IT News
Imphal, April 21:
In yet another event that humiliates the Manipur Information Commission (MIC) the SPIO of the Manipur Tribal Development Corporation (MTDC) dishonour the Right to Information Act, 2005 by not providing information sought through the Act within the mandated period.
According to report, one Khumanthem Dhanachadra Singh filed an RTI application on 13th October 2020 to the SPIO, Manipur Tribal Development Corporation(MTDC) Ltd seeking information in connection with the construction of the pre-fabricated structures for the College of Food Science &Technology at Central Research Farm, Lamphelpat under the Central Agricultural University (CAU).
It may be mentioned that construction works of Pre-fabricated structures of College of Food Technology, Lamphelpat consisting of Administrative Block, Boys Hostel, Girls Hostel, and Dining Halls were done by the MTDC Ltd. The construction costs of the Administrative Building, Boys Hostel, and Girls Hostel were Rs. 1,40,44,116 each and the construction costs of a multi-purpose hall, a boy’s dining hall and a girl’s dining hall each were Rs. 24,10,161.
As the SPIO failed to provide the sought information even after the mandated period of 30 days lapsed, the activist filed 1st appeal on 30th November 2020 to the First Appellate Authority, MTDC Ltd u/s 19(1) of the RTI Act, 2005. The FAA too failed to furnish the required information. Thereafter, the activist filed a 2ndappeal on 13th January 2021 before the Manipur Information Commission as a last resort.
During the hearing on 6th February 2021, the Commission observed that as the subject of request pertains to an institution of the central government, it needs to be examined whether a state government owned organization like MTDC Ltd can answer the sought queries.
Accordingly, the Commission directed the appellant/the RTI activist to file a rejoinder indicating that the subject of RTI queries is under the ambit of this commission with verifiable proof/evidence. Besides, the Commission also directs the SPIO, MTDC Ltd to submit clarification on the above-mentioned issue.
During the 2nd hearing on 2nd March 2021, the appellant submitted a written rejoinder dated 26th February 2021 but the MTDC Ltd did not furnish any written reply/clarification/statement before the Manipur Information Commission.
In his written rejoinder the appellant stated that the whole construction works were done by the MTDC Ltd and whatever materials used in the constructions were all purchased by the MTDC Ltd. He further informed that there is no single role of CAU in the process of construction work and purchase of construction materials. The role of CAU is awarding of work order, making of payment and taking over of the college structure after its completion. The appellant further reiterated that one of the officials of the MTDC Ltd informed him that the construction materials are brought from a firm based in Haryana and they will provide the bills/vouchers of the materials purchased when they received them from the purchasing firm.
Upon hearing from both the parties and perusal of the entire case records, the Commission observed that as the sought information is in the custody of the MTDC Ltd, the appellant has a right to seek the said information under the RTI Act, 2005 from the MTDC Ltd as MTDC Ltd is the executing agency of the said work even though it belongs to CAU. Accordingly, the Commission directs the SPIO, MTDC Ltd to furnish the bills/vouchers of the procured construction material within one from 19th March 2021.
Speaking to Imphal Times, Dhanachandra said, “a misc. application will be filed to the Manipur Information Commission against the MTDC Ltd for not complying with the Commission order dated 19th March, 2021.”
