SIC hedges query on funds for online data

Publication: The Times Of India Lucknow; Date: Jul 25, 2011; Section: Times City; Page: 2; http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTC8yMDExLzA3LzI1I0FyMDAyMDU=&Mode=Gif&Locale=english-skin-custom     RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT SIC hedges query on funds for online data TIMES NEWS NETWORK Lucknow: Any query regarding the utilisation of Central funds released for digitalisation of its records (to make data available online) is apparently enough to put the state information commission on the defensive. When the UPSIC was asked under the RTI what it did with the money, it simply said it did not get the question.     In response to a query put up by an applicant, Urvashi Sharma, under the Right To Information Act, the department of Personnel and Training (DoPT), New Delhi, said it had allocated Rs 21 lakh to the commission for digitalisation. But, it is yet to receive any utilisation certificate from the state commission for the amount released. Next, the applicant asked the commission about the funds. The public information officer, UPSIC, said that the commission is yet to start the digitalisation of records. However, when asked about the financial aid given by the Central and state government, and work undertaken by the commission to put the funds to intended use, the PIO evaded the question and said it is not clear what the applicant wants to know.     Notably, the UPSIC has entered its sixth year of functioning on March 22, 2011. In all these years, the commission has not been able to compile the orders passed by it.     Also, it does not have data on number of orders passed by different information commissioners. But, the UPSIC officials have claimed time and again that digitalisation process is on. -- Urvashi Sharma RTI Helpmail( Web Based ) aishwaryaj2010@gmail.com Mobile Rti Helpline 8081898081 ( 8 A.M. to 10 P.M. )