1 6 2011 IR Corrs Vol I 01052014

No.
1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions
Department of Personnel & Training
New Delhi, 6th May, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

the RTI Act, 2005
It has been decided to set up a Task Force consisting of following members to review
the provisions regarding suo motu disclosure given in Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 and to
recommend measures for its better implementation and enforcement:
(1) JS (AT&A), Department of Personnel and Training Chairperson
(2) One representative of M/o. Information Technology not below

the rank of DS/Director to be nominated by Secretary (IT). Member
(3) One representative of D/o. AR&PG not below the rank

of DS/Director to be nominated by Secretary (AR&PG). Member
(4) One representative of M/o. Law not below the rank

of DS/Director to be nominated by Secretary (Law) Member
(5) to (7) Secretaries of Governments' of Uttar Pradesh,

Andhra Pradesh, Bihar dealing with implementation
of RTI Act in their State Member
(8) to (12) Five representatives of non-government organizations working in the

field of RTI, one each from:
a) NCPRI, New Delhi
b) IT for Change, Bangalore
c) Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), Gujarat
d) 'JOSH, New Delhi
e) Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), New Delhi Member
(13) Shri K.G.Verma, Director (RTI), DOPT Member-Secretary
2. The Terms of Reference of the Task Force will be as under:

a. To examine the provisions of Section 4(1)(b) and to recommend guidelines for
disclosures to be made at various levels of administration;
b. To recommend other items which may be included for suo motu disclosure, as
provided in Section 4(1)(b)(xvii):
c. To explore the possibility of prescribing simple templates for disclosing
specific category of information in order to facilitate disclosure;
d. To recommend mediums through which such disclosure is to be made at
various levels, which would include disclosure through electronic means also;
1.4
2
t e. To recommend guidelines for complying with the provisions under Section(

4(1)(b)(vii) and Section 4 (1) (c) and Section 4 (1) (d);
f. To give recommendations as to how compliance with the provision of Section
4 (1) (b), (c) (d) and Sections 4 (2) to 4 (4) may be better enforced.
g. To recommend measures for protection of persons seeking information under
the RTI Act
h. Any other issue incidental to the above.
3. This Task Force may have consultations with other Ministries, State Governments,
CIC and SICs and also with other NGOs for finalizing its report. The methodology for
working of the Task Force will be laid down by the Task Force itself.
4. The Task Force will finalize its recommendation by 31st July 2011 and submit it to the
Department for consideration.
(Anuradha S. Chagti)
Deputy Secretary
Phone: 23093074
To:
1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi

With a request to nominate
2. Secretary, D/o Administrative Reforms &
a DS/Director to the Task
Public Grievances, Govt. of India, New Delhi , -Corm/Q.,. Antic,/ ,34, %Force
3. Secretary, Ministry of Law, Govt. of India, New Delhi, Se,a4--/-y-Ze. A414gben
4. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh , z_ucK a") With a request to nominate a
5. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Cdr „,4,,f Secretary level officer dealing with
6. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Bihar , implementation of RTI in the State
7. Head of Organisation, NCPRI, C 117A, DDA Flat Munirka,New Delhi With a request to
8. Head of Organisation, IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross nominate a senior
Road, 4T Block, Tilak Nagar,Bangalore person so that
9. Head of Organisation, Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), participation may
B. Sahajanand Towers, Jivraj Park Cross Road, Ahmedabad- 51 be meaningful
Gujarat J
10. Head of Organisation, JOSH, C-7E, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi-67
11. Head of Organisation, Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS),
B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat, Sheikh Sarai—I New Delhi- 17
Copy to:
1, -Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel)—for information
2. PS to Joint Secretary (AT&A), DoPT
"FL
Director (RTI), DoPT
_ /sign
)1(<— •
1
VP
NAMES OF MEMBERS OF THE TASK FORCE
Government Nominees:
1. Shri Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary, DOPT

2. Shri Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary, GAD, Government of Bihar
3. Shri R.K.Srivastava, Dy. Legal Adviser, D/o.Legal Affairs, Delhi
4. Ms.N.Ramadevi, Deputy Secretary, Government of Andhra Pradesh
5. Ms.Ritika Bhatia, Director, D/o.AR&PG, Delhi
6. Shri K.G.Verma, Director (RTI), DOPT, Delhi
Representatives of Civil Society Organisations:
1. Shri Nikhil Dey, Co-Convener, NCPRI, Delhi

2. Shri Venkatesh Nayak, Co-Convener & Prog. Coordinator, NCPRI, CHRI, Dell'
3. Ms.Anjali Bhardwaj, Director, Satark Nagarik Sangathan, Delhi
4. Shri Parminder Singh, IT for Change, Bangalore
5. Ms.Aheli Chowdhury, Founder Member, JOSH, Delhi
6. Ms.Pankti D.Jog, Executive Secretary, MAGP, Gujarat
Special Invitees:
1. Ms.Anuradha S.Chagti, DS(RTI), DOPT, Delhi

2. Ms.Rakshita, NCPRI, Delhi
3. Ms.Amrita Johri, Infor & Research Coordinator, Satark Nagrik Sangath
***
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
North Block, New Delhi

Dated 12th May, 2011
Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effect implementation of

Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 - regarding
In continuation of this Department's OM of even number dated 6th May,

2011(copy enclosed) regarding constitution of Task Force for effective implementation
of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005, the undersigned is directed to say that a meeting of
Task Force will be held at 12.00 noon on 25th May, 2011 in the Conference Room
(Room No. 190), North Block, New Delhi. As requested in the OM dated 06.05.2011, an
officer may be nominated as member of the Task Force who may be advised to
attend the meeting. Lunch would be served during the meeting.
r".
(K.G. Verma)
Director (RTI)
Phone: 23092158
To :
1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Technology Bhavan, Mehrauli Road,

New Delhi - 2 3 3g 3S t 3
2. Secretary, D/o Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Sardar Patel Bhavan,
New Delhi
,*-4-5 3. Secretary, Ministry of Law, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi - 2- '1) r-C-3
(v) 5) 4. Chief Secretary, Administrative Reforms, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow 6 " 1 22;72
23 38 3° 5. Chief Secretary to Govt. (COORDN& GPM&AR), Govt. of Andhra Pradesh,
Hyderabad - 6 Lt o - 2 70 0
6. Chief Secretary, General Administration Department, Govt. of Bihar, Patna 6 ( 2_ 22176 .1
) -;-‘1g )
7. Head of Organisation, NCPRI, C- 117 A, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi
8. Head of Organisation, IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross Road, 4 T Block,
z-j--0,,,,esTattak Nagar, Bangalore-_,:fi, P CI / ,c 6.c , — sr 3- a,,3
9. Head of Organisation, Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), B, Sahajanand
Towers, Jivraj Park Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 51, Gujarat
10. Head of Organisation, JOSH, C- 7 E, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi
11. Head of Organisation, Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat,
Sheikh Sarai - I, New Delhi - 110 017
Copy to :
1. Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel)

3. Director (RTI), DoPT
Copy also to Under Secretary (Coord),DOPT with the request to book the Conference
Room for 25th May, 2011 and arrange High Tea and Lunch for 20 Office
(K.G. Verma
Director (RTI)
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

Dated 12th May, 2011
Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effect implementation of


2011(copy enclosed) regarding constitution of Task Force for effective implementation
of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005, the undersigned is directed to say that a meeting of
Task Force will be held at 12.00 noon on 25th May, 2011 in the Conference Room
(Room No. 190), North Block, New Delhi. As requested in the OM dated 06.05.2011, an
officer may be nominated as member of the Task Force who may be advised to
attend the meeting. Lunch would be served during the meeting.
(K.G. Verma)
Director (RTI)
Phone: 23092158
To :
1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Technology Bhavan, Mehrauli Road,

New Delhi
2. Secretary, D/o Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances, Sardar Patel Bhavan,
New Delhi
3. Secretary, Ministry of Law, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi
4. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow
5. Chief Secretary , Govt. of Andhra Pradesh,
Hyderabad
6. Chief Secretary, General Administration Department, Govt. of Bihar, Patna
7. Head of Organisation, NCPRI, C- 117 A, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi
8. Head of Organisation, IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross Road, 4 T Block,
Tilak Nagar, Bangalore
9. Head of Organisation, Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), B, Sahajanand
Towers, Jivraj Park Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 51, Gujarat
10. Head of Organisation, JOSH, C- 7 E, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi
11. Head of Organisation, Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat,
Sheikh Sarai - I, New Delhi - 110 017
Copy to :
1. Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel)

2. PS to Joint Secretary (AT&A), DoPT rnc, r
Copy also to Under Secretary (Coord),DOPT with the request to book the Conference
Room for 25th May, 2011 and arr e High Tea and Lunch for 20 OfficerTh
- '
I CA-,1
(K.G. Verma
Director (RTI)
D.\ C
t41-0:1 • .. .... •
.....
-6 0
Page 1 of 1
IT for CHANGE
NGO in Special Consultative status with United Nations' Economic and Social Council
Dated: 16' May, 2011
Smt Anuradha. S. Chagti

Deputy Secretary,
Department of Personnel and Training,
Government of India, New Delhi.
Subject: Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act,
2005.
Ref: Office Memo no n 1/6/2011 - IR
Dear Smt Chagti,
We are in receipt of the refereed office memo and happy to learn that a Task Force is being set up to
ensure effective implementation of the Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005.
IT for Change will like to be represented in the Task Force by myself. Parminder Jeet Singh,
Executive Director, and we look forward to working together on taking this very important part of
the RTI Act forward and exploring ways to ensure that it is implemented in the full spirit of the Act.
With Best Regards
Parmi er Jeet Singh

Executive Director
Email: ParminderPITforChange.net
Mobile: 09845949445
,-•/\
,r3 L
I%)
c\')
https://mail.nic.in/uwc/webmail/attach/IT%20for%20Ch edpeg?sid---&-,mbox=INBOX&... 5/16/201 1
No.R-20011/1/2007-Ad
Government of India
r
Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances
Sardar Patel Bhavan, Sansad Marg.

New Delhi-110001, dated 18th May, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI

Act, 2005.
The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of Personnel & Training's

0.M.No.1/6/2011-IR dated 6 May, 2011 on the above noted subject and to say t;iat Ms.
Ritika Bhatia, Director is hereby nominated to represent Department of Administrative
Reforms & Public Grievances in the Task Force. Her particulars are as under:-
Ms. Ritika Bhatia,

Director (AR)
Deptt. of AR & PG
Room No.516
5th Floor, S.P.Bhawan,
Sansad Marg, New Delhi.
Tel No . 23360369
23401407
e-mail ritika.bhatia@nic.in
This issues with the approval of Secretary (AR&PG).
(B K. Singh)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
Tele No.23401440
epartment of Personnel & Training
(Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, Deputy Secretary)
North Block,
New Delhi.
Copy for information to:-
1. Director (AR)
2. ,sA.PPS to Secretary(AR&PG)
3. PPS to Additional Secretary(AR&PG)
4. PS to Joint Secretary (ARC)
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
4 ELECTRONICS NIKETAN
6, C.G.O.COMPLEX
NEW DELHI-110003
No.7(1)/201 1-RTI 19.5.2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub. Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

the RTI Act,2005..
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOPT's O.M. No. 1/6/201 1-IR dated
6.5.2011 on the above subject and to say that the Competent Authority has nominated
Shri Ajay Sahani, President & CEO, National E-Governance Division to re resent
DIT in the aforesaid Task Force.
(B.B.Bahl)
Joint Director
Tel.No. 24369903

(Anuradha S. Chagti, Deputy Secretary)
North Block,
New Delhi.
Copy to: Shri Ajay Sahani, President &C FO; NeGD,DIT, New Delhi.:- Enclosed
please find meeting circular ceived from DoPT to attend the referred
meeting scheduled to be Id on 25.5.2011 at North Block, New Delhi.
This has reference to the note of AS(S&V) dated 11th May, 2011
regarding proposed meeting of Principal Secretary to PM for
preparation of a far-reaching agenda in the area of Administrative
Reforms to be held on 12th May, 2011.
2. The issues listed under the heading Lack of transparency relate

to RTI Division. All of these pertain to voluntary disclosure by public
authorities and need for strengthening the same.
3. It may be noted that Section 4 (1) (b), (c) & (d) provide for suo-
motu disclosure by public authorities. The issue of proper
implementation of Section 4 (1) (b), (c) & (d) has been under
consideration of Government for long and this was also raised during a
meeting with the Sub-Group on Transparency and Accountability of
NAC. It was felt that the list of items on which suo-motu disclosure
needs to be made may be extended to include other items such as
procurement. The issue of pre-legislative consultation was also
discussed in that meeting. In line with those discussions, a Task Force
has been constituted by DOPT vide OM No.1/6/2011-IR dated 6th May,
2011 (copy enclosed as Annexure 1) which also include representatives
of NGOs working in the field of RTI. The Task Force is expected to
deliberate on all items included in Section 4 (1) (b) and to recommend
any other items which needs to be included and also to recommend
policy for consultation with public on various issues as laid in Section 4
(1) (b) (viii).
4. Our comments on the recommendations enclosed in the paper

circulated for the meeting are given in Annexure 2. It is for
consideration whether we may await the comprehensive proposal as
may be implemented after recommendation of the Task Force are
Ocb -•'`)
available or should these items be taken up for implementation
separately?
(Rajeev Ka oor)
Joint Secre AT&A)
11th May, 2011
AS(S&V)
1 \■
\N\
P4 s
(L9
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
New Delhi, 6th May, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

the RTI Act, 2005
It has been decided to set up a Task Force consisting of following members to review
the provisions regarding suo motu disclosure given in Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 and to
recommend measures for its better implementation and enforcement:
(1) JS (AT&A), Department of Personnel and Training Chairperson
(2) One representative of M/o. Information Technology not below

the rank of DS/Director to be nominated by Secretary (IT). Member
(3) One representative of D/o. AR&PG not below the rank

of DS/Director to be nominated by Secretary (AR&PG). Member
(4) One representative of M/o. Law not below the rank

of DS/Director to be nominated by Secretary (Law) Member
(5) to (7) Secretaries of Governments' of Uttar Pradesh,

Andhra Pradesh, Bihar dealing with implementation
of RTI Act in their State Member
(8) to (12) Five representatives of non-government organizations working in the

field of RTI, one each from:
a) NCPRI, New Delhi
b) IT for Change, Bangalore
c) Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), Gujarat
d) JOSH', New Delhi
e) Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), New Delhi Member
(13) Shri K.G.Verma, Director (RTI), DOPT Member-Secretary
2. The Terms of Reference of the Task Force will be as under:

a. To examine the provisions of Section 4(1)(b) and to recommend guidelines for
disclosures to be made at various levels of administration;
b. To recommend other items which may be included for suo motu disclosure, as
provided in Section 4(1)(b)(xvii);
c. To explore the possibility of prescribing simple templates for disclosing
d. To recommend mediums through which such disclosure is to be made at
various levels, which would include disclosure through electronic means also;
2 • IV
e. To recommend guidelines for complying with the provisions under Section
4(1)(b)(vii) and Section 4 (1) (c) and Section 4 (1) (d);
f. To give recommendations as to how compliance with the provision of Section
4 (1) (b), (c) (d) and Sections 4 (2) to 4 (4) may be better enforced.
g. To recommend measures for protection of persons seeking information under
the RTI Act
h. Any other issue incidental to the above.
3. This Task Force may have consultations with other Ministries, State Governments.
CIC and SICs and also with other NGOs for finalizing its report. The methodology for
working of the Task Force will be laid down by the Task Force itself.
4. The Task Force will finalize its recommendation by 31st July 2011 and submit it to the
Department for consideration.
L1:444.
(Anuradha S. Chagii)
Deputy Secretary
Phone: 23093074
To:
1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi

With a request to nominate
2. Secretary, D/o Administrative Reforms & a DS/Director to the Task
Public Grievances, Govt. of India, New Delhi Force
a
3. Secretary, Ministry Law, Govt. of India, New Delhi
4. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh With a request to nominate a

5. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Secretary level offic;r dealing with
6. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Bihar implementation of RTI in the State
7. Head of Organisation, NCPRI, C 117A, DDA Flat Munirka,New Delhi

8. Head of Organisation, IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross
Road, 4T Block, Tilak Nagar,Bangalore With a request to
9. Head of Organisation, Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), nominate a senior
B. Sahajanand Towers, Jivraj Park Cross Road, Ahmedabad- 51 person so that
Gujarat participation may
10. Head of Organisation, JOSH, C-7E, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi-67 be meaningful
11. Head of Organisation, Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS),
B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat, Sheikh Sarai — I New Delhi- 17
Copy to:
1. Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel) — for info' illation
Annexure 2
Recommendations as mentioned in Our comments

the paper circulated
4(1) One of the major concerns voiced Agreed.
by citizens is lack of transparency in
government decision-making. At
present, government decision-making
processes are shrouded in unnecessary
secrecy and confidentiality making it
virtually impossible to access the
rationale behind policy decisions. This
has been rectified only partially by the
Right to Information Act.
4(2) Policy notes, legislative proposals This is prescribed under Section 4(1)
and draft schemes/ project/ programmes, (b) (vii). It is felt that detailed
that have an impact on development, guidelines be prepared for public
will be open to public scrutiny and consultation particularly as to how
debate. These will be placed in the consultations would be held, how
public domain at draft stage, to make suggestion would be processed and
possible feedback/comments from how feed back is to be given to persons
citizens and interest groups. Issues who have chosen to comment. As
involving strategic, security and vital indicated in the note, this is one of the
economic interests of the State will be terms of reference of the Task Force
exempted. that has been constituted by the
Department.
4(3) Procurement and award of This may be implemented. However, it
contracts are major areas where there is may be noted that a Group of Ministers
often lack of transparency. While the has been set up to look into the entire
initial process i.e. the notice inviting issue of procurement reforms and it is
tender is in the public domain, what likely that this issue would also be
happens after that is clouded and the considered by them.
citizen is not privy to the decision taken.
Once a decision is taken to
procure/award a contract to a certain
firm/individual, a notice accepting
tender may be placed in the public
domain. This would indicate the
bidders. the rationale behind the
decision and the total cost involved.
This step would ensure that any
negative feedback or complaint on a
particular decision is brought to notice
while remedial action is still possible.
4 (4) all discretionary/non-discretionary This is already included under Section
g ants/allocations to State Governments/ 4(1) (b) (xii) of the RTI Act. Detailed
NGOs/ Grant-in-aid institutions etc by instructions on the lines of this
any authority / body / corporation or recommendation may be issued to all
Ministry / Department, may be placed Ministries.
on the website of the Ministry
concerned. The details of the
applications received, the details and the
purpose of sanction will also be placed
on the website. This will be done in a
standardized format so that the
information so posted serves the
purpose of responding to questions, if
any, by the stakeholders.
4(5) The system of proactive disclosure As regards disclosure about TOR and
is the next logical step in the Right to composition of ad-hoc Committee, this
Infonnation Act (i) all is already provided under Section 4 (1)
Ministries/Department should place in (b) (viii). This may be reiterated
the public domain, the terms of through a circular.
reference and composition of all adhoc
committees (GoMs/EGoMS) and their As regards posting all RTI questions
recommendations (ii) Replies to All RTI and their replies on the net, detailed
questions, given to any applicant may be instructions may be issued in this
placed on the net (iii) All private regard.
institutions accepting public funds
should do so on the condition that they As regards the requirement on private
would answer RTI queries in relation to institutions that accept public funds to
the use of those funds. answer RTI queries, it may be noted
that non-government organization
substantially financed by Government
are only covered by the RTI Act. This
recommendation would be difficult to
implement as RTI Act does not extend
to such private organizations which
may not be substantially financed by
the Government.
Subject:- Administrative Reforms.
PMO has fixed a meeting on 12/5/2011 at 10.00 AM, which is chaired by

Principal Secretary to PM. A copy of notice along with background note
received from PMO is enclosed. There are certain issues relevant to your
Division. It is requested to provide a background material by today on the issues
pertaining to your Division.
(Dr. S.K. SaTrar)

Additional Secretary(S&V)
11/5/2011
J.S.(AT&A)
J.S.(E)
)
CONFIDENTIAL
• 4 C (17
crk
PRIME MINISTER'S OFFICE

\ C17
South Block
New Delhi — 110 101
Subject: Administrative Reforms.
Principal Secretary to PM will chair a meeting on 12th May 2011 at

10.00 A.M. in his office chamber at South Block for preparation of a far-
reaching agenda in the area of Administrative Reforms.
2. The addressees of this note are kindly requested to attend. A

background note is enclosed.
(Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph K.)

Deputy Secretary
rAl 23018485
1. Cabinet Secretary
2. Finance Secretary
\.3'. Additional Secretary (S&V), DOPT
PM0 I.D. no.1699948/PM0/2011-ES.2 Dated 10.05.2011
1. Extract of the directions of the Prime Minister dated 21.1.2011
•
021 "I would like priority attention to be put by the Prime Minister's
Office on the area of Administrative Reforms. Secretary (PMO) may
lead a group consisting of senior officers of PMO to work out a far-
reaching agenda of Administrative Reforms that could be brought to
Cabinet within the next 3-4 months. The areas should cover, interalia,
measures that improve governance, give greater emphasis on merit,
develop a more effective and robust system to deal with cases of
corruption and poor performance; and give greater flexibility in service
rules. MoS may be briefed on the exercise that is being undertaken.
Principal Secretary may supervise the process and arrange a briefing
for me after some preliminary work has been done".
2. In pursuance of the directions, detailed deliberations were held

in a series of meetings and the set of recommendations that emerged
is placed below.
3. The recommendations are aimed primarily at addressing issues

at the Government of India level. Changes at the State level, which
might require consultations with the State governments would be
addressed at subsequent stage.
4. The following were identified as problem areas that merited

immediate attention :
a. Mismanagement of Human Resources

b. Corruption
c. Lack of accountability
d. Lack of transparency in the functioning of
government
e. Inefficiency in policy making as well as delivery of
services
1
5. The above are not mutually exclusive, and any intervention in
respect of one area might impact the others.
6. A wide array of recommendations is possible on each issue. The

present set is limited to a few, high impact interventions which can be
implemented relatively easily and quickly ("low hanging fruit")
7. The issues and recommendations in respect of each of the

above-identified areas are given in the following chapters.
I. Mismanagement of Human Resources
A. Recruitment
(1) Civil service should be a conscious career option for those who
want to come into the system, and not the last choice for those who
do not find themselves employable elsewhere. The upper age limit for
the examination, which is currently 30 for general candidates, needs to
be lowered to 28. Since this has wide implications, this could be done
in a phased manner over 2 years. The number of attempts for general
candidates may also be reduced to 3 from 4. (For the time being, age
limit and number of attempts could be retained at the present level for
SC/STs (35 years and unlimited attempts) and OBCs (33 years and 7
attempts).
(2) A major change introduced recently in the Civil Services
Examination has been the Civil Services Aptitude Test, which seeks to
test the aptitude and ability of candidates. (i) Since this is a screening
test, this may be conducted online, with a phasing-in during which the
paper exam is also held, so that the candidate would be at liberty to
take the examination at a time of her/his choice (ii) The minimum age
for clearing the screening test could be one year less than the
minimum age of writing the main examination. (iii) The score may
• remain valid for three years during which the successful candidates
could take the Main Examination . This will save time, speed up the
examination process and reduce unnecessary anxiety and effort for
candidates.
(3) The interview may have an additional assessment criteria for

candidates opting for the Indian Foreign Service, to ensure that only
those with the right aptitude and ability are selected to represent the
country in international fora.
B. Empanelment
The present system of empanelment, which relies solely on the

Performance Appraisal Report of the officer, is leading to unsatisfactory
results. The following system is, therefore, suggested, for JS level
empanelment.
(1) There will be a limited competitive examination (testing general

awareness, analytical ability and decision-making ability) to be
conducted by the UPSC.
(2) The performance appraisal reports, and vigilance clearance may

be used to screen out unacceptable candidates who would not be
eligible to take the test. For this, a suitable cut-off score, much lower
than the present cut off, could be fixed as a qualifying score.
(3) Officers of all All India and Central services eligible as at (2)
above and who have put in the requisite length of service, would be
eligible to appear for the exam.
(4) Once empanelled, domain area, based on the knowledge, career

profile, performance in the examination, training and experience of the
officer, may be allocated to each officer, which could serve as a marker
for planning her/his career.
3
C. Placement
The present system of placement of officers does not

necessarily result in finding the right person for the job. The most
common complaint against the present system is that it allows for ad
hocism and does not address the issue of suitability or the aptitude of
the officer. The following suggestions are therefore made :
(1) For positions of Joint Secretary in the Government of India, (i)

each vacancy, along with the detailed job profile, should be placed on
the website of the DoPT, as and when a vacancy arises, or three
months prior to the expected date of the vacancy, whichever is earlier.
(ii) All officers empanelled and eligible as per cooling-off norms would
be at liberty to apply for any/all vacancies, with justification as to how
they think they conform to the job requirements (iii) The applications
would be placed in the public domain so that any misinformation could
get challenged. (iv) Once the applications are received, the
Establishment Officer would shortlist the applicants and the list would
be put up to the Civil Services Board/ACC for a final selection.
(2) For appointments to regulatory posts, where the law so permits

(i) The vacancies would be advertised six months before the scheduled
date, with the job requirements, required qualifications and experience
profile (ii) All eligible persons would be at liberty to apply for the same
(iii) Cabinet Secretary would make a panel, at least three months
before the date of vacancy and submit it to the ACC for a final
selection. (iv) The selection, along with the panel recommended by
Cabinet Secretary, may be put in the public domain.
4
D. Lateral Induction
ci (i) 10% of posts at the level of Joint Secretary will be open to

lateral entry from State government services/private sector/
academics etc. (ii) Cabinet Secretary will identify the posts, in
consultation with the Ministries. (iii) Lateral entrants will be selected
by UPSC based on their CVs and an interview / limited competitive test,
which would test the domain knowledge of the officer. (iv) The
appointment of the lateral entrants will be on a 5 year contract basis.
The lateral entrant will also have the flexibility to leave the job, if he so
desires. (v) The age limit and other details will be worked out by the
DOPT, in consultation with the UPSC and the Ministries concerned. (vi)
Once selected, the officers will undergo a training, the details of which
could be worked out by the DoPT.
E. Weeding out
(1) An intensive review of all Central Service officers who have as

on 1.1.2011 completed 14 (but not 15) and 25 (but not 26) years of
service shall be completed within 4 months, with a view to weeding out
the corrupt/inefficient officers. A suitable compensation package could
be worked out for the purpose.
(2) A similar exercise will be initiated in relation to all All India

Service officers, in consultation with the State governments concerned.
2. Corruption
As a GoM has been constituted, with the approval of the Prime

Minister to consider measures that can be taken up by government to tackle
corruption, the recommendations in this regard may be considered only after
a view has been taken on the recommendations of the GOM.
5
•
• 3. Lack of Accountability
(1) The following factors predominantly contribute to lack of

accountability:
a. Multiple chains of command
b. Lack of clarity on the roles and responsibility of each position and

near total absence of effective delegation
(2) Effective and clear delegation of authority, with clarity as to what is
expected of each role, should be the first step in ensuring accountability.
Accordingly, each Department/Ministry should map its roles/responsibilities,
as in the Allocation of Business, and clearly indicate the delegation. The
delegation of powers of all Ministries/Departments may be put up on their
websites within one month. A fresh delegation may be done whenever the
Minister in-charge changes.
(3) Every Department/Ministry may work out a standard operating

procedure and time line for routine functions clarifying who will be the
deciding authority, for routine functions. This information will also be
available in the public domain.
(4) There are several pieces of legislation, where rules are yet to be
framed, though the statutes have been enacted, rendering implementation
difficult. (i) Each Ministry/Department will complete the exercise of framing
the rules and bringing them into force, within three months and the
responsibility for this will rest with the Secretary concerned. (ii) The first set
of draft rules should be prepared, along with the Note for the Cabinet relating
to a bill that Ministry/ Department wishes to introduce.
4. Lack of transparency
(1) One of the major concerns voiced by citizens is lack of transparency in

government decision-making. At present, government decision-making
processes are shrouded in unnecessary secrecy and confidentiality making it
6
virtually impossible to access the rationale behind policy decisions. This has
been rectified only partially by the Right to Information Act.
(2) Policy notes, legislative proposals and draft schemes/ projects/

programmes, that have an impact on development, will be open to public
scrutiny and debate. These will be placed in the public domain at draft
stage, to make possible feedback/comments from citizens and interest
groups. Issues involving strategic, security and vital economic interests of the
State will be exempted.
(3) Procurement and award of contracts are major areas where there is
often lack of transparency. While the initial process i.e. the notice inviting
tender is in the public domain, what happens after that is clouded and the
citizen is not privy to the decision taken. Once a decision is taken to
procure/award a contract to a certain firm/individual, a notice accepting
tender may be placed in the public domain. This would indicate the bidders,
the rationale behind the decision and the total cost involved. This step would
ensure that any negative feedback or complaint on a particular decision is
brought to notice while remedial action is still possible.
(4) All discretionary/non-discretionary grants/allocations to State

governments/NGOs/grant-in-aid institutions etc. by any authority /body
/corporation or Ministry /Department, may be placed on the website of the
Ministry concerned. The details of the applications received, the details and
the purpose of sanction will also be placed on the website. This will be done
in a standardized format so that the information so posted serves the purpose
of responding to questions, if any, by the stakeholders.
(5) The system of proactive disclosure is the next logical step in the Right
to Information act. (i) All Ministries/Department should place in the public
domain, the terms of reference and composition of all adhoc committees
(GoMs/EGoMS) and their recommendations. (ii) Replies to all RTI questions,
given to any applicant may be placed on the net. (iii) All private institutions
7
accepting public funds should do so on the condition that they would answer
RTI queries in relation to the use of those funds.
7. Inefficiency
With the increasing awareness among citizens today, the whole paradigm of
governance has changed. Governments are expected to be swift in decision-
making. Decisions are also to be based on sound technical, economic and
scientific analysis, wherever necessary, and need-based with reference to the
requirements of the different geographical areas and population.
A. Policy evaluation
(1) Implementation of new all-India policies/ schemes/ programmes may be

done first on pilot basis. Pilot projects may be undertaken in the most
backward areas or in the most deserving areas. Pilots can be tried and tested
adopting different methodologies too.
(2) Detailed analysis and evaluation of the pilot projects should be

undertaken, before a decision is taken on scaling-up.
(3) Preparation of large-scale projects, without regional administrative back-

