filed by activist Yogi M. P. Singh against the Superintendent of Police Office, Mirzapur. It highlights the friction between government feedback mechanisms and the protection of citizen data.
The OTP Trap: Transparency vs. Coercion in UP’s Jansunwai System
In the digital age, the Uttar Pradesh government’s Jansunwai (IGRS) portal is hailed as a beacon of grievance redressal. However, a recent RTI appeal filed by activist Yogi M. P. Singh (Registration No: SPMZR/A/2025/60022) exposes a concerning trend: the alleged pressure by police officials on complainants to hand over One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to “close” cases with “satisfied” feedback.
The Core Conflict: Seeking Information or Seeking Control?
The appeal stems from an interaction between the appellant and the IGRS Feedback Cell at the Mirzapur SP office. At the heart of the dispute is a simple but critical question: Why are police officials asking complainants for OTPs during feedback calls?
Under the current system, a complainant receives an OTP to verify that they are personally submitting their satisfaction level on the portal. If a police official asks for this OTP, they effectively take control of the complainant’s voice, allowing the department to mark a grievance as “resolved and satisfied” regardless of the actual outcome.
Breakdown of the RTI Request and the PIO’s Defense
The appellant, a veteran anti-corruption crusader, structured his inquiry into three specific points. The responses from the Public Information Officer (PIO) highlight the typical bureaucratic “denial mode.
1. Identifying the Actor
- Request: Name and designation of the staff contacting complainants.
- Response: PIO identified the individual as Constable Surendra Kumar of the IGRS Feedback Cell.
- Status: Information provided and accepted.
2. The Purpose of the OTP
- Request: The official purpose of seeking an OTP from a complainant’s mobile.
- Response: The PIO claimed the OTP is sent so the applicant can register feedback themselves if they are satisfied.
- The Appellant’s Rebuttal: The appellant argues this is misleading. He contends that the staff is not merely “explaining” the process but actively soliciting the OTP to bypass the complainant’s autonomy.
3. Legal Authority for OTP Solicitation
- Request: Provide any Government Order (GO), circular, or advisory that permits police staff to ask for a complainant’s OTP.
- Response: The PIO stated that the worker “did not ask for the OTP” but was merely explaining the system.
- The Appellant’s Rebuttal: This is the crux of the appeal. The appellant asserts that the Constable’s “ulterior motive” was to falsely register satisfaction to escape accountability. He points out that since these calls are recorded for quality purposes, the First Appellate Authority (FAA) should listen to the tapes to verify if the OTP was requested.
The First Appeal: A Call for Accountability
Filed on May 4, 2025, the appeal is now before FAA Somen Verma (SSP Mirzapur). The appellant’s prayer is rooted in a fundamental principle of the RTI Act: the right to accurate, non-misleading information.
By stating that the staff “never asked for the OTP,” the PIO has created a factual dispute. The appellant argues that providing a “process explanation” is a veil for an illegal act—gathering OTPs to manipulate performance metrics on the Jansunwai portal.
Why This Matters for the General Public
This case isn’t just about one RTI activist; it impacts every citizen in Uttar Pradesh using the IGRS portal.
- Data Privacy: An OTP is a security tool. Sharing it with a government official—especially one whose department is being investigated—compromises the integrity of the grievance system.
- Quality of Redressal: If police departments can “self-certify” their success by taking OTPs from citizens, the entire purpose of the Jansunwai portal (to provide genuine relief) is defeated.
- Bureaucratic Gaslighting: The PIO’s response suggests that the citizen is “misunderstanding” a helpful explanation. However, as the appellant notes, after 27 years of activism, the distinction between a “tutorial” and a “solicitation” is clear.
| Stakeholder | Role in this Case | Key Concern |
| Yogi M. P. Singh | Appellant/Activist | Ensuring police do not manipulate feedback. |
| Om Prakash Singh | PIO (ASP Ops) | Defending the department’s standard operating procedures. |
| Somen Verma | FAA (SSP Mirzapur) | Must decide if the PIO’s response was factually incorrect. |
| General Public | Complainants | Risk of “forced satisfaction” through OTP sharing. |
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The First Appellate Authority now faces a choice. Will the office of the SP Mirzapur uphold transparency by investigating the audio recordings of the feedback calls, or will they sustain the PIO’s defense?
