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In RTI Application Max Cost To Be Paid Is Rs 2 per Copy - Pune's PCB Thinks OtherwiseBy akansha, Section GN
When advocate Netraprakash Bhog approached the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) for certified copies of information regarding a property on Prince of Wales Drive in Wanavdi, under the Right to Information Act (RTI), he was taken by surprise when he was asked to pay Rs 200 for a page. Under the provisions of the RTI Regulation of Fee and Cost Rules, 2005, the accounts officer can charge Rs two for each page created, copied or as per actuals.
"On March 27, 2009, I filed an RTI application with the PCB and requested them to provide certified copies of information regarding property number 4 located at Prince of Wales drive in Wanavdi. I also requested them to provide me the information within the time limit specified under the RTI. But I was surprised when I received a letter (a copy of which is with the Indian Express) from K V Shirodkar, central public information officer, PCB, on April 6 mentioning that I would have to pay Rs 200 per copy towards copying fees charges," said Bhog.
 However, Shirodkar feigned ignorance when asked about the exorbitant amount the PCB charges per copy. "A few years ago, a resolution was passed in the PCB according to which we charge Rs 200 per copy of general application. When certified copies are asked under the RTI Act, we charge the applicants only the cost as laid down in the RTI or the cost of photo copying. We definitely do not charge Rs 200 per copy if the information is demanded under the RTI," he said. Source: The Indian Express Lawyer seeks info under RTI, PCB says pay Rs 200 per copy Click On "Full Story" For More...
According to Bhog, the PCB had passed a resolution some years ago, by virtue of which, they are charging Rs 200 per page from applicants demanding information. This is totally unjust as the cantonment is subject to the provisions of the RTI Act, which mandates Rs 2 per page or at actual be charged by a public body. Charging this much money amounts to loot. "In all government offices, the information demanded of any sort, permissible under law, have to be made available to the public in a reasonable manner and at a reasonable cost. The PCB cannot treat the public in a shabby manner as they are a public body and those working there are public servants," said Bhog
Meanwhile, social activists are of the view that this is a way to deter people from demanding information under the RTI Act. Delhi-based noted civil rights lawyer Prashant Bhushan said,"The PCB is acting contrary to the laws laid down in the RTI Act. Those who were asked by the PCB to pay Rs 200 per page for information demanded under RTI can approach the state information commissioner or the chief information commissioner for redressal. The amount demanded by the PCB is not only against the rule, but would also deter people from seeking information under the RTI Act."
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Related Links. Delhi. Pune . delhi . QBTPL . Lawyer seeks info under RTI, PCB says pay Rs 200 per copy . Also by akansha |
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