up or institutional and man-power support, are fraught with the risk of poor
implementation. The first 6 months of implementation of any new project
should be earmarked for capacity and institution-building, especially in the
States and local government levels.
(4) Each Ministry should have a transparent PPP policy, which will be put in
the public domain. (The guidelines prepared by the Planning Commission will
be used as a base document/ template.) All information on PPP will be made
accessible and put in the public domain. The terms and conditions on which
PPPs are approved will also be uploaded in the public domain. Later on, if
8
amendments/ changes are brought about, those should also be put in public
domain.
B. Decision-making in risk-prone situations
(1) There are several instances where decisions have to be taken in the
face of uncertainty, very often in a tight time frame, and officers need
protection for bonafide decisions, which are taken after proper analysis of
facts and circumstances and evaluation of data and past trends. These
include purchase of commodities, disinvestment, acquisition of assets abroad,
capital acquisition, especially for defence, import-export etc. (i) Ministries may
put in place structured institutional support of economists/ research analysts/
experts to provide them with updated information on technical matters,
market fluctuations, economic trends and the like. This could be through an
agency/ expert group/ or by hiring from market. e.g bright young economists/
analysts can be taken as EAs / or can be attached to the EA's wing through
lateral induction mode. (ii) An Empowered Committee of Secretaries, chaired
by the Secretary of the concerned Department and including Finance
Secretary, Secretary, Planning Commission, Secretary (Expenditure) and Law
Secretary, would make its recommendations based on the report of the
Technical Committee. (iii) CCEA/EGOM would approve the recommendations
of the ECS on a fast track basis.
• MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTQTION OF
(12
SECTION 4 OF THE RTI ACT, 2005 HELD ON 25TH MAY 2011, AT NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI.
The first meeting of the task force for effective implementation of the Section 4 of the RTI Act,
2005 was held under the Chairmanship of Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, JS (AT&A), DoPT on 25th May,
2011, at North Block, New Delhi
Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary (DoPT) welcomed all the participants and apprised them of
the need for constituting the Task Force. The following attended the meeting:
a) Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary (DoPT)
b) Ms. N. Ramadevi, Deputy Secretary , Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
c) Ms. Pankti D. Jog, Executive Secretary, MAGP, Gujarat
d) Shri R.K. SrivastaviDy. Legal Adviser, D/o Legal Affairs, Delhi
e) Shri Venkatesh Nayak, Co-convenor and Programme Coordinator, NCPRI, CHRI, Delhi)
f) Ms. Aheli Chowdhury, Founder Member, JOSH, Delhi
g) Shri Gurumurthy K, Director, IT for Change, Bangalore _
h) Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Director, Satark Nagarik Sangathan, Delhi
i) Shri Nikhil Dey, Co-convenor, NCPRI, Delhi
j) Shri Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary, GAD, Govt. of Bihar
k) Ms. Rakshita, NCPRI,Delhi
I) Ms. Amrita Johin Infor. & Research Coordinator, Satark Nagrik Sangathan, Delhi
m) Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director, D/o AR&PG, Delhi
n) Shri K.G. Verma, Director(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
o) Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, DS(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
p) Shri R.K. Girdhar, US(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
q) Shri B. Sengupta, DO(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
1
•
Sh. Kapoor pointed out that it was generally felt that provisions of Section 4 are not being
properly implemented and there is no enforcement of compliance with the same. This was due
to:
a) Lack of clarity regarding certain provisions such as Sec 4(1)(b)(iii), 4 (1)(b)(iv), 4
(1)(b)(xiv).
b) Absence of guidelines for some provisions such as 4 (1)(b)(vii) , 4(1)(c), 4(1)(d) and 4(2).
c) Lack of review to suggest what more could or should be prescribed under 4(1)(xvii).
d) Structure of the section (4) — same disclosures at all levels (sub-division to Ministry) may
not have been desired.
e) Mode of disclosure and formats in which disclosures are to be made may improve
compliance.
f) Absence of mechanisms for enforcing compliance.
Thereafter he elaborated on the scope and the future course of action and requested the
members present to put forth their views on the following agenda items:
a) Activity plan for completion as the report has to be finalized by 15 July, 2011.
b) Responsibilities of the task force members to be defined.
c) Whether there was a need to co-opt other members?
d) Make Sub groups to deliberate on different aspects?
• Policy on consultation.
• Protection of persons seeking information under the RTI Act.
• Different modes of disclosure at different levels — panchayat, district etc.
• Enforcement of suo moto disclosure.
• Guidelines on sub sections which need clarification.
e) Modalities for consultations.
Sh. Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary, GAD, Bihar was in agreement that compliance of
Section 4 of the RTI Act was critical to the success of the implementation of the RTI regime. He
apprised the members of the steps taken by the Bihar government including the Jaankari call
2
• centre which not only facilitated access to filing of RTI Applications but also disseminated
information.
Sh. Nikhil Dey, Convener, NCPRI stated that their working in the field indicated that the Public
authorities were not averse to suo-moto disclosure, it was a question of what to put and how
to put it. He stressed that transparency needs to start from the top level. There has to be a
move from the minimal to the aspirational level in public disclosures. The social audit in
MNREGS is an model of what can be achieved in government disbursements if there is a will to
implement it. He suggested that this model may be adopted for all other schemes of the
Government of India and the Planning Commission can play an active part in this. He suggested
that audits be used as an incentive.
Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director (DARPG) informed the gathering that the DARPG is finalizing a
report on Internal control and risk management to be inbuilt into Plan schemes. She suggested
that Proactive disclosure under the RTI Act may also be made a part of it.
Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary informed the members that the DoPT had already written to
all Departments/ Ministries in Government of India to include a Chapter on RTI in their Annual
Reports. Secretary (Performance Management) had also been requested that suo moto
disclosure under section 4 of the RTI Act may be included as a mandatory success indicator in
the RFDs of all Departments.
Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Satark Nagrik Sangathan stressed the need for developing a culture of
Information gathering. Collated information should be provided at various levels like ward
level, Municipal corporation level, panchayat level etc. The manner in which information is
displayed needs to be changed by using electronic boards or it could be kept in information
centres. The information should be in such a form and language as to be decipherable by the
lowest strata of society. She emphasized that not only providing suo-motu information but
how to make it more accessible to the citizenry, should be an area to ponder on. The need was
providing dynamic information to the people with stress on quality with the content of
information could also help in stemming attacks on RTI Activists. All Plan schemes of the
3
• .) Government should make it mandatory to reflect implementation of Section 4. There should
also be a provision of compensation in cases where Section 4 is not implemented.
Sh. Gurumurthy, IT for Change, was of the view that all information should be on website since
there is a pan India change in mindset and technological development. Internet is necessary
and there was a huge amount of investment in E-governance. People Information System (PIS)
(information Hub) is the need of the hour to identify what information people require and then
provide that information to the people. The mindset change should be from Transparency by
design rather than transparency by default. Data has to be granular and should allow others to
access and aggregate the data which the government puts on. This will help put in systems and
indicate trends. There should be a survey of what proactive information people need and
government machinery to concentrate more on that.
Ms. Aheli Chowdhury, JOSH pointed out that Section 4 is not implemented as a reality. There is
an absence of guidelines. There needs to be fixing of responsibility in case of non-compliance of
Section 4 by the Public Authorities. One person should be responsible for implementing Section
4. For dissemination of information there should be a combination of methods like wall
painting, boards, internet etc. Areas which attract repeated RTI applications may be converted
into FAQs and put on the website for the citizenry.
Sh. Venkatesh Nayak, CHRI emphasized the need for having a look at the existing systems from
the point of view of transparency. Public Accountability mechanisms had to be defined like
uploading information and its monitoring in the various MIS which had been developed. These
were essential for the systems to work. Examples quoted were the Indira Awaas Yojana. He
reiterated that section 4(1)(c) and 4(1)(d) were the heart and soul of section 4. All government
websites should adhere to the Guidelines for Indian Government websites to enable a common
pattern for display of information. He stressed on a need of change of mindset, especially at the
highest level. The government had to find more ways of disseminating information like
harnessing the strength of mobile, radio, cyber cafes. He pointed out that the new guidelines
on cyber cafes could become counterproductive to this aim. The information disseminator
should approach to create a system of automatically uploading the important issues on website
4
• ) and cater to the three types of information seekers, namely, people seeking information for
improving their general knowledge/awareness; Clients of Public Authority who make use of this
service for public consultation on policy; and people seeking information to reflect on
accountability. He desired that all decision taken during a week should be uploaded on the
website.
Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary agreed on the above and put forth the view that top level
decisions sent periodically to the Cabinet Sectt. can be uploaded on website. As far as putting
/ ,)
all decisions taken in a week on the website he held that information should be content driven
rather than process driven. Therefore information on periodic data would probably not serve
the purpose. What is needed is for example to put the financial expenditure made by the
ministry/deptt. on the website, which would go a long way towards proactive disclosure.
Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director (DARPG) informed the participants that the Manual of Office
Procedure has been revised and the guidelines on website content has been laid down. Under
these all websites be re-designed under the e-governance to make it citizen friendly/accessible.
This would be done within six months. Once they have specific guidelines on Section 4 of the
RTI Act it would be easy to implement and monitor and it would be helpful if the format for all
is common.
Sh. R.K. Srivastava, Dy. Legal Advisor, Department of Legal Affairs, felt that there should be a
centralised monitoring authority in compliance of Section 4 in every Ministry/Department.
There should be access to Information through for example like cyber café in district level and
where the information was not available one can proceed to file an RTI application.
Ms. Pankti D. Jog, MAGP expressed her views that dynamic information be put on website. For
example the proactive disclosure during a disaster situation cannot be static and needs to be
updated frequently. There needs to be a set of guidelines for different set of public authorities
like anganwadis etc and then it should be displayed in one to set an example for the others.
Ms. N. Ramadevi, Dy Secretary (Govt. of AP) apprised the participants of the work done in
Andhra Pradesh. She informed that all Government orders issued by the state are put on the
5
• bwebsite. She suggested that if FAQs are made for all Departments it would be very easy. She
further suggested the introduction of a penal clause for non- compliance of the Section 4 along
with half yearly review and regular monitoring.
Sh. Nikhil Dey, Convener, NCPRI suggested that since a large number of issues involving public
consultation needed the concurrence of the Planning Commission, Ministry of Law, Ministry of
Finance and Ministry of Environment and Forests there should be some check at that point. He
further suggested that best practices from states may be published.
Sh. Venkatesh Nayak, CHRI, spoke of segregation of information which is displayed through
wall paintings in villages. He suggested that the outside walls should have information generic
to all and the inner walls should have information which is specific. He pointed out that there
was a question of upkeep of the walls also as they could degenerate due to the weather
conditions.
Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary summarized the discussion agreed that by and large the
implementation of the Suo-moto disclosure was weak. There was need for disclosure at
different levels and the internet could not be the only means for it. There was need to use
other means like the mass media, walls etc. Guidelines had to be kept in view while hosting on
the web. There was a need for a policy on consultation during policy making in the government.
The decisions taken during the discussion were:
1. There would be 5 subgroups which would look into the following:
a) Policy on consultation to be headed by Sh. Nikhil Dey.
b) Templates for disclosure at different levels in 5 services in rural and 5 critical
services in urban areas namely PDS„ Education health, Rural Development and
Panchayat, Social security (pensions) and District Collectors office. The rural
focus would be looked into by Ms. Pankti Jog and the urban focus by Ms. Anjali
Bhardwaj.
c) Additions to Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) to be headed by Sh. Nikhil Dey.
6
• d) Detailing of sections Sec 4(1)(b)(iii), 4 (1)(b)(iv), 4(1)(b)(vi), 4(1)(b)(xi), 4
(1)(b)(xiv) headed by Sh Venkatesh Naik and Ms. Aheli Chaudhary
e) Guidelines for digital guidelines for publications under RTI headed by Sh.
Gurumurthy.
f) Guidelines of facilitating information seekers headed by Sh. Deepak Kumar.
2. It was decided that the next meeting of the group would be held after a month.
3. The issue of protection of RTI activists be taken up in a separate meeting where MHA
would be invited since the subject of law and order is the periphery of MHA.
4. Minutes of this meeting would be put on website and DoPT would invite public response
on them.
5. Expenditure for organizing meetings of sub groups and travel of the members would be
met from the Plan Scheme on RTI.
7
No.1/6/2011-1R
Government of India

Dated 1st June, 2011
Subject: Minutes of the meeting of the Task Force constituted for effect
implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 - regarding.
The undersigned is directed to forward herewith a copy of the minutes of 1st

meeting of Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005, held
on 25th May, 2011 under the Chairmanship of Joint Secretary (AT&A), DOPT with the
request to forward the work plan and budgetary requirement in enclosed prescribed
proforma at Annexure-I.
(Anuradha S. Cha 1)
Deputy Secretary (IR)
Tel. 2309 3074
To :
Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Technology Bhavan, Mehrauli Road, New

Delhi
Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director (RTI), D/o Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances,
Sardar Patel Bhavan, New Delhi
Shri R.K. Srivastava, Dy. Legal Adviser, D/o Legal Affairs, Ministry of Law, Shastri
Bhavan, New Delhi
Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow
Ms. N. Ramaddvi, Dy. Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad
Shri Deepak Kumar, Pr. Secretary (GDA), Govt. of Bihar, Patna
Shri Nikhil Dey, NCPRI, C- 117 A, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi
Shri Gurumurth K., IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross Road, 4 T Block, Jaya
Nagar, Bangalore - 41.
,,>-K Ms. Pankti D. Jog, Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), B, Sahajanand Towers,
Jivraj Park Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 51, Gujarat
-111.1Ms. Aheli Chowdhury, JOSH, C- 7 E, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi
M . - •!• Satark-Rrik Sangathan (SNS), B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat, Sheikh
S aiPi, New Delhi - 110 017
Copy to
1. ; Sr.P\DS-ito.Secretary (Personnel)
2. PS t00.int,Secretary (•AT&A),*DorT It 6
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

Dated 1st June, 2011
Subject:- Task Force constituted for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI
Act, 2005 - regarding.
The minutes of the Task Force meeting for effective implementation of

Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005, held on 25.05.2011 along with the OM constituting the
Task Force is placed below. Comments of Public on the enclosed OM and minutes
are invited. Comments may kindly be e-mailed at usrti-dopt@nic.in by 12th June,
2011.
Deputy Secretary (IR)
MINUTES OF THE FIRST MEETING OF THE TASK FORCE FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF
SECTION 4 OF THE RTI ACT, 2005 HELD ON 25TH MAY 2011, AT NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI.
The first meeting of the task force for effective implementation of the Section 4 of the
RTI Act, 2005 was held under the Chairmanship of Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, JS (AT&A), DoPT on 25th
May, 2011, at North Block, New Delhi. The meeting was attended by:
i. Ms. N. Ramadevi, Deputy Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh
ii. Ms. Pankti D. Jog, Executive Secretary, MAGP, Gujarat
iii. Shri R.K. Srivastav, Dy. Legal Adviser, D/o Legal Affairs, Delhi
iv. Shri Venkatesh Nayak, Co-convenor and Programme Coordinator, NCPRI, CHRI, Delhi)
v. Ms. Aheli Chowdhury, Founder Member, JOSH, Delhi
vi. Shri Gurumurthy K, Director, IT for Change, Bangalore
vii. Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Director, Satark Nagarik Sangathan, Delhi
viii. Shri Nikhil Dey, Co-convenor, NCPRI, Delhi
ix. Shri Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary, GAD, Govt. of Bihar
x. Ms. Rakshita, NCPRI,Delhi
xi. Ms. Amrita Johir, Infor. & Research Coordinator, Satark Nagrik Sangathan, Delhi
xii. Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director, D/o AR&PG, Delhi
xiii. Shri K.G. Verma, Director(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
xiv. Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, DS(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
xv. Shri R.K. Girdhar, US(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
xvi. Shri B. Sengupta, DO(RTI), DoPT, Delhi
2. Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary (DoPT) welcomed all the participants and apprised
them of the need for constituting the Task Force. He pointed out that it was generally felt that
provisions of Section 4 are not being properly implemented and there is no enforcement of
compliance with the same. This was due to:
a) Lack of clarity regarding certain provisions such as Sec 4(1)(b)(iii), 4 (1)(b)(iv), 4
(1)(b)(xiv).
b) Absence of guidelines for some provisions such as 4 (1)(b)(vii) , 4(1)(c), 4(1)(d) and 4(2).
c) Lack of review to suggest what more could or should be prescribed under 4(1)(xvii).
d) Structure of the section (4) — same disclosures at all levels (sub-division to Ministry) may
not be appropriate.
e) Mode of disclosure and formats in which disclosures are to be made may improve
compliance.
f) Absence of mechanisms for enforcing compliance.
1
Thereafter he elaborated on the scope and the future course of action and requested the
members present to put forth their views on the following agenda items:
a) Activity plan for completion as the report has to be finalized by 15 July, 2011.
b) Responsibilities of the task force members to be defined.
c) Whether there was a need to co-opt other members?
d) Make Sub groups to •deliberate on different aspects?
• Policy on consultation.
• Protection of persons seeking information under the RTI Act.
• Different modes of disclosure at different levels — panchayat, district etc.
• Enforcement of suo moto disclosure.
• Guidelines on sub sections which need clarification.
3. Sh. Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary, GAD, Bihar was in agreement that compliance
of Section 4 of the RTI Act was critical to the success of the implementation of the RTI regime.
He apprised the members of the steps taken by the Bihar government including the Jaankari
call centre which not only facilitated access to filing of RTI Applications but also disseminated
information.
4. Sh. Nikhil Dey, Convener, NCPRI stated that their working in the field indicated that the
Public authorities were not averse to suo-moto disclosure, it was a question of what to put and
how to put it. He stressed that transparency needs to start from the top level. There has to be a
move from the minimal to the aspirational level in public disclosures. The social audit in
MNREGS is a model of what can be achieved in government schemes if there is a will to
implement it. He suggested that this model may be adopted for all other schemes of the
Government of India and the Planning Commission can play an active part in this. He suggested
that audits be used as an incentive.
5. Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director (DARPG) informed that the DARPG is finalizing a report on
Internal control and risk management to be inbuilt into Plan schemes. She suggested that
Proactive disclosure under the RTI Act may also be made a part of it.
6. Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary informed the members that the DoPT had already
written to all Departments/ Ministries in Government of India to include a Chapter on RTI in
their Annual Reports. Secretary (Performance Management) had also been requested that suo
moto disclosure under section 4 of the RTI Act may be included as a mandatory success
indicator in the RFDs of all Departments.
2
7. Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Satark Nagrik Sangathan stressed the need for developing a
culture of Information gathering. Collated information should be provided at various levels like
ward level, Municipal corporation level, panchayat level etc. The manner in which information
is displayed needs to be changed for example by using electronic boards or it could be kept in
information centres. The information should be in such a form and language as to be
decipherable by the lowest strata of society. She highlighted the fact that not only providing
suo-motu information but how to make it more accessible to the citizenry, should be an area to
ponder on. The need was providing dynamic information to the people with stress on quality
with the content of information could also help in stemming attacks on RTI Activists. All Plan
schemes of the Government should make it mandatory to reflect implementation of Section 4.
There should also be a provision of compensation in cases where Section 4 is not implemented.
8. Sh. Gurumurthy, IT for Change, was of the view that all information should be on
website since there is a pan India change in mindset and technological development. Internet is
necessary and there was a huge amount of investment in E-governance. People Information
System (PIS) (information Hub) is the need of the hour to identify what information people
require and then provide that information to the people. The mindset change should be from
Transparency by design rather than transparency by default. There was a need for open
standards in e-governance. Data has to be granular and should allow others to access and
aggregate the data which the government puts on. This will help put in systems and indicate
trends. There should be a survey of what proactive information people need and government
machinery to concentrate more on that.
9. Ms. Aheli Chowdhury, JOSH pointed out that Section 4 is not implemented as a reality.
There is an absence of guidelines. There needs to be fixing of responsibility in case of non-
compliance of Section 4 by the Public Authorities. One person should be responsible for
implementing Section 4. For dissemination of information there should be a combination of
methods like wall painting, boards, internet etc. There should be study to identify
areas/subjects which attract repeated RTI applications and those may be converted into FAQs
and put on the website for the citizenry.
10. Sh. Venkatesh Nayak, CHRI emphasized the need for having a look at the existing
systems from the point of view of transparency. Public Accountability mechanisms had to be
defined like uploading information and its monitoring in the various MIS which had been
developed. These were essential for the systems to work. Examples of the advantages of having
real time updates on Government websites regarding public service delivery were discussed. An
example of this was the MIS updates in Andhra Pradesh under the MGNREGA. He reiterated
that section 4(1)(c) and 4(1)(d) were the heart and soul of section 4. All government websites
3
should adhere to the Guidelines for Indian Government websites to enable a common pattern
for display of information. He stressed on a need of change of mindset, especially at the highest
level. There was need to ensure that all new laws had consistency with the RTI Act and there
should be guidelines on what should be included. The government had to find more ways of
disseminating information like harnessing the strength of mobile, radio, cyber cafes. He pointed
out that the new guidelines on cyber cafes could become counterproductive to this aim. The
information disseminator should approach to create a system of automatically uploading the
important issues on website and cater to the three types of information seekers, namely,
people seeking information for improving their general knowledge/awareness; Clients of Public
Authority who make use of this service for public consultation on policy; and people seeking
information to reflect on accountability. He favored that all decision taken during a week
should be uploaded on the website.
11. Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary mentioned that monthly reports departments can be
uploaded on website. As far as putting all decisions taken in a week on the website he held that
information should be content driven rather than process driven. Therefore information on
periodic data would probably not serve the purpose.
12. Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director (DARPG) informed the participants that the Manual of Office
Procedure has been revised and the guidelines on website content has been laid down. Under
these all websites be re-designed under the e-governance to make it citizen friendly/accessible.
This would be done within six months. Once they have specific guidelines on Section 4 of the
RTI Act it would be easy to implement and monitor and it would be helpful if the format for all
is common.
13. Sh. R.K. Srivastava, Dy. Legal Advisor, Department of Legal Affairs, felt that there
should be a centralised monitoring authority in compliance of Section 4 in every
Ministry/Department. There should be access to Information through for example like cyber
café in district level and where the information was not available one can proceed to file an RTI
application.
14. Ms. Pankti D. Jog, MAGP expressed her views that there had to be a distinction
between static and dynamic data which is put on the website. For example the proactive
disclosure during a disaster situation cannot be static and needs to be updated frequently.
There needs to be a set of guidelines/ templates for different set of public authorities like
anganwadis etc. One public authority could act as an illustration for other public authorities of
the same type, which would help spread the best practice.
4
15. Ms. N. Ramadevi, Dy Secretary (Govt. of AP) apprised the participants of the work done
in Andhra Pradesh. She informed that 18 templates have been communicated to the public
authorities in the state. Along with that all Government orders issued by the state are put on
the website. She suggested that if FAQs are made for all Departments it would be very easy.
She further suggested the introduction of a penal clause for non- compliance of the Section 4
along with half yearly review and regular monitoring.
16. Sh. Nikhil Dey, Convener, NCPRI suggested that since a large number of issues involving
public consultation needed the concurrence of the Planning Commission, Ministry of Law,
Ministry of Finance and Ministry of Environment and Forests there should be some check at
that point. He further suggested that best practices from states may be published.
17. Sh. Venkatesh Nayak, CHRI, spoke of segregation of information which is displayed
through wall paintings in villages. He suggested that the outside walls should have information
generic to all and the inner walls should have information which is specific. He pointed out that
there was a question of upkeep of the walls also as they could degenerate due to the weather
conditions.
18. Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary summarized the discussion and agreed that the
implementation of the Suo-moto disclosure under was weak. There was need for disclosure at
different levels and the internet could not be the only means for it. There was need to use
other means like the mass media, walls etc. Guidelines had to be kept in view while hosting on
the web. There was a need for a policy on consultation during policy making in the government.
Broadly, the conclusions that emerged from the meeting are summarized below:
(a) The weak implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act is partly due to the fact
that certain provisions of this section have not been fully detailed and in case
of some other provisions, there is need for laying down detailed guidelines as
to what information needs to be provided and in which form. In view of this, it
was agreed that effort should be made to plug these gaps.
(b) It was agreed that while internet has become an important medium for
dissemination of information, at lower formations such as panchayats,
dispensaries, block offices etc, other modes of communication would need to
be adopted to ensure better access to these disclosures.
(c) Given that the work that this task force has to accomplish, it would be useful to
form sub-groups and assign specific items of work to each of these sub-groups.
The convener of the sub-group would thereafter hold consultation with other
knowledge persons/organization and prepare a discussion/note, which would
5
then be considered by the entire task force for finalization. The convener
would be expected to draw up a brief plan for activities to complete
consultations and submission of a discussion paper by end of June.
In view of this, following decisions were taken
I. There would be 5 subgroups which would look into the following:
i. Formulating policy on consultation to mandate public consultations and
participation in pre-legislative process and identify additions to Section
4(1)(b)(xvii) to be convened by Sh. Nikhil Dey, NCPRI. Sh. Rajeev Kapoor, Joint
Secy, DoPT will join this sub-group.
ii. Templates for disclosure at different levels in 5 services in rural and 5 critical
Panchayat, Social security (pensions) and District Collectors office. The
convenors for this sub group are Ms. Pankti Jog, MAGP(Rural), Ms. Anjali
Bhardwaj, SNS (Urban). Ms. N. Ramadevi, Deputy Secretary, State Government
of Andhra Pradesh will join this sub-group.
iii. Detailing of sections Sec 4(1)(b)(iii), 4 (1)(b)(iv), 4(1)(b)(xi), 4(1)(b)(xiv) to lend
clarity to these sections. Sub group to be convened by Sh. Venkatesh Naik , CHRI,
Ms. Aheli Chaudhary, JOSH. Sh. K.G. Verma, Director, DoPT will join this sub-
group.
iv. Guidelines for digital publications under RTI thereby supporting proactive
disclosure of information headed by Sh. Gurumurthy.
v. Guidelines to suggest modes and means to facilitate people in filing RTI
applications headed by Sh. Deepak Kumar.
II. It was decided that each sub-group can co-opt any member as deemed fit, to enhance
diversity in views, experience and opinions. Each sub-group would formulate its own
process of initiating consultations to come up with its recommendations within one
month of its constitution.
III. It was decided that the next meeting of the group would be held after a month.
IV. The issue of protection of RTI activists to be taken up in a separate meeting where
representative of MHA would also be invited.
V. DoPT would write to different states to invite best practices in the implementation of
Section 4 to feed into the recommendations of the working Group.
VI. Ensure that the recommendations of the Task Force feed into the implementation of the
recommendations of the ARCs 11th Report on E-governance
VII. Minutes of this meeting and the OM constituting the task force would be put on website
and DoPT would invite public response on them.
6
•
VIII. It was decided that the conveners of the above sub-groups would formulate a work plan
including plans for organizing consultations during the next month. The work plans
along with the budgetary requirements may be forwarded to Mrs. Anuradha S. Chagti,
Deputy Secretary, (RTI), Room No. 280, Department of Personnel and Training, North
Block, Telephone 23093074, Fax 23093022, email osdrti-dopt@nic.in in the prescribed
proforma so that these could be budgeted. (Annexure 1).
7
•
Annexure '1'
Application Proforma
Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005
A
1 Sub —group
2 Conveners
B. Details of Institution leading the sub group

1 Name of the Institution
2. Particulars of the Institution

i Complete postal address
ii Telephone Nos.
iii Fax Nos.
iv E-mail Address
3 Particulars of Nodal Officer

i Name
ii Designation
iii Tel and Fax No. (Including mobile
No.)
iv E-mail id
C. Details of Proposal
1 Proposed work Plan
2. Time lines
3. Detailed estimates of expenditure
activity wise
4. Total amount of grant required
D. Details required for release of funds

1. Type of registration
2 Agency name
3 Act/ Registration No
4 Date of registration
5 TIN Number
6 TAN Number
7 Name of Bank
8 Name of bank branch
9 Branch address
10 Bank Account No
11 Agency name as per bank details
8
LIST OF ATTENDEES FOR THE MEETING OF TASK FORCE FOR EFFECTIVE
IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 4 OF THE RTI ACT, 2005 HELD AT 12 NOON ON 25TH
MAY, 2011 IN THE CONFERENCE ROOM (ROOM NO. 190),
NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI
( JS (AT&A) IN CHIR )
1. Ms. N. Ramadevi, Deputy Secretary , Govt. of Andhra Pradesh (ramadevinadellyahoo.com)
2. Ms. Pankti D. Jog, Executive Secretary, MAGP, Gujarat (madpquiaratadmail.com)
3. Shri R.K. Srivastav, Dy. Legal Adviser, D/o Legal Affairs, Delhi (rkantsrivastavayahoo.com)
4. Shri Venkatesh Nayak, Co-convenor and Programme Coordinator, NCPRI, CHRI, Delhi
(nayak.venkeshadmail.com)
5. Ms. Aheli Chowdhury, Founder Member, JOSH, Delhi (iosh4india(dmail.com)
6. Shri Gurumurthy K, Director, IT for Change, Bangalore (guruaitforchange.net)
7. Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Director, Satark Nagarik Sangathan, Delhi (anjali.snsagamail.com)
8. Shri Nikhil Dey, Co-convenor, NCPRI, Delhi (nikhildev(qmail.com)
9. Shri Deepak Kumar, Principal Secretary, GAD, Govt. of Bihar (deepakkumarnic.in)
10. Ms. Rakshita, NCPRI,Delhi (rakshitaswamyadmail.com)
11. Ms. Amrita Johir, Infor. & Research Coordinator, Satark Nagrik Sangathan, Delhi
(amritajohriagmail.com)
12. Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director, D/o AR&PG, Delhi (ritika.bhatia(a,nic.in)
13. Shri K.G. Verma, Director(RTI), DoPT, Delhi (kgverma52Ayahoo.co.in)
14. Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, DS(RTI), DoPT, Delhi (osdrti-doptnic.in)
15. Shri R.K. Girdhar, US(RTI), DoPT, Delhi (usrti-dopt( nic.in)
16. Shri B. Sengupta, DO(RTI), DoPT, Delhi(senguptanic.in)
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6 ATTENDANCE SHEET FOR THE MEETING OF TASK FORCE FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMEt, TATION OF SECTION 4 OF THE
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(JS(AT&A IN CHIR) /
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- -
Sarbajit Roy ‹sroy.rr,OCsgmail.corn>
Saturday, June 4, 2011 8:04 am

secy_rnco nic.in
To.
Ms. Aika Sirohi
Secretary. DoPT/ Gol
Dear Madam
Sub: CONFIDENTIAL - Concerning corruption in your department.
I am constrained to formally send this email to you in my personal capacity as a citizen and rot as Upacharya of the Adi
Dharrn faith having milions of followers rand voters) in India. I am requesting (again) that I am granted an official appointment
to meet you in connection with my many griedances against your department which neither you nor your predeccesor Mr
Consul have ever cared to hear from my lips.
I am now caused to refer to the OM on your website at URL

http://persmin.gov.in/WriteReadData/CircularPortal,D2/DO2rtill _6_2011-IR01062011.pdf
"Minutes of the meeting of the Task Force constituted for effect iniplementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 - regarding "
specified as "No. 1/6/2011-IR 01/06/2011"
I am caused to complain to you as follows concerning the corrupt (as defined in applicable laws of India) actions of your
department's officers such as Mr Rajeev Kapur rJS(AT&A), Mr K.G.Verrna (Din/RTI) etc.
a) That your Department has still failed to comply with mandate of section 4 of R-T I Act to publish the process fcr "Corftiultafion
with members of the public" and "Access to public" on its website.
b) That your Department has constituted a Taak Force for RTI section 4 implementation wherein almost all thelliff.0"-
constituents are part of the NCPRI, and that other individual citizen stakeholders in RTI process like me have been deilberate4
exciude mom t is consultation process. It is pertinent thattlw is 11C e fist time I have corripiT. ablut suclaincidents -tb-
you and/or the DoPT. —
-
Yours faithfully
Sarbajit Roy
2/59 Defence Colony
New Delhi 110024
Tal : 09311448069
-7,C 2C t/
U(KT))
9) 4 /DO
Page 1 of 1
> DeA Shri Verma,
> I am in receipt of your letter mentioning that the mentioned Task Force
> will meet on the 25th at 12 noon. We thank you for the invitation to
> attend the meeting. IT for Change had nominated myself, Parminder Jeet
> Singh, to be on the Task Force. However, I write this email from Geneva
> where I am attending a UN meeting, and therefore my colleague and a
> director of IT for Change, Gurumurthy Kasinathan, will attend the meeting
> tomorrow.
sorry, i of course meant day after tomorrow. parminder
I will be available for all the subsequent meetings. we very

> much look forward to some very useful interactions.
> With regards
> Parminder
> Parminder Jeet Singh

> Executive Director
> IT for Change
> NGO in Special Consultative Status with the United Nations ECOSOC
> www.ITforChange.net
> Tel:+91-80-2665 4134, 2653 6890. Fax:+91-80-4146 1055
https://mail.nic.in/uwc/webmail/iframe.html 23-05-2011
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

Dated 15th June, 2011
To
Dr. Naresh Kumar

Registrar
Indian Institute of Public Administration
I.P. Estate
New Delhi
Subject: Workshop on Task Force constituted for effective implementation of

Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 - regarding.
******
Sir,
This is with reference to our telephonic conversation regarding DOPT's
intention to organize a workshop on the subject mentioned above and to inform
that the proposed workshop is scheduled to be held on 7th to 9th July, 2011. The
workshop would be attended by around 40 persons and would require one
Plenary Room and 4 to 5 small Conference Rooms for Group Activities. You are
requested to kindly intimate if the above (plenary hall + 4 to 5 small Conference
Rooms) can be made available to DOPT for the proposed dates.
Yours faithfully,
(Anuradha S. Chagti
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India
Tel. 2309 3074
Fax: 2309 3022
e-mail osdrti-dopt@nic.in
F.No. 1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pension
North Block, New Delhi,

Dated the 21st June, 2011
To
Shri Sarbajit Roy,
B/59, Defence Colony,
New Delhi -110024.
Subject: Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act,
2005.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to your email message dated 4th June, 2011 on the subject
mentioned above and to say that if you have any suggestions regarding effective
implementation of section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005, you may send the same in writing to this
Department.
Yours faithfully,
/0A -ItAt
(R.K. Gird har)
Under Secretary (IR)
23092759
C
•
F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
IR Section
North Block,
New Delhi,16th June 2011
To,
The Director
Institute of Secretariat
Training and- Management(ISTM)
Administrative Block,
\„ JNU(Old) Campus
New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi-110067
(Kind attention: Shri Satyajit Mishra, Jt. Director)
Sub: Workshop on Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4

of the RTI Act, 2005 from 07th to 09th July, 2011
Sir,
I am directed to refer to your telephonic conversation with Ms.

