Daijiworld Media Network – Panaji
Panaji, Feb 14: In a strongly worded order, the Goa State Information Commission has imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on a Public Information Officer and directed the parent department to initiate disciplinary proceedings against him, holding that his “gross negligence” and repeated absence from hearings amounted to a serious breach of statutory duty and denial of citizens’ rights under the RTI Act.
State Information Commissioner Atmaram Barve passed the order while allowing a second appeal filed by Ashish Parab of Bicholim against the PIO of Village Panchayat Latambarcem.
The Commission found that the concerned PIO, Ashok Naik, failed to respond within the stipulated 30-day period and furnished a “Nil” reply to 13 points raised in the RTI application dated March 7, 2025. It observed that Naik had acted inconsistently and submitted false submissions before the First Appellate Authority, resulting in denial of information to the applicant.
“The conduct of the relevant PIO, Ashok Naik is of gross negligence towards his duties entrusted under RTI Act,” the Commission held. It further noted that his continuous absenteeism, failure to file a reply to the appeal memo for over 90 days and non-response to the show cause notice reflected utter disregard towards the RTI Act and the authorities constituted under it.
Despite repeated opportunities and notices, the officer remained absent during multiple hearings, prompting issuance of a show cause notice mandating his presence. The Commission concluded that his actions not only caused denial of information but also brought disrepute to the designation of the PIO and warranted strict action to create a deterrent precedent.
Invoking Sections 20(1) and 20(2) of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Commission directed the Director of Panchayats to recover the penalty of Rs 25,000 from Naik’s salary and allowances on or before March 10 and to initiate disciplinary proceedings for acting against the letter and spirit of the Act.
The present PIO, Subodh Prabhu, has been directed to re-examine the RTI application and provide a pointwise reply, including inspection of relevant documents and certified copies free of cost to the appellant on March 10 during office hours. He has also been asked to record minutes of the proceedings and obtain the appellant’s signature upon completion. A compliance report has been sought to be submitted in person on March 12.