This office memorandum clarifies the procedure for Public Information Officers (PIOs) when handling Right to Information (RTI) applications where the requested information is held by multiple public authorities. Previously, if information was partially available, PIOs were to provide what they had and advise the applicant to apply separately for the rest. If no information was available, the applicant was to be guided to apply to the relevant authorities. Following a consultation with the Chief Information Commissioner, it has been decided that PIOs should now also provide the details of other public authorities that may hold the requested information, if those details are known. This aims to streamline the process for applicants seeking information scattered across different government bodies.
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No.F.10/2/2008-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions
Department of Personnel \& Training
North Block, New Delhi
Dated September 24, 2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- RTI applications received by a public authority regarding information concerning other public authority/authorities.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department’s OM of even number dated 12th June, 2008 on the above noted subject, clause (iii) of para 3 of which provides that if a person makes an application to the public authority for information, a part of which is available with that public authority and the rest of the information is scattered with more than one other public authorities, the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the public authority receiving the application should give information relating to it and advise the applicant to make separate applications to the concerned public authorities for obtaining information from them. It further provides that if no part of the information is available with the public authority receiving the application but scattered with more than one other public authorities, the PIO should inform the applicant that information is not available with the public authority and that the applicant should make separate application to the concerned public authorities for obtaining information from them.
2. The matter has been examined in consultation with the Chief Information Commissioner, Central Information Commission and it has been decided to advise the PIOs that if the details of public authorities who may have this information sought by the applicant are available with the PIO, such details may also be provided to the applicant.
3. Contents of this OM may be brought to the notice of all concerned.
(K.G. Verma)
Director
Tel. 23092158
- All the Ministries/Departments of the Government of India
- Union Public Service Commission/Lok Sabha Secretariat./Rajya Sabha Secretariat/Cabinet Secretariat/Central Vigilance Commission/President’s
- Secretariat/Vice-President’s Secretariat/Prime Minister’s Office/Planning Commission/Election Commission
- Central Information Commission/State Information Commissions
- Staff Selection Commission, CGO Complex, New Delhi
- Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, 10, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi
- All Officers/Desks/Sections, Department of Personnel & Training and Department of Pension & Pensions Welfare
Copy also to: Chief Secretaries of all the Sates/UTs