The case of the complainant is that on 13.9.06 he went to the Commissioner & Secretary, Education Department to submit a petition under the RTI Act, 2005 when he was advised by the Commissioner that he should approach the Secretary Education Department. Thereafter, the complainant went to the office of the Secretary, Education and waited in the room of his Private Secretary who kept in waiting and no appointment was given to him to meet the Secretary, Education. Hence he submitted the complaint to the Chief Information Commissioner that the Secretary, Education / the PIO did not receive his petition and hence this enquiry.

Shri Deka, PIO of the Education Department stated that on 13.9.06 he was the PIO of the Department of Education and on that date, he was not approached by the Complainant to give his application. The complainant, however, clarified that he went to the office of the Commissioner & Secretary, Education Department and of the Secretary, Education Department to learn as to who the PIO was and then to submit the petition.

Shri Deka stated that he received the petition dated 13.9.06 addressed to the PIO and Commissioner & Secretary, Elementary Education from the Planning Branch of the Department of Education quite late and that he has collected the information and the same is under type. He would furnish the information to the Complainant.

Decision of the Commission

The Commission, on careful consideration of the facts and circumstances of the case directs that the Commissioner & Secretary, Education Department shall cause an enquiry as to why the petition was not received and at what level delay occurred. He shall also cause display of the names and designation of the PIOs and the 1st Appellate Authority prominently in front of the offices of Education Departments so that no further confusion occurs regarding PIO / Appellate Authority