Anuradha S. Chagti, DS(RT1) on the proposed workshop on Task Force
for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 from 07th to
09th July, 2011 and to request you to kindly confirm availability of one
Plenary Hall and four small seminar halls during this period in ISTM, along
with the confirmation of providing food and tea for 40 participants in the
proposed workshop.
2. AJ. in confirmation would help us in initiating the preparatory

works,pf*is rkshop.
/ •
C77‘)
(R.K. Girdhar
Telefax No.23093022
F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
IR Section
North Block,
New Delhi, the 24th June 2011
To,
The Director
Institute of Family Health & Welfare
Baba Gangnath Marg,
Munirka
New Delhi-110067
(FAX No.26101623, 26100057)
(Kind attention: Prof. Deoki Nandan)
Sub: Workshop on Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4

of the RTI Act, 2005 from 08th to 10th July, 2011
Sir,
The Department of Personnel & Training is organising an workshop

on Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act,
2005 at Institute of Secretariat Training and Management, Old JNU
Campus, New Delhi from 08th to 10th July, 2011.
2. Since the participants of this workshop would be persons stationed

outside Delhi, it is requested to kindly confirm whether 30 rooms could be
made available during 08-10 July 2011 for accommodating the
participants of this workshop.
2. A line in confirmation would help us in initiating the preparatory

works of this workshop.
(R.K. Girdhar)
Telefax No.23093022
•
1\
F.No. 1/6/2011-IR
Department of Personnel and Training
(IR Division)
North Block,
New Delhi
June 23, 2011

To
The Director,
Institute of Secretariat Training & Management,
JNU (Old) Campus,
New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi 110 067
Subject- Workshop on Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

the RTI Act, 2005.
Madam,
Please refer to letter of even no. dated 16th June, 2011 on the subject mentioned
above. It has been decided to shift the workshop to 8th to 10th July, 2011. It is requested
to kindly allot the following conference rooms / seminar halls for the same.
July 8, 2011 One RCH and Four Seminar Halls
July 9th, 2011 One Auditorium
10th July, 2011 One RCH and Four Seminar Halls.
It is requested that estimates for the above rooms alongwith catering charges for
100 persons for the above dates may kindly be indicated.
DS(IR) / DoPT
Ph. 23093074
34. 1M--F
F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
IR Section
North Block,
New Delhi, 22nd June 2011
To,
Dr. Christopher Lakra

Executive Director
Indian Social Institute (ISI)
10, Institutional Area
Lodi Road
New Delhi-110003
Sub: Workshop on Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act,
2005 from 07th to 09th July, 2011
Dear Sir,
The Government of India has constituted a Task Force for effective

implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005. In this regard, it has been decided
to conduct a Workshop from 07th to 09th July 2011 in New Delhi.
2. It is understood that your institute has conferencing facilities which can be

availed. There will be around a 100 participants of which about 40-50 would be from
outside Delhi. It is requested that one big plenary hall which could accommodate
about 100 participants, 4 small seminar rooms and residential accommodation for 50
participants may kindly be provided. We would be grateful if ISI could also provide
lunch and tea for the 3 days along with meals for the residential participants.
3. A line in confirmation would help us in initiating the preparatory works of this

workshop.
(Anuradha S. Chagti)'
Telefax No.23093022
F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions
*******
North Block,
New Delhi, dated 29th June, 2011.
To
Dr. Christopher Lakra,

Executive Director,
Indian Social Institute (ISI),
10, Institutional Area,
Lodhi Road,
New Delhi-110033.
Subject : Workshop on Task Force to effective implementation of Section 4 of the

RTI Act, 2005 from 07th to 09th July, 2011.
Dear Sir,
Please refer to my letter No.1/6/2011-IR dated 22nd June, 2011 requesting

Indian Social Institute (151) to provide conferencing and residential facilities to this
Department. It has been decided not to host the workshop on the said dates and my
request may kindly be considered as withdrawn.
Tele : 23093024-1-
.
, F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, P.G. and Pensions
******
North Block,
New Delhi, the 4th July, 2011.
To
The Director,
Institute of Secretariat Training & Management (ISTM),
JNU (Old) Campus,
New Mehrauli Road,
New Delhi — 110 067.
(Attention: Shri Satyajit Mishra, Joint Director)
Sub : Workshop on Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI
Act, 2005 from 08th to 10th July, 2011.
Sir,
Please refer to my letter of even number dated 23.6.2011 on the above

mentioned subject requesting ISTM to provide conferencing and catering facilities to
this Department from 08th to 10th July 2011. Since it has been decided not to host the
workshop on the said dates, my request may kindly be considered as withdrawn.
Director (IR)
Telefax : 23093022
c5. -ro-r" q■ +I-
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F.No. 1/6/2011-IR
IR Section
******
It has been decided to hold a meeting of the Task Force constituted for
effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 on 08th July 2011
at 02.30 p.m. the meeting would be chaired by JS (AT&A). it has been
ascertained from the Admn. Division that no conference hall is available in
North Block on the required date and time.
2. It is, therefore, proposed to hold the meeting at CSOI which has

accordingly been blocked and necessary estimate from the CSOI obtained
(Flag À'). The expected expenditure for the same would be around 3,500/-
for 20 participants. If approved, the expenditure for the meeting would be
borne from the Admn. Division's budget. Keeping in view the paucity of time,
meeting notices have already been issued and placed as Flag'B'.
3. Approval may kindly be accorded for the proposal at para 2 above.
(Tanmoy Roy)
Section Officer (IR)
07.07.2011

we,)
Direc IR
r•
re4;1'
No. D.11015/1/2011-ISTM
titebIt
Government of India
Att)HUI MIT I-
4PEI
Institute of Secretariat Training & Management
1/t -LEL faSITDI
1L*M-Ltda mac, ao*tto ElftZ, JNU(Old) Campus,
3-trATIF itr—
A1-110067, Olof Palme Marg, New Delhi-110067
Telephone No. 26102597; Fax No. 26104183
Dated, New Delhi, the 30th June 2011
To
The Secretary,
Department of Personnel & Training,
New Delhi.
(Attention: Ms. Anuradha Chagti, Deputy Secretary)
Subject: Workshop on Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

the RTI Act, 2005 — regarding.
Madam,
I am directed to refer to your letter No. 1/6/2011-IR dated 23/06/2011 on the subject
mentioned above and to say that four Seminar Hall (Nos. 5, 6, 7 and 8) and one Round
Conference Hall (No.2) will be made available for the Workshop under reference on July 08
& 10, 2011. On July 09, 2011, Auditorium No.1 will be made available for this Workshop.
2. It has also been decided that no fees for allotment of the venue(s) at ISTM will be
charged from the RTI Division of the Department of Personnel & Training for conducting the
above workshop.
3. In so far as the catering of lunch, refreshments to 100 (one hundred) perschls during
the aforesaid workshop is concerned, the catering services in ISTM is managed by the
Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation Ltd. (IRCTC). You are requested to
contact the IRCTC (Shri Abhishek Kumar, Assistant Manager, Mobile: 9717e/10'365) directly
and obtain their rates for supply of Lunch, Refreshments etc during the above workshop.
You will be required to pay for the IRCTC services in respect of actual number of
participants, directly to them under intimation to the ISTM. The venue for serving of the
lunch and refreshment for the participants of the said workshop will be the Longe in the
Administrative Block.
4. This issues with the approval of the Director, ISTM.

Your Ily,
(Chanda herje )
Deputy Director (Adm .)
Tel. No. 261025 7
E-mail:chandan@nic.i'
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No.1/6/2011-1R
Government of India

Dated 6th July, 2011
Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effect implementation of Section
4 of the RTI Act, 2005 - regarding

2011(copy enclosed) regarding constitution of Task Force for effective implementation of
Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005, the undersigned is directed to say that a meeting of Task
Force will be held at 2.30 P.M. on 8th July, 2011 in the Conference Room of Civil Services
Officers Institute, KG Marg, New Delhi-1 10001.
All are requested to attend the meeting.
(Tanmoy Roy)
Phone: 23093022
To :
1. Shri Ajay Sahani, President & CEO, National e-Governance Division, Department of
Infiormation & Technology, Electronics Niketan, 6, CGO Complex, New Delhi-
] 100003.
2. Ms. Ritika Bhatia, Director(RTI), D/o Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances,
Sardar Patel Bhavan, New Delhi.
3. Shri R.K. Srivastava, Deputy legal Adviser, Department of Legal Affairs, Ministry of
Law, Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi.
4. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh, Lucknow. An officer may be nominated as
member of the Task Force who may be advised to attend the meeting.
5. Ms. N. Ramadevi, Deputy Secretary, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh, Hyderabad.
6. Shri Deepak Kumar, Pr. Secretary(GDA), Govt. of Bihar, Patna.
7. Shri Nikhil Dey, NCPRI, C- 117 A, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi.
8. Shri Gurumukh K., IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross Road, 4 T Block, Jaya
9. Ms. Pankti D. Jog, Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), B, Sahajanand Towers,
Jivraj Park Cross Road, Ahmedabad - 51, Gujarat.
10. Ms. Aheli Chowdhury, JOSH, C- 7 E, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi.
11. Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat, Sheikh
Sarai - I, New Delhi - 110 017.
Copy to :
1. Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel).

2. PS to Joint Secretary (AT&A), DoPT.
3. PS to Director (RTI), DOPT.
(Tanmoy Roy)
Phone: 23093022
.1"
h
Guidelines for holding consultations of the Task Force
Background
A Task Force consisting of members from the Central Government, State Governments and
Civil Society Organisations has been constituted to review the provisions regarding suo motu
disclosure given in Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 and to recommend measures for its better
implementation and enforcement. The Task Force may have consultations with other
Ministries, State Governments, CIC and SICS and also with other NGOs for finalizing its report.
The Task force will finalize its report by 15th July, 2011
Methodology
1. The Department of Personnel and Training will organize a workshop/ consultation to

discuss and finalize the recommendations of the task force.
2. The task force's recommendations will be based on the reports submitted by the 5 sub-
groups formed, namely:
i. Formulating policy on consultation to mandate public consultations and
participation in pre-legislative process and identify additions to Section
4(1)(b)(xvii).
ii. Templates for disclosure at different levels in 5 services in rural and 5 critical
Panchayat, Social security (pensions) arid District Collectors office.
iii. Detailing of sections Sec 4(1)(b)(iii), 4 (1)(b)(iv), 4(1)(b)(xi), 4(1)(b)(xiv) to lend
clarity to these sections.
iv. Guidelines for digital publications under RTI thereby supporting proactive
disclosure of information.
v. Guidelines to suggest modes and means to facilitate people in filing RTI
applications.
3. Each sub group will have one convener from the CSOs and one member from the
Government. The sub groups may co-opt any member as deemed fit, to enhance
diversity in views, experience and opinions. Each sub-group would formulate its own
process of initiating consultations to come up with its recommendations within one
month of its constitution.
4. The subgroups further divide into smaller subgroups as per their convenience and may
hold consultations at appropriate levels.
10
■
5. All expenses towards finalizing the recommendations of the Task Force will be borne by
the Department of Personnel and Training, which will include expenses for organizing
the consultations, local travel, hiring of secretarial services, preparation of report.
Boarding, lodging and travel of outstation participants will be reimbursed the basis of
rules governing the same for non-officials.
6. Release of funds will be based on the work plans and proposals received from the sub-
groups and approved by the Scheme Monitoring Committee under the centrally
Sponsored plan scheme "Improving Transparency and Accountability in implementation
of the Right to Information."
11
No.1/6/2011-1R
Government of India

Dated 121h August, 2011
Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effective implementation of

It has been decided to convene a meeting of Task Force for effective

implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 at 2.30 P.M. on 19th August, 2011 in the
Conference Room (Room No. 190), North Block, New Delhi to finalise recommendations
of the Task Force.
(Santa Nair)
Under Secretary to the Government of India
To :
1100003.
6. Shri Nikhil Dey, NCPRI, C- 117 A, DDA Nat, Munirka, New Delhi.
7. Shri Gurumurthy k., IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross Road, 4 T Block, Jaya
8. Ms. Pankti D. Jog, Mahiti Aqhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), B, Sahajanand Towers,
10. Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat, Sheikh
Sarai - I, New Delhi - 110017.
Copy to :

■_/1. PS to Joint Secretary (AT&A), DoPT.
3. PS to Joint Secretary(RTI), DOPT.
N Lot
(Sahta Nair)
■ 7
(12 crA:Dy ; ei
rte. 62 4 Zr-va— /9 az, c3A
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c7 zesa-z-,-
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Gmail - Meeting notice for 19.8.2011 Page 1 of 5
6,a
sarita nair <saritanair66@gmail.com>
Meeting notice for 19.8.2011

2 messages
sarita nair <saritanair66@gmail.com> Wed, Aug 17, 2011 at 1:55 PM

To: nikhildey@gmail.com, deepakkumar@nic.in, ramadevinadell@yahoo.com, josh4india@gmail.com,
anjali.sns@gmail.com, rkantsrivastava@yahoo.com
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Dated 12th August, 2011
Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effective implementation of Section
4 of the RTI Act, 2005 - regarding

Conference Room (Room No. 190), North Block, New Delhi to finalise recommendations of
the Task Force.
(Sarita Nair)
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=28cikz=65cdb9dc348cview=pt&search=sent&th=131d6d8959... 8/17/2011
2,
To :
Infiormation & Technology, Electronics Niketan, 6, CGO Complex, New Delhi-1100003.
7. Shri Gurumurthy K., IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross Road, 4 T Block, Jaya
Nagar, Bangalore — 41.
Jivraj Park Cross Road, Ahmedabad — 51, Gujarat.
10. Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS), B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat,
Sheikh Sarai — I, New Delhi — 110 017.
Copy to :
https://mailgoogle.com/mailflui=28A=65cdb9dc34&view=pt&search=sent&th=131d6d8959... 8/17/2011
1., Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel).
3. PS to Joint Secretary(RTI), DOPT.
(Sarita Nair)
MAILER-DAEMON@yahoo.com <MAILER-DAEMON@yahoo.com> Wed, Aug 17, 2011 at 1:55 PM

To: saritanair66@gmail.com
Message from yahoo.com.

Unable to deliver message to the following address(es).
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OTQGEpiLRk3N7ohgyFO.ny7BKE8JMFPDVo1nUuDLm5QhdyxdiTtV4926rwLq
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clio-41- /F6t
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

Dated 12th August, 2011
Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effective implementation of


Conference Room (Room No. 190), North Block, New Delhi to finalise recommendations
of the Task Force.
500-tro NO.)01,
(Sarita Nair)
To :
1. Shri Ajay Sahani, President & CEO, National e-Governance Division, Department-of
1100003.
7. Shri Gurumurthy):., IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35 A Cross Road, 4 T Block, Jaya
9. Ms. Abell Chowdhury, JOSH, C- 7 E, DDA Flat, Munirka, New Delhi.
10. Ms, Anjali,80rdwaj,5atark Nagrik Sangathan,(SNS), B 76 (Garage), SFS Flat, Sheikh
Arai -,t; New Deth(- 110 017.
•
Copy to :

.73(' PS to Joint Secretary(RTI), DOPT.
co-cira N clut,
(Santa Nair)
------..
, ---T
,
-4-i- .. -
,, k. fr?;.
. ;.
c1(0,
0‘.1k k:A.
• New D,f5thi t
• Gmail - DRAFT REPORT OF THE S 4 TASK FORCE Page 1 of 3
i rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>
DRAFT REPORT OF THE S 4 TASK FORCE

4 messages
rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com> 27 August 2011 17:57
To: Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, ramadevinadell@yahoo.com, magpgujarat@gmail.com, Venkatesh
Nayak <venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org>, nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com, josh4india@gmail.com,
parminder@itforchange.net, anjali.sns@gmail.com, deepakkumar@nic.in, rakshitaswamy@gmail.com,
amritajohri@gmail.com, ritika.bhatia@nic.in, kgverma52@yahoo.co.in
Dear all:
I have finalized the draft report on the basis of the national consultation report and our discussions. I have not
included some of the suggestions as they did not sound immediately practical, and to this extent some of the
CSO colleagues may have some comments. I , however, feel that you may not have objections to what has
been included in the report. The attachment does not contain annexures which would be included with the
final print.
Now, the next steps. I have spoken to Nikhil and he has agreed that he would collate all comments from CSO
colleagues and let me have his comments latest by Monday morning, as we have an internal target of
finalizing the report by 30th Morning, Other members may respond directly to me.
I know the time is short but I have also been influenced by the tight deadlines that are being given nowadays,
so please bear with me.
best wishes
Rajeev Kapoor
Joint Secretary (AT&A)
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752
Report of the Task force on Suo Motu disclosures. Aug 27.docx

121K
MAGP GUJARAT <magpgujarat@gmail.com> 28 August 2011 10:05

To: rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>
Cc: Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, ramadevinadell@yahoo.com, Venkatesh Nayak
<venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org>, nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com, josh4india@gmail.com,
parminder@itforchange.net, anjali.sns@gmail.com, deepakkumar@nic.in, rakshitaswamy@gmail.com,
amritajohri@gmail.com, ritika.bhatia@nic.in, kgverma52@yahoo.co.in
Dear Rajeevjee,
Warm greetings.
thanks for the report and i will send the comments today itself.
regards,
Pankti Jog
MAGP
09909006791(M)
[Quoted text hidden]
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1320b3... 8/30/2011
• Gmail - DRAFT REPORT OF THE S 4 TASK FORCE Page 2 of (i
•
ADHIKAR GUJARAT PAHEL
B-3 SAHAJANAND TOWER,
JIVARAJPARK CHAR-RASTA,
AHMEDABAD-380051
GUJARAT (INDIA)
RTI HELP-LINE : 09924085000

http://www. mahitiadhikar. blogspot. corn/
http://www.youtube.com/user/RTIGUJARAT
http://www.flickr.comfphotos/rtion wheels/
MAGP GUJARAT <magpgujarat@gmail.com> 28 August 2011 16:00

To: rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>, Rakshita Swamy <rakshitaswamy@gmail.com>, ANJALI
BHARADWAJ <anjali.sns@gmail.com>, IT FOR CHANGE <guru@itforchange.net>, josh4india
<josh4india@gnnail.com>, Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, osdrti-dopt <osdrti-dopt@nic.in>, PANKTI JOG
<cactus1112@gmail.com>, R KANT SRIVASTAVA <rkantsrivastav@yahoo.com>, venkatesh nayak
<nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com>
Cc: magpgujarat@gmail.com
Dear Rajeevjee,
Please find attached the report.
There are only 2-3 small comments which i have highlighted (in yellow colour). Kindly include the same.
Dear Rakshitajee,
Please find attached the report.
There are only 2-3 small comments which i have highlighted (in yellow colour). Kindly include the same.
Pankti
09909006791 (m)
MAHITI ADHIKAR GUJARAT PAHEL

B-3 SAHAJANAND TOWER,
JIVARAJPARK CHAR-RASTA,
AHMEDABAD-380051
GUJARAT (INDIA)
RTI HELP-LINE : 09924085000

http://www.mahitiadhikar.blogspot.com/
http://www.youtube.com/user/RTIGUJARAT
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rti on wheels/
PANKTI'S COMMENTS - Report of the Task force on Suo Motu disclosures.doc

186K

To: MAGP GUJARAT <magpgujarat@gmail.com>
https://mail.google.comimail/?ui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search —inbox&th=1320b3... 8/30/2011

Gmail - DRAFT REPORT OF THE S 4 TASK FORCE Page 3 0/ 3
•
ThOks. I will review and incorporate corrections.
(
Rajeev Kapoor
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1320b3... 8/30/2011
Gmail - Comments received- Aheli, Anjali and Nikhil Page 1 of 1,16
4€11,A if rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>
Comments received- Aheli, Anjali and Nikhil

2 messages
Rakshita Swamy <rakshitaswamy@gmail.com> 29 August 2011 11:09

Cc: Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>
Dear Rajeev ji,
Please find attached the comments suggested by Anjali, Aheli and Nikhil ji on the Draft Report.
Best wishes,
Rakshita
Comments Received- on Report on Section 4 Task Force.doc

30K

To: "A.M.U.Mahesh" <amumahesh@gmail.com>
Rajeev Kapoor
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752
Comments Received- on Report on Section 4 Task Force.doc

30K
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search=inbox&th=132140... 8/30/2011
Gmail - Final Report Page 1 of 2).
"AO
:101 i rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>
Final Report
2 messages

To: Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, Venkatesh Nayak <venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org>, venkatesh
nayak <nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com>, parminder <parminder@itforchange.net>, josh4india@gmail.com,
anjali.sns@gmail.com, MAGP GUJARAT <magpgujarat@gmail.corn>, Rakshita Swamy
<rakshitaswamy@gmail.com>, amritajohri@gmail.com, kgverma52@yahoo.co.in, deepakkumar@nic.in,
ramadevinadell@yahoo.com
Dear all:
I received comments from Venkat, Parminder, Nikhil, Anjali, Aheli and Pangti. I have made changes based on
the comments and also my discussions with Nikhil and Venkat. The comments and response on those are
enclosed. Based on the above, report has been finalized and the final version is enclosed. I would be
submitting the report tomorrow. Hope that is OK. Thanks to all for their cooperation in accomplishing the task,
and in time. We would be processing these recommendations for approval and may need some discussions
at that stage. Thanks once again.
Rajeev Kapoor
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752
2 attachments
Comments received and Action Taken.docx
17K
Report of the TAsk Force on Section 4. Final.Aug 29.docx
128K
Venkatesh Nayak <venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org> 29 August 2011 19:09

To: rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>, Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, venkatesh nayak
<nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com>, parminder <parminder@itforchange.net>, josh4india@gmail.corn,
anjali.sns@gmail.com, MAGP GUJARAT <magpgujarat@gmail.com>, Rakshita Swamy
<rakshitaswamy@gmail.com>, amritajohri@gmail.com, kgverma52@yahoo.co.in, deepakkumar@nic.in,
ramadevinadell@yahoo.com
Dear sir,
Thanks for including my comments. Please inform us of the next steps. We would also like to do
some advocacy around this. For example, we want to write to the NHRC about RTI users as HR
defenders. So pls tell us when we can start using this report.
Regards
https://mail.google.com/maiPui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search=inbox&th=13215a... 8/30/2011
Gmail - Final Report Page 2 of 2
•
Ve
From: rajeev kapoor [mailto:rkapoor58P,gmail.com]

Sent: 29 August 2011 18:36
To: Nikhil Dey; Venkatesh Nayak; venkatesh nayak; parminder; josh4indiaAgmail.com;
anjali.snsa.gmail.com; MAGP GUJARAT; Rakshita Swamy; amritajohria.gmail.com;
kgverma52ayahoo.co.in; deepakkumaranicsin; ramadevinadella.yahoo.com
Subject: Final Report
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search=inbox&th=13215a... 8/30/2011
Gmail - Draft report on S 4 - slightly edited version Page 1 of 4
•
(.3tA it rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>
Draft report on S 4 - slightly edited version

8 messages

To: Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, Venkatesh Nayak <venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org>,
nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com, anjali.sns@gmail.com, amritajohri@gmail.com, rakshitaswamy@gmail.com,
josh4india@gmail.com, deepakkumar@nic.in, ramadevinadell@yahoo.com, ritika.bhatia@nic.in,
kgvernna52@yahoo.co.in, parminder@itforchange.net
Dear all:
I have edited the report slightly. If you haven't read the earlier version, ignore it and read this one. If you have
already read the earlier one, you may not read this one as corrections are only editorial.
Rajeev Kapoor
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752
Report_of_the_Task_force_on_Suo_Motu_disclosures._Aug_27.docx
121K
venkatesh nayak <nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com> 28 August 2011 19:51

Cc: Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, Venkatesh Nayak <venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org>,
anjali.sns@gmail.com, amritajohri@gmail.com, rakshitaswamy@gmail.com, josh4india@gmail.com,
deepakkumar nic.in, rannadevinadell@yahoo.com, ritika.bhatia@nic.in, kgverma52@yahoo.co.in,
parminder@itforchange.net
Dear sir,
Thanks for compiling this report. It looks pretty good. However we need mroe time to go through it in detail.
Perhaps you could call it a preliminary report for now.
However I would like to bring it to your notice that the guidelines on Section 4(1)(b)(xiii) have not been
included in the report. Kindly include them at least in italics if you think they are aspirational. But this is a
mandate of the RTI Act and cannot be ignored. This is the route we need to take eventually for proactive
dislcosure through the web. Perhaps a small beginning can be made with major ministries and departments.
Omitting those guidelines entirely would amount to ignoring the consensus that emerged at the consultation
on the draft templates and guidelines held at IIPA. All participants at the consultation readily endorsed the
suggestions that had been made for this clause of the RTI Act. I request you not to let the report go to others
without the paras on Section 4(1)(b)(xiii) that had been agreed upon on all participants of the consultation and
CSO members of the Task Force. Please fee free to put in a dissent note if you disagree with the
recommendations on that clause. But it cannot be ignored in toto.
regards
sincerely,
Venkatesh Nayak
venkatesh nayak <nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com> 28 August 2011 21:09

https://mail.google.comimail/?ui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search —inbox&th=1320c5... 8/30/2011

Cc: "Phil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, Venkatesh Nayak <venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org>,

anjali‘.sns@gmail.com, amritajohri@gmail.com, rakshitaswamy@gmail.com, josh4india@gmail.com,
deepakkumar@nic.in, ramadevinadell@yahoo.com, ritika.bhatia@nic.in, kgverma52@yahoo.co.in,
parminder@itforchange.net
Dear sir,
In order to help you meet the deadline tomorrow, I have inserted the guidelines on Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) culled
out from our sub-group's report. Those portions are highlighted in yellow. I have also inserted a reference on
the Contents page. I think there is a problem with the page numbering mentioned on the Contents page
Chapter 2 onwards. I tried to change it but without success. Kindly take a look at it.
regards
Venkat
DoPT-Taskforce-ReportVNcomments-Aug11.docx
-7-'
1-1 124K
parminder <parminder@itforchange.net> 28 August 2011 21:38

To: venkatesh nayak <nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com>
Cc: rajeev kapoor <rkapoor58@gmail.com>, Nikhil Dey <nikhildey@gmail.com>, Venkatesh Nayak
<venkatesh@humanrightsinitiative.org>, anjali.sns@gmail.com, amritajohri@gmail.com,
rakshitaswamy@gmail.com, josh4india@gmail.com, deepakkumar@nic.in, ramadevinadell@yahoo.com,
ritika.bhatia@nic.in, kgverma52@yahoo.co.in
Dear Shri Kapoor,
I must congratulate you for the excellent compilation done by you, and indeed for facilitating the whole
process so effectively.
While agreeing with Venkat's insertion, I have just two small comments to offer to the draft.
In the chapter on digital publication, section 4.2 (v) reads as follows
a. Government may consider utilizing large infrastructure which is being created as

common service centers to provide information to public through these CSCs based on a
business model.
There are specific provisions about charging for RTI information; some kinds of information has to be
provided free; some sections of the society have to provided all RTI information free etc. In order to steer
clear from committing to additional charges for RTI information, we should remove the phrase 'based on a
business model' from the above. The recommendation reads quite fine even without this phrase.
In section 4.2 (u), we may add good practices from two developing countries, Mexico and Kenya, which have
common government information portals.
One government participant of the consultations at IIPA has requested for addition of the following in the
chapter on digital publication at 4.2 (r)
"unless uploaded in the open standard file formats, such digital proactive disclosures
would tantamount to non disclosure for the purposes of these provisions of the RTI
Act."
Thanks once again
https://mail.google.com/mail/?ui=2&ik=ea344a1c79&view=pt&search=inbox&th=1320c5... 8/30/2011
Gmail - Draft report on S 4 - slightly edited version Page 3 of 4.
•
Vv-frn best regards
Parminder

To: venkatesh nayak <nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com>
Venkatesh:
I agree that clause has been left out knowingly. Let me reexamine. Thanks.
Rajeev Kapoor
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752

To: parminder <parminder@itforchange.net>
Parminder:
I agree with your first comment and will include. As regards the second, I think it is too harsh and may not be
legally sustainable to. I suggest that this may not be insisted upon.
Rajeev Kapoor
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752
parminder <parminder@ifforchange.net> 29 August 2011 10:09

On Monday 29 August 2011 10:02 AM, rajeev kapoor wrote:
Parminder:
I agree with your first comment and will include.
Dear Shri Kapoor,
You mean the part on business model in 4. 2 v, and also including examples of Mexico and Kenya along with
US in 4.2.v, right ? Thanks. that should do.
About the open standards part I also told the contributor of the suggestion that it will be difficult to include it
although I will in any case forward it to DoPT. I am sympathetic to your judgement on this issue.
•
ThAnks once again for such a nice work accomplished, and your exemplary close involvement throughout.
Best regards
Parminder

To: "A.M.U.Mahesh" <amumahesh©gmail.com>
Rajeev Kapoor
Government of India
011-23093668
+919711168752
Report_of_the_Task_force_on_Suo_Motu_disclosures._Aug_27.docx
!"11 121K
S
Comments received from Mr.Parminder:
Comments Received Action Taken
Mr.Parminder has commented on two issues: The suggestion has been accepted and para
modified.
(a) The reference to business model in

para 4.2(v) may be excluded and
examples of Mexico and Kenya may be
included.
(b) That if information is not put up as per It was discussed with Mr.Parminder and it was
open standards then it should be seen agreed that this may not be legally valid so we
as non-compliance with Section may not include in the Report.
4(1)(b).
Comments received from Mr.Venkatesh Nayak:
Mr.Venkatesh Nayak primarily referred to the A Section on guidelines for Section

fact that guidelines on Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) 4(1)(b)(xiv) has been included in Chapter 5.
had been excluded from the Report and The draft suggested by Mr.Venkatesh has been
suggested a draft for inclusion. modified in consultation with him keeping in
view that certain legal issues are yet to be
sorted out.
Comments received from Ms.Aheli (JOSH):
Ms.Aheli (JOSH) suggested that following also These comments have been included in para
be included in the Report: 3.2.7 with minor modifications.
• In chapter 3 on templates, we should

also include: Inspection of records and
documents under Section 4 by the
community. This provision has already
been attained for schools in Delhi and
also in case of PDS. Relevant order of
the CIC attached.
• Recommended formulation: "All local

public bodies which have maximum
interface with citizens, may make
• available relevant records and
documents for inspection by the
community wherever possible. In Delhi
schools, all records and documents
related to budget expenditure, to
details of scholarships and incentives
awarded, to relevant registers have
been made available for inspection on
the last working day of the month."
Comments received from Mr.Nikhil Dey (NCPRI):
Mr.Nikhil Dey suggested the following:
1) In chapter 7, other relevant provisions of As regards 1, it has been included in the

Section 4 of the Right to Information Act to be Report.
included:
"Section 4 (b) (vii): the particulars of any

arrangement that exists for consultation with,
or representation by, the members of the
public in relation to the formulation of its
policy or implementation thereof;
Section 4 (c): Publish all relevant facts while

formulating important policies or announcing
the decisions which affect people"
2) Reference to the NAC Working Group on As regards 2, a new para has been added at the
Transparency, Accountability and Governance end of the chapter.
working on a pre legislative process- being
formulated by you.
3) The Task Force was in agreement to ensure As regards 3, it has already been mentioned in
that legislations (impending or amended) para 7.5(v) that public consultations should be
come under the ambit of the mandated held when major policy decisions which
process of consultation with the public. Going directly affect the public are proposed to be
beyond the restricted scope of legislations, undertaken.
members also felt that there is an immediate
need to clearly define those policy decisions
that are also required to go through such a
transparent and accountable process of
consultation with the public before key
decisions are arrived at, even though they
don't adhere to the strict definition of a
legislation.
4) It was felt that for some key policy As regards 4, it was discussed with Mr.Nikhil
decisions/impending legislations it would be that we may not include at this stage. This may
desirable to engage in the process of public be incorporated when the report of NAC is
consultations in a phased manner. received.
Step one: The government must publicly

announce intent to change policy at the first
instant e.g., first file noting on a Policy
decision, publish a Green Paper listing broad
objectives, and all relevant information such as
expected social, environmental, financial
impact, justification of mode of intervention.
Information must be available on a nodal
website, and other mass media.
Step two: Draft Bills based on statement of

intent in the Green Paper must be placed in
the public domain between 3-6 months
depending on the direct impact on the public.
Feedback received must be aggregated by the
concerned ministry, and should be included in
the Cabinet notes when the draft Bill is sent for
Cabinet approval.
Comments received from Mrs.Anjali & Amrita (SNS):
Mrs.Anjali & Amrita suggested the following: Suggestions at (a), (b), (c) & (d) have been
included in new para 1.9(a).
(1) Inclusion of the following points in the
-the general principles which should be 1(f) is already covered by the Act.
adopted for disclosure at various levels, as
recommended by the Task Force...": 1(g) is covered in detail in Chapter 8.
a) No abbreviations/ technical short-

forms should be used.
b) All disclosure should be done in the

local language/ the language that is
most understood in the area.
c) Information should be disseminated

using as many mediums as possible.
d) Disclosures should be in real time, as

far as possible.
e) All information that is

displayed/disseminated through any
• means must carry the date on which it
was compiled and the name and
designation of the official who has
compiled it. It should also state the
frequency of its updation.
f) All the files/records of the public

authority should be available for
inspection on demand by citizens or
at a predetermined time and place
every week. Photocopies of the same
should also be provided on payment
of the actual cost of photocopy. This
provision should be widely publicised
through boards, pamphlets and the
website. The list of files/documents
available for inspection should be put
up on a board in the office of every
public authority.
g) Within each public authority, an

official should be designated as the
official responsible for ensuring
compliance with section 4 and for
maintaining and updating the
disclosures made under section 4 of
the RTI Act. This could be the head
of the public authority or a PIO.
.4
No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions
******
North Block, New Delhi.

