A Right to Information (RTI) application filed by the Gujarat State Co-operative Tribunal Bar Association has not been answered on the ground that the association is not a citizen of India. On June 7, the bar association sought details of co-operative banks which went into liquidation in the state during last the 10 years. The information was sought from state Co-operative department.
“We sought details regarding names, addresses of co-operative banks which went into liquidation in the state. Further we asked for the name of Liquidator officer, claims by the depositors if any, recovery and pending amounts of banks which went into liquidation and administrative expenses.” said Hitesh Shah, President of Gujarat State Co-operative Tribunal Bar Association to Law et al. News.
On June 7, NB Sheikh, Public Information Officer of state co-operative department refused to give the information stating that under section 3 of Right to Information Act, 2005 an answer can only be provided to citizens of India and not to any association or other body. Bar association thereafter filed an appeal with the appellate authority of the department, but on September 5 was again refused information on the said ground.
“Interestingly, as a bar association, we have received answers from higher officials of the same department in various matters, but this time they are not ready to answer. If they reply to this RTI, the corruption, irregularities and malpractices of co-operative banks undergoing liquidation are likely to come out. To hide that, they are not replying.” Shah alleged.
The association has however decided to pursue its case before the State Information Commission. Some of the members will also file a fresh RTI application individually to get the same information sought earlier.
“The main intention of RTI Act is to make the administration of government department more transparent through providing proper information. When any association, NGO or other bodies files an RTI application and puts the information in to public domain, it has more impact rather than through a person.” added Shah.
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