Kanchan Alok v. CPIO, National Insurance Company Limited - (Central Information Commission) (11 Apr 2017)

Vital information pertaining to rules for insurance claims should be widely disseminated and displayed on website

MANU/CI/0197/2017

Right to Information

Appellant, vide her RTI application sought information regarding certified copy of extracts of rule/regulation/manual/policies/guidelines, primarily relating to transfer related papers to insurer post sanction of claim in vehicle theft case and issues related thereto. Appellant's representative stated that, desired information had not been provided.

Commission observed that, there is complete negligence and laxity in public authority in dealing with RTI applications. It is abundantly clear that, such matters are being ignored and set aside without application of mind which reflects disrespect towards Right to Information Act, 2005 itself. Commission expressed its displeasure on casual and callous approach adopted by Respondent in responding to RTI application. Conduct of Respondent was against spirit of RTI Act, 2005 which was enacted to ensure greater transparency and effective access to the information. It is evident that, no reply had been provided by Respondent in the matter, which is a grave violation of provisions of RTI Act, 2005. Commission, instructs CPIO to show-cause why action should not be taken under the provisions of the Act for this misconduct and negligence.

Issues raised in RTI application related to rules/guidelines primarily relating to transfer related papers to insurer post sanction of claim in vehicle theft case which ought to be suo motu disclosed as per Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005. Though Respondent submitted that all such information has been disseminated, it is essential that vital and critical information pertaining to rules for insurance claims should be widely disseminated and displayed on the website for the benefit of all concerned.

Public Authority is advised to re-examine methodology by which RTI applications are dealt with in their office and evolve a robust mechanism for quick disposal of RTI matters in letter and spirit respecting provisions of RTI Act. It was felt that, being a service related organization, it must be fully geared to address the needs and requirements of its clients expeditiously. With innovations and explosion of technological tools available in country, Public Authority must make concerted efforts to improve its service delivery mechanism in the interest of its customer. Commission directs CPIO, Delhi to provide certified copy of information sought to Appellant within a period of 15 days from date of receipt of this order. In view of unconditional apology tendered by the then CPIO, show cause proceedings in the matter stand dropped.

Tags : INFORMATION DISSEMINATION SUO MOTU