For these BBMP officials, RTI is Right To Ignore

BANGALORE:  The Karnataka Information Commission (KIC) has imposed a fine of `60,000 on five BBMP officials for not furnishing information sought by an applicant under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.The petitioner  A R Shashi Kumar had sought information from different BBMP officers on the list of catalogue and index of the records/files maintained under Section 4(1)(a). However, the officers failed to furnish details of the information declared suo-motu under Section 4(1)(b) of the Act.KIC imposed a fine of `10,000 on B M Venkatesh, former Assistant Executive Engineer (presently in PWD), Shekharappa, AEE, Ashwathnarayana, Assistant Revenue Officer, Narasappa, Assistant Revenue Officer and Rs 20,000 fine on T Maradi Rangappa, AEE. “The officers claimed that information was not provided on time due to excess of work. This cannot be substantiated and they will be penalised,” said D Thangaraj, State Information Commissioner. The officials did not reply to the KIC’s show-cause notice, Close to 3,000 RTI appeals are pending with the BBMP, he noted.BBMP Commissioner M K Shankaralinge Gowda said lapse of officers will be noted  and it will be deducted from their salaries.