Silchar: The Assam State Information Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs 30,000 on the district social welfare officer of Sribhumi district, SA Islam, for failing to furnish information sought under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.The order was passed by state information commissioner Utpal Baruah on March 10 while hearing a complaint filed by Silchar resident Nirupam Banerjee. According to the commission’s order, Banerjee had sought certain information from the office of the district social welfare officer under the RTI Act. However, the information was allegedly not provided in a satisfactory manner, prompting the applicant to approach the commission.During the hearing, the commission observed that despite being given opportunities, the concerned officer failed to adequately justify the delay and deficiencies in providing the information. It also noted procedural irregularities in the handling of the RTI application and the responses submitted by the department. After examining the records and submissions, the commission held the officer responsible for violating provisions of the RTI Act and ordered the imposition of the penalty. The commission directed the officer to deposit the penalty amount under the head of account “Receipt under RTI Act” through the eGRAS portal within 30 days and submit a copy of the receipt to the commission.
