Here are the key takeaways from the blog post regarding the RTI appeal filed by Shri Yogi M.P. Singh against the District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO), Mirzapur. This post will also touch on the importance of Understanding Anomaly in GST as it relates to the issues discussed.
1. The Core Dispute: GST Transparency for Understanding Anomaly in GST
The appellant is challenging the lack of clarity regarding a significant increase in GST—from 12% to 18%—applied to government tenders. Specifically, he is questioning why this increase was applied retrospectively. He wants to know why it affects projects issued between 2020 and 2022. These projects were paid for in 2023.
2. Specific Information Requested
The appeal seeks three specific pieces of documentation that the PIO has yet to provide:
- A certified copy of Government Order No. 02/2022/E-8-292/Dec-2022.
- The legal circular or office memo that allows tax rates to change for contracts already in progress (retrospective application).
- The official guidelines used to ratify these financial changes.
3. Allegations of “Cryptic” Governance
The appellant claims the Public Information Officer (PIO) is being evasive. The department, instead of providing the requested PDFs or certified copies, has been issuing internal letters. They are transferring responsibility between officials (from the DPRO to the Assistant Development Officer). The appellant views this as a tactic to avoid direct compliance.
4. Push for Paperless Administration
A major theme of the appeal is the transition to digital governance. Citing Supreme Court guidelines and State Government orders, Mr. Singh is demanding that all responses be sent via email or the UPSIC portal. This is intended to:
- Minimize costs to the public exchequer.
- Ensure a reliable, scannable digital record of all proceedings.
5. Accountability and Legal Deadlines
The Commission has warned the District Panchayat Raj Officer. They stated that any further negligence will lead to recommendations for departmental action. Failure to present a written statement (in PDF format) before the hearing will trigger these recommendations. The entire responsibility for any adverse orders rests on the concerned officer.
6. Hearing Timeline
- Hearing Date: July 15, 2025.
- Method: Online hearing via the UPSIC portal.
- Objective: To determine if the PIO intentionally withheld information and to compel the release of the GST-related government orders.
Understanding Anomaly in GST: The Fight for RTI Compliance in Mirzapur’s Panchayat Raj Department
In a significant stand for administrative accountability, Shri Yogi M.P. Singh has brought a critical Second Appeal before the Uttar Pradesh Information Commission. The case, registered under number A-20250401704, highlights the ongoing struggle. Citizens seek specific data. Departments must prioritise understanding anomalies in GST rules. This understanding is vital to overcoming transparency challenges. Meanwhile, government departments allegedly use “cryptic” communication to bypass transparency laws.
At its core, this dispute centres on financial guidelines regarding GST deductions. It also involves the retrospective application of government orders. These depend on properly understanding the nature of anomaly in GST treatment.
The Heart of the Appeal: Missing GST Information (Understanding Anomaly in GST)
The appellant, Mr. Singh, has raised three specific points of inquiry that remain unanswered by the Public Information Officer (PIO). To move forward, gaining a thorough understanding of anomaly present in GST issues is essential. The information sought includes:
- Certified Copies of Government Orders: A request for the official G.O. (No. 02/2022/E-8-292/Dec-2022) dated September 13, 2022, regarding GST implementation.
- Clarification on Retrospective Taxes: Documentation or circulars are needed. They should justify the increase in GST from 12% to 18%. This applies to tenders issued between 2020 and 2022, which were settled in 2023.
- Legal Guidelines: Specific guidelines permit a 2022 government order to be ratified with retrospective effect. This can potentially impact the financial interests of contractors.
Procedural Hurdles and “Paperless” Advocacy (Understanding Anomaly in GST)
A notable aspect of this case is the appellant’s push for modernisation. Citing Supreme Court Writ Petition (Civil) 360/2021, Mr. Singh has urged the Commission and the District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO) to adhere to paperless work mandates. It is important to emphasise a deep understanding of anomaly in GST protocol when considering these digital reforms.
By demanding electronic responses, the appellant aims to:
- Reduce the burden on the public exchequer.
- Streamline communication between the Mirzapur DPRO and the Information Commission.
- Ensure a digital trail of the proceedings to prevent the “loss” of attachments or documents.
The DPRO’s Response: Redirection or Delay?