Dated : 13th September, 2011.
Subject : Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task
Force constituted for effective implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to say that Section 4 of the RTI Act mandates
that Public Authorities would proactively or in suo motu manner disclose
information under various headings listed in Section 4(1)(b) to the public and
regularly update this information. The purpose is to encourage large amount of
information to be kept in public domain on a suo motu basis which will not only
make functioning of the public authorities more transparent but would also reduce
or lessen the need for filing individual RTI applications for seeking such information.
2. Since the promulgation of the Act in 2005, large amount of information

relating to functioning of the government is being put in public domain. However,
still the quality and quantity of proactive disclosures are not up to the desired level.
Central as well as State Information Commissions have also highlighted this issue.
3. The issue has engaged the attention of the Government of India also and it
was felt that the weak implementation of the Section 4 of the RTI Act is partly due
to the fact that certain provisions of this Section have not been fully detailed and, in
case of certain other provisions there is need for laying down detailed guidelines. It
was also felt that there is need to further review Section 4(1)(b) to examine if any
more items need to be prescribed for proactive disclosure as laid down in Section
4(1)(b)(xvii). Further, it was felt that there is need to set up a compliance
mechanism to ensure that requirement of Section 4 disclosures are fully met.
4. In view of the above, a Task Force was set up by Department of Personnel &
Training (DOPT), Government of India, in May 2011, which also included
representatives of civil society organizations active in the field of Right to
Information, with following terms of reference :
(a) To examine the provisions of Section 4(1)(b) and to recommend guidelines

for disclosures to be made at various levels of administration;
(b) To recommend other items which may be included for suo motu
disclosure, as provided in Section 4(1)(b)(xvii);
(c) To explore the possibility of prescribing simple templates for disclosing
specific category of information in order to facilitate disclosoure;
(d) To recommend mediums through which such disclosure is to be made at

various levels, which would include disclosure through electronic means
also;
(e) To recommend guidelines for complying with the provisions under Section
4(1)(b)(vii) and Section 4(1)(c) and Section 4(1)(d);
(f) To give recommendations as to how compliance with the provision of

Section 4(1)(b), (c), (d) and Sections 4(2) to 4(4) may be better enforced.
(g) To recommend measures for protection of persons seeking information

under the RTI Act;
(h) Any other issue incidental to the above.
5. The Task Force has submitted its report , a copy of which is enclosed with
the request that comments on the same may be sent to this Department by
25.9.2011 to enable this Department to finalize guidelines to be issued in the
matter.
Scv-tith,Nauru
( Sarita Nair )
Ol e
1. The Secretary, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi.
2. The Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi.
3. The Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution, Krishi Bhavan,
New Delhi.
4. The Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy, Shastri Bhavan,
New Delhi.
5. The Secretary, Department of Information Technology, Electronics Niketan
6-CGO Complex, New Delhi.
6. The Secretary, Department of Expenditure, North Block, New Delhi.
7. The Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances,
VT 7 0 hil1/41
:7
1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions
North Block, New Delhi-1

Dated: 30.9.2011
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task Force
constituted for effective implementation thereof
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even

number dated 13.9.2011 on the above subject and to request that the comments
of your Department on the Report of the Task Force for effective
implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005, may kindly be sent to this
Department by 7th October 2011 to finalise the guidelines to be issued in the
matter.
OTt-
(Sarita Nair)
Under Secretary to the Govt of India
&AL,. Tel: 23040401
1. Ministry of Panchayati Raj(Shri L.Haokip, Under Secretary), Krishi

Bhawan, New Delhi
Ministry of Rural Development(Shri S.P.Arya, Under Secretary), Krishi
hawan, New Delhi
Department of Food and Public Distribution(Shri J.P.Saini, Deputy
Secretary), Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
4. Department of School Education & Literacy(Shri Sanjay Gupta, Under
Secretary), Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi
5. Department of Information Technology(Shri Behl, Director), Electronics
iketan, 6 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
Department of Expenditure(Smt. Renu Kakkar, Under Secretary), North
Block, New Delhi
7. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances(Shri Anurag
Srivastava, Under Secretary)Sardar Patel Bhawan, Parliament Street,
New Delhi
'-
0
1/6/2011-IR
IR Division
Subject: Report of the Task Force constituted for effective implementation of

Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005
As discussed, I am enclosing the Report of the Task Force with the

request that the comments of Department of Expenditure may please be
furnished to this Department by 30.9.2011.
(Sarita Nair)
Under Secretary
Smt. Renu Kakkar

Under Secretary
Department of Expenditure
Room No.225
North Block
New Delhi
OUT To
F No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

Dated: 10.10.2011
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 - Report of the Task Force

number dated 13.9.2011 and reminder dated 30.9.2011 on the above subject
and to request that the comments of your Department on the Report of the Task
Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005, may kindly
be sent to this Department immediately to place the matter before Committee of
Secretaries and finalise the guidelines to be issued in the matter.
Scutda 1\10-ot
(Sarita Nair)
Tel: 23040401 , / L
-Ministry of Panchayati Raj(Shri L.Haokip, Under Secretary), Krishi

Bhawan, New Delhi
Ministry of Rural Development(Shri S.P.Arya, Under Secretary), Krishii
Bhawan, New Delhi
" 3. Department of Food and Public Distribution(Shri J.P.Saini, Deputy
y Secretary), Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
t4y. Department of School Education & Literacy(Shri Sanjay Gupta, Under
s y Secretary), Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi
'5. Department of Information Technology(Shri Behl, Director), Electronics
Niketan, 6 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
6. Department of Expenditure(Smt. Renu Kakkar, Under Secretary), North
Block, New Delhi
k't. Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances(Shri Anurag
Srivastava, Under Secretary)Sardar Patel Bhawan, Parliament Street,
New Delhi
F No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

Dated: 10.10.2011

number dated 13.9.2011 and reminder dated 30.9.2011 and 10.10.2011 on the
above subject and to request that the comments of your Department on the
Report of the Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of RTI
Act, 2005, may kindly be sent to this Department immediately to place the matter
before Committee of Secretaries and finalise the guidelines to be issued in the
matter.
(Sarita Nair)
Tel: 23040401
1. Ministry of Panchayati Raj(Shri L.Haokip, Under Secretary), Krishi

Bhawan, New Delhi
2. Ministry of Rural Development(Shri S.P.Arya, Under Secretary), Krishi
Bhawan, New Delhi
3. Department of Food and Public Distribution(Shri J.P.Saini, Deputy
Secretary), Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi
4. Department of School Education & Literacy(Shri Sanjay Gupta, Under
Secretary), Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi
5. Department of Information Technology(Shri Behl, Director), Electronics
Niketan, 6 CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
6. Department of Expenditure(Smt. Renu Kakkar, Under Secretary), North
Block, New Delhi
No. K-11022/84/2011-AR
Government of India
Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances
5th Floor, Sardar Patel Bhawan,

New Delhi, the V1 October, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task
Force constituted for the effective implementation there of
The undersigned is directed toLO.M. No. 1/6/2011-IR Dated 13.09.2011 on the

above subject and to say that the Report of the Task Force for effective
implementation of the Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 has been examined and the
Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances is in agreement with the
recommendations of the Task Force and has no further suggestions to offer in the
matter.
2. This issues with the approval of Secretary, Department of Administrative

Reforms & Public Grievances.
(S. Ban adhya

Tel : 23401426
(Ms. Sarita Nair, Under Secretary)
North Block,
New Delhi.
RTI MATTER
OUT TODAY
File No.M-11014/9/2011-IFC(RTI)
Government of India
Ministry of Human Resource Development
Department of Higher Education
Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi-110001.

Dated the 13th October, 2011.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 -

Comments on the report of Task Force constituted by
DOPT .
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOPT's OM.

No.1/6/2011-IR, dated the 13th September, 2011 on the subject
mentioned above and to say that report submitted by the Task
Force was perused in the Ministry. We generally agree with the
recommendations of the Task Force.
(K.S. Mahajan)
Tele: 23386317
The Under Secretary iTY-Aio 2--/ 2-41(/

(Ms. Sarita Nair)
D/o Personnel & Training
MOST IMMEDIATE
No. 16 (5 )/2011-RTI
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
RTI Cell

Dated 21.10.2011.
Sub: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act 2005-

Report of the Task Force constituted for effective
implementation thereof
The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of

Personnel & Training's O.M. no 1/6/2011-IR dated 12.10.2011 on
the captioned subject and to say that comments from concerned
Branches in the Department of Expenditure have been sought by
the RTI Cell of this Department.
2. Upon receipt of the same, comments of the Department of

Expenditure will be conveyed to Department of Personnel
&Training.
( Renu Kakkar )
Ms. Sarita Nair, Under Secretary (IR)

North Block,
New Delhi
Government of India
IR Section
Subject:- Implementation of Recommendation of Task Force for Strengthening

Compliance with Provision for Suo-Motu/Proactive Disclosures under
Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005.
The undersigned is directed to forward herewith 20 copies of the note for the
Committee of Secretaries (S.Nos. 1- 20) having pages from 1 to 247 on the subject
noted above for necessary action. As the recommendations of the Task Force deals
with issues related to RTI implementation, it is requested that Chief Information
Commissioner or his representative may also be invited during the meeting of
Committee of Secretaries. The COS note may kindly be taken up on priority as it is an
RFD item.
(Anuradha S. Chagti )
Director
Tel. 2309 3074
Encl: As above
The Cabinet Secretariat (Atten: Sh. Diwakar Nath Mishra, Director) Cabinet Secretariat,
Rashtrapati Bhavan New Delhi
Department of Personnel & Training, ID No. No.F. 1/6/2011-IR dated 03.11.2011
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DITARTIVIENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOWt
Website: www.rait.gov.in
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OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 --- Report of ti

constituted for effective Implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOPT's communication 1/6,';?.01 LW

citittxi1 3 th September,2011. on the above subject of and to forward herfitli cortimcr
,-)f the DIP as under:-
per the recommendations, use of SMS telephony, Cali Ccntlk:S, IVP

rt!latiort. Centers are included in recommendations \,,bich are dependelit or provisiw,
t ,'-,..ccsary infrastructure and hence are not time bound, Further Commoo Servic-
i'e4 ) ms hive ben proposed to be included as centers for dissemination of lai.TinatiOn.
oP Chapter 4 relates to guidelines for Digital Publication of Proactive Disclostn?

Thee guidelines relate to setting up of technical standards far Govt, website tr,
The DIT agree with these recommendations of the DOPT.
I
o .BiLh!)
r)irc2,:-tor
.f.,.w'ttor:lit of Personnel and Training

sant a Nair U.S)
N , rtit Block
Nov,'
004 l'arrFlii 11k411

National a-Governance Min
' -',777r■ 7::17e1-7;
Public ervices ciorwr ;144;14:- 4

Government of India
IR Section
Subject:- Implementation of Recommendation of Task Force for Strengthening

Compliance with Provision for Suo-Motu/Proactive Disclosures under
Section 4(1) (b) of the RTI Act, 2005 lays down the information which should
be disclosed by Public Authorities on a suo motu or proactive basis. Section 4(2) and
Section 4(3) prescribe the method of dissemination of this information. The purpose of
suo motu disclosures under Section 4 is to place large amount of information in public
domain on a proactive basis to make functioning of the Public Authorities more
transparent and also to reduce the need for filing individual RTI applications.
2. Since the promulgation of the Act, large amount of information relating to

functioning of public bodies is being put in public domain primarily through web
bases disclosures. However, it is noted that the quality and quantity of disclosures is
still not up to the mark and in relation to certain clauses of Section 4(1) (b) and 4(1)(c),
sufficient disclosures are not being made due to lack of clear guidelines. Also, there is
little monitoring of compliance with the provisions of Section 4 which has been
highlighted by Chief Information Commissioners also in his various judgements.
3. In order to address the above, this Department constituted a Task Force in

May, 2011, which included representatives of civil society organizations active in the
field of Right to Information as well. The task force has since submitted its report and
some of the recommendations given by it can be implemented immediately, while
some will be implemented at a later stage.
4. In this regard a note for the Committee of Secretaries have been prepared
and forwarded to the Cabinet Secretariat seeking suitable time for the meeting of
the Committee. As per practice a copy of the same is forwarded herewith f the
PMO abreast of the significant development.
(R.K. Girdhar )
Tel. 2309 2759
Encl: As above
The Prime Minister's Office (Atten: Dr. Sharmila Mary Joseph K., Director) South Block,
New Delhi
Department of Personnel & Training, ID No. No.F. 1/6/2011-IR dated 15.11.2011

MOST IMMEDIATE
Cabinet Secretariat
Rashtrapati Bhawan
Subject :- Implementation of Recommendations of Task Force for

Strengthening Compliance with Provision for Suo-motu/
Proactive Disclosures under Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005.
Reference Department of Personnel & Training's I.D.No. F.1/6/2011-IR,

dated 3.11.2011 forwarding 20 copies of the Note for Committee of
Secretaries on the subject cited above.
2. It has been decided that comments of the concerned Ministries /

Departments on the CoS Note may be obtained by D/o Personnel & Training
within a short time and the same may be incorporated in the Note. The
revised Note may thereafter be sent to this Secretariat for convening a
meeting of the CoS.
3. 19 Copies of the CoS Note are returned.
) 9)11)) )
( . Ana d)
Director
Tele :23016576
D/o Personnel & Training FMs. Anuradha S. Chagti, Directorl

Cab.Sectt. I.D.No. 501/2/13/2011-CA.V Dated 11.11.2011
Encl : As above.
9-Trfff WOW
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Vb
r,1 I ath. 'tr.' 1 I V S,11 141 471ltit4
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS AND INFORMATION
TECHNOLOGY By Hand/RTI Matter
ttnill V1SI t lIct)
DEPARTMENT OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Website: www.mit.gov.in
WT
No 1(32)/2011-RTI Date 14.11.2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task Force
constituted for effective Implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOPT's communication No. 1/6/2011-IR

dated 13 th September,2011 on the above subject of and to forward herewith comments
of the DIT as under:-
(i) As per the recommendations, use of SMS telephony, Call Centres, IVRS,
information Centers are included in recommendations which are dependent on provision
of necessary infrastructure and hence are not time bound. Further Common Services
Centres have been proposed to be included as centers for dissemination of information.
(ii) Chapter 4 relates to guidelines for Digital Publication of Proactive Disclosure.

These guidelines relate to setting up of technical standards for Govt. website by DIT.
2. The DIT agree with these recommendations of the DOPT.
---
( .Bahl)
Director (RTI)
Tel.No. 24369903

(Ms. Sarita Nair U.S)
North Block
New Delhi
A7 lit4.1 ._,I44.0 t1 v1-11

National e-Governance Plan
ELECTRONICS NIKETAN
6, C.G.O. COMPLEX
feril-110003 Public services closer home NEW DELHI-110003
F No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

Dated: 24.11.2011
Office Memorandum
regularly update this information. The purpose is to encourage large amount of
information to be kept in public domain on a suo motu basis which will not only
make functioning of the public authorities more transparent but would also
reduce or lessen the need for filing individual RTI applications for seeking such
information.

still the quality and quantity of proactive disclosures are not up to the desired
level. Central as well as State Information Commissions have also highlighted
this issue.
3. The issue has engaged the attention of the Government of India also and
it was felt that the weak implementation of the Section 4 of the RTI Act is partly
due to the fact that certain provisions of this Section have not been fully detailed
and, in case of certain other provisions there is need for laying down detailed
guidelines. It was also felt that there is need to further review Section 4(1)(b) to
examine if any more items need to be prescribed for proactive disclosure as laid
down in Section 4(1)(b)(xvii). Further, it was felt that there is need to set up a
compliance mechanism to ensure that requirement of Section 4 disclosures are
fully met.
4. In view of the above, Task Force was set up by Department of Personnel

& Training(DOPT), Government of India, in May 2011, which also included
Information, with following terms of reference:
(a) To examine the provisions of Section 4(1)(b) and to recommend

guidelines for disclosures to be made at various levels of administration;
(c) To explore the possibility of prescribing simple templates for disclosing
also;
(f) To give recommendations as to how compliance with the provisions of
Section 4(1)(b), (c), (d) and Sections 4(4) may be better enforced;
under the RTI Act;
5. The Task Force has submitted its report, a copy of which is enclosed with
the request that comments on the same may kindly be sent to this Department
within a week to enable this Department to finalise guidelines to be issued in the
matter.
(Sarita Nair)
Te1:230940401
ck't
To
Vl Secretaries of all the Ministries/Departments of Govt of India

Z-1./ e P
ovt, /`-//0 fort.,
ct c,,
RTI MATTER
No. G-11011/38/2010-RTI
Government of India
Ministry of Panchayati Raj
(RTI Cell)
Sardar Patel Bhawan, New Delhi
Dated: 3o November, 2011
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005-Comments on

Task Force for effective implantation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOPT's O.M. No.1/6/2010-IR

dated 13.9.20101 and subsequent reminder dated 30.9.2011,
19.10.201110.10.2011 on implementation of RTI Act, 20051. In this connection
it is to inform you that comments on the report of the Task Force is being
sought from the concerned division of this Ministry. It will take 15 days more.
As soon as the comment receives from the division the same will be sent to you
in due course.
2. Action on implementation of section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 is under

process and likely to be uploaded in this Ministry's website by the end of
December, 2011.
(L. Haokip)
CPIO & Under Secretary to the Govt. of India
To

(Kind attention: Ms. Sarita Nair, Under Secretary)
Government of India
IR Division
Subject: Implementation of Recommendations of Task Force for Strengthening

compliance with Provision for Suo motu/Proactive Disclosures under
Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005
_ Reference Cabinet Secretariat's I.D.No.501/2/13/2011-CA.V dated

17.11.2011 on the abovementioned subject.
2. The Report of the Task Force was circulated to all the

Ministries/Departments of Govt of India and comments had been sought by 5th
December, 2011 . Comments of only three Ministries/Departments have been
received which have been incorporated in the COS Note.
3. Twenty copies of the revised note for the Committee of Secretaries

having 248 pages is forwarded herewith for necessary action.
(Anuradha S.Chagti)
Director
Tel: 23093074
Encl: As above
The Cabinet Secretariat(Attn: Shri R.Anand, Director), Cabinet Secretariat,

Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi
Department of Personnel & Training I.D No. F.1/6/2011-IR dated 15.12.2011
?
11-16
ssw k'
F.No.1/6/2011-1R
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance & Pension

Dated 12th December, 2011
To
The Pay & Accounts Officer

Pay & Accounts Office
Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi
Subject:- Payment of TA to the Non-official Members for attending the meeting of the
Task Force - regarding.
Sir,
I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for payment

of Rs.12160/- (Rupees Twelve thousand one hundred and sixty only) to Sh.
Parminderjeet Singh, IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35A, Cross Road, 4T Block, Tilak
Nagar, Bangalore towards to and fro Air fare for attending the meeting of the Task
Force held on 19.08.2011.
2. The expenditure is debitable to Major Head-2052 Secretariat General Services,

05.14- Propagation of Right to Information Act, 05-14-28 - Professional Services under
Grant No.72 for the year 2011-12.
3. Cheque amounting to 12,160/- (Rupees Twelve thousand one hundred and

sixty only) may be prepared in favour of Sh. Parminderjeet Singh.
4. The sanction is issued with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Division vide
their Dy.No. CF 99393/JS(Fin/Pers)/201 1 dated 18th August, 2011.
Yours faithfully,
" 2011 Sco-uta curb

(Salta Nair)
Tel. 23040401
Copy to :-
The Drawing & Disbursing Officer, Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions,

Department of Personnel and Training.
Sh. Parminderjeet Singh, IT for Change, 393, 17 Main, 35A, Cross Road, 4T Block,
Tilak Nagar, Bangalor
Page 1 of 1
Controller: 034-PERSONNEL, P.G. & P. Sanction

Created
Status:
Sanction Number: F.1/6/2011 Sanction Date: 12/12/2011
Sanction Type: Expenditure (DDO Bill) Sanction

12160
Amount:
IFD Number: CF 99393/1S(Fin/Pers) /2011 IFD Date: 18/08/2011
0701-PROPOGATION OF RIGHT TO INFORMATION

ACT STRENGTHENING CAPACITY BUILDING AND 049429-PAO(DP & AR),
Plan Scheme: PAO:
AWARENESS GENERATION FOR EFFECTIVE New Delhi
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RTI ACT.
249430-DEPTT. OF PERSONNEL &

DDO: ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS,NORTH BLOCK,NEW Remarks:
DELHI.(PERSONNEL WING). 110001.
Account Details:
2052000900514-
Grant: 072-M/o Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Function Head: PROPAGATION OF RIGHT
TO INFORMATION ACT
9-PLAN VOTED-
Object Head: 28-PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Category:
EXPENDITURE
Instrument Type
Instrument Type : Cheque Add
Cheque Details
Cheque Favouring Amount Not Payable Before Delete

Parminderjeet Singh 12160 12/12/2011 11
' X
Payee details has been submitted successfully
Back
http://cpsms.nicin/Sanction/SanctionPayeeDetails.aspx?sid=GdzGM2zwmnc= 12/12/2011
Page 1 of 4
•
Subject Task Force Meeting (Boarding Pass)
• From Shines <shines@itforchange.net> 11
Date Thursday, November 10, 2011 4:08 am
To osdrti-dopt <osdrti-dopt@nic. in>
Dear Ms Sarita Nair,
I have couriered the boarding passes to the below mentioned address and
the same is attached in this mail for your reference.
Kindly let me know for any clarifications.
Thanks & Regards,
*Shines Mathew*
Office Secretary cum Administrator
IT for Change
In special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC
www.ITforChange.net <http://www.itforchange.net/>
Tel:+91-80-2665 4134, 2653 6890. Fax:+91-80-4146 1055
Original Message
Subject: Re: Task Force Meeting (Reimbursement)
Date: Wed, 09 Nov 2011 10:49:26 +0530
From: Shines <shines@itforchange.net>
To: osdrti-dopt <osdrti-dopt@nic.in>
Dear Ms Sarita Nair,
I have received the boarding passes, ill courier the same to
Sarita Nair
Dept. of Personnel & Training
North Block
New Delhi 110001
Please confirm the above address.
Thanks,
*Shines Mathew*
Office Secretary cum Administrator
IT for Change
In special consultative status with the United Nations ECOSOC
www.ITforChange.net <http://www.itforchange.net/>
Tel:+91-80-2665 4134, 2653 6890. Fax:+91-80-4146 1055
On Tuesday 25 October 2011 03:00 PM, osdrti-dopt wrote:

> Dear Shri Shines Mathew
> The meeting of task force was held on 19th August 2011. My phone
> numbers are correct. I was on tour.
https://mail.nic.in/uwc/webmail/print.html 11/16/2011
Pt4141 811:0 97T Name
AWN ffUZIT Boarding No.
SINGH/PARMINDER 99
■
111-f tifY-If Flight
No. arliu Date
Gate
Al 506 20AUG 34A
E t k 098533312846801
Ten-ff Origin
ite Seat
DEL BANGAL 27C
nilf tii * it '1'7 4 0 1
Tart afyrsetft IA' qitt Frisking of person and checking of hand baggage is mandatory for all passengers.
*. eillA fkaaff * ft if r/ artm tivt) t Passengers are requested to co-operate.
etzT igzrr Boarding No.

%Wit Atifi girr Name
110
SINGH/PARMINDER
cii&I Date A)11Tt wgzr Boarding Time Gate

sj4lftitcgT Flight No.-
19AUG 09 : 00 10
A I 505
Etk : 0985333128465C1
■
iciarizgrff Destination *lit Seat
rowm Origin
i .-
SLR
WI* <Atit it 'f'/

clualcp 7- I of person and checking othand baggage is mandatory for all passengers.
Mt/ 3tITt" tfiv #qtft Frisking
Passengers are requested to co-operate.
sifiqid t :4A4f t f)aqrf t ft * 31791 itit
•
wiR
fc'DtilZIt *ft 917 Name
e4 *air Boarding No.
SINGH/PARMINDER 99
5l f litsqf Flight No. .a-rftr Date

11-e Gate
AI 506 20AUG 34A
E t k 0985333128468C1
Term Origin
Seat
DEL BANGAL 27C
17 a fdhm ff ait atsatlim Sr**
Frisking of person and checking of hand baggage is mandatory for all passengers.
aiNicf 1..1%41 it f t f *Fil altMT m+41.1t Passengers are requested to co-operate.
WI/ .t.s4r Boarding No.

itTOTErdi 3)141 Trf Name
SINGH/PARMINDER
110
Ad Date 1 Fru Boarding Time Gate

*M1T Flight No., , 1
19AUG 09 : 00 \ 10
AI 505
Etk : 098533312846511
.K1,41:247 Destination 41c Seat
wrff Origin
BLR DELHI "
7t-- Itirg At 7jer Frisking

Trift qi9,41* i7 4.49.1q> 001v 31, I of person and checking of hand baggage is mandatory for all passengers.
Passengers are requested to co-operate.
afaaid t . 4..on..m)dq.ititAz433tiffit,54,1t.
Pnen. 1 of 4
Subject:
From: "Gurpreet Singh - IBM" <Gurpreet.Singh3@makemytrip.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Aug 2011 18:03:02 +0530
To: <sandeep@itforchange.net>
CC: <sandeep@itforchange.net>
MakeMyTrip Booking ID NF251179316429 Invoice No. NF251179316429

Customer Name PARMINDERJEET SINGH Service Tax No AADCM5146RST006
Email Address sandeep@itforchange.net Booking Date 2011-08-13
Shipping Address 125, 15th MAn, 35 cross, 4 T b
Travel Components : Air

Cost of the Travel Package : 12160
Total amount charged for the travel package : 12160
Grand Total : 12160
Grand Total Amount(In Words) : TWELVE THOUSAND ONE HUNDRED SIXTY AND ZERO ONLY
For MakeMyTrip ( India) Pvt. Ltd.
MakeMyTrip( India) Pvt. Ltd.

103,Udyog Vihar, Phase 1, Gurgaon-122016
Haryana
IND
Telephone: +91 124-4628747, +91 124-289-8747
Fax: +91 124 4395100
India Toll Free Number:1-800-11-8747 (MTNIASNL Lines), 1-800-102-8747 (Airtel Subscribers)
Email : service@makemytrip.com
Web : http://www.makemytrip.com
Note
This is an auto-mailer. Please do not reply to this email.
This is a computer generated invoice and does not require signature/stamp.
Click for PDF Version
f2 8/18/2011 7:50 PM
The contents of this email, including the attachments, are PRIVILEGED AND CONFIDENTIAL to the intended recipient
at the email address to which it has been addressed. If you receive it in error, please notify the sender immediately by
return email and then permanently delete it from your system. The unauthorized use, distribution, copying or
alteration of this email, including the attachments, is strictly forbidden. Thank you.
Please note that neither MakeMyTrip nor the sender accepts any responsibility for viruses and it is your responsibility
to scan the email and attachments (if any). No contracts may be concluded on behalf of MakeMyTrip by means of
email communications.
8/18/2011 7:50 PM
of 2
F.No.1/6/2011-1R
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance & Pension
Department of Personnel & Training •

Dated 12th December, 2011
To
The Pay & Accounts Officer

Pay & Accounts Office
Lok Nayak Bhavan,
Khan Market, New Delhi
Sir,
I am directed to convey the approval of the competent authority for payment

of Rs.3020/- (Rupees Three thousand and twenty only) to Ms. Pankti Jog, Mahiti
Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), B. Sahajanand Towers, Jivraj Park Cross Road,
Ahmedabad, Gujarat towards Rail fare for attending the meeting of the Task Force
held on 19.08.2011.
2. The expenditure is debitable to Major Head-2052 Secretariat General Services,

05.14- Propagation of Right to Information Act, 05-14-28 - Professional Services under
Grant No.72 for the year 2011-12.
3. Cheque amounting to 3,020/- (Rupees Three thousand and twenty only) may
be prepared in favour of Ms. Pankti Jog.
4. The sanction is issued with the concurrence of Integrated Finance Division vide
their Dy.No. CF 99393/JS(Fin/Pers)/201 1 dated 18th August, 2011.
Yours faithfully,
cUtt.6 t-C,
(Salta Nair)
6 r Secretary to the Govt. of India
Tel. 23040401
Copy to :-
The Drawing & Disbursing Officer, Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions,

Department of Personnel and Training.
2. Ms. Pankti Jog, Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), B. Sahajanand Towers,
Page 1 of 1
f
Sanction
Controller: 034-PERSONNEL, P.G. & P. Created
Status:
Sanction Number: F.1/6/2011-IR Sanction Date: 12/12/2011
Sanction
Sanction Type: Expenditure (DDO Bill) 3020
Amount:
IFD Number: CF99393/JS(Fin/Pers) IFD Date: 18/08/2011
0701-PROPOGATION OF RIGHT TO INFORMATION

ACT STRENGTHENING CAPACITY BUILDING AND 049429-PAO(DP & AR),
Plan Scheme: PAO:
AWARENESS GENERATION FOR EFFECTIVE New Delhi
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE RTI ACT.
249430-DEPTT. OF PERSONNEL &

DDO: ADMINISTRATIVE REFORMS,NORTH BLOCK,NEW Remarks:
DELHI(PERSONNEL WING). 110001.
Account Details:
2052000900514-
Grant: 072-M/o Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Function Head: PROPAGATION OF RIGHT
TO INFORMATION ACT
9-PLAN VOTED-
Object Head: 28-PROFESSIONAL SERVICES Category:
EXPENDITURE
Instrument Type
Instrument Type : Cheque Add
Cheque Details
Cheque Favouring Amount Not Payable Before Delete
Pankti Jog 3020 12/12/2011 a X
Payee details has been submitted successfully
Confirm RE:sost Back
http://cpsms.nicin/Sanction/SanctionPayeeDetails.aspx?sid=im/wuyrKWgE= 12/12/2011
• Way to go!
Ele ronir: Res r: -vatior Stip
This E-Ticket will only be valid along with an ID proof in original raveH,,, oros" wits he treated as without
ticket and charged as per extant Railway rules
Journey Details
----
Transaction ID: 037913605 1 lIDNP. NI : 51426 ,
ii— ----
Train No. & Name: 12958/A.01 SJ RAJDHA7,1# ,Date of Journey W2011
Class: 13A 'Distance: 934 pate of Boarding 119/08/2011

i
From: NEW DELHI(NDLS) To : 5' i rr:DABAD JN(ADI)
Boarding : NEW DELHI(NDLS) !Resv Upto: ,l - F_DABAD JN(ADI)

Departure time': 19 55 Total F ■!'" :
Date of Booking: 17/08/2011 11:07 Quot=i,
Passenger Mobile Number: 9909006791 'Adult I Child: C
# Route/Timings likely to change. kindly check with Railway Enquiry. 139 one day in advans
Departure time printed on the ERS is liable to change. New time 'able from 01-07-20 41
Passenger Details
S.No. 'Name lAge 'Sex Concessior Code C.oaeh ' Sea", Us ;Berth
1 1PANKTI JOG '33 l-remale No Conces3 ,,an SU
Agent Details
Principal
Flightraia Sub Agent Name 1 RA swa,,leravelsgyahoo co in.
Agent:
SHARON PARK OPP RANI JHANSI STATIIE,SATEl t AHWitLE\ 050

Address: 93281385888
L _LGUJARAT 380015 iNDIA
Charges
Booking Ref erence No
Train Fare.
IRCTC Service Charges
Service Charges
Payment Gateway Charges
Total Charges:
Important Instruction
1 New time table will be effected from 01-07-2011 Denarhlre ed it ENS is lia to :ustomers are requested
to check with Railway enquiry

2. One of the passenger booked on an I. is Fc, In pres- the r.. ,in ,dentit ■. ird:t • )w in ofe:nal during the train
journey and same will be accepted as a pr,:-iof of icler-Piry pas rea, elliny , without ticket and
shall be dealt as per extant Railway Riiips Valid Ids Voter Idontit ■ ,ara nasspoL /PAN Get, : c nse / Photo ID card issued
by Central / State Govt / Student Identity Card with photograph issued b, recogori:Eci Schor*Collear students / Nationalised
Bank Passbook with photograph / Credit Cards issued by Banks laminated photograph.
3 The accommodation booked is not transferable and is valid only if one Pt the ID card noted above r-es rated during the journey The
passenger should carry with him the Electronic Reservation Shp print out. IP case the passencer doe.s no; i -ry the electronic reservation
slip, a charge of Rs.501- per ticket shall be recovered by the ticket '-Theckina staff and an exc-o a fa sill be issued in lieu of that
4. E-ticket cancellations are permitted through the agent before pre.paratio,of chart
5. Just dial 139 from your landline, Mobile and COMA phones for raiiway puniuiries
6. Helpline No - 080-30770000 or Mail To railway cellvia com
Additional Instruction
1 E-ticket passenger is permitted in the train against a berth/sea,. Puly wi his non, apraar3 the - on chart f airing which he
can be treated as a passenger traveling without ticket
2 E-ticket cannot be cancelled after chart preparation through inten AN, r Char: preparation A ■ riocesised through UDR
refund process as per Indian Railways Refund rules :-,nbmissioi, 1' nrigtr., p IP o redrpred 1'07- refund claim
on account of A C f ailure/Coach not attached/Accominociation of , ver c,ass addil card certif 'cafe can
www.travellink.in/bdo?action1=RIKT 1/2
JO/ L V .L
Way to go!
Efer,lronir, Rese-vation Stip
This [-Ticket will only be valid along with an ID proof in original If found travellire without '1 Proo , will be treated as without
ticket and charged as per extant Railway rules.
Journey Details
Transaction ID: ;0379135848 PNP. 'io : ' '59454088

-4
Train No. & Name: 112957/SWARNA J RAJ EX # Date of Journ• ,, : '08/2011
Class: 3A ;Distance: 934 iDate rt Boa -,'w n: I18/08/2011

__. 1 i
From: lAHMEDABAD JN(ADI) To : .- Vg DELHI(NDLS)
Boarding : AHMEDABAD
-I-
JN(A.D1) Res" ipto: 1 W DELHI(NDLS)
Departure time*: H7 45 Tots' °are : 10
Date of Booking: .'17/08/2`.-t!' 11 C au n , • -al
Passenger Mobile Number: 990900670 i My!, n
# Route/Timings likely to change. kindly check with Rail-va - :Inge 7, 139 r e day it dvan ,
* Departure time printed on the ERS is liable to change. Ne,, time 'elate from 01-07-2r''1
Passenger Details
S.No. Name lAge !Sex 'Concession Code
1 P AN KTI JOG 33 ;Female iNo Concession
Agent Details
Principal
Flightraja Sub Agent Name: S'All\ TRAVI - .$ swarnitravels©y ahoo.co
Agent:
SHARON PARK.ORR RANI JHANSI STATUE SATELL.17 ,AHMEr7."\BAD,

Address: 9328885888
GUJARAT 380015, INDIA
'Charges
Booking Reference No
Train Fare.
IRCTC Service Charges
Service Charges
Payment Gateway Char- ger:.
Total Charges: Rs - 60
Important Instruction
1. New time table will be effected born 01-07-2011, Departattu lime rented it rIRS is i s le h Customers are requested
to check with Railway enquiry.
2. One of the passenger booked on an E-ticket is required to present any; of the e,dht idenftr card' - ', tad low in original during the train
journey and same will be accepted as a proof of identity failing 0,.ich all tie passc.gers t tie - /ening without ticket and
shall be dealt as per extant Railway Rules. Valid Ids:- Voter Ident ,ty Care / Passport /PAN C / -ense / Photo ID card issued
by Central / State Govt / Student Identity Card with photograph :-.sued t•y recoam.-ed Sche Colh , -ir students / Nationalised
Bank Passbook with photograph / Credit Cards issued by Banks lam•nated ph, tograph
3 The accommodation booked is not transferable and is valid on .; if om• of the Li card no. abs •ntert curing the journey The
passenger should carry with Mm the Electronic Reservat:on Slip r--,nt on' In case ',- tr3 pass: er d ry the electronic reservation
slip, a charge of Rs 501- per ticket shall be recovered by the tict..- the eng stay -end en r ass -t.rt will be !slued in lieu of that
4 [-ticket cancellations are permitted thrcugh tt agent before I .:pars( e of chap'
5 Just dial 139 from your landline, Mobile and Ct..)MA phones fo r
6 Helpline No - 080-30770000 or Mail To ralway,--ell,@,via.com
Additional Instruction
1. E-ticket passenger is permitted in the train against a berth/sea! only vilen his name appear-, in e lion chart failing which he
can be treated as a passenger trave l ing without ticket.

