In a notable decision, the Gujarat Information Commission has fined a district geographer in Banaskantha for failing to provide information. Guru Preet Singh, the geographer, was ordered to pay a fine of Rs 5,000 for his negligence. The incident has raised eyebrows and highlighted issues related to transparency and accountability in public offices.
According to reports, a citizen named Anand Kumar Parmar had requested important information from the geographer on February 12, 2024. The request included six specific points of information. However, the information was not provided, prompting Parmar to file an appeal with the first appellate authority. The authority directed Singh to provide the required information within a stipulated time.
Despite the order, Singh did not comply, leading Parmar to escalate the matter to the Gujarat Information Commission in Gandhinagar. During the hearing on April 22, 2024, it was revealed that Singh had deliberately neglected his duty to provide the requested information. He failed to appear before the commission to explain his actions.
In light of this serious negligence, the commission found Singh at fault and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000. The amount must be paid from Singh’s own funds to the government treasury by June 30, 2025. Alternatively, the amount may be deducted from his salary.
This incident has raised concerns about the compliance of public officials with the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The Gujarat Information Commission emphasized the importance of strict adherence to the law to maintain the dignity of the commission and ensure that citizens receive timely information from public offices.
The case highlights the broader issue of transparency in governance. Citizens have the right to access information about government operations, and officials must be held accountable when they fail to meet their obligations. The fine imposed on Singh serves as a reminder that neglecting these responsibilities can lead to penalties.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this incident will impact public trust in the information-sharing process in Gujarat. Ensuring that public officials follow the RTI Act is crucial for enhancing transparency and accountability in government.
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