In the last 18 years, 48.6% of the information officers in Haryana have failed to submit a fine imposed by the Haryana State Information Commission. This data purchased under the Right to Information (RTI) Act shows that these punishments were imposed on the authorities to provide complete information within the stipulated time.
Responding to a query by Subhash, the convenor of Haryana Soakhana Adhikar Manch, the Commission revealed that 4,043 information officers were fined during this period. The total fine imposed on them is Rs. 5.9 crores, of which Rs. 2.84 crore has been recovered. However, 1,965 officers have not yet paid their fine, so that Rs. 3 crore unpaid.
RTI activist Subhash, who established the Haryana Soakna Adhikar Manch in 2007, has emphasized the need for strict action against the authorities who withdraw information and later fail to submit the fine. Another activist, PP Kapoor, used to contact Lockukta, demanding action against the defaulting officers. He urged the anti -corruption Lokpal to direct the government to recover the fine with interest. Kapoor told The Indian Express The case was close to the hearing on the matter, and he soon expected a decision. He has suggested that the benefits of retirement should be stopped from the authorities who fail to clean the punishment before supernation.
Former State Information Commissioner Hemant ATRI has consistently pushed to a mechanism to ensure compliance with the orders of the Commission. He advocates strict action against the state’s public information officers (SPIOS) who ignore the hearing and fail to implement the instructions. Atri said that during his tenure, he first held the Appellate Officers (FAAS) accountable to implement his orders. He emphasized that drawing and dysberting officers (DDOs) and faas should be responsible for ensuring punishment, warning that failure to comply can take action under Section 20 (2) of the RTI Act, 2005.
A senior Haryana government official told The Indian Express that the administration will soon issue instructions to the SPIO to submit their fine with the state treasury.
