Early Times Report
Srinagar, May 25: Directorate of Tourism Kashmir has finally provided information to an RTI applicant after SIC's intervention in this regard. Information seeker had sought details about fund utilization by the Directorate from last several years which was earlier denied by the department.
Details available with Early Times reveal that one Dr. Sheikh Gulam Rasool R/O Hyderpora Srinagar filed RTI an application with the PIO, Directorate of Tourism, Kashmir on 20/6/2017 seeking information about the various activities of the Tourism Department and details of NGOs, Trusts, Voluntary Organizations, Adventure Bodies, clubs registered with the Tourism Department, criteria for selection of NGOs, Trusts/Voluntary Organizations, funds utilization, status of section 4 implementation, expenditure of various funds etc.
Information seeker alleged that information provided by the PIO was incomplete and misleading. After subsequent appeals, the final order issued by the SIC read, "In view of the submissions made by the PIO that he has provided the balance information to the appellant in terms of the Commission's order dated: 19.03.2018, there remains nothing more to be done in this particular appeal.
As regards the demand of the appellant for imposition of penalty, it transpires from the perusal of records placed on file that the PIO has provided the reply on 28.07.2017 although the information has been held to be incomplete by the appellant. The Head of the Public Authority i.e. Director, Tourism Kashmir shall ensure to serve a copy of this order on the then PIO who reportedly stands transferred out of the Tourism Department, to enable him to send his reply to this notice under section 17 within 30 days from the date of receipt of this order". |