2 [-ticket cannot be cancelled after chart preparation through in!' net R' ter Chart .)reparaL ref .1,-•! vi!': I-, processed through TDR
refund process as per Indian Railways Refund rules. Submission of Guard certificate in orio also required for refund claim
on account of A.0 failure/Coach not attached/Accommodation offered .1- lower clans in addlhan to `•:itt,trt o . OR Guard certificate can
• /,
As desired by JS(AT&A), to hold a meeting of the Task Force for
effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 on 19th August,
2011 at 2.30 P.M., notice has been issued on 12th August, 2011.
2. It is proposed that two invitees - Ms.Pankti D.Jog of MAGP from

Ahmedabad and Sh.Parminder Jeet Singh of IT for Change from Bangalore
may be given airfare for attending the meeting, estimate(obtained from
internet) of which is as follows:-
Destination Airfare(approx) for

Econom Class
Ahmedabad-Delhi and back b Air India 8133/-
Bans alore-Delhi and back b Air India 21974/-
Total 30107/-
3. Entitlement of non-officials is decided by equating them with any

grade of officials of the government. If the above persons are equated with
officials drawing grade pay of Rs.7600-8900, they will be entitled to Air fare
11/3 of economy class.
4. The expenditure will be met from Major Head 2052 — Secretariat

General Services, 05.14 — Propagation of Right to Information Act, 05.14.28
- ProFess ionat- S eV V ices under Grant No.72 for the year 2011-12.
5. Submitted for approval please.
4 A
it :4-1-C74.4
• -14-
MIIA(FIN.11)
Reference note at pre-pages relating to payment of air fare to

non-official members of Task Force to attend the meeting on 19th
August, 2011.
2. It has been observed that DOPT has constituted a Task Force

for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005. The
last meeting of the Task Force was held on 25th May, 2011 and air
fare, taxi fare, TA were paid without concurrence of WI). Now DOPT
has proposed for payment of air fare to Ms. Pankti D. Jog of MAGP
from Ahmedabad and Shri Parminder Jeet Singh of IT for Change
from Bangalore. The details of journey and cost mentioned at para 2
of page 13/N. The total financial implication is 30107/- only.
3. In this connection it is stated that non-official members

appointed on Committees may be permitted to travel by air in
connection with Government work with the personal approval of the
Secretary of the Ministry/Department concerned.
4. Considering the above facts, we may concur the proposal and

seek the approval of Secretary (P) to allow air journey by economy
class to above mentioned two non-official members.
Submitted please.
(Manoj Kumar Jha)

Desk Officer
18th August, 2011.
JS(Fin-P(1s)
1Y.5'.11
S S4-
, V.-; /(\
. r. ft4s- /nifhl
Vaii141 crRI 1110
r1•
1/I
MHA(FIN.I1)
Reference note at pre-pages relating to payment of air fare to

non-official members of Task Force to attend the meeting on 19th
August, 2011.
2. It has been observed that DOPT has constituted a Task Force

for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005. The
last meeting of the 'Task Force was held on 25th May, 2011 and air
fare, taxi fare, TA were paid without concurrence of 'HD. Now DOPT
has proposed for payment of air fare to Ms. Pankti D. Jog of MAGP
from Ahmedabad and Shri Parminder Jeet Singh of IT for Change
from Bangalore. The details of journey and cost mentioned at para 2
of page 13/N. The total financial implication is 30107/- only.
3. In this connection it is stated that non-official members

appointed on Committees may be permitted to travel by air in
connection with Government work with the personal approval of the
Secretary of the Ministry/Department concerned.
4. Considering the above facts, we may concur the proposal and

seek the approval of Secretary (P) to allow air journey by economy
class to above mentioned two non-official members.
Submitted please.
(Manoj Kumar Jha)

Desk Officer
18th August, 2011.
JS(Fin:
Pers)
`F*
0 TH-Kri
F.-ti fl1-1)
1.
---
As desired by JS(AT&A), to hold a meeting of the Task Force for

effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 on 19th August,
2011 at 2.30 P.M., notice has been issued on 12th August, 2011.
2. It is proposed that two invitees - Ms.Pankti D.Jog of MAGP from

Ahmedabad and Sh.Parminder Jeet Singh of IT for Change from Bangalore
may be given airfare for attending the meeting, estimate(obtained from
internet) of which is as follows:-
Destination Al rfare(approx) for

Economy Class
Ahmedabad-Delhi and back by Air India 8133/-
Bangalore-Delhi and back by Air India 21974/-
Total 30107/-
3. Entitlement of non-officials is decided by equating them with any

grade of officials of the government. If the above persons are equated with
officials drawing grade pay of Rs.7600-8900, they will be entitled to Air fare
0 /4 of economy class.
4. The expenditure will be met from Major Head 2052 — Secretariat

General Services, 05.14 — Propagation of Right to Information Act, 05.14.28
- ProCess ionatS viv ices under Grant No.72 for the year 2011-12.
5. Submitted for approval please.
•
BY REGISTERED POST
No.F. 1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
IR Section

Dated January 03, 2012
To
Shri Parminderjeet Singh -U3 J1,N

IT for Change
393, 17 Main
35A, Cross Road
4T Block, Tilak Nagar
Bangalore.
Sir,
I am directed to forward herewith Cheque No. 191744 of an amount of

Rs.12,160/- dated 21.12.2011 towards reimbursement of Air fare.
Kindly acknowledge the receipt of the Cheque.
Yours faithfully,
5 °Jura Nw*r
(Sahta Nair)
Encl: As above
•
1T4-1
1 - )9TaiRGOVERNMENT OF INDIA
-114cE IT4 41-Ifir4 MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS
MI NEW DELHI
rminder3eet Si nq
PAY 17 31*ATVATI1T OR ORDER
1
WO personel pu/P
W/I RUPEES Vif-Lik.._i_L1Q.1.15_0411d...1jat.illilisICSci.. t U ii1

W.Rs. 1 60
s3T-47
25/0 1/20 11
1)0 el" kS. :
4F1 4:4+4
ti---
rill RAt
PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK
UNDERRS.
SANSAD MARG, NEW DELHI cd

PAY & ACCOUNTS OFFICER
A/1
4
A
116 LEI L7440 L LOO 240761: 0803000 27

_4
BY REGISTERED POST
No.F. 1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
IR Section
* * *

Dated January 03, 2012
To
Ms. Pankti Jog

Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP),
B. Sahajanand Towers
Jivraj Park Cross Road
Ahmedabad - 51
Gujarat
Sir,
I am directed to forward herewith Cheque No. 191743 of an amount of

Rs.3020/- dated 21.12.2011 towards reimbursement of Rail fare.
Kindly acknowledge the receipt of the Cheque.
Yours faithfully,
50t INact
(Sarita Nair)
Encl: As above
67.
,-.14 chP GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
--TF-4 . 11Jf itff-44 MINIStkY0 PERSONNEL,PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS
FAO) V41 771
1tm.r11 NEW DELHI
PJiyee
11
1. 0 -4
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PR350/
LYAFTE RTH EMO NTHOFISSUE. PM-4K] I :106
PAY trf ZilkUrdITTZ OR OR DER
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RUPEES 1.1.1.r..e.e-1-4c,114.z.a,44(4 LIALe.411--y—ar0-4
erso
p
W.Rs.
3TT
M/0.
/2011 On der- • 0
25/01
IMT 4:./HT-4 7!jcb
0
PUNJAB NATIONAL BANK

SANSAD MARG, NEW DELHI
Ui
CD PAY & ACCOUNTS OFFICER
z A/1
A 1
L9L7430 LL 00 240761: 080300v Aic No.:

RTI Matter
No. R-11(3)/2011, '-RTI

Government of India
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Department of Commerce
Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi-110 107.

Date: the1'51December, 2011.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the

Task Force constituted for effective implementation thereof —
reg.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DoPT's O.M. No.1/6/2011-IR

dated 24.11.2011 on the subject mentioned above and to say that Department
of Commerce agrees with the Report of the Task Force on Suo Motu
Disclosures under the RTI Act, 2005.
( R.K. 6jha )
Director (RTI)
Tel: 23062629
(Ms. Sarita Nair, Under Secretary),
North Block,
New Delhi-110001.
ci RIGHT TO
INFORMATION
No. R-9/2011-RTI
Government of India
Ministry of Heavy Industries & Public Enterprises
Department of Heavy Industry
RTI Cell
Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi.

The 20th December, 2011
OFFICE MOMORANDUM
Subject:- Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005-Report of the Task Force

constituted for effective implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to OM No.1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011 of

Department of Personnel & Training forwarding therewith a copy of the Task Force report on
suo moto disclosures under the RTI Act. The report of the Task Force has been examined in the
Department of Heavy Industry. The Department hag no comments to offer in the matter.
(Manjit Kumar)
To
The Secretary to the Govt. of India

(Attn. Ms. Sarita Nayar, Under Secretary)
North Block,
New Delhi-110001
No.Z-21022/33/2011-PH-II
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Nirman Bhavan
New Delhi, dated December 26, 2011
Office Memorandum
Subject:- Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task Force constituted for effect
tive implementation thereof
Reference is invited to the O.M.No.1/6/2011-IR dt. 24th November, 2011 of the Ministry of
Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions of the Department of Personnel and Training on the subject
mentioned above.
In so far as PH-II Section of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare is concerned, the report of
the Task Force appears to be comprehensive enough to help implement the provisions of the RTI Act,
2005 more effectively.
( kSenguli)
Under Secretary to the Government of I la
Smt. Sarita Nair,

Under Secretary,
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,
North Block,
New Delhi
Copy to: Shri B.L.Meena, Under Secretary, RTI Cell, CDN-II, MoH&FW, Nirman Bhavan, N.Delhi w.r.t.
0.M.No.A-60011/6/2010-RTI Cell dated 14/16th December, 2011.
F. No.MoES/20/21/2011-ICC
Government of India
Ministry of Earth Sciences
Prathvi Bhawan,
IMD Complex,
Lodhi Road, New Delhi — 3.
Dated, the 23th December, 2011.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task Force

Constituted for effective implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to O.M. f. No. 1/6/2011-IR dated 24/11/2011 of

Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and
Training, New Delhi on the subject mentioned and to say that the Ministry of Earth Sciences
has nothing to add to the report of the Task Force.
2. This issue with the approval of Hon'ble Minister of Science & Technology and Earth
Sciences, New Delhi.
(Krishan Kumar)
Under Secretary to the Govt. of India.
To,
Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions,

("Ms. Sarita Nair, U. .
RTI MATTER
TIME BOUND
No. 1-8/2011-RTI (AH)

Government of India
Ministry of Agriculture
Department of Animal Husbandry, Dairying & Fisheries
RTI Cell
Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi

Dated the 19th December, 2011.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:-Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005-Report of the

Task Force constituted for effective implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Personnel

Public Grievances and Pension, Department of Personnel Training's
Office Memorandum No. 1/6/2011-IR dated 24th November, 2011 on the
subject noted above and to state that this Deptt. agrees with the
recommendations of the Task Force.
(S.C.Khatri)
Tele. No. 23383340
Ministry of Personnel Public Grievances and Pension,

( Attention Ms. Sarita Nair, Under Secretary),
Ministry of Personnel. Public Grievances & Pension,
North Block, NEW DELHI-110001.
•
r No.E.20012/1/2005-IV(Vol. II I)
Government of India
Department of Space
Antariksh Bhavan
New B.E.L Road
Bangalore — 560 231
January 03, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task Force
constituted for effective implementation thereof — reg.
The undersigned is directed to refer to the Department of Personnel & Training OM

No.1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011 on the subject mentioned above and to state that this
Department has gone through the recommendations of the Task Force. With regard to
disclosure of transfer policy and transfer orders, this Department is of the view that the transfer
policy is purely a service matter not connected with any public activity, and therefore, the same
need not be brought under the purview of the RTI Act. With regard to the other
recommendations of the Task Force, this Department has no comments.
.Mayavan)
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions,

(Attn : Smt.Sarita Nair, Under Secretary),
North Block,
NEW DELHI — 110 001.
URGENT
F.No. 10-4/2010-RTI
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Telecommunications
(RTI Section)
510, Sanchar Bhawan,

New Delhi - 110 001.
Dated : 09th December, 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005-Report of the Task

Force constituted for effective implementation thereof - reg.
****
The undersigned is directed to enclose herewith a copy of the 0. M. No.

1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011 received from the Deptt. Of Personnel Training on the
subject cited above.
2. All CPIOs are requested that comments on the report may kindly be sent to the
undersigned positively by 14-12-2011.
(K. K. Milani)
Directur(Coord.) & CPIO
Tel. No. 23036225
End.: as above.
To
1. All CPIOs in DoT (as per list)
2. All CPIOs of PSUs - BSNL/ MTNL/ C-DoT / TRAI /TDSAT /TEC/ ITI /TCIL
Copy for information to:-
1. Ms. Sarita Nair, Under Secretary, Govt of India, Ministry of Personnel and Public
Grievances and Pensions, Department of Personnel and Training, North Block, New
Delhi-1 w.r.t. 0. M. No. 1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011- since number of CPIOs, in
DoT is large, it will take some more time to provide comments on the Report.
I' F No.1/6/2011-iR
Government of India

Dated: 24.11.2011
Office Memorandum
roguiarly update this information. The purpose is to encourage large amount of
inibm-iation to be kept in public domain on a suo moth basis which will not only
make functioning of the public authorities more transparent but would also
reduce or lessen the need for filing individual RTI applications for seeking such
information.

still the quality and quantity of proactive disclosures are not up to the desired
/I
level. Central as well as State Information Commissions have also highlighted
this issue.
3. The issue has engaged the attention of the Government of India also and
due to the fact that certain provisions of this Section have not been fully detailed
and, in case of certain other provisions there is need for laying down detailed
guidelines. It was also felt that there is need to further review Section 4(1)(b) to
examine if any more items need to be prescribed for proactive disclosure as laid
down in Section 4(1)(b)(xvii). Further, it was felt that there is need to set up a
compliance mechanism to ensure that requirement of Section 4 disclosures are
fully met.
4. In view of the above, Task Force was set up by Department of Personnel

& Training(DOPT), Government of India, in May 2011, which also included
Information, with following terms of reference:

guidelines for disclosures to be made at various levels of administration;
4)1
0 lc, pr/ br'J)
(J2-
-
(c) To explore the possibi'ity of prescribing simple templates for disclosir
also;
(f) To give recommendations as to how compliance with the provisions of
Section 4(1)(b), (c), (d) and Sections 4(4) may be better enforced;
under the RTI Act;
5. The Task Force has submitted its report, a copy of which is enclosed with
the request that comments on the same may kindly be sent to this Department
within a week to enable this Department to finalise guidelines to be issued in the
riikter.
5 0,6Ncwt-
(Santa Nair)
Te1:230940401
To
The Secretaries of all the Ministries/Departments of Govt of India

/
Contents
Chapter 1 ...... 43
Introduction 43
Constitution of the Task Force 43
Meetings of the Task Force 44
Recommendations of the Task Force 45
Chapter 2 47
Prescribing additional items for suo motu disclosure under Section 4(1)(b)(xvii)..47
All procurement related information 47
Public Private Partnerships 47
Transfer Policy and Transfer Orders 47
Sensitive Posts 4-8
RT1 Queries 48
CAG & PAC paras 48
Citizens Charter 48
Discretionary and Non-discretionary grants 48
Chapter 3 49
Guidelines for facilitating disclosure at different levels of government - Suggested
templates for key areas 49
Templates for Information Disclosure 49
Use of Information boards/walls 49

Information disclosure through any document/proof of delivery that is available
to beneficiaries 50
RTI Proactive Disclosure File 50

Use of SMS telephony 50
Call centers / 1VR / Information helpline
information Centers at the block level
Records for inspection by community 51
'Good' and 'Innovative' practices adopted by State Governments Si
Chapter 4 . 53
Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive disclosures under Section 53
Chapter .
Guidelines for: certain clauses Se:tion 4(]>(h] to make disclosures more effei:tiv-
Guidelines for Section 4(1)(11)(iii)
Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(iv)
Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(xi) 60
Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) 61
Chapter 6 6?
Steps to be taken in matters relating to threat to RT1 activists 63
Chapter 7 65
Guidelines for consultation with public in relation to the formulation of policies and
implementation there of
Chapter 8 69
Compliance with provisions of suo motu (Proactive Disclosure) under the RTI Act.
69
Proactive Disclosure Scheme 69
Nodal Officer 70
Annual Report to CIC 70
Annual Reports to Parliament/Legislatures 71
Inclusion in RFDs 71
Audits by Information Commissions 71
Chapter 1
Introduction
1.1 Section 4 of the Act mandates that Public Authorities would

proactively or in suo motu manner disclose information under various
headings listed in Section 4(1)(b) to the public and regularly update this
information. The purpose is to encourage large amount of information to be
kept in public domain on a suo motu basis which will not only make
functioning of the public authorities more transparent but would also reduce
or lessen the need for filing individual RTI • applications for seeking such
information.
1.2 Since the promulgation of the Act in 2005, large amount of information
relating to functioning of the government is being put in public domain.
However, still the quality and quantity of proactive disclosures are not up to
the desired level. Central as well as State Information Commissions have also
highlighted this issue.
1.3 The issue has engaged the attention of the Government of India also and
due to the fact that certain provisions of this Section have not been fully
detailed and, in case of certain other provisions there is need for laying down
detailed guidelines. It was also felt that there is need to further review Section
4(1)(b) to examine if any more items need to be prescribed for proactive
disclosure as laid down in Section 4(1)(b)(xvii). Further, it was felt that there is
need to set up a compliance mechanism to ensure that requirements of Section
4 disclosures are fully met.
Constitution of the Task Force

1.4 In view of the above, a Task Force was set up by Department of
Personnel and Training (DoPT), Government of India, in May 2011, which also
included representatives of civil society organizations active in the field of
Right to Information, with following terms of reference:

guidelines for disclosures to be made a t various leVels of
administration;
ib) To recommend other items which may be included for suo motu
disclosure, as provided in Section 4111(b)(xvii);
(c) To explore the possibility of prescribing simple templates i-or
disclosing specific category of information in order to facilitate
disclosure;
(d) To recommend mediums through which such disclosure is to be

made at various levels, which would include disclosure through
electronic means also;
(e) To recommend guidelines for complying with the provisions

under Section 4(1)(b)(vii) and Section 4(1)(c) and Section 4(1)(d);
To give recommendations as to how compliance with the provision

of Section 4 (1) (b), (c) (d) and Sections 4 (2) to 4 (4) may be better
enforced;
(g) To recommend measures for protection of persons seeking

information under the RT1 Act;
1.5 Government Order setting up of the Task Force is at Annexure 1.1. The
names of members of the task force are at Annexure 12.
Meetings of the Tash Force

1.6 The first meeting of the Task Force was held on 25th May 2011, where
detailed discussions were held regarding the purpose of the constitution of
Task Force and also the issues that need to be addressed. The minutes of the
meeting are enclosed as Annexure 1.3. Members agreed that there was need
for clarifying certain provisions of Section 4(1)(b) and also for laying down
detailed guidelines in respect of certain specific provisions. It was also agreed
that it may not be possible for Public Authorities at different levels of
administration to display the same information. Rather, it would be useful to
detail what information would be disclosed at different levels of administration
so that provisions of the Act can be better complied with. For example, in the
case of Public Distribution System the disclosures at the state, district and up to
the fair price shop are likely to be different and this needs to he spelt out.
1.7 After detailed discussions, it was felt that on many of the issues wider
consultations may be required to ensure that Task Force is better informed and
also that good practices being adopted in various regions of the country may
also be incorporated in its recommendations. Accordingly, it was decided to
form five sub-groups to deliberate on specific themes pertaining to the terms of
3
reference. Each of these sub-groups was expected to consult with informed
persons in the relevant area and to prepare a set of recommendations which
were to be discussed by the larger group. This is detailed in the minutes of the
meeting referred to above,
1.8 The sub-groups met separately to deliberate on the issues. Later, a

national consultation was organized in Delhi where civil society members from
various fields were also invited to deliberate on the specific themes allocated to
each sub-group. A Report on the deliberations made in the workshop and
recommendations of various sub-groups is enclosed at Annexure 1.4.
Recommendations of ti e Tasi; FOT',7P
1.9 The Task Force met on 19.08.2011 to deliberate and to finalize its
recommendations. The Report of the national consultation was discussed
during the workshop and after detailed discussions, recommendations of the
Task Force were finalized. Detailed recommendations on various terms that
were referred are contained in subsequent chapters. However, following apply
to all recommendations:
(a) The Task Force recommends that proactive disclosures should be

done in local language so that it remains accessible to public. It
should be presented in a form that is easily understood and if
technical words
_ . are used they should be carefully explained. As
provided in 4(1)(b), disclosures should be made in as many
mediums as feasible and disclosures should be kept up to date.
(b) The Task Force recognizes that while large number of

recommendations can be taken up for implementation immediately,
there are many recommendations whose implementation may
require setting up of infrastructure, etc. These have been included in
the report as aspirational recommendations with the hope that
government will take early steps to set up the requisite
infrastructure so that these recommendations may also become a
reality, may be o,,er an extended timeframe. Such recommendations
have been italicized.
(c) The Task Force takes note of the fact that as per the scheme of the
Act state governments are not accountable to central government
for implementation of the RTI Act. As such, although many of the
recommendations need to he implemented at the state government
ievel, they can only he circulated to state tgovernments as
recommendations rather `,;"ai. enforceable directions.
(d) The Task Force has given detailed policy recommendations on
various items included in the Terms of Reference. However, in order fry
to ensure that these recommendations are implemented effectively,
DOPT would need to elaborate on many of these recommendations
in the form of clear cut guidelines keeping the general polic ,
recommendation in view.
1.10 Recommendations on different issues covered by the Terms of

Reference are given in subsequent chapters.
Chapter 2
Prescribing additional items for suo motu disclosure
under Section 4(1)(b)(xvii)
2.1 Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) lays down that government may prescribe any
additional item which should also be included for sun motu disclosure. So far,
no additional items have been prescribed by central government. The Task
Force reviewed the list of items and recommends that following items should
be included for disclosure under the Sun motu Disclosure Scheme of Section
4(1)(b) by framing of suitable rules in this rega.rd. State Governments would he
urged to frame similar rules for their public authorities.
All procurement related information

2.1.1 All information relating to procurement made by public authorities
beginning with the publication of notice /tender' and up to the stage of final
purchase order detailing the name of the supplier of goods/services being
procured and the rate at which such procurement is to be done should be
disclosed. Government may fix different limits of procurements for different
levels of public authority for which this disclosure is to be made.
Public Private Partnerships

2.1.2 If Public services are proposed to be provided through a Public Private
Partnership (PPP), all information relating to the PPPs must be disclosed in the
public domain. This may include details of the special purpose vehicle, if any
set up, concession agreements, operation and maintenance manuals and other
documents generated as part of the implementation of the PPP project.
Further, information about fees, tolls, or other kinds of revenue that may be
collected under authorization from the Government may also be proactively
disclosed. All payments made under the PPP project may also be disclosed in a
periodic manner along with the purpose of making such payment.
Transfer Polk,. an d Transfer Cyr ders

2.1.3 Transfer policy for different grades/cadres of employees serving in
public authority should be proactively disclosed. All transfer orders may be
publicized through the website or in any other manner listed in Section 4(4) of
the Act. Where a transfer is effected without adhering to the norms laid down
in the transfer policy or cases where an employee has not been transferred
even though he/she has completed maximum tenure specified for that position
this information should also be disclosed.
6
Sensitive Posts
2.1.4 The Central Vigilance • Commission had issued a circular in 1999
requiring all ministries, departments and public sector undertakings under the
Government of India to identify sensitive posts where public dealing exists and
there is potential for corruption. However, the sensitive posts themselves have
not-been advertised in the public domain. Public Authorities should proactively
disclose posts identified as sensitive and details of the officers/officials
occupying those posts including the date since when they are holding the posts.
RTI (:)Lteries
2.1.5 All public authorities should proactively disclose RTI queries and
appeals received and their responses, on the websites maintained by public
authorities.
CAG & PAC par a5.i

•
2.1.6 Public authorities should proactively disclose the CAG paras framed in
regard to their Ministry/Department and the response of' the
Ministry/Department to those paragraphs. In addition, a tabular statement
should be given regarding pendency of CAG paras.
Citizens Charter,
2.1.7 Citizens Charter prepared by the Ministry/Department should be
proactively disclosed and six monthly report on the performance against the
benchmarks set in Citizens Charter should also be displayed on the website of
public authorities.
Discretionary and Non-discretionary grants

2.1.8 All discretionary/nun-discretionary grants/allocations to state
governments/NG0s/Other to institutions by Ministry/Department should be
placed on the website of the Ministry/Department concerned.
2.2 Department of Personnel & Training, which is responsible for

implementation of RTI Act in Government of India, may prepare suitable
format/templates for disclosure of the above information.
Chapter 3
Guidelines for facilitating disclosure at different levels

of government - Suggested templates for hey areas
3.1 The scheme of Section 4 applies uniformly to all public authorities even
though they may be constituted at different levels. It is felt that at different
levels of administration different level of detailing is required and if that could
be facilitated by development of suitable templates it would not only improve
the quality of disclosures but would also facilitate more transparency in
governance. For example, in the case of Public Distribution System (PDS)
disclosures at the level of Fair Price Shops (FPS) should go down to the level of
ration card holder, while at the level of district/state, agencies dealing with the
disclosures would need to be more broad-based. Keeping this in view the
group identified four areas for development of templates.
(a) 'Public Distribution System;

(b) Panchayats;
(c) MGNREGA; and
(d) Primary and Secondary Schools.
These four areas have been selected on the ground that they constitute some of
the most significant services being provided at the ground level. However, Task
Force recommends that similar templates need to be worked out for other
important areas such as health services, services relating to social benefits, etc.
Templates. for Information Disclosure
3.2 The templates of information disclosure at various levels of service

delivery in relation to the above four areas are enclosed at the end of the
Report as a separate section. The general principles which should be adopted
for disclosure at various levels, as recommended by the Task Force are given
below:
Use
3.2.1 Section 4(4) of the RTI Act states that information should be
disseminated taking into consideration the most effective method of
communication in that local area and the information should be easily
accessible'. Given the limited reach arid accessibility of the internet in India,
information disclosures, as far as practically possible, must also be done locally
in a form and manner that is easily accessible to people. It is recommended that
at village level relevant info7mation should be painted on walls and
provided c)n bna rci in the local lalacp- uati: :-ornmeitt public. places.
CJ
Informabon disclosure througit .dny document/proof of
deliver'' that is available to bETieficiaries
3.2.2 Any document relating to a scheme/program of the department that is
held by a citizen (eg. ration card, school books etc.) should be used as a mode of
disclosure. Information in the local language can be printed on such
documents. Stickers can be used to update/change the information, if required.
RTI Proactive. Disclosure File

3.2.3 Panchayat is the first public authority or unit which has an interface
with citizens. In their case many of the information can he painted on the walls.
However, all the information that is painted on the walls should also he kept
ready for perusal in a "RT1 Proactive Disclosure File". This file should also
contain details of all the moneys received and all the guidelines which are sent
to Panchayats by various government authorities for implementation of
schemes.
Use of SM S Ce CCi.Y ldr

3.2.4 The vast proliferation of mobile phones across India, including in villages,
makes it one of the best forms of reaching out information to people. Mobile
phones can be used to communicate information arid to provide a mechanism for
citizens to seek specific information through SMS. Many services now hove the
provision wherein a citizen may SMS a query to a number and get detailed and
real-time information in response. People should be able to track
applications/complaints through SMS. Beneficiaries should be able to track their
entitlements via SMS. Disseminating information through SMS is also a cost-
effective medium. Several states use this medium in an extremely innovative
manner. For example- in Chhatisgarh, all the ration cardholders of an area are
sent an SMS when the truck carrying their entitlements is dispatched from the
godown, The use of SMS for proactive disclosure may be replicated by public
authorities all over India.
1\ 7 p. heipline
3.2.5 State-Level toll free helpline which should provide information to people
on all major public services may be set up. Information on all aspects of the
schemes,/programs of major departments should he provided through this line
and people should be able to track their entitlements/applications in real-time
through the helpline. The helpline could also be used for registering grievances of
citizens.
tin:format a!: ti., 1.b5(.'
3.2.6 Information and facilitation centers should be set up at the Block level to
proactively provide information to citizens about the schemes and programs of
the government. These centers should also assist citizens track their applications
and entitlements and register grievances. There is a provision for such centers
under MGNREGA and the proposed National Food Security Act. Block level
facilitation centres have already been set up in several states, for example,
Common Service Centres and Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra and these could be used
for dissemination of information.
Records for inspection by community

3.2.7 All Schools and local bodies which have maximum interface with citizens
may make available records for inspection by community wherever possible. For
example, in Delhi all records and documents related to budget expenditure up to
date details of scholarships and incentives awarded and other relevant registers
in schools are made available for inspection for public on the last working day of
the month.
'Good' and 'innovative' practices adopted by State

Governments
3.3 State governments may adopt innovative practices to disseminate
information at local level. Some of these practices are listed below:
Read out all information about benefits of schemes, budgets,

expenditure, MGNREGA works, payments etc in the Gramsabha.
Example - Yakubbhai Kothariya works as a Gram Panchayat Secretary
and a PIO in Gujarat. Even before the RTI Act was in place, -Yakubbhai
was fond of using folk lyrics as a medium of disseminating information..
In his Gram Sabha, he talks about various scheme by connecting it with
incidents in the village and sings a folk song marking the specific
characteristics of a scheme. His Gram Sabhas are frequented by large
numbers of residents on a regular basis.
Disseminate information about schemes and programmes by setting up

a desk whilst organizing the 'Village Mela. (fair)' or any Folk Fair that is
conducted in the region. This can also be done in collaboration with
village youth mandal, or SHG or any Community bases organization.
• Organization of "Information Mela (fair)" at the village school on

important days like Independence Day, Republic Day". This works very
effectively in the villages, and people feel connected with village school.
10
• Community radio can become another media of dissemination of info.
This proves very effective.
• In Panchmahal district, Gujarat, during the RTI campaign for pro-active

disclosures it was observed that the multi-media vehicle used for
dissemination of information was widely accepted. The pamphlets,
guidelines of various schemes, including forms were disseminated by
"RTI on Wheels" a multimedia vehicle. The films and case stories of use
of information for achieving transparency in governance were screened.
• In Goa, it's a regular practice that details of the grams-abha are reported
in local newspapers.
• Other media like street plays, puppet shows can also be used for
information dissemination.
• If there are any specific programmes or schemes meant specifically for

the region or village then in such cases, pro-active disclosure should be
prepared in the form of charts giving details of such
schemes/programme.
Chapter 4
Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive
disclosures under Section 4
4.1 Internet has become a powerful medium for quick, easy and widespread
dissemination of information. It will assume even more importance in the
future as more and more documents are generated in digital format. Although,
Section 4 correctly lays down that information should be provided through
many mediums depending upon the level of public authority and the recipient
of information (for example, in case of Panchayat wall painting may be more
effective means of dissemination of information), the Task Force recognizes
that more and more proactive disclosure would gradually be made through
Internet. As such, there is need for more clear guidelines for web-based
publication of information for inforination disclosure.
4.2 The Task Force is aware that Department of Information Technology

has been working on setting of technical standards for government websites. It
is also aware that Department of Administrative Reforms & Public Grievances
is also working on guidelines for websites of government departments. These
guidelines would prescribe the manner in which websites need to be designed
and how information should be disclosed. Task Force recommends that while
adhering to the standards of government guidelines as laid down by
Department of Information Technology and Department of Administrative
Reforms & Public Grievances the following principles should also be kept in
view to ensure that websites' disclosures are complete, easily accessible,
technology and platform neutral and in a form which conveys the desired
information in an effective and user-friendly manner.
(a) The website should have a simple public interface and should not
require any registration/login to access it or to access the MIS.
( 0) The website should have universal access i.e., it should be accessible

to all, irrespective of technology, platforms, devices or disabilities of
any kind.
(c) It should be the endeavor of all public authorities that all

entitlements to citizens and all transactions between the citizen and
government are gradually made available. through computer based
interface. It was noted that Èlectronic Service Delivery Bill' under
formulation in Government of India would provide the necessary
impetus.
(d) Websites should contain detailed information from the point of
origin to the point of delivery of entitlements/ services provided by
the public authorities to citizens.
•
(e) The effort should be made to ensure that all orders of the public
authority are issued only after such orders have been uploadeq on
the website. Such a system exists in Andhra Pradesh and can be
adopted in other governments easily.
(f) Website should have good search engine and documents uploaded
should have key words assigned to them so that independent
searches of the database are possible.
(g) Website should .contain all the relevant acts, rules forms and other
documents which are normally accessed by citizens.
(h) Websites should have detailed directory of key contacts, details of

officials of the public authority.
(i) Websites should not use too many technical words and, if used, they
should be properly explained.
(n VVebsite should be multi-lingual to remain accessible to ordinary

public.
(lc) It is obligatory under Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) of the RT1 Act for every
public authority to proactively disclose 'details in respect of the
information, available to or held by it, reduced in an electronic form'.
In such a listing required under this section, it should also be
required to indicate which digitally held information is made
available publicly over the internet and which not.
(I) As departments reorganize their systems and processes to enable

themselves for electronic service delivery, it is recommended that
during process reengineering the requirement of bringing due
transparency as provided in the RTI Act are given due consideration
at the design stage itself.
(m) To maintain reliability of information and its real time updation,

information generation in a digital work flow should be 'locker' to
key work outputs, like a muster roll and salary slip (N REGA in
Andhra Pradesh) or formalization of a government order (Andhra
Pradesh). Such an approach will lead to automation of proactive
disclosure.
Proper digital proactive disclosure is contingent upon appropriate
digital record keeping. Section 4(1)01 of the RTI Act makes a clear
recommendation for digitizing and extensive networking of
government records. This issue is also connected to the issue of
informational aspects of e-governance based process re-engineering.
New government-wide as well as department-specific electronic
record keeping norms and schemes should be developed, and a
study group can be set up for this purpose. Citizen's right to
information should he a key design principle for these new
electronic record keeping schemes. .
(o) All information and documents should have appropriate meta-data

which ensures easy discovery of information. It would also enable
organisation and presentation of information along many different
parameters as required (for instance, data could be arranged village-
• wise).
(n) Information must be presented from a user's perspective, which

may require re-arranging it, simplifying it etc. However, original
documents in original formats should continue to be made available
because these are needed for community monitoring of
government's functioning.
Information should be easily searchable and discoverable, and

therefore not just in a scanned document form. In order to search
scanned documents, optical character recognition- techniques are
available and these should be incorporated as far as possible.
Information/ documents should be time-stamped with proper
versioning. Earlier versions should be archived and be publicly
accessibility.
Information should be uploaded using oniy open standards like ODF,

