GSIC to decide if pvt advocate can handle RTI applications

MAPUSA

A Calangute local has knocked the doors of the Goa State Information Commission (GSIC) objecting to the appointment of a private advocate to represent the PIO of Calangute panchayat in the matter of RTI applications.

The local, Antonio Jose de Souza, has appealed before the GSIC, the second appellate authority of RTI, said that the PIO cannot privately decide to appoint an advocate of his choice to represent/replace him in the matter as the office he is holding is that of panchayat secretary, which is a government office and not a private office.

“It’s clear that the private advocate is stepping in the shoes of the PIO and answering queries in the RTI applications as the PIO and the same has led to illegal sub-delegation of powers by the panchayat secretary without the written order of the department of personnel or directorate of panchayats,” de Souza said.

Several locals expressed disappointment with the Calangute panchayat for failing to provide proper information under the RTI Act, forcing them to approach the BDO, Bardez who is the first appellate authority.

According to the locals, the advocate appointed to look after the RTI appeals often responded by stating that the information or document demanded was not available with the panchayat.

De Souza informed that if at all the panchayat secretary needed the services of an advocate then he will have to go through the proper channel to get an order from the Department of Personnel or Directorate of Panchayats to depute a government empanelled advocate to represent him.

He further said that in order to file a reply to an RTI Appeal, the advocate will need to access the record room of the panchayat and the records stored therein.

“PIO being the panchayat secretary is chief custodian of the record room and the records stored therein and the same is accessible only to the panchayat secretary and the designated staff. The advocate or any third party cannot have access to the record room or the records of the panchayat,” he said.

The matter has been posted for hearing before the GSIC on June 20.