RTI activist slams CIC

A REPORTER

SHILLONG, Feb 22: A city base RTI activist Disparsing Rani has slammed the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) CD Kynjing for rejecting his complaint registered on 29, January 2016 against three Development Blocks.

Speaking with newsmen here on Monday Rani said, “I had earlier filed for an RTI report on 30 June 2015 seeking information on 8 Development Blocks however I was able to furnish the information of only 5 blocks.”

The RTI report was filed seeking information on the implementation of Swachh Bharat mission toilet scheme in 8 Development Blocks in East Khasi Hills district. He alleged that three Development Blocks which includes C&RD Block of Mawrynkneng, Shella-Bholaganj and Mawsynram did not furnish the information to him and hence the complaint.

“I have registered a complaint with the CIC on 29, January 2016 against three BDOs C&RD Block but my complaint was rejected by the commissioner without even calling me to explain the reason,” he said. He informed that the CIC in a letter issued to him indicated that the complaint was rejected since the complaint was after more than 150 days and because the complaint did not indicate any reason which prevents him from filing the Appeal or Complaint in time and therefore it was rejected.

“The rejection of my complaint goes against the RTI Act section 18 (3) which clearly mentioned that there is no limit for filing a complaint to the CIC, one may file a complaint even after 18 months,” he said adding that the CIC should clarify on what grounds his complaint was rejected as per the RTI Act 2005.

Rani further informed that he has also sent a complaint letter against the CIC on Monday to the Governor of Meghalaya.