PDF/A, jPG, DOG etc, so that it is neutral to the technology platform
of the user. Since, the accessed information is the user's right to
access and she cannot be forced to use certain technology platforms
rather than others. The Department of Information Technology has
come up with a policy on 'Open Standards in e-governance' which
should be meticulously followed. All standard web accessibility
guidelines, especially relating to visual disabilities should be
followed.
Department Science Technology is %,vorkin,‘4 on a Data Si wrin g

.ano Pokcy' which is based on the principle thdt ;.ill
oubliciv t.uncleci Irhorrnation should be readily available. (ince such
e Ecv sbuuld to.
(t) information and data should be presented in open data formaLab
whereby it can be pulled by different Application Protocol Interfaces'''.
to be used in different fashions more appropriate to specific contexts
and needs. information/ data can, for instance, be presented in
powerful visuals ways using visualisation techniques. Such visual
representation of information/ data can give insights that may
remain largely hidden in a textual or tabular presentation of data. In
some contexts, pictures and audio/videos recordings etc may be
more useful. There have been moves in some part of the country to
video record gram sabha meetings. A picture of a NREGA vvorksite,
for instance, may tell much more than words can. All such different
media and forms should be used for proactive disclosure.
(u) In the long run, government may consider setting up one website
where proactive disclosures of all public authorities are available at
one place. Such experithents are already on in some other countries
such as USA and this would facilitate public access to government
information.
(Y) Government may consider utilizing large infrastructure which is

being created as common service centers to provide information to
public through these CSCs. Task Force also recommends that
practices being adopted in Mexico and Kenya in this regard, may also
be considered.
Ch a pte r5
Guidelines for certain clauses of Section 4(1)(b) to

make disclosures more effective
5.1 At the outset it must be emphasized that various sub-clauses of Section
4(1)(h) must be treated as elements of an integrated disclosure scheme. For
example the functions and responsibilities of a public authority cannot be
understood in isolation from the powers and functions of its employees, the
norms that inform its decision making processes and the rules, instructions
and manuals that are used in the discharge onts functions. Description of one
element presupposes the existence of another. So every public authority must
endeavour to integrate the information mentioned in these sub-clauses while
preparing voluntary disclosure materials.
5.2 Considering that disclosures in regard to certain clauses have been

relatively• weak, the Task Force has fleshed out detailed guidelines for four
clauses as given below:
4(1)(b)(iii)
the procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels

of supervision and accountability';
4(1)(b) (iv)
'the norms set by it for the discharge of its functions';
4(1) (b) (xiv)
'the budget allocated to each of its agency indicating the particulars of all
plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made';
4(1)(b) (xi)
'details in respect of information, available to or held by it, reduced in an

electronicform"
The Task Force has deliberated on each of these sub-clauses and

detailed guidelines in regard to sub-clauses are given subsequently.
5 -7; As per Section 4Li )(b)(iir; public authorities are required to proactively
disclose `he dfOii0wed n the decision-makinp, processes including
channels Of enervision and accountability" Ai, gove r nment departments have
specihr_ hang E tine =sponsibilities uncler the '.- espe,.:tive Allocation o FLIstries',
Rules (AOB) issued by the appropriate Government. The constitutiona ja. '
provisions and statutes each department is required to implement are cleal11,11.
laid down in the AOB, The manner of disposal of matters assigned to each
Department/Ministry is described in the Transaction of Business Rules (TOE).
Additionally, every department will have a specific set of schemes and
development programmes which they are required to implement directly or
through their subordinate offices or other designated agencies. These
documents contain the specific operations that every public authority is
required to undertake in the course of implementing the programme or
scheme. Every operation mandated under the AOB read with the TOB can he
linked to a specific decision-making chain. All government officers have to
follow laid down office procedure manual or the other rules which gives details
of how representations, petitions and applications from citizens must be dealt
with. Templates, formats, and basic steps of decision-making are briefly
explained in such manuals. These descriptions constitute the elements of
decision-making processes in general.
5.4 Additionally, in the routine work of governance, government.

functionaries are required to make decisions in a discretionary manner but
broad guiding principles are iaid down in some rule or the other. For example,
the General Financial Rules lay down procedures for a variety of operations
relating to government finances. How sanction must be accorded for incurring
expenditure; how losses to government must be reported; how responsibility
for losses may be fixed on any government servant; how budgets, dernand for
grants are prepared and submitted; how public works must be sanctioned and
executed; how commodities and services may be procured by a public
authority; are all explained in these manuals which is updated from time to
time. The challenge is to present a simplified version of the decision-making
procedure that is of interest to a common member of the citizenry.
5.5 In view of the above, the Task Force recommends following guidelines
for detailing the decision making processes:
(a) To start with every public authority may specifically identify the major
outputs/ tangible results/ services/ goods that it is responsible for
providing to the public or to whosoever is the client of the public
authority.
(b) The decision-making chain may be identified in the form of a flow chart
explaining the rank /grade of the public functionaries involved in the
decision-making process clarifying the specific stages in the decision-
making hierarchy.
(c) The powers of each officer including powers of supervision over

subordinates involved in the chain of decision-making must aiso he
• spelt out next to We how (Wart. or in as simple bullet-pointed format in a
text-box. The exceptional circumstances when such standards decision--
making processes may be overridden and by whom should also be
explained clearly. Where decentralization of decision-making has
occurred in order to grant greater autonomy to public authorities such
procedures must also be clearly explained.
(d) This design of representation may then be extended to cover all

statutory and discretionary operations that are part of the public
authority's mandate under the A013 read with the TOE.
(e) In the event of a public authority altering an existing decision-making

process or adopting an entirely new process, such changes must be
explained in simple language in order to enable people to easily
understand the changes made.
•
Guidelines for Section 44:111bYtvl
5.5 As per Section 4(1)(b)(iv) public authorities are required to proactively

disclose "the norms set by it for the discharge of its functions". Primarily, the
intention of this clause is that every public authority should proactively
disclose the standards by which its performance should be judged. The Task
Force noted that these are standards against which accountability in the
decision making process may be demanded. Norms can be qualitative and
quantitative in nature. They could be temporal also, for example, time limits
may be specified for taking specific actions. They could be statutory norms
which are to be followed while taking certain actions or performing certain
duties by public authorities. In order to ensure compliance with this clause,
public authorities would need to develop norms for major functions that are
being performed, if they do not already exist.
5.6 in this context, the Task Force noted that Citizen Chai‘ters, which are
mandatory, to be prepared for each central Ministry/Department/authority,
are good examples of vehicles created for laying down norms of performance
for major functions and for monitoring achievements against those standards.
Keeping these in view, the Task Force recommends that:
(a) Wherever norms have been specified for the discharge of its functions
by any statute or government orders they should be proactively
disclosed, particularly linking them with the decision making processes
as detailed earlier.
(h)!=di roublish their- citizens Charters and

6roactiveiy disclose the foliovvii12:
Defining the services and goods that the particular pull%
authority/office provides directly (or indirectly through any
other agency/contractor).
o Detailing and describing the processes by which the public can

access and/or receive the goods and services that they are
entitled to, from the public authority/office along with the forms,
if any prescribed, for use by both the applicant and the service:
providing agency. Links to such forms (online), wherever
available, should be given.
o Describing the conditions, criteria and priorities under which a

person becomes eligible for the goods and services, and
consequently the categories of people who are entitled to receive
the goods and services.
o Defining the quantitative and tangible parameters, (weight, size,

frequency etc,) and timelines, that are applicable to the goods
and services that are accessible to the public.
o Defining the qualitative and quantitative outcomes that each

public authority/office plans to achieve through the goods and
services that it was obligated to provide.
o Laying down individual responsibility for providing the goods

and services (who is responsible for delivery/implementation
and who is responsible for supervision).
5.7 Public authorities should annually publish their performance against

the norms guaranteed under the Citizens Charter and should also undertake
periodic revision of Charters to include additional items or to reframe the
existing norms for improved service delivery.
Guidelines: Na SeCti i 4.(1)(b )(,:j
5.8 As per Section 4(1)(b)(xi) public authorities are required to proactively

disclose "the budget allocated to each of its agency indicating the particulars of
all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made".
(a) The Task Force recommends that keeping in view of the technical
nature of the government budgets it is essential that
Ministries/Departments prepare simplified versions of their budgets
which can be understood easily by general public and keep them also in
public domain. More detailed guidelines in this regard may need to be
prepared in consultation with Department of Expenditure and also
some civil society organizations which regularly publish simplified
vsions or government budget:; for general public. Presentation of
budget; and their periodic monitoring reports may also be presented in
a more user-friendly manner through graphs and tables, etc.
(ii) Outcome budget being prepared by Ministries/Departments of

Government of India should be prominently displayed and be used as a
basis to identify physical targets planned during the budgetary period
and the actual achievement vis-a-vis those targets. In this regard, Task
Force also recommends that the monthly programme implementation
calendar method of reporting being followed in Karnataka may serve as
a useful model.
(c) The budget released to various agencies and subsidiaries should be put
on the website on a monthly basis and budgets of subsidiary authorities
may be made accessible through links from the website of the
Ministry/Department. If a subsidiary does not have a website then the
biidgets and expenditure reports of such subsidiary authority may be
uploaded on the website of the principal public authority.
(d) Efforts should be made that raw data relating to approved budgets,
expenditure incurred, etc., is made available in easily downioadable,
machine readable manner using open standards such as XML,
(e) Wherever required by law or executive instruction, sector specific

allocations and achievements of every department or public authority
(where feasible) must be highlighted. For example, gender, children,
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and religious minorities must
receive special focus in all budgetary allocations and developmental
target setting. The sector-wise breakup of these targets and actual
outcomes must be given in simplified form to enable the vulnerable
segments of society to understand the budgets of public authorities
L;
5.9 As per Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) public authorities are required to

proactively disclose details of the kinds of information that they themselves
hold or iniorrnal:ion that is avaflable to them, which is reduced in an electronic
form. On the one band, this. clause serves an a means of proactively disclosing
the progress made in computerizing information under Section 4I (a) of the
P.TI Act ;ri a periodft manner. On the other, it provides people witti clarity
about the kinds of eletrorpc information that, aithough not held th:t
a LI th v n e t() them.
5.10 The Task Force recommends that keeping in view the varied levels
computerization of records and documents in public authorities, data about
records that have been digitized may be proactively disclosed on the respective
websites, excluding those records /files /information that is exempted under
Section 8. The data about digitized record may include the name of the record
and any categorization or indexing used; the subject matter and any other
information that is required to he compiled in relation to a file as prescribed by
Manual of Office Procedure (and to be prescribed by MOP for electronic
records that is under finalization by DARPG), the division/ section/ unit/ office
where the record is normally held; the person, with designation, responsible
for maintaining the record; and the life span of the record, as prescribed in the
relevant record retention schedule.
al
Chapt.ei 6
'41
Steps to be taken in matters relating to threat to RTI
activists
6.1 The Task Force discussed the issue relating to threat of RTI activists and
felt that this is a serious matter which would require more detailed discussions
especially with law enforcement agencies. However, Task Force members felt
that pending such detailed deliberations following may be taken up for
immediate action:
(a) Parliamentary Standing Committee, while discussing 'Whistle Blowers

Bill' has also given certain, guidance in regard to threat to RTI users.
These may he adequately addressed while redrafting the Bill.
(b] National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has a policy to take action
in matters relating to human rights defenders. The Task Force is of the
view that RTI activists are also covered under the definition of a human
rights defender and NHRC may be impressed upon to recognize them as
such. This recognition would go a long way in helping the police to take
complaints from the victims or an attack on a RTI activist as a result.
The NHRC should also be requested to take action on complaints of
attacks on RTI users and to seek report from the concerned police about
the progress of the investigation in relation to such attacks and to give
suitable directions to ensure the safety of the life and property of
activists under threat.
(c) The Task Force is of the view that if an RTI user or activist is being
threatened or attacked to prevent him from accessing information
under the Act, then it becomes a complaint case under Section 18 of the
RTI Act and Information Commissions may take cognizance of such
complaints and may conduct necessary enquiries, etc., as provided in
the Act. They should also ensure that information seeking of which
caused such attacks or threats is expeditiously publicized.
(d) State Information Commission of Gujarat has taken some proactive

steps whereby directions are issued to police authorities and district
collectors immediately (upon receiving complaints under section 18 of
RTI Act, along with details of the threats/attacks/pressures and copy of
intimation of the same to nearest police station) for providing necessary
protection to an RTI activist under threat and also for conducting
enquiries. in case an RTI applicant is attacked, the complaints filed by
applicants closest relation or civil society organization or mandal are
also taken into consideration for immediate actions. Other states may
also he encouraged to adopt similar practice.
(e) The Task Force also recommends that the forums of civil societies acciv✓e
in the field of Right to Information in various states may also be
•
activated to take up serious cases of threat and attacks on RTI activists
before state authorities and State Information Commissions. This would
bring in necessary pressure on the law enforcement agencies to take
prompt action in such matters.
6.2 Although Task Force has deliberated on the issues relating to threat to
RTI activists and has given recommendations in this regard, it is of the view
that this issue needs more detailed discussions, particularly with law enforcing
agencies, in order to work out more specific action plan for tackling this
problem.
1 LC1 /
Guidelines for consultation with public in relation to

the formulation of policies and implementation there
of
7.1 Section 4(1)(b)(vii) requires that public authorities should publish the
particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with or
representation by the members of the public in relation to the formulation of
its policy or implementation thereof. In addition, Section 4(c) requires that
public authorities should publish all relevant facts while formulating important
policies or announcing decisions which affect people.
72 The Task Force noted that so far public authorities have not complied
with this provision. The Task Force further noted that each public authority
cannot have a different policy on such important issue as policy for
consultations has to be laid down by the respective government, which should
then be adhered to by various Ministries/Departments/Attached Offices.
Therefore, a policy and a framework for consultation need to be formulated to
ensure Standardization and -institutionalization.
7.3 The Task Force recognizes that it may not be very easy to frame
exhaustive guidelines with actionable specificity for all public authorities
across all kinds and types of policy decisions. Task Force, however,
recommends that any policy consultation process must be based on three main
principles:
(a) Transparency: The Right to Information Act provides a statutory

mandate for transparency of all information held by the State subject to
limited and predefined exclusions. The policy consultative process must
operate within the framework of the RTI Act, while providing
institutionalized platforms for citizen participation.
(b) Inclusiveness: The ideal of democracy mandates processes of universal

inclusion either directly or through representation. The policy
consultative process must balance both inclusiveness and practicality
for meaningful citizen participation.
(c) Equity: Special efforts must be made to solicit and incorporate views of
those groups/persons directly affected by decisions.
7.4 The Task Force deliberated on the kind of policies which must be open
for public consultation and debate. in this context, it was emphasized that the
purpose of public consultation is not only to solicit views of the affected parties
but also to tap professional expertise in various fields which resides outside
government systems. In today's world, knowledge is developing very fast and
many a times non-government bodies may have more up-to-date knowledge
about various sectors which need to be tapped to ensure that policies are
better informed by the best practices across the world.
7.5 The Task Force deliberated on the kind of policies where consultation
should be mandated. It noted that under the general definition of policy many
minor decisions would also be included and it would not be wise to burden the
system with consultation on each and every such issue. After detailed
discussions it was recommended that:
(a) Public consultation should definitely be held wherever any Bill is

proposed to be introduced or rules/regulations are proposed to be
framed for an existing or proposed Bill. The Task Force noted that there
could be some Bills where such consultation cannot be mandated
because of statutory or historical reason such as introduction of Finance
Bill, etc., or on matters relating to national security, etc., which are
exempted under Section 8 of the RTI Act. Consultation would not be
necessary in such cases.
(b) Public consultation should also definitely be held when major policy
decisions which directly affect public at large are proposed to be taken
such as national policies on health, education, social welfare, natural
resources, etc.
(c) It is expected that consultations will normally be held through web-

based processes. However, Ministries may adopt other means such as
publication in newspapers, etc., toseek participation.
--
(d) It would be useful for Ministries/Departments to prepare databases of

organizations which have specific knowledge and interests in the fields
that Ministry/Department works in so that such knowledgeable
resource persons are definitely tapped during the consultation process.
Similarly, civil society organizations which are active in the respective
fields should also be included in the database for the purposes of
consultation.
(e) Ministries /Departments should prepare a consultation document which

should be posted on the website. These documents should:
• Explain who will use the responses and for what purpose?
• Explicitly state to who to respond to direct queries to, giving a
name, address, telephone number and email address,
as
Clearly state the deadline for responses, any alternative was of
contributing and the language(s) in which responses are
preferred.
• Make it clear that responses, including the names and addresses
of respondents, may be made public unless confidentiality is
specifically requested.
• State the date when and the web address where the summary of
responses will be published.
• Include relevant documents on the sublect along with the online
questionnaire or survey. Not only does this lead to a more
informed consultation exercise, but it also ensures that
stakeholders have a better understanding of the issues.
• Provide a well-written executive summary that covers the main
points so that consultees can decide whether the consultation is
relevant to them or not.
• Provide material on previous consultation(s) on the same topic,
if any.
• Avoid jargon and only use technical terms where absolutely
necessary. Explain complicated concepts as clearly as possible
and, where there are technical terms, provide a glossary.
• Ask focused questions, and be clear about the specific points on
which views are sought. Encourage respondents to provide
evidence, where appropriate, to support their responses. Make it
clear, if there are particular areas, where their input would be
especially valuable. Responses are likely to be more useful and
focused if the respondents know where to concentrate their
efforts.
(f) As regards timeframe for consultation, it may vary from consultation to

consultation depending on the complexity of the issue and nature of
consultation. However, it is expectedthat minimum time of consultation
should be at least six weeks which may extend up to twelve weeks.
(g) It is not necessary .that all comments/ suggestion is to be individually

responded to. The 'Task Force recommends that once responses are
received on the consultation document, they should be analyzed and a
short summary emphasizing the main points should be posted on the
website at the end of the process. It may be highlighted that what is
important is not only the number of respondents who express a
particular view but the quality of the response and evidence in support
of that response. Ministries/Departments may solicit more detailed
views from individuals/organizations who have offered mom'
substantive and useful comments to further seek clarifications, if any
!iequi red.
(h) The results of consultation should he presented to the competen[
authority while submitting the proposal for approval after makings
changes or amendments, if any, based on consultations.
7.6 The Task Force took note of the fact that sub-group on transparency and
accountability of NAC is also indicated in drafting recommendations regarding
consultations during the pre-legislative process. As such, the guidelines which
may be issued based on the Task Force recommendations, may be suitably
amended whenever recommendations of the NAC are available and accepted
by the government.
Chapter 8
Compliance with provisions of suo motu (Proactive

Disclosure) under the RTI Act.
8.1 The Task Force agreed that although there has been improvement in
proactive disclosures since the promulgation of RTI Act, much more needs to
be done - both in quality and quantity of disclosures. One important issue is
ensuring compliance with the provisions of suo motu disclosure as provided in
the Act. This issue has been discussed several times both within government
and at the level of Information Commissions but an acceptable mechanism for
ensuring compliance is yet to emerge.
8.2 The Task Force is of the view that both the public authorities and
information Commissions should share the responsibility to monitor and
enforce compliance with sun motu disclosure provisions. At the level of public
authority responsibility should be given at senior levels for ensuring that
information is proactively disclosed and regularly updated as per the
provisions of the Act. Information Commissions would need to develop
mechanisms to monitor whether action is being taken as per the provisions of
the Act and, if weaknesses are found, they are already authorized to issue
directions to public authorities under Section 25(5) of the Act. Keeping the
above in view, the Task Force makes following recommendations for
improving compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act regarding proactive
disclosures.
Proactive Disclosure Scheme

8.2.1 Each Ministry/Department of government should prepare a proactive
disclosure scheme for their Ministry/Department which should also include
the proactive disclosures to be made by attached and subordinate 'offices of
that Ministry/Deoartment. This is necessitated as many of the clauses of
Section 4(1)(h) would need to be specifically detailed for a specific
Ministry/Department and their offices. For example, under Section 4(1)(h)(iii)
the procedure followed in the decision making process needs to be detailed.
Elsewhere in this Report recommendations have beer. made as to which
decisions should he covered for proactive disclosures. This would be different
for different Ministry and should be carefully detailed in the scheme specific to
that Ministry. Similarly, how the budgets of the Ministry/Department are to be
put up in the user-friendly manner as recommended elsewhere in this report
would be different for different Ministries/ Departments. The norms set by
public authority for discharge of its functions would also be specifically
detailed for each public authority/Ministry/Department. It is in this context
that need for a Ministry/Department specific proactive disclosure scheme
•
which conforms to the provisions of P,TI Act, is felt and it is in this context that
this recommendation is being made.
Task Force is aware that this recommendation would need to be fleshed

out in more detail and may be once recommendation is accepted, DOPT would
need to prepare a sample scheme which may then be circulated to all the
Ministries/Departments to emulate.
It is recommended that this scheme would be prepared by all

Ministries/Departments first time and filed to the Central Information
Commission by 31St March 2012. Subsequently; while preparing the annual
compliance report Ministry/Department would be expected to review the
scheme itself on an annual basis and make appropriate changes. That may
become necessary with time. This proactive disclosure scheme would become
the bench mark for evaluating compliance with the requirements of the Act. It
is also expected that Information Commissions would be authorized to review
the scheme and to comment on .its completeness, In case there are gaps it
would send appropriate recommendations to Ministry/Department for
revisions which would need to be complied with as per the provisions of the
Act.
Nodal Officer
8.2.2 Each Central Ministry/Department would appoint a senior officer not
below the rank of a joint Secretary and not below rank of Additional HOD in
case of attached offices for ensuring compliance with the proactive disclosure
scheme. Officers of similar seniority should be appointed in State Government.
Nodal Officer would work under the supervision of the Secretary of the
Ministry/Department or the HOD of the attached office as the case may be.
Nodal Officers of Ministry/Department and HOD separately would also ensure
that the formations below the Ministry/Department/Attached Office also
disclose the information as per the proactive disclosure scheme. The Task
Force recommends that once the above recommendation is accepted capacity
building programmes for the nodal officers be organized by DOPT to sensitize
them with the provision of the Act and also to facilitate their working.
Annual Report to CIC

8.2.3 All Ministries/Departments/Attached Offices would submit an annual
report to CIC within three months of the close of the year detailing compliance
made with the approved proactive disclosure scheme and_also list out any
changes in the scheme which are deemed to be appropriate.
• 8.2.4 Government has recently issued directions to all
Ministries/Departments to include a chapter on RTI Act in their Annual
Reports submitted to the Parliament. Details about compliance with proactive
disclosure scheme should mandatOrily be included in the relevant chapter in
Annual Report of Ministry/Department.
indusion P.FDs
8.2.5 Task Force noted that DOPT have requested Performance Management
„ „...
Division to include compliance with suom
— otu disclosures
•-------• provisions of RTI Act
as one of the mandatory actions in the Results Framework Documents (RFD)
for the Department. The Task .Force endorses this suggestion of the
Department and requests government that this may be enforced at the earliest.
• Audits by imformation Commissions

8.2.6 At a later date, Information Commissions may strengthen their
infrastructure and undertakes sample audits of compliance with proactive
disclosure scheme results of which should be included in the Annual Report of
Information Commissions subititted to the respective legislative body.
* * *
Government of India
North Block.
We had circulated a note to the COS for considering the recommendations of the Task
Force on suo-motu disclosures to be made under the Right to Information Act. The proposal was
considered by the COS in its meeting held on 16th November, 2011 and it was decided that
comments of all Ministries may be obtained. The note was accordingly circulated to all the
Ministries for their comments. However, only three Ministries have responded. A revised note
incorporating the comments of three Ministries has been submitted to Cabinet Secretariat on
15.12.2011. It is requested that meeting of COS to consider the above proposal may be cheduled
at an early date.
(Raj e apoor)
Joint Se etary (AT&A)
Cabinet Secretariat (Shri Govind Mohan, Joint Secretary) G1

DoPT ID No.1/6/2011-IR, dated December 26, 2011.
F.No.-08/Su. Aa. 10-12/2011 G.A.D S 5; /
Government of Bihar
General Administration Department
4
From,
Navin Chandra Jha,
Jt. Secy. to the Govt. of Bihar.
To,
Mrs. SaZita Nair,

Under Secretary to the Govt. of India,
Ministry of Personnel,
Public Grievances & Pensions,
Deptt. of Personnel & Training,
North Block, New Delhi-110001.
Patna, Dated- --G• 1 ' 11—
Sub.- Meeting of me Task Force constituted for effective implementation

of Section-4 of the RT1 Act. 2005-regarding.
Sir,
With reference to your letter no.-1/6/2011-IR dated-12.08.2011,

I am directed to say that the report of the Task Force on the subject noted above has
not been received to this department as yet
I, Therefore, request you to provide a copy of the report /

recommendation of the sk Force so that further necessary action may be taken to
implement the same.
With regards,
Yours fai th idly,
(Navin Chandra Jha)

Jt. Secy. to the Govt. of Bihar
(/6
•
I No.Z.15012/01/2012-NCD
By Speed Post
Government of India
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
(Department of Family Welfare)
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi — 110011.

3rd January, 2012.
To
Underr Secretary (IR),

Deptt of Personnel & Training,
M/o Personnel, PG & Pension,
North Block
New Delhi - 1.
Subject:- Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task Force
constituted for effective implementation thereof. — reg.
Madam,
I am directed to refer to your OM No.1/6/2011-IR, dated 24.11.2011 received

through RTI Cell of the M/o Health & FW on 19.12.2011 on the subject noted above and to
say that this section has nothing to comment on the "Report of the Task Force on Suo Motu
Disclosures under the RTI Act".
Yours faithfully,
(K.K. Jhell)
Under Secretary (NCD) & CPIO
Ph.No.011-2306 1229
Copy to:
Coordination-II Section, M/o H&FW w.r.t. their OM No.A.60011/6/2010-RTI Cell,

dated 13.12.2011.
No. 4-2/2010-RC(pt.)
Government of India
Ministry of knvironment & Forests
('ell)
Paryavaran 13hawan. CGO Complex.
Lodhi Road. New Delhi-3
Dated the 5th January. 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005-Report of the Task Force

Constituted for effective implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DoP. I . O.M. number 1/6/2011-1R dated
24.11.2011 on the subject mentioned above and to say that this Ministry has no comments of
the said Report except to say that DoPt. the nodal Ministry for implementation of R I I Act
may prepare suitable common format/templates for proactive disclosure based on its
recommendations.
This issues with the approval of (AK).
(J.P. Meena)
Ph.: 011-24369133
Department of Personnel & Training.

