Andhra Pradesh Information Commission takes strict action against officer who violated Right to Information Act

Guntur District
Mangalagiri..

Sensational decision.....

Mines Department Director fined Rs. 25,000

Andhra Pradesh Information Commission takes strict action against officer who violated Right to Information Act

Andhra Pradesh Information Commission has taken strict action against the Director of Mines & Geology Department for negligence in the implementation of Right to Information Act, 2005.

State Information Commissioner Chavali Suneel Andhra Pradesh State Information Commissioner” conducted an inquiry into complaint No. 100/2023 and imposed a fine of Rs. 25,000 on the then Public Information Officer and currently Director & First Appellate Authority Shri W.B. Chandrasekhar.

Officer who ignored RTI application

The authorities failed to provide the information sought by the complainant Shri P. Srinivas Babu of Visakhapatnam under the Right to Information Act within the statutory period of 30 days. The matter came before the Information Commission after there was no response despite an appeal.

The Commission’s orders were also ignored

Despite the repeated orders issued by the Commission as part of the investigation, the non-appearance of the concerned officer in person and failure to give a proper explanation for the delay were taken seriously.

Even though the information was finally provided late, the Commission made it clear that it does not justify the violation of the law.

“We will not tolerate trampling on the people’s right to information”

The Right to Information Act is a crucial right in a democratic system, the authorities The Commission has warned that strict action will be taken against negligent acts.

It has been stated that the fine has been imposed after considering the negligence in the performance of duty, negligent attitude towards the Commission's orders, and neglect of legal responsibilities.

Order to deduct fine from salary.

The Commission has directed the Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce (Mines) Department to collect the fine of Rs. 25,000 from the salary/gratuity of the current Director Shri W.B. Chandrasekhar, who is currently on government appointment, and deposit it in the government treasury.

It has clarified that the implementation report should be submitted within four weeks.

“Strict action will continue against officials violating the Right to Information Act

Chavali Suneel
State Information Commissioner, Andhra Pradesh....