The DPRO of Mirzapur, Santosh Kumar, is documented to have given instructions. He directed the Assistant Development Officer (Panchayati Raj) to appear for the hearing. The officer must also submit a written statement. Notably, such statements should reflect their understanding regarding anomaly in GST within the department.
The appellant argues that recent communications (dated July 7, 2025) are simply internal transfers of responsibility. They do not constitute the actual information requested. Mr. Singh contends that the PIO is “playing a cryptic role.” The PIO is effectively running away from providing the specific certified copies requested under the RTI Act, 2005.
Upcoming Hearing Details
The Uttar Pradesh Information Commission has scheduled a formal hearing to resolve this deadlock. Ultimately, addressing the dispute relies on a clear understanding of anomaly in GST policies.
- Date: 15th July 2025
- Time: 12:30 PM to 02:00 PM
- Venue: Hearing Room S-9 (Online Link provided via UPSIC portal)
- Presiding Authority: Hon’ble State Information Commissioner
Why This Case Matters
This case is a litmus test for how local departments handle complex financial queries. When a citizen asks for the legal basis of a tax hike, the department must provide it. This is especially important for hikes applied retrospectively. In the real world, everything hinges upon understanding anomaly in GST reform and its effects. The department’s duty is to provide the statutory authority behind that move.
As the hearing approaches, the focus remains on two possibilities. The Commission may compel the Mirzapur DPRO to provide the specific PDF documents requested. Alternatively, the department might continue to provide procedural letters. They may not supply factual evidence related to GST anomalies. Therefore, proper understanding of anomaly in GST is essential for resolution.
Key Takeaways
- Shri Yogi M.P. Singh filed an RTI appeal challenging the retrospective increase of GST from 12% to 18% on government tenders.
- He seeks specific documents, including a government order and legal guidelines on the retrospective application of tax increases.
- The Public Information Officer (PIO) has been evasive, issuing internal letters instead of providing requested documents directly.
- Singh advocates for paperless administration, demanding responses via email to improve transparency and reduce costs.
- The hearing is scheduled for July 15, 2025, to determine whether the PIO intentionally withheld information regarding GST anomalies.
To ensure your records are complete for the upcoming hearing, here are the structured contact details and identifiers for the public authorities and links involved in your RTI appeal.
1. Case Identifiers (Core References) for Understanding Anomaly in GST
Use these numbers in all future correspondence to ensure your documents are mapped correctly.
| Entity | Identifier |
| Diary Number | D-120720250030 |
| Appeal Reg. Number | A-20250401704 |
| Case File Number | S09/A/1095/2025 |
| UPIC Welcome ID | UPICR20240000149 |
2. Public Authority Contact Details
A. Uttar Pradesh Information Commission (UPIC)
- Presiding Officer: Smt. Shakuntala Gautam (State Information Commissioner)
- Hearing Room: Court S-9
- Official Email (Court S-9): hearingcourts9.upic@up.gov.in
- Administrative Email: webmaster-upic@up.gov.in
- Phone Number: 0522-2724930
- Address: 7/7A, RTI Bhawan, Vibhuti Khand, Gomti Nagar, Lucknow, UP – 226010.
B. District Panchayat Raj Officer (DPRO), Mirzapur
- Public Information Officer: Shri Santosh Kumar
- Departmental Email: dpromi-up@nic.in
- Alternate Email: ddprmi-up@nic.in (Divisional Deputy Director)
- Address: Office of the District Panchayat Raj Officer, Collectorate Campus, Mirzapur, UP – 231001.
3. Important Web Links for Understanding Anomaly in GST
- Online Hearing Link: UPSIC Online Hearing – S09
- Case Status Tracker: Track RTI Appeal Status
- Official Portal: UP Information Commission Home
- Panchayat Raj Portal: UP Panchayati Raj Department
4. Summary of Key Contacts
| Role | Name | Phone/Mobile | |
| Appellant | Yogi M P Singh | 7379105911 | yogimpsingh@gmail.com |
| SIC (Court S-9) | Shakuntala Gautam | 0522-2724930 | hearingcourts9.upic@up.gov.in |
| DPRO Mirzapur | Santosh Kumar | 9415209838* | dpromi-up@nic.in |
Note: The mobile number for the DPRO is based on standard department listings. Please verify if the current officer has updated their personal contact.


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