Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Information Commission (OIC) has directed Mahanga Block authorities in Cuttack district to pay a compensation of ₹20,000 to an RTI applicant for repeated failure to furnish information despite multiple notices.
The order, passed by State Information Commissioner Susanta Kumar Mohanty on September 19, came in response to two second appeals filed by Tusar Ranjan Samal of Nandakishorepur in Cuttack.
According to the Commission, the Public Information Officer (PIO) and the Block Development Officer (BDO)-cum-First Appellate Authority (FAA), Mahanga Block, failed to appear before the Commission on three consecutive hearing dates—July 8, August 8, and September 19—even after receiving due notice. They also did not submit any written response.
The Commission observed that the officials’ conduct amounted to “harassment” of the applicant and reflected a “deplorable attitude” towards the RTI Act, which is intended to promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Taking serious note of the lapse, the Commission invoked Section 19(8)(b) of the RTI Act to award compensation to the appellant. The BDO-cum-FAA of Mahanga Block has been directed to transfer the compensation amount directly to the bank account of the appellant within 30 days.
“The BDO-cum-FAA and the PIO are responsible public servants expected to exercise due diligence in handling RTI matters. Their failure not only obstructed the free flow of information but also jeopardized the proceeding,” the Commission observed.
Both appeals were accordingly disposed of with the award of compensation in favour of the appellant.