(Kind Attention: Ms. Sarita Nair.
tinder Secretary to the Govt. of India)
North Block. New Delhi
67
RTI MATTER
IMMEDIATE
No. 16/5/2011-RTI
Ministry of Finance
RTI Cell
New Delhi, the 10th January, 2012
Reference OM of DOP&T No. 1/6/2011-IR, dated 27.9.2011 followed by

reminders dated 30.9.2011, 10.10.2011 and 19.10.2011 on the subject mentioned above.
In this connection, it may be informed that we have no comments to offer, in

particular. However, instructions issued by DOPT from time to time are being
followed and any instructions/circulars issued by respective Branches are posted on the
website of this Department suo-moto. As far as procurement related information is
concerned a Central Public Procurement Portal has already been set up for all Ministries
to post their tender and award related details.
( Jagdish Chander )
Dy. Secretary to the Government of India
Ms. Sarita Nair,

Under Secretary (IR),
Department of Personnel and Training, ,.
North Block, New Delhi. .--ec`--itc-lei est "'fir;
., .......
.
1111 IMMEDIATE
F.No.501/2/13/2011-CA.V
Cabinet Secretariat
Rashtrapati Bhawan
"C
New Delhi, the VJanuary, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Sub: Implementation of Recommendation of Task Force for Strengthening

Compliance with Provision for Suo-Motu / Proactive Disclosures under
section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005.
•••
D/o Personnel & Training may please refer to their I.D. note no. 1/6/2011-IR dated
26th December, 2011, on the subject matter.
2. Since the issue impacts all Ministries/ Departments of Government of India, the
CoS meeting may be convened only after comments of most of the concerned
Ministries/ Departments have been received and incorporated in the body of the note.
DoPT is accordingly requested to pursue and expedite the comments of Ministries/
Departments, and thereafter approach this Secretariat for convening the aforesaid
meeting only after adequate number of responses have been received.
( . Ana d)
Dir ctor
Tel: 23016576
To
Shri P.K. Misra, Secretary, D/o Personnel & Training.
/1‘,4 (Ire'
SD
.
f
F.No.1/6/2011-
Government of India

Dated the 24th January,2012.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act,2005 — Report of the

The undersigned is directed to say that with a view to make more effective
implementation of RTI Act, 2005 by encouraging large amount of information to be kept in
public domain on a suo motu basis and also to reduce or lessen the need for filing
individual RTI applications for seeking information under RTI Act, Government has
constituted a Task Force in May, 2011 which also include representatives of Civil Society
Organisations active in the field of RTI.
2. At the instance of Cabinet Secretariat, the Report of the Task Force has been
circulated to all Ministries/Departments seeking comments on the recommendations of
Task Force vide this Department's O.M.of even number dated the 24 th November,2011.
The comments of your Ministry/Department have not been received till date.
3. As the Report of the Task Force is to be considered by the Committee of

Secretaries, it is requested that the comments/suggestions of your Ministry/Department
may kindly be furnished latest by 10th February, 2012.
4. In case the comments are not received by the above date, it will be assumed that
your Ministry/Department has no comments to offer.
(Anuradha S.Chagti)
Director
To
Ministry of
Department of
New Delhi
1417..4, 2_0()
• F.No.l/6/2011- IQ
Government of India

Dated the 24thJanuary,2012.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM

The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M.of even number

dated the 13th September,2011 and subsequent reminders dated the 30th September2011 and
10th October,2011 on the above subject to say that the comments of your
Ministry/Department have not been received till date.

your Ministry/Department has no comments to offer.
-
(Anuradha S.Chagti)
Director
To
(1) Ministry of Panchayati RaJ(Shri L.Haokip, Under Secretary),Krishi Bhavan,
New Delhi
(2) Ministry of Rural Development (Shri S.P.Arya, Under Secretary),Krishi
Bhavan, New Delhi.
(3) Department of Food and Public Distribution(Shri S.P.Saini, Deputy
Secretary),Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi.
(4) Department of School Education & Literacy(Shri Sanjay Gupta,Under
Secretary),Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi.
I (-
F.No.1/6/2011- k
Government of rndia:

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Task Force vide this Department's O.M.of even number dated the 24th November,2011.

your Ministry/Departmei s no comments to offer.
(Anuradha S.Chagti)
Director
To
Ministry of
Department of
New Delhi
V List of Ministries/Departments
SI. Ministry/Department Address

no.
1. Dept. of Youth Affairs Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
2. Dept. of Sports Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
3. M/o Women & Child Development Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
4. M/o Water Resources Shram Shakti Bhavan, New
Delhi-1
5. M/o Urban Development Nirman Bhavan, New
Delhi-1 1
6. M/o Tribal Affairs Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
7. M/o Tourism Transport Bhavan, New
Delhi-1
8. M/o Textile Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi-11
9. M/o Steel Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi-11
10. M/o Statistics & Prog. Implementation Sardar Patel Bhavan, New
Delhi-1
11. M/o Social Justice & Empowerment Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
12. Dept. of Science & Technology Technology Bhavan, New
Delhi-16
13. M/o Shipping Transport Bhavan, New
Delhi-3
14. Dept. of Land Resources Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi-3
15. M/o Road Transport & Highways Transport Bhavan, New
Delhi-1
16. M/o Power Shram Shakti Bhavan, New
Delhi-1
17. M/o Planning Commission Yojna Bhavan, New Delhi-3
18. M/o Petroleum & Natural Gas Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
19. Dept. of Pension & Pensioners welfare Lok Nayak Bhavan, New
Delhi-3
20. M/o Parliament Affairs Parliament House, New Delhi
21. M/o Overseas Indian Affairs Akbar Bhavan, New Delhi
22. M/o New & Renewable Energy CGO Complex, New Delhi-3
23. M/o Micro, Small & Medium Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi-3
Enterprises
24. M/o Minority Affairs Paryavaran Bhavan,CGO
Complex,New Delhi-3
25. M/o Mines Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
26. Dept. of Justice Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
27. Dept. of Legislative Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
28. Dept. of Legal Affairs Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
29. M/o Labour & Employment Shram Shakti Bhavan, New
Delhi-1
30. M/o Information & Broadcasting Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
31. M/o Housing & Urban Poverty Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi-1
Alleviation
32. Dept. of Higher Education Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
33. Dept. of Official Language Lok Nayak Bhavan, New
Delhi-3
34. M/o Home Affairs, Home Secretary North Block, New Delhi-1
35. Dept. of Public Enterprises Block no. 14, CGO Complex,
New Delhi-3
(/ 7; 1
36. Dept. of AIDS Control Chandralok Building, New Delhi-1
37. Dept. of AYUSH Red Cross Building, New Delhi-1
38. Dept. of Health & Family Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi
Welfare
39. M/o Food Processing Industries Panchasheel Bhavan, New Delhi-49
40. Dept. of Disinvestment CGO Complex, New Delhi-3
41. Dept. of Revenue North Block, New Delhi-1
42. Dept. of Economic Affairs North Block, New Delhi-1
43. Dept. of Financial Services Jeevan Deep Building, New Delhi-1
44. M/o External Affairs South Block, New Delhi
45. M/o Drinking Water & 12th Floor, Paryavaran Bhavan, CGO
Sanitation Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi-3
46. M/o Dev. Of North Eastern Vigyan Bhavan Annexe, New Delhi-1
Region
47. Dept. of Ex- Servicemen South Block, New Delhi
Welfare
48. Dept. of Defence Research and South Block, New Delhi
Development
49. Dept. of Defence Production South Block, New Delhi
50. Dept. of Defence South Block, New Delhi
51. M/o Culture Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
52. Dept. of Posts Dak Tar Bhavan, New Delhi-1
53. M/o Corporate Affairs Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
54. Dept. of Consumer Affairs Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi
55. Dept. of Telecommunications Sanchar Bhavan, New Delhi-1
56. Dept. of Agriculture and Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi
Cooperation
57. Dept. of Agriculture Research Krishi Bhavan, New Delhi
and Education
58. Dept. of Chemicals and Petro Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
Chemicals
59. Dept. of Fertilizers Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
60. Dept. of Pharmaceuticals Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
61. M/o Civil Aviation Rajiv Gandhi Bhavan, New Delhi-3
62. M/o Coal Shastri Bhavan, New Delhi-1
63. Dept. of Industrial Policy and Udyog Bhavan, New Delhi
Promotion
(7 c.
Copy No.
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F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
(Department of Personnel & Training)
New Delhi,
Dated 03rd November , 2011
NOTE FOR THE COMMITTEE OF SECRETARIES
Subject: Implementation of Recommendations of Task Force for

Strengthening Compliance with Provisions for Suo
Motu/Proactive Disclosures under Section 4 of the RTI
Act, 2005.
* * *
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The proposal is to seek approval of Committee of Secretaries (COS)
on the recommendations of a Task Force set up by this Department, for
strengthening compliance with provisions for suo motu (or proactive)
disclosures as given in Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005.
2.0 Background
2.1 Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act lays down the information which should
be disclosed by Public Authorities on a suo motu or proactive basis. Section
4(2) and Section 4(3) prescribe the method of dissemination of this
information. The purpose of suo motu disclosures under Section 4 is to place
large amount of information in public domain on a proactive basis to make
functioning of the Public Authorities more transparent and also to reduce the
need for filing individual RTI applications. A copy of the Act is enclosed as
Annexure-I.
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2.2 Since the promulgation of the Act, large amount of information relating
to functioning of public bodies is being put in public domain primarily through
web based disclosures. However, it is noted that the quality and quantity of
disclosures is still not up to the mark and in relation to certain clauses of
Section 4(1)(b) and 4(1)(c), sufficient disclosures are not being made due to
lack of clear guidelines. Also, there is little monitoring of compliance with the
provisions of Section 4 which has been highlighted by Chief Information
Commissioner also in his various judgments.
2.3 This issue has engaged the attention of the government. It is felt that
the weak implementation of Section 4 of the Act is partly due to the fact that
certain provisions of this Section have not been fully detailed and, that there
is need to set up a compliance mechanism to ensure that requirements of
Section 4 are fully met.
2.4 In order to address the above, this Department constituted a Task
Force in May 2011, which included representatives of civil society
organizations active in the field of Right to Information as well. A copy of the
Order setting up the Task Force and its Terms of Reference is enclosed at
Annexure-II.
3.0 Recommendations of the Task Force
3.1 The Task Force submitted its Report on 30.08.2011. It has addressed
various items of Terms of Reference and given detailed recommendations. A
copy of the Report of the Task Force is at Annexure-Ill.
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3.2 The recommendations of the Task Force have been processed in the
Department. Although it is felt that by and large the recommendations of the
Task Force are sound and feasible to implement, there are some
recommendations which may not be implemented immediately. A detailed
analysis of the recommendations has been made and recommendations that
can be taken up for immediate implementation have been detailed in
Annexure-IV. Recommendations that are proposed to be processed at a
later date are detailed in Annexure- V. The key recommendations in both
the categories are discussed in subsequent paragraphs.
4.0 Recommendations that maybe taken up for implementation
immediately
4.1 Chapter 2 — Prescribing additional items for suo motu disclosure
under Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) (para 2.1.1 to 2.1.8)
4.1.1 Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) lays down that government may prescribe any
additional item which should also be included for suo motu disclosure. So
far, no additional items have been prescribed by central government. The
Task Force has recommended that the following should also be included for
disclosure under the suo motu disclosures scheme of Section 4(1)(b) by
framing of suitable rules in this regard.
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(a) All information relating to procurement made by public authorities,
different limits may be fixed for different levels of public authorities
for which this disclosure is to be made.
(b) All information relating to public-private partnerships entered into
by public authorities.
(c) Transfer policy for different grades/cadres of employees serving in
public authority should be proactively disclosed.
(d) Details of posts which have been classified as sensitive posts as
per directions of the Central Vigilance Commission and all of the
officers/officials occupying these posts should be disclosed.
(e) All RTI queries and appeals received by the public authorities and
responses thereto should be disclosed on the website.
(f) Details of CAG paras framed in regard to the Ministry/ Department
and the response of the Ministry/Department.
(g) Citizens Charters prepared by the Ministry/Department/public
authority and six monthly report on the performance against the
benchmarks set in Citizens Charter should be disclosed.
(h) All discretionary/non-discretionary grants/allocations to state
governments/NGOs/Grants-in-aid Institutions should be placed on
the website of the Ministry/Department concerned.
4.1.2 A new set of rules will need to be framed for implementation of these
recommendations. As far as limits beyond which procurement related
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Copy No.

information is disclosed at different levels of public authorities, this will be
fixed in consultation with the Department of Expenditure.
4.2 Chapter 3 — Guidelines for facilitating disclosure at different
levels of government — suggested templates for key areas (para 3.2)
4.2.1 The scheme of Section 4 applies uniformly to all public authorities
even though they may be constituted at different levels. It is felt that at
different levels of administration different level of detailing is required and if
that could be facilitated by development of suitable templates it would not
only improve the quality of disclosures but would also facilitate more
transparency in governance.
4.2.2 The Task Force identified four areas for development of templates:
(a) Public Distribution System;

(b) Panchayats;
(c) MGNREGA; and
4.2.3 The templates for information disclosure at various levels of service
delivery in relation to the above four areas are given in the Report.
4.2.4 Templates have been separately circulated to relevant Ministries/
Departments of Central Government for their comments. These may be
accepted subject to comments of relevant Ministries/Departments. It would
be helpful if adoption of these templates by relevant authorities in State
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Governments is also mandated by the concerned Central Ministry or
Department with suitable modifications/changes, if any, required.
4.3 The Task Force has also given some general recommendations about
disclosure at various levels (para 3.2.1 to 3.2.3):
(i) Task Force has recommended that while internet may be the
good medium for dissemination of information, disclosures
should also be done locally in a form and manner that is easily
accessible to the public.
(ii) Public authorities should use documents which are given to
beneficiaries in relation to these schemes for disclosing salient
features of the schemes.
(iii) At the Panchayat level, RTI Proactive Disclosure Files may be
maintained for perusal by information seekers.
4.3.1 These Principles are sound and they may be circulated to all
concerned for adoption.
4.4 Chapter 4 — Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive
disclosures under Section 4 [Chapter-4, para 4.2]
4.4.1 Task Force has given generic recommendations about guidelines that
may be issued to ensure that websites' disclosures are user-friendly and
accessible to general public. Most of these guidelines are based on general
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instructions issued by Department of Information Technology and may easily
be adopted.
4.5 Chapter 5 — Guidelines for certain clauses of Section 4(1)(b) to
4.5.1 The Task Force has fleshed out detailed guidelines for four clauses of
Section 4(1)(b).
(a) As regards clause 4(1)(b)(iii) which mandates proactive
disclosures regarding 'the procedure followed in the decision
making process, including channels of supervision and
accountability', Task Force recommends that public authorities
should identify the major outputs/tangible results/services/goods
that it is responsible for providing to the public and decision
making process at various stages should be detailed. Gradually,
this exercise may be undertaken to cover all statutory and
discretionary functions that are performed by the public authorities.
(para 5.3 to 5.5)
(b) As regards clause 4(1)(b)(iv) which mandates that 'the norms set
by it for the discharge of its functions'. Primarily, the intention of
this clause is that every public authority should proactively disclose
the standards by which its performance should be judged, The
Task Force has recommended that Citizen Charters may be
prepared for each central Ministry/Department/Authority and norms
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for disclosure of items of work under Citizen Charters should be
proactively disclosed. At the same time, the conditions, criteria and
priorities under which a person becomes eligible for goods and
services should also to be disclosed. The Task Force has further
recommended that public authority should annually publish their
performance against the norms guaranteed under the Citizens
Charter and should also periodically revise the charters to include
additional items or to reframe the existing norms for improved
service delivery. (para 5.5 to 5.7)
(c) As regards clause 4(1)(b)(xi) which mandates that 'the budget
allocated to each of its agency indicating the particulars of all
plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements
made', the Task Force has recommended that
Ministries/Departments should prepare simplified versions of their
budgets which can be understood easily by general public.
Detailed guidelines may be prepared in consultation with
Department of Expenditure and some civil society organizations
which publish simplified versions of government budgets. In
addition to this, the budget released to various agencies and
subsidiaries should be put on the website on a monthly basis. The
Task Force has further recommended that raw data relating to
approved budgets, expenditure incurred, etc., is made available in
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easily downloadable, machine readable manner using open
standards such as XML. (Para 5.3 to 5.5)
4.5.2 Detailed guidelines will be issued by DoPT on (a) and (b) above and
as regards (c) consultations with the Department of expenditure would be
required to prepare simplified versions of budgets which can be easily
understood by the general public. The work done by some civil organizations
in this area will also be kept in view during finalization of guidelines.
4.6 Chapter 6 — Steps to be taken in matters relating to threat to RTI
activists
4.6.1 The Task Force discussed this issue and felt that this would require
more detailed discussions especially with law enforcement agencies.
However, Task Force has recommended that pending such consultation,
National Human Rights Commission's powers to interfere in cases of human
rights violation may be invoked by including RTI activists under the definition
of human rights defender. The Task Force also recommended that proactive
steps taken by State Information Commission of Gujarat in such matters may
be circulated to other states for adoption. (para 6.1 to 6.2)
4.6.2 The recommendations of the Task Force are very generic in nature.
Central Government may issue advisories to State Governments in this
regard. However, as noted by the Task Force more detailed deliberations are
required with law enforcing agencies to work out better arrangements.
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4.7 Chapter 7 — Guidelines for consultation with public in relation to

the formulation of policies and implementation there of
4.7.1 Section 4(1)(b)(vii) requires that public authorities should publish the
particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with or
representation by the members of the public in relation to the formulation of
its policy or implementation thereof. In addition, Section 4(c) requires that
public authorities should publish all relevant facts while formulating important
policies or announcing decisions which affect people.
4.7.2 The Task Force noted that so far public authorities have not complied
with this provision. The Task Force further noted that each public authority
cannot have a different policy on such important issue as policy for
consultations has to be laid down by the respective government, which
should then be adhered to by various Ministries/Departments/Attached
Offices. Therefore, a policy and a framework for consultation need to be
formulated to ensure standardization and institutionalization.
4.7.3 Considering the above, Task Force has recommended that
government should lay down a policy for public consultations in case of
legislations, rules, regulations, etc., and whenever a major national policy is
being framed. Procedure for such consultation has also been detailed in
relevant chapter. (para 7.4 to 7.6)
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4.7.4 A detailed policy in this regard would be framed based upon the
recommendations.
4.8 Chapter 8 — Compliance with provisions of suo motu (proactive
disclosure) under the RTI Act
4.8.1 The Task Force is of the view that both the public authorities and
Information Commissions should share the responsibility to monitor and
enforce compliance with suo motu disclosure provisions. At the level of
public authority, responsibility should be given at senior levels for ensuring
that information is proactively disclosed and regularly updated as per the
provisions of the Act. Information Commissions would need to develop
mechanisms to monitor whether action is being taken as per the provisions
of the Act and, if weaknesses are found, they are already authorized to issue
directions to public authorities under Section 25(5) of the Act. Keeping the
above in view, the Task Force has made the following recommendations for
improving compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act regarding proactive
disclosures. (para 8.2.1 to 8.2.6)
(a) Proactive disclosures scheme should be prepared by each
Department/Ministry on an annual basis and should be submitted
to Central Information Commission;
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(b) Compliance with this scheme should be reported in the annual
reports of the Ministry/Department to be placed before the
Parliament;
(c) Each Central Ministry/Department should appoint a senior officer
not below the rank of a Joint Secretary and not below rank of
Additional HOD in case of attached offices for ensuring
compliance with the provisions relating to proactive disclosures;
(d) Task Force has endorsed the suggestion made by DOPT to the
Performance Management Division to include provision of RTI Act
as one of the mandatory actions in the Results Framework
Document for the Department.
(e) Task Force has recommended that at a later date Information
Commissioners may strengthen their infrastructure and undertake
sample audits of compliance of proactive disclosure scheme of
Ministries/Departments.
5.0 Recommendations that may be processed later
Details of the recommendations which are proposed to be processed
at a later date are at Annexure-V. The recommendations of the Task Force
which are proposed to be processed at a later date are:
5.1 Task Force has recommended use of SMS, Call
Centers/IVR/Information helpline for wide dissemination of information. It has
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also recommended that information centers should be set up at block level
and that all schools and local bodies which have maximum interface with
citizens should make available records for inspection by community, may be,
on a fixed day. (Chapter 3, para 3.2.4 to 3.2.7)
5.2 The Task Force while recommending guidelines under Section 4 has,
made the suggestions with regard to digital publication. (Chapter 4, para
4.2).
5.3 Clause 4(1)(b)(xiv) of the Act mandates that 'details in respect of
information, available to or held by it, reduced in an electronic form'. The
Task Force has recommended that keeping in view the varied levels of
computerization of records and documents in public authorities, data about
records that have been digitized may be proactively disclosed on the
respective websites, excluding those records/files/information that is
exempted under Section 8. (Chapter 5, para 5.9 and 5.10)
5.4.1 This recommendation needs more scrutiny. Compilation of information
which has not been digitized would require substantial efforts and it needs to
be examined whether benefits would outweigh the costs.
6.0 Modalities for Implementation
6.1 Most of the recommendations, once approved by the Competent
Authority, can be implemented by public authorities of Central Government
on the basis of guidelines to be issued by this Department. However, in
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regard to additional items that are proposed to be included for suo motu
under Clause 4(1)(b)(xvii) rules will need to be framed with the approval of
the Competent Authority.
6.2 It is noted that many of these recommendations have particular
relevance for State Governments. Under the current scheme of things each
state has the authority to implement Right to Information Act and there is no
provision under which binding orders or directions may be issued to State
Governments. It is proposed that once recommendations are finally
approved by the Competent Authority they would be circulated as advisory to
State Governments for adoption in their respective States. Relevant
Ministries/Departments of Central Government would also be requested to
use their good offices in implementation of recommendations which
specifically pertain to their Ministries/Departments.
7.0 Approval Sought
7.1 Committee of Secretaries is requested to consider the above proposal
and approve the acceptance of recommendations as detailed in
Annexure-IV of this note and also to agree that recommendations contained
in Annexure-V may be processed at a later date. Department would seek
approval of the Competent Authority before guidelines are issued or rules
are framed.
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8.0 Secretary (P) has seen and approved the note for consideration of the
COS.
(Rajeev Kapoor)
Joint Secretary to Government of India
Phone: 23093668
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ANNEXURE-IV
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE

WHICH ARE PROPOSED TO BE ACCEPTED
The Task Force has given recommendations covering each item of

Terms of Reference. Recommendations which are proposed to be accepted
along with our clarifications/remarks are contained in the following table
chapter-wise. Summary of the recommendations have been highlighted.
Details of recommendations are contained in the relevant chapter referred to
in the table.
Recommendations of Task Force Remarks
Chapter 2 — Prescribing additional items for suo motu disclosure under

Section 4(1)(b)(xvii)
Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) lays down that (1) A new set of rules will
government may prescribe any additional item need to be framed for
which should also be included for suo motu implementation of these
disclosure. So far, no additional items have been recommendations.
prescribed by Central Government. The Task
Force has recommended that the following items (2) Limits beyond which
should also be included for disclosure under the procurement related
suo motu disclosures scheme of Section 4(1)(b): information is disclosed
at different levels of
(a) All information relating to procurement public authorities will
made by public authorities. Different need to be fixed in
limits may be fixed for different levels of consultation with
public authorities for which this Department of
disclosure is to be made. Expenditure.
(b) All information relating to Public-Private

Partnerships entered into by public
authorities.
(c) Transfer policy for different

grades/cadres of employees serving in
public authority. All transfer orders
should be publicized through website or
in any other manner listed in Section
4(4) of the Act.
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. Recommendations of Task Force Remarks
(d) Details of posts which have been

classified as sensitive posts as per
directions of the Central Vigilance
Commission and names of the
officers/officials occupying these posts.
(e) All RTI queries and appeals received by

the public authorities and responses
thereto.
(f) Details of CAG paras framed in regard

to the Ministry/Department and the
response of the Ministry/Department.
(g) Citizens Charters prepared by the

Ministry/Department/public authority and
six monthly reports on the performance
against the benchmarks set in Citizens
Charter.
(h) All discretionary/non-discretionary

grants/allocations to state
governments/NG0s/Grants-in-aid
Institutions.
[Chapter-2, para 2.1.1 to 2.1.8]
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Chapter 3 — Guidelines for facilitating disclosure at different levels of

government — suggested templates for key areas
1. The scheme of Section 4 applies uniformly Templates have been

to all public authorities at different levels although
separately circulated to
at different levels of administration different level
relevant Ministries/
of detailing may be required. This could be Departments of Central
facilitated by development of suitable templates Government for their
which would not only improve the quality of comments. These may be
disclosures but would also facilitate more accepted subject to
transparency in governance. For example, in the comments of relevant
case of Public Distribution System (PDS) Ministries/Departments. It
disclosures at the level of Fair Price Shops (FPS) would be helpful if adoption
should go down to the level of ration card holder, of these templates by
while at the level of district/state, agencies dealing
relevant authorities in State
with the disclosures would need to be more broad- Governments is also
based. mandated by the concerned
Central Ministry or
2. The Task Force has identified four areas for Department with suitable
development of templates:
modifications/changes, if
(a) Public Distribution System; any, required.
(b) Panchayats;
(c) MGNREGA; and
3. The templates for information disclosure at

various levels of service delivery in relation to the
above four areas are given in a separate section
of the Report.
[Chapter-3, para 3.2]
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4. The Task Force has also given some Principles are sound and
general recommendations about disclosure at they may be circulated to all
various levels: concerned for adoption.
(i) While internet may be the good
medium for dissemination of
information, disclosures should also
be done locally in a form and
manner that is easily accessible to
the public. For example, through wall
paintings and boards, etc.
(ii) Public authorities should use

documents which are given to
beneficiaries in relation to these
schemes for disclosing salient
features of the schemes.
(iii) At the Panchayat level, RTI

Proactive Disclosure Files may be
maintained for perusal by
information seekers.
5. The Task Force has also listed out few These practices may be
innovative practices adopted by some State circulated to all State
Governments in regard to disposal of information Governments for their
particularly at field level. Task Force
information.
recommended that these may be circulated to
State Governments for adoption.
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Chapter 4 — Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive disclosures

under Section 4
1. Task Force has recommended that while Most of the

adhering to the standard guidelines for preparation recommendations made by
of departmental websites as laid down by the Task Force are useful.
Department of Information Technology and/or However, if only those
Department of Administrative Reforms & Public recommendations have
Grievances, the following principles may also be been included in this
kept in view to ensure that disclosures through Annexure, which can be
website are complete, easily accessible, taken up for implementation
technology and platform neutral and in a form immediately. In case of
which conveys the desired information in an other recommendations
effective and user-friendly manner. more infrastructure, both
machine and human
2. The principles/practices which may be resources, would be
taken up for implementation immediately are listed required and that is why
below: they are proposed to be
taken up for implementation
(a) The website should have a simple at a later date.
public interface and should not require
any registration/login to access it or to
access the MIS.
(b) The website should have universal

access i.e., it should be accessible to
all, irrespective of technology, platforms,
devices or disabilities of any kind.
(c) Efforts should be made to ensure that

all orders of the public authority are
issued only after such orders have been
uploaded on the website. Such a
system exists in Andhra Pradesh and
can be adopted in other governments
easily.
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(d) Websites should have good search

engine and documents uploaded should
have key words assigned to them so
that independent searches of the
database are possible.
(e) Website should contain all the relevant

acts, rules forms and other documents
which are normally accessed by
citizens.
(f) Websites should have detailed directory

of key contacts, details of officials of the
public authority.
(g) Websites should not use too many

technical words and, if used, they
should be properly explained.
(h) Website should be multi-lingual to

remain accessible to ordinary public.
(i) As departments reorganize their

systems and processes to enable
themselves for electronic service
delivery, it is recommended that during
process reengineering requirements of
bringing due transparency as provided
in the RTI Act are given due
consideration at the design stage itself.
(j) To maintain reliability of information and

its real time updation, information
generation in a digital work flow should
be 'locked' to key work outputs, like a
muster roll and salary slip (NREGA in
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Andhra Pradesh) or formalization of a
government order (Andhra Pradesh).
Such an approach will lead to
automation of proactive disclosure.
(k) All information and documents should

have appropriate meta-data which
ensures easy discovery of information. It
would also enable organization and
presentation of information along many
different parameters as required (for
instance, data could be arranged
village-wise).
(I) Information must be presented from a

user's perspective, which may require
re-arranging it, simplifying it etc.
However, original documents in original
formats should continue to be made
available because these are needed for
community monitoring of government's
functioning.
(m) Information should be uploaded using

only open standards like ODF, PDF/A,
JPG, OGG etc, so that it is neutral to the
technology platform of the user. Since,
the accessed information is the user's
right to access and she cannot be
forced to use certain technology
platforms rather than others. The
Department of Information Technology
has come up with a policy on 'Open
Standards in e-governance' which
should be meticulously followed. All
standard web accessibility guidelines,
especially relating to visual disabilities
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should be followed.
(n) Information and data should be

presented in open data formats whereby
it can be pulled by different Application
Protocol Interfaces to be used in
different fashions more appropriate to
specific contexts and needs.
Information/ data can, for instance, be
presented in powerful visuals ways
using visualization techniques. Such
visual representation of information/
data can give insights that may remain
largely hidden in a textual or tabular
presentation of data. In some contexts,
pictures and audio/videos recordings etc
may be more useful. There have been
moves in some part of the country to
video record gram sabha meetings. A
picture of a NREGA worksite, for
instance, may tell much more than
words can. All such different media and
forms should be used for proactive
disclosure.
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Chapter 5 — Guidelines for certain clauses of Section 4(1)(b) to make

disclosures more effective
1. The Task Force has fleshed out detailed

guidelines for four clauses of Section 4(1)(b).
(a) Clause 4(1)(b)(iii) of the RTI Act Detailed guidelines will be

mandates proactive disclosures issued by DOPT on the
regarding 'the procedure followed in the basis of the
decision making process, including recommendations of the
channels of supervision and Task Force.
accountability', Task Force recommends
that public authorities should identify the
major outputs/tangible
results/services/goods that it is
responsible for providing to the public
and decision making process at various
stages should be detailed. Gradually,
this exercise may be undertaken to
cover all statutory and discretionary
functions that are performed by the
public authorities.
[Chapter-5, para 5.3 to 5.5]
(b) Clause 4(1)(b)(iv) of the RTI Act Detailed guidelines will be

mandates that 'the norms set by it for issued by DOPT on the
the discharge of its functions'. Primarily, basis of the
the intention of this clause is that every recommendations of the
public authority should proactively Task Force.
disclose the standards by which its
performance should be judged, The
Task Force has recommended that
Citizen Charters may be prepared for
each central
Ministry/Department/Authority and
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norms for disclosure of items of work
under Citizen Charters should be
proactively disclosed. At the same time,
the conditions, criteria and priorities
under which a person becomes eligible
for goods and services should also to be
disclosed. The Task Force has further
recommended that public authority
should annually publish their
performance against the norms
guaranteed under the Citizens Charter
and should also periodically revise the
charters to include additional items or to
reframe the existing norms for improved
service delivery.
(c) Clause 4(1)(b)(xi) of the RTI Act Consultation with

mandates that 'the budget allocated to Department of Expenditure
each of its agency indicating the would be required to
particulars of all plans, proposed prepare simplified versions
expenditures and reports on of budgets which can be
disbursements made', The Task Force easily understood by the
has recommended that general public. The work
Ministries/Departments should prepare done by some civil
simplified versions of their budgets organizations in this area
which can be understood easily by will also be kept in view
general public. Detailed guidelines may during finalization of
be prepared in consultation with guidelines.
Department of Expenditure and some
civil society organizations which publish
simplified versions of government
budgets. In addition to this, the budget
released to various agencies and
subsidiaries should be put on the
website on a monthly basis. The Task
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Force has further recommended that
raw data relating to approved budgets,
expenditure incurred, etc., is made
available in easily downloadable,
machine readable manner using open
standards such as XML.
Chapter 6 — Steps to be taken in matters relating to threat to RTI activists
The Task Force discussed this issue and The recommendations of

felt that this would require more detailed the Task Force are very
discussions especially with law enforcement generic in nature. Central
agencies. However, Task Force has Government may issue
recommended that pending such consultation, advisories to State
National Human Rights Commission's powers to Governments in this regard.
interfere in cases of human rights violation may be However, as noted by the
invoked by including RTI activists under the Task Force more detailed
definition of human rights defender. The Task deliberations are required
Force also recommended that proactive steps with law enforcing agencies
taken by State Information Commission of Gujarat to work out better
in such maters may be circulated to other states arrangements.
for adoption.
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Chapter 7 — Guidelines for consultation with public in relation to the

formulation of policies and implementation there of
3.10 Section 4(1)(b)(vii) requires that public A detailed policy in this

authorities should publish the particulars of any regard would be framed
arrangement that exists for consultation with or based upon the
representation by the members of the public in recommendations.
relation to the formulation of its policy or
implementation thereof. In addition, Section 4(c)
requires that public authorities should publish all
relevant facts while formulating important policies
or announcing decisions which affect people.
3.11 The Task Force noted that so far public

authorities have not complied with this provision.
The Task force further noted that each public
authority cannot have a different policy on such
important issue as policy for consultations has to
be laid down by the respective government, which
should then be adhered to by various
Ministries/Departments/Attached Offices.
Therefore, a policy and a framework for
consultation need to be formulated to ensure
standardization and institutionalization.
3.12 Considering the above, Task Force has

recommended that government should lay down a
policy for public consultations in case of
legislations, rules, regulations, etc., and whenever
a major national policy is being framed. Procedure
for such consultation has also been detailed in
relevant chapter.
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Chapter 8 — Compliance with provisions of suo motu (proactive disclosure)

under the RTI Act
1. The Task Force is of the view that both the

public authorities and Information Commissions
should share the responsibility to monitor and
enforce compliance with suo motu disclosure
provisions. At the level of public authority,
responsibility should be given at senior levels for
ensuring that information is proactively disclosed
and regularly updated as per the provisions of the
Act. Information Commissions would need to
develop mechanisms to monitor whether action is
being taken as per the provisions of the Act and, if
weaknesses are found, they are already
authorized to issue directions to public authorities
under Section 25(5) of the Act. Keeping the above
in view, the Task Force has made the following
recommendations for improving compliance with
the provisions of the RTI Act regarding proactive
disclosures.
(a) Proactive disclosures scheme should be

prepared by each Department/Ministry
on an annual basis and should be
submitted to Central Information
Commission;
(b) Compliance with this scheme should be

reported in the annual reports of the
Ministry/Department to be placed before
the Parliament;
(c) Each Central Ministry/Department

should appoint a senior officer not below
the rank of a Joint Secretary and not
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below rank of Additional HOD in case of
attached offices for ensuring compliance
with the provisions relating to proactive
disclosures;
(d) Task Force has endorsed the

suggestions made by DOPT to the
Performance Management Division to
include compliance with provision of suo
motu disclosure as one of the
mandatory actions in the Results
Framework Document for Departments.
(e) Task Force has recommended that at a

later date Information Commissioners
may strengthen their infrastructure and
undertake sample audits of compliance
of proactive disclosures by
Ministries/Departments.
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ANNEXURE-V
RECOMMENDATIONS OF THE TASK FORCE

WHICH ARE PROPOSED TO BE PROCESSED AT A LATER DATE
Chapter 3 — Guidelines for facilitating disclosure at different levels

of government — suggested templates for key areas
Task Force has recommended use of SMS, As implementation

Call Centers/IVR/Information helpline for wide of these
dissemination of information. It has also recommendations
recommended that information centers should be would require
set up at block level and that all schools and local suitable technical
bodies which have maximum interface with citizens infrastructure, it is
should make available records for inspection by recommended that
community, may be, on a fixed day. we may process
this
[Chapter 3, para 3.2.4 to 3.2.7] recommendation
at a later date.
Chapter 4 — Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive

1. The Task Force while recommending As implementation

guidelines under Section 4 has, inter alia, made the of these
following suggestions: recommendations
would require
(a) It should be the endeavor of all public investment in
authorities that all entitlements to citizens infrastructure, it is
and all transactions between the citizen recommended that
and government are gradually made these
available through computer based recommendations
interface. It was noted that 'Electronic may be processed
Service Delivery Bill' under formulation in at a later date.
Government of India would provide the This Department is
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necessary impetus. aware that
Department of
(b) Websites should contain detailed Administrative
information from the point of origin to the Reforms & Public
point of delivery of entitlements/services Grievances is
provided by the public authorities to developing a
citizens. Manual of
Procedure for
(c) It is obligatory under Section 4(1)(b)(xiv)
e-office, which
of the RTI Act for every public authority to
would take care of
proactively disclose 'details in respect of
many of the
the information, available to or held by it,
recommendations
reduced in an electronic form'. In such a
relating to digital
listing required under this section, it
record keeping.
should also be required to indicate which
digitally held information is made
available publicly over the internet and
which not.
(d) Proper digital proactive disclosure is

contingent upon appropriate digital record
keeping. Section 4(1)(a) of the RTI Act
makes a clear recommendation for
digitizing and extensive networking of
government records. This issue is also
connected to the issue of informational
aspects of e-governance based process
re-engineering. New government-wide as
well as department-specific electronic
record keeping norms and schemes
should be developed, and a study group
can be set up for this purpose. Citizen's
right to information should be a key
design principle for these new electronic
record keeping schemes.
(e) Information should be easily searchable

and discoverable, and therefore not just in
Page 31 of 247
•
Copy No.
SECRET
F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India

a scanned document form. In order to
search scanned documents, optical
character recognition techniques are
available and these should be
incorporated as far as possible.
Information/ documents should be time-
stamped with proper versioning. Earlier
versions should be archived and be
publicly accessibility.
(f) Department of Science & Technology is

working on a 'Data Sharing and
Accessibility Policy' which is based on the
principle that all publicly funded
information should be readily available.
Once such policy is approved this should
be strictly adhered to.
(g) In the long run, government may consider

setting up one website where proactive
disclosures of all public authorities are
available at one place. Such experiments
are already on in some other countries
such as USA and this would facilitate
public access to government information.
(h) Government may consider utilizing large

infrastructure which is being created as
common service centers to provide
information to public through these CSCs.
Task Force also recommends that
practices being adopted in Mexico and
Kenya in this regard, may also be
considered.
[Chapter 4, para 4.2]
Page 32 of 247
Copy No.
SECRET
F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Chapter 5 — Guidelines for certain clauses of Section 4(1)(b) to make

disclosures more effective
Clause 4(1)(b)(xiv) of the Act mandates that This

`details in respect of information, available to or held recommendation
by it, reduced in an electronic form'. The Task Force needs more
has recommended that keeping in view the varied scrutiny.
levels of computerization of records and documents Compilation of
in public authorities, data about records that have information which
been digitized may be proactively disclosed on the has not been
respective websites, excluding those digitized would
records/files/information that is exempted under require substantial
Section 8. efforts and it
needs to be
[Chapter 5, para 5.9 & 5.10] examined whether
benefits would
outweigh the
costs.
Page 33 of 247
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I T
No.11/4/2011-PPP
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
Department of Economic Affairs
PPP Cell
New Delhi, the January 31 , 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Applicability of provisions of the RTI Act on entities of PPP Arrangement.
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to O.M. of even number dated

December, 2011 on the subject cited above and to state that the current formulation in para
2.1.2 of the Report of the Task Force on suo moto disclosure under the RTI Act is ambiguous
about the agency that has to voluntarily provide the information in respect of the PPP projects.
The RTI Act, 2005 secures access to Information under the control of public authorities
in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.
Hence, the Report should clearly state that the information under the control of the public
authority is to be provided and that the information has to be sought from the public authority.
3. Furthermore, the term "and other documents generated as part of the implementation of the
PPP project" is ambiguous. Documents generated by or available with the public authority
entering the contract can be accessed under the RTI. All documents generated by the private
sector entity while implementing the PPP project may or may not be in the public domain, viz.,
salaries paid to its employees, contracts within the consortium members, etc. Documents
available with the authority that are under the ambit of section 8(1)(d) & 8(1)(j) are also
exempted under the Act. Hence, reformulation of para 2.1.2 is suggested as given below:
"Public Private Partnerships
If Public services are proposed to be provided through a Public Private

Partnership (PPP), all information relating to the PPPs must be disclosed in the public
domain by the public authority entering into the PPP contract/concession agreement. This may
include details of the special purpose vehicle, if any set up, concession agreements,
operation and maintenance manuals and other documents generated as part of the
implementation of the PPP project. The documents under the ambit of the exemption from
disclosure of information under section 8(1)(d) & 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, 2005 will not be
disclosed, without the concurrence of the concessionaire/third partv viz: financing details, details
about personnel & activities of the SPV which affect trade secretslcompetitive advantage of the
concessionaire. Further, information about fees, toll, or other kinds of revenue that may be
collected under authorization from the Government may also be proactively disclosed 1/
/-, (=),
the public authority. Information in respect of outputs and outcomes, process of selection of
private sector party can be sought from the public authority. All payments made under by the
• authority in respect of the PPP project may also be disclosed in a periodic manner along
with the purpose of making payments".
( Aparnt
Al
Director (PPP)
Sint. S. Chagti
Deputy Secretary, Department of Personnal & Training
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions,
F.No.1/6/2011- Lk_
Government of tndi

OFFICE MEMORANDUM

Task Force vide this Department's O.M.of even number dated the 24th November,2011.