For the RTI Act to remain effective, Appellate Authorities must look beyond the written word of the PIO and investigate the intent of the information provided. If the “purpose of seeking OTP” was never answered because the PIO denied the act ever happened, the FAA must determine the truth through the evidence (the call recordings) mentioned by the appellant.
Final Thought: If a government servant asks for your OTP to “help you close a complaint,” remember: that OTP is your only leverage for justice. Once you give it away, you give away your right to say you are unsatisfied.
The key takeaway from the blog post is the critical warning against “forced satisfaction” and the manipulation of digital grievance systems.
Specifically, it highlights:
- The OTP as a Tool of Coercion: A One-Time Password (OTP) on the Jansunwai portal is meant to be the citizen’s private “digital signature.” When police officials ask for this OTP, they are essentially attempting to bypass the complainant’s right to express dissatisfaction, allowing the department to artificially inflate its performance metrics.
- The Conflict of Interest: The IGRS Feedback Cell, which is part of the police department, cannot objectively “help” a citizen provide feedback on its own performance. The blog underscores that any request for an OTP by a government official during a feedback call is likely an attempt to escape accountability.
- The Importance of Auditable Evidence: The post emphasizes that transparency shouldn’t rely on the PIO’s word alone. In this case, the existence of call recordings (taped feedback) serves as the ultimate “truth-test” to determine if officials are following the law or misleading the public.
- The Role of the RTI Activist: It showcases how experienced activists use the RTI Act to expose systemic loopholes—moving beyond simple data collection to challenging the intent and legality of administrative procedures.
Based on the RTI application details provided and official records for Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, here is the structured information regarding the concerned public authorities.
1. Primary Public Authority Details
The appeal is directed toward the District Police Administration of Mirzapur.
- Office Name: Superintendent of Police (SP) Office, Mirzapur
- Address: Ramaipatti, Near Fataha Police Station, Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh – 231001
- Official Website: mirzapur.nic.in
- Departmental Website: uppolice.gov.in
2. Concerned Officers (RTI & Administration)
These are the specific officials involved in your current appeal (Registration No: SPMZR/A/2025/60022).
| Role | Name | Designation | Contact Details |
| First Appellate Authority (FAA) | Somen Verma (IPS) | Superintendent of Police (SP) | Mobile: 9454400299 / 9454401115 Email: spmzr-up@nic.in |
| Public Information Officer (PIO) | Om Prakash Singh | ASP (Operation) | Mobile: 9125608556 Email: addlspopmzr@gmail.com |
| Nodal Officer | Om Prakash Singh | ASP (Operation) | Email: addlspopmzr@gmail.com |
| Concerned Staff | Surendra Kumar | Constable (IGRS Cell) | Contact through SP Office Mirzapur |
3. Digital Platforms & Support
For tracking your appeal or filing further grievances related to the “OTP issue” mentioned in your prayer, use the following web links:
- UP RTI Online Portal:rtionline.up.gov.in
- Purpose: To track the status of your appeal SPMZR/A/2025/60022.
- Technical Helpdesk: 0522-7118629 (10:00 AM – 5:00 PM)
- Support Email: onlinertihelpline-up@gov.in
- Jansunwai (IGRS) Portal:jansunwai.up.nic.in
- Purpose: To view the status of the original grievance where the “Satisfaction OTP” was requested.
- Support Email: jansunwai-up@gov.in
- UP Police Official Contact Directory: Mirzapur Officials List
4. Important Summary of IDs
- RTI Appeal Registration ID:
SPMZR/A/2025/60022 - Original RTI Application ID:
SPMZR/R/2025/60087 - Filing Date: 04/05/2025
Would you like me to prepare a draft email to the Nodal Officer (Om Prakash Singh) requesting an update on the hearing date for your First Appeal?
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