Punjab Info Commission directs MC to pay compensation

Fatehgarh Sahib, Oct 29 (UNI) The Punjab State Information Commission (SIC) has directed Municipal Corporation (MC), Bathinda to pay Rs 5,000 to Bachat Singh Datewasiyan, a resident of Partap Nagar, Bathinda, as compensation for attending seven hearing of the commission.

Mr Kulbir Singh, State Information Commissioner also directed the MC to pay compensation to mR Datewasiyan before that next date of hearing, which is November 20.

Mr Kulbir Singh in his recent order observed that the perusal of the affidavit filed by Kamal Kant, Executive Officer-cum-Public Information Officer (PIO), MC Bathinda leaves no manner of doubt that there are glaring systemic deficiencies in the office of Municipal Corporation . Appropriate mechanism has not been provided to keep the record properly by the Public Authority due to which the request for information under RTI Act is not being served properly, the order of the Information Commissioner said.

"The Municipal Corporation has failed to properly sensitise and train its officers/officials to inculcate in them the necessary discipline and a sense of urgency required for the discharge of their solemn functions under the Act. One fails to understand why adequate arrangements were not made by the MC Bathinda to keep the public records in order", the order stated.

Deficiencies in serving the RTI request of the complainant have undoubtedly emanated from this systemic failure, as per the orders.

The Commission in its order stated that instead of penalising the PIO , it would be in the fitness of things that the Public Authority be ordered to compensate the petitioner for the loss and detriment suffered by him on account of the failure by the respondent to supply the information demanded.

UNI XC HS MMS1657