Maximum penalty on Delhi official for withholding pension

New Delhi: The Central Information Commission has imposed a maximum penalty on a Delhi government official for not abiding by its order to inform about the pension status of a 70-year old woman and pay compensation of Rs 5,000 to her.

Taking a stern view of laxity in implementing his order on disclosing status of pension, Information Commissioner Sridhar Acharyulu said, "The Commission finds that PIO has no regret and in no mood to restore pension or give arrears and even to do anything to pay compensation.

"Hence, the Commission considers it a fit case to impose maximum penalty on Saroj Rawat besides recommending departmental action against her."

Acharyulu warned the authorities of Women and Child Development department of Delhi Government that if this order is not complied with and the report provided within one month, the Commission would be compelled to take measures to prosecute Rawat and concerned officers under Indian Penal Code sections.

He said in case of non-compliance, Rawat could be prosecuted under IPC sections 166 (public servant disobeying law), section 187 (omission to assist public servant when bound by law to give assistance) and section 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant).

"It is sad to note that the officers called Public Information Officer do not give information to poor public and when they approach under RTI. They reject because they have not approached directly," Acharyulu said.

The case relates to a 70-year old poor woman whose pension was stopped abruplty by the Delhi Government without giving any intimation to open a bank account. The Government had decided that pension will no longer be delivered in the post office and pensioners would have to open a bank account.