The complainant submitted a complaint before the Commission on 25.9.06 that the Commissioner, Assam Housing Board did not furnish the information which he sought for from him. The Commission issued notice to the Commissioner, Assam Housing Board, Guwahati / the PIO of the office to appear before it on 10.11.06. The information sought for by him are as follows:

1. How many houses were built and given to how many persons by the Housing Board, Assam in the State under Self Financing Scheme during 1986-2006.
2. Are there any guidelines for implementation of this scheme?
3. During the said period, in Hatigaon Housing Colony, Barsajai, whom did the Board allot houses?
4. Whether the plans and estimates for houses No. 10, 11, 12 & 13 are there? (Please furnish copies)
5. Why did the space for park / play ground disappear?
6. How much money was spent for drains and roads in the said colony?
7. (a) When will the roads / drains in the Colony are going to be repaired?
(b) How many applications were given by the residents of the colony?

The complainant present. Shri Subhash Laskar, Public Information Officer of the office of the Housing Board, Assam along with Shri Jay Narayan Sarmah, Asstt. Public Information Officer of the office present. The PIO submits that the RTI Act 2005 is new to the office and the documents called for are huge in number. As the PIO received the notice dated 9.10.06 from the State Information Commission, the PIO thought that he should hand over the copies of the documents in the presence of the Commission. The Commission makes it clear that the office should not wait for hearing before it for furnishing the copies of the documents. The PIO hands over the copies of he documents to the complainant and explains the details of the documents.

Decision of the Commission:

The Commission, on hearing both the parties, accepts the cause shown by the PIO for delay in furnishing the information and appreciates the Board for furnishing the information. But as there is delay in furnishing the information, it be furnished to the complainant free of cost.