4. In case t comments are not received by the above date, it will be assumed that
your Ministry epartment has no comments to offer.
(Anuradha S.Chagti)
Director
To C2—
Ministry of p tktAe--1 P 1'1 .P-e-vvID--ti;ke
Department of
New Delhi c J—
S.A" y mlf_ \La, \, N. A)`}`- C"
vA.Q.,L3 o
7A, \.cN cv,A
Ct(
(I
No. 101112011-PPC
Ministry of Finance
Public Procurement Cell

Dated 30th November. 2011
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Mandatory publication of Tender Enquiries on the Central Public

Procurement Portal
Pursuant to the decisions of the Group of Ministers constituted to consider

measures to tackle corruption and improve transparency, on the
recommendations of the Committee on Public Procurement set up to look into
various issues having an impact on public procurement policy, standards and
procedures, it has been decided that
a. NIC will set up a portal called the Central Public Procurement
Portal (hereinafter referred to as CPP Portal) with an e-publishing
module (similar to NIC's website www.tenders.gov.in ) and an e-
procurement module (similar to NIC's e-procurement sites such as
pmgsytenders.gov.in and epro-nicsi.nic.in ). The CPP Portal will be
accessible at the URL eprocure.gov.in and will provide links to the
non-NIC e-procurement sites being used at present by various
Ministries/ Departments, CPSEs and autonomous/ statutory
bodies.
b. While e-publishing of tender enquiries, corrigenda thereto and
details of contracts awarded thereon, on the Portal, shall be made
mandatory in a phased manner w.e.f 1st January 2012, the
comprehensive end-to-end e -Procurement feature would be
implemented in a phased manner w.e.f. 1st April 2012, for which
instructions will be issued separately. In the meantime, Digital
Signature, which is essential at the e-procurement phase, may be
obtained from any Certifying Authority or from NIC which is also a
Certifying Authority, for the concerned officials
E-Publishing:
c. It will be mandatory for all Ministries! Departments of the
Central Government, their attached and subordinate offices,
Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and autonomous/
statutory bodies to publish their tender enquiries, corrigenda
thereon and details of bid awards on the CPP Portal using e-
publishing module with effect from the following dates:
c.i. Ministries! Departments and their attached and
subordinate offices w.e.f. 1st January 2012;
c.ii. CPSEs w.e.f. 1st February 2012;
c.iii. Autonomous/statutory bodies w.e.f. 1 st April, 2012.
1
d. Individual cases where confidentiality is required, for reasons of

national security or to safeguard legitimate commercial interest of
CPSE's, would be exempted from the mandatory e-publishing
requirement. As far as Ministries/ Departments are concerned,
decisions to exempt any case on the said grounds should be
approved by the Secretary of the Ministry/ Department with the
concurrence of the concerned Financial Advisor. In the case of
CPSEs, approval of the Chairman & Managing Director with the
concurrence of Director (Finance) should be obtained in each case
to be exempted. In the case of autonomous bodies/ statutory
bodies, approval of the head of the body with the concurrence of
the head of the Finance function, should be obtained in each such
case. Statistical information on the number of cases in which
exemption was granted and the value of the concerned contract,
may be intimated on a Quarterly basis to the Ministry of Finance,
Department of Expenditure at the email id cppp-doenic.in
e. Ministries/ Departments, CPSEs and autonomous/ statutory bodies
that are already publishing their tender enquiries on
www.tenders.gov.in and/or on their respective websites, shall
ensure that their tender enquiries are simultaneously published /
mirrored on the CPP Portal also. They may also ensure that all
corrigenda and details of the contract awarded as a result of the
tender enquiry, are also published on the CPP Portal.
Ministries/ Departments, CPSEs and autonomous/ statutory bodies
that are already carrying out e-procurement through NIC or their
own website or through any other service provider, shall ensure
that details of all their tender enquiries, related corrigenda and
details of contracts awarded thereon, including those that are
issued through e-procurement, are simultaneously published /
mirrored on the CPP Portal. As stated at (a) above, they should
also ensure that their e-procurement website is linked to the CPP
Portal.
g. The above instructions apply to all Tender Enquiries, Requests for
Proposals, Requests for Expressions of Interest, Notice for pre-
Qualification/ Registration or any other notice inviting bids or
proposals in any form, issued on or after the dates indicated at (c)
above whether they are advertised, issued to limited number of
parties or to a single party.
h. In the case of procurements made through DGS&D Rate Contracts
or through Kendriya Bhandar/ NCCF, only award details need to be
published on the Portal.
i. These instructions would not apply to procurements made in terms
of provisions of Rules 145 (Purchase of goods without quotations)
or 146 (Purchase of goods by purchase committee) of General
Financial Rules — 2005 (or similar provisions relating to
procurements by CPSEs, autonomous bodies).
2. In order to facilitate implementation of aforesaid decisions regarding e-
publishing of tender details, NIC will provide detailed guidelines for using the e-
Publishing module of the CPP Portal. These guidelines will also be available in
the CPP Portal. User IDs and Passwords would have to be obtained from
NIC for accessing the Portal. Details in this regard will also be available in
the CPP Portal.
3. NIC will also provide the following support:
a. NIC will make arrangements for necessary training to the
concerned officials in the use of the CPP Portal for e-publishing.
For this purpose, Ministries / Departments may contact NIC
through email at cppp:nicanic.in to work out the details.
b. Detailed guidelines for the use of e-Publishing module will be made
available in the CPP Portal and this would also be circulated
separately to all Ministries/Departments.
c. A demonstration web site, similar to the CPP Portal, would be
made available for training and hands-on practice. The site will
also contain necessary user manuals and presentation materials.
4. Ministries/ Departments are requested to take necessary action to ensure
that e-publishing of tender details on the Portal is commenced in terms of the
time lines mentioned in para 2 (c) above. It is also requested that necessary
instructions may be issued in this regard to all attached and subordinate
offices as also to CPSEs, autonomous and statutory bodies under their
administrative control.
(Suchindra Misra)
OSD (PPC)
011-23092689
To,
Secretaries of all Ministries/Departments
Copy to
FAs of all Ministries/Departments
Copy also to DG (NIC), CGO Complex, New Delhi

•
RTI MATTER
IMMEDIATE
No. 16/5/2011-RTI
Ministry of Finance
RTI Cell
New Delhi, the 10th January, 2012
Reference OM of DOP&T No. 1/6/2011-IR, dated 27.9.2011 followed by

reminders dated 30.9.2011, 10.10.2011 and 19.10.2011 on the subject mentioned above.
In this connection, it may be informed that we have no comments to offer, in

particular. However, instructions issued by DOPT from time to time are being
followed and any instructions/circulars issued by respective Branches are posted on the
website of this Department suo-moto. As far as procurement related information is
concerned a Central Public Procurement Portal has already been set up for all Ministries
to post their tender and award related details.
( Jagdish Chander )
Dy. Secretary to the Government of India
Ms. Sarita Nair,

Under Secretary (IR),
jjaid/0// /,Q0/2
F. No. 16/13/2011-C&P
Ministry of Textiles
Coordination & Publicity Division
*************
Udyog Bhawan, New Delhi

7th February, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task

The undersigned is directed to refer to the D/o Personnel & Training O.M. No.
1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011 on the subject mentioned above and to say that the
Ministry of Textiles recommends for disclosure of information under section 4 of the
RTI Act, in the local/regional languages for easy accessibility by public. The Ministry
also recommends that:-
i. All procurement related information should be disclosed in public domain;

ii. Information regarding Public Private Partnership to be disclosed in public
domain;
iii. Transfer policy for employees serving in public authority and transfer orders
should be disclosed in public domain;
iv. Sensitive posts in the organization where public dealing exists to be disclosed
in public domain by public authorities;
v. RTI queries, appeals received and their responses should be disclosed in the
public domain by public authorities;
vi. CAG & PAC paras and their responses to be disclosed in public domain by
public authorities;
vii. Citizens Charter prepared by the departments and six monthly reports on the
performance against the bench marks set in the citizen's charter to be
disclosed in the public domain by public authorities;
viii. Discretionary and Non-discretionary grants to State Governments / NGOs /
Others to be disclosed in public domain by Ministry / Deptt.;
ix. DOP&T i.e. the implementing agency of the RTI Act in GOI should prepare
suitable format / templates for disclosure of above information;
x. For facilitating disclosure at different levels of Government, ---- templates for
key areas to be worked out;
xi. Digital publication of proactive disclosures under Section 4 of the Act to be
made.
xii. Guidelines for making disclosure under following clauses of Section 4(1)(b) of
RTI Act to be made more effective such as —
a. Clause 4(1)(b)(iii) The procedure followed in the decision making
process including channels of supervision and accountability;
Contd..........
-2-
b. Clause 4(1) (b) (iv) The norms set by it for the discharge of its
functions;
c. Clause 4(1)(b)(xiv) The budget allocated to each of its agency
•
indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and
reports on disbursement made;
d. Clause 4(1) (b) (xi) details in respect of information, available to or held
by it, reduced in on electronic form.
xiii. Steps to be taken in matters relating to threat to RTI activities;
xiv. Guidelines for consultation with public in relation to the formulations of the
policies and implementation thereof with regard to transparency,
inclusiveness and equity, to be framed.
xv. Compliance with provisions of suo motu (Proactive Disclosure) under the RTI
Act, to be ensured.
(K. K. Moheffadas)
Under Secretary to Govt. of India
Tel. 23061617
D/o Personnel and Training
(Ms. Sarita Nair, Under Se retary),
North Block, New Delhi. /
apt t-UA
No.Z.16023/7/2005-CHS. V
Government of India
Ministry of Health & FW
CHS.V Section
Nirman Bhavan, New Delhi
Dated -1 )c -• January, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005- Report of the Task Force
The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of Personnel &

Training's O.M. No. 1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011 on the subject noted above and
to say that a software has been developed and the same is interlinked to Ministry of
Health and Family Welfare (www.mohfw.nic.in) website for disclosing information
in respect of Central Health Service (CHS) cadre on suo motu basis.
.4V\
(AMARJIT SINGH)
UNDER SECRETARY TO THE GOVT. OF INDIA
Tele: 23061143
(
CT The Under Secretary
IR section
Deptt. of Personnel & Training
North Block,
New Delhi.
Copy for information to:

1 Under Secretary (CDN-II) w.r.to their O.M. No.A.60011/6/2010-RTI dated
16.12.11.
Dte.GHS, RTI Cell
PA to DS(CHS) , M/o Health & FW.
ptie- )1112-cili-OP
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
PPP Cell
New Delhi, the January 3) , 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
The undersigned is directed to invite reference to OM of even number dated

December 2011 regarding 'bringing PPP projects under the purview of the RTI Act'
and to convey the comments of this Department as follows:
PPP projects are not exempted under the RTI Act. However, since information
under the RTI Act can be sought only from the Public Authority, the same is
also applicable with respect to PPP projects, subject to exemption from
disclosure provided under Section 8 (1)(d) and 8 (1) (j). Hence, information on
PPP projects may be sought from the Public Authority entering into the PPP
contract, and on all aspects, except information of commercial confidence, trade
secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the
competitive advantage of a third party.
ii. Though implicit in the Act, it may be re-iterated that information can be sought
only from the Public Authority, and with respect to the implementation of the
PPP projects, viz. outputs and outcomes, process of selection of private sector
party, etc. and not with respect to financial competitive advantage of the private
sector company implementing the project.
(Aparn atia)
Director (PPP)
Shri R. K. Girdhar
Under Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training
Ministry of Personnel, PG & Pensions,
Government of India
Ministry of Mines
Shastry Bhavan : New Delhi
•
No. 8/7/201 1-PI Dated: 14.2.2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject — Implementation of Section 4 of RT1 Act, 2005 — Report of the Task Force
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOPT's O.M. No. 1/6/20110IR dt. 24.11.2011 on the
above mentioned subject and to say that in addition to the information to be disclosed as per provision
of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005, the Ministry has suo-moto put up the following information on the
website of the Ministry -
1. Proposals relating to mineral concessions viz. Reconnaissance Permit (RP), Prospecting

License (PL) and Mining Lease (ML).
(i) Agenda notes and minutes of all the meetings of the Central Coordination-cum-
Empowered Committee (CEC) on Mineral Development and Regulation. So far seven
meetins of the CEC have been held — on 24.7.2009, 22.12.2009, 18.6.2010, 22.12.2010,
3.5.2011, 20.9.2011 and 16.1.2012.
(ii) Orders dated 20.10.2011 reconstituting the CEC.
(iii) Comprehensive guidelines dated 24th June, 2009 issued by the Ministry in order to bring about
more consistency and clarity in processing the mineral concession proposals under the MMDR
Act, 1957 and Mineral Concession Rules, 1960.
(iv) Guidelines dated 9.2.2010 on 'special reasons to be adopted and applied by all State
Governments while recommending a mineral concession proposal in favour of a later applicant
in a non-notified area under Section 11(5) of the Act.
(v) Guidelines daed 20 July, 2010 regarding return of cases to the State Governments wherein there
has been no response to the Ministry's queries for over six months.
(vi) Guidelines dated 13'h October. 2010 regarding submission of maps by the State Governments
along with the proposals, in order to ensure that the areas recommended by the State
Governments for mineral concessions are clearly demarcated.
(vii) All other important documents, letters etc. are put on the website of the Ministry.
(viii) The Ministry of Mines is using internet services to bring about more accessibility and
trasparency in procession the mineral concession applications recommended by the State
Governments. The website of the Ministry (www.mines.nic.in ) provides online information to
the users on the current status of the mineral concession applications.
2. Procurement of various items/services by the Ministry.

) All the tender invitation documents are uploaded on the website of the Ministry.
3. Revision Applications under Section 30 of the MMDR Act, 1957.
In order to ensure transparency in Revision Cell, a new web based Revision Application
Monitoring System has been put in place. The salient features of new system are
(i) Status of Revision Application is available on net.

(ii) Order are available on the net.
(iii) Order numbers are generated by the system.
(iv) Hearing details etc are available on the net.
(v) Revision Application numbers are generated by the system.
(vi) Revisionary Authorities have been asked to give hearing to all revsiion applicants.
(vii) Revisionary Authorities hae been aked to pass orders within 30 days after orders are reserved.
(viii) As far as possible, cases are being heard on a chronological basis.
(A.K. Patne
Dy. Secretary
Ms. Sarita Nair,

Under Secretary,
North Block,
New Delhi — 110001.
DTI h/lAT-T
IMMEDIATE
F.No. Ci-11016/191/2010-P&C
Government of India
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
(Parliament & Coordination Section)
New Delhi, dated the 6th February, 2012
Office Memorandum
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of R1 1 Act, 2005 — Report of the

The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to the

Department of Personnel and Training's O.M. No.1/6/2011-IR dated
24.11.2011 on the above subject and to say that the Annexures 1.2. & 1.3
of the Report of the Task Force on Suo Motu Disclosurs Jnder the RTI Act
mentioned in Chapter I thereof have not been received in this Ministry. It
is felt that this Ministry would be able to appropriately forrhUlate its
comments on the Report of the Task Force only after seeing those
too. :I is acidiiig:y •;:,.quested that cc,c_h .,.no)::;_n_,
1.2 & 1.3, mentioned in Chapter 1 of the Report of the Task Force on Si.!ci
Motu Disclosures under the RTI Act, may kindly be f rnished to i.nis
Ministry at the earliest.
(M. Sat iya Babu)

TeL 24197909
To
The Department of Personnel and Training

No. 10-4/2010-RTI
Government of India
Ministry of Communications & IT
Department of Telecommunications
(RTI Section)
Sanchar Bhawn,
20 Ashoka Road, New Delhi — 110001
Dated, the 7-tt- Feb. 2012.
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the

The undersigned is directed to refer to Ministry of Personnel

Public Grievances and Pensions, Deptt. of Personnel and Training,
O.M. No.1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011 on the subject cited above
and to say that Deptt. of Telecommunications has no comments to
offer on the Report of the Task Force.
(B.M „SEAR-MAI -7
Under Secy. to the Govt. of India
Tel: 2 303 607 3
To
Deptt. of Personnel & Training

North Block, New Delhi - 110001
No. S-12011/04/2011-EPW
Ministry of Health & Family Welfare
(EPW Section)
515-A, Nirman Bhawan,

New Delhi,
Dated-4-'7=-01=-0
Office Memorandum
Subject :- Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI ACT, 2005-

Report of the Task Force constituted for effective
implementation thereof.
Reference is invited to RTI Cell's letter number A-

60011/6/2010-RTI Cell dated 6th February, 2012 to furnish the
comments/suggestions for Implementation of Section 4 of the
RTI ACT, 2005-Report of the Task Force constituted for effective
implementation.
In this regard, EPW Section has no comments to offer.
(A.K. Deori
Under Secretary (EPW
Director,
Ministry of Personnel,
Public Grievances and pensions,
Department of Personnel & Training.
North Block, New Delhi — 1.
Copy to :-
RTI Cell, CDN-II Section

,40
INTERIM REPL).
RTI MATTER
BY SPEED POST
F.No.01-11016/191/2010-P&C
Government of India
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs
(Parliament & Coordn. Section)
909, Akbar Bhawan, Chanakya Puri.

Dated 21.2.2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 - Report of the Task
The undersigned is directed to invite a reference to the Department of

Personnel and Training's O.M.No.1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.20'i 1 on the above
subject and to say that this Ministry is broadly in agreement with all the
recommendations made by the Task Force but feel that some of the suggestions/
recommendations may require upgradation of its infrastructure and logistics and
further consultations with the Divisional Heads to take stock of their
preparedness in this regard. Further, as mentioned in para 8.2.2 of Chapter 8 of
the Report of the Task Force, Shri Vinay Kumar Sahni, Joint Secretary (DS) in
this Ministry has already been designated as Transparency Officer with the
responsibility for imlplementation of the intended proactive disclosure of official
information under Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005. As regards the
recommendation contained in para 8.2.3 relating to Annual Report to CIC. it may
be stated that this Ministry is already furnishing this Report regularly to the
Central Information Commission.
2. Further development in the matter will he c..omrv:rucated in due cou!se.
3. This issues with the approval of Joint Secretary (Adm.) in the Ministry of
Overseas Indian Affairs.
(M hya
Deputy Secretary to the Govt. of India/CPI°
Tele:- 24197909
To
Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions,
(Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, Director),
280, North Block, New Delhi.
k 44'
/V (2"
4,
RTI Matter
Most Immediaie
F.No.0i.11016/191/2010-P&C
Government of India •
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs '
New Delhi, dated die 11 th January, 2010
To
Shri Pankaj Shreyaskar,
Deputy Secretary,
Central information Commission,
August Kranti Bhawan,
Bhikaji Caina Place,
New Delhi
Subject: - Time-bound implementation of Section 4 obligations under the

RTI Act regarding.
Sir,
I am directed to refer to D.O. Letter Nos.CIC/AT/D/10/000.111 dated
18.11.2010 & CIC/AT/D/10/000111/2 dated 9.12.2011 from the Secretary,
Central Information Commission, New Delhi addressed to the Secretary:,
Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs, New Delhi on he ubject mentioned
above.
2.in compliance with the provisions of Section 4 of the RTI Act„ 2005,
Shri Vinay Kumar Sahni, Joint Secretary (Diaspora Services) in this
Ministry is appointed as Transparency Officer in respect of this Ministry to
oversee the requirements mentioned in Para 7 of the said 0.0. letter under
Section 4 of the RTI Act, besides ensuring full and complete compliance with
all the relevant provisions of the said Act on behalf of the Ministry (Para 2),
Ills relevant details such as telephone number, address etc. are as under:-
Shril/inay Kumar Sahni„

oii Secretary (Diaapora Seryiea.e),
Telephone: 26874240/ Fax 24197942
Room No.906, Ninth Floor, Akbar Bhawan,
Chanakya Puri, New Delhi -- 110021
email to isdsritymoiaalic.in
:;„ The requisite gazette notification is under issue.
This issues with the approval of Secretary, MOR A.

Yours faithfully,
(t/l. Sath: a Baba!)

Deca.r0:- Setretar,/ (Ad na`CP10)
=
701eptione No.24l979O9
\‘'17
Copy for informr,tion to - t Al] officer; and seetios oMOIA,
2. All Pmtector of Ernigiran. of M:011,4,•
No.6/3/2011-Coord.
Government of India
Department of Pension & Pensioners' Welfare
31-d Floor, Lok Nayak Bhawan

New Delhi.
Dated the 10th February, 2012.
Office Memorandum
Sub- Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Report of the Task

Force constituted for effective implementation thereof —
The ,undesigned
r is directed to refer to DoP&T's OM No.1/6/2011 -IR dated 24th
January, 2012 on the subject noted above and to say that this Department has no specific
comments to offer on the recommendations of the Task Force.
N 's\
(S.K. Makkar)
Tel. 24644631

[Ms Anuradha S. Chagti, Director]
North Block
New Delhi-1. (
\T/C
\-\ cG
CONFIDENTIAL
1177 wcw/Government of India
"c17147114),1 kl-ITTT/Department of Atomic Energy
4 4-1"CV-13317T/Secretariat Coordination Section
3-11317A719-17q/Anushakti Bhavan,
UT:If-a- 171W* 4-15I IA 14Tii/C.S.M Marg,
It4/Mumbai - 400 001.
( 5022- 22862661)
e-mail: sectcord@dae.gov.in
No. 36/1/2012-SCS/ 13 4 February S , 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Report

of the Task Force constituted for effective
implementation thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer DoPT OM No. 1/6/2011-IR dated

24.11.2011 seeking comments of the Department on the recommendation made by the
Task Force constituted for effective implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act.
2. The Department of Atomic Energy handles inter-alia matters of sensitive and

strategic nature. For this purpose procurement of various stores and equipments are
also made. Disclosure of procurement of this nature will be against the interest of the
Government. Though these procurements are subject to C&AG audit, but the audit
reports are dealt with due sensitivity by the office of the C&AG. Therefore, special
consideration while creating any general provisions for proactive disclosure / uploading
of such issues on website is desirable.
3. Subject to the observations made in paragraph 2 above, the Department of

Atomic Energy agrees to the recommendations of the Task Force for effective
implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act.
4. This issues with the approval of Secretary, DAE.

/5/62pc1
(A. Sukumaran)
Under Secretary
it0 2 2 - 2 2 0 2 6 8 6 1
Ms. Sarita Nair,
Under Secretary,
Dept. of Personnel & Training,
North Block,
NEW DELHI — 110 001.
‘—'
No.A-43020/81/2012-RTI
Government of India/Bharat Sarkar
Ministry of Home Affairs/Grih Mantralaya
*****
New Delhi dated the 16th February, 2012.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject : Implementation of Section 4 of Right to Information Act, 2005

— Report of the Task Force constituted fon- effective
implementation thereof —Furnishing of comments on the
recommendations of Task Force.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOT's vO.M. No.1/6/2011-IR dated

24.11.2011 on the above mentioned subject and to smagle recommendation wise
comments of this Ministry are as under :-
SI. Recommendations Comments

No.
1. Presenting additional items for suo All the items as recommended for
motu disclosures under Section inclusion in the list of claims for
4(1)(b)(xvii): This Section lays down voluntary disclosures under Section
that Government may prescribe any 4(1)(b)(xvi) except for the following
additional item which should also be items:
included for suo motu disclosures.
However, so far no additional item (b) Transfer Policy and
have been prescribed. The Task Force Orders relating to
has reviewed the List of items and transfers: The transfer
recommends that the following items policy and transfer orders
should also be included for disclosures made in that regard are
under the suo motu disclosure scheme: as per exigencies of work
perceived from time to
(a) All procurement related time and are part of
information from publication internal administration. All
of tenders to finalization of transfers can not be by
work orders. operation of some hard
(ii) Public Private and fast norm and
Partnerships. therefore, does not seem
(iii) Transfer Policy and practical to put in place a
Transfer Orders hard and fast mechanism
(iv) Details relating to sensitive for putting such
posts within the provision information on website.
of guidelines issued by
CVC.
Reply to RTI Queries. (ii) CAG/PAC Paras: CAG/
CAG and PAC Paras. PAC Paras intermediate
Citizen's Charter processes in resolution of
Discretionary and Non- issue coming up in Audit,
discretionary Grants These are in yet to be
resolved by the respective
Ministries/ Departments.
Putting up such paras in
public domain will present
a very one sided view.
(iii) Discretionary/ Non-
discretionary Grants:
Putting up all grant related
information in public
domain will be difficult as
this is a continuous
process and not a one
time affair. Keeping this
information upto date will
be a huge drain on human
resources.
2. Guidelines for facilitating disclosures at All the recommendations deal with

different levels of Government disclosure of information by State
suggested templates for key areas: Governments and local bodies under
State Governments: Although the
The Task Force has recommended recommendations are in right
templates for disclosure in following earnest, they will require creation of
areas: substantial infrastructure by the
respective State Governments/ local
(a) Public Distribution System bodies. While issuing guidelines, this,
(b) Panchayats therefore, may be kept in mind.
(c) MGNREGA
(d) Primary & Secondary
Schools.
The recommendations include

disclosure of information by use of
Boards/ Walls like in

case of PDS
RTI Proactive
Disclosure File — in
case of Panchayats
(
Use of SMS Telephony
for tracking
applications/ complaints
etc.
Call
Centre/IVR/Information
Helpline — in respect of
major public services
rendered by State
Governments.
Information Centres at
Block level" for
disclosure of
information in respect of
implementation of
scheme and
programmes of State
Governments.
Record inspection by
Community in respect
of schools and local
bodies which have
maximum interface with
citizens.
Adoption of innovative
practices adopted by
State Governments like
RTI on wheels, Village
Information Mela etc.
3. Guidelines for digital Publication of Although the Task Force has made
Proactive Disclosure under Sections 4: detailed guidelines relating to
Keeping in view the increasing use of creation of website by various public
Information Technology the Task Force authorities, these can not be followed
has recommended certain common uniformly and comprehensively by all
guidelines for development of PAs. While issuing guidelines in this
Government website so that disclosure regard DoPT may make these as
of information on those websites are guiding principles for creation of
easily accessible, Technology and websites instead of comprehensive
plateform neutral and in the form which instructions.
conveys desired information in an
effective and user friendly manner.
4. Guidelines for certain clauses of The recommendations may be
Section 4(1)(b) to make disclosure accepted but again as a set of
more effective: The Task Force has guiding principles for ensuring
recommended detailed guidelines in effective disclosure under the
respect of specific clauses under respective Sections and not as
Section 4(1)(b) to make the disclosure instructions to be followed uniformly
under these clauses more integrated by all PAs because Ministries/
and effective. These clauses are: departments of the Government of
India are more concerned with policy
4(1)(b)(iii) making, regulation facilitation and
less with direct delivery of public
the procedure followed in the decision services. Therefore, precise
making process, including channels of identification to tangible outputs,
supervision and accountability; services, goodsdefining the decision
making process is not possible in all
4(1)(b)(iv) cases. The recommendations of the
Task Force, therefore, may be
the norms set by it for the discharge of accepted keeping in mind for
its function'; functioning of Ministries/
4(1)(b)(xiv) Departments.
the budget allocated to each of its

agency indicating the particulars of all
plans, proposed expenditures and
reports on disbursements made;
4(1)(b)(xi)
details in respect of information,

available to or held by it, reduced in an
electronic form
5. Steps to be taken in matters relating to This Ministry has no comments to

threat t RTI Activists. offer and DoPT may take action on
these suggestions of the Task Force
The Task force, while discussing the after considering their feasibility.
matter relating to threat to RTI
Activists, has felt that this is a serious
issues and would require more details
discussions especially with law
enforcement agencies. Pending that
they have suggested some actions that
can be taken up for action immediately.
6. Guidelines for consultation with Public
in relation to formulation of policies and Although there is an existing practice
implementation thereof and mechanism for consultations with
public and formulation of complaint
Section 4(1)(b)(vii) requires that public rules/ laws etc. there is a need to go
authorities should publish the further than to seek the comments
particulars of any arrangement that from members of public in such
exists for consultation with or matters. The expertise available with
representation by the members of the the individuals/ organizations may be
public in relation to the formulation of utilized. But there is a need for
its policy or implementation thereof. In defining the extent of such
addition, Section 4(c) requires that consultations and also the areas
public authorities should publish all where such consultation are to be
relevant facts while formulating mandatorily resorted to.
important policies or announcing
decisions which affect people. Task
Force has noted that Public Authorities
have so far not completed with this
provision. They have therefore
recommended that a policy for
consultation with public has to be laid
out for Ministries/ Departments etc. to
ensure standardization and
institutionalization
7 Compliance with provisions of suo- Now that the use of IT is increasing
motu(Proactive Disclosure) under RTI there is a need for uniform and
Act. consistent policy on proactive
disclosure through websites by
On the issue of suo-motu disclosure Ministries/ Departments. Formulation
under RTI Act, the Task Force feels of model scheme and identification of
that each Ministry/ Department of the common parameters will set the ball
Government should prepare its own rolling for such proactive disclosure
proactive disclosure scheme which by Ministries /Departments.
should also include the proactive
disclosures to be made by its attached/
subordinate offices.
Your‘
(Amarenda Singh)
To

Ms. Sarita Nair, Under secretary (IR),
•
Ministry of Finance
Department of Revenue
RTI Cell
*****
Subject:- Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005- Draft Report of

the Task Force constituted for effective implementation thereof.
Reference is invited to DOPT's O.M. No. 1/06/2011 -IR dated 24th

January, 2012 on the above mentioned subject.
2. In so far as this Department is concerned, no comments/suggestions

are offered.
!La
(Renuka Nambiar)
Under Secretary
T.No.23095368
Director
DOPT, -(t
Ministry of Finance (D/o Revenue) U.O. No.50/5/2012-RTI Cell

Urgent/RTI Matter/
F.No. 1/11/2010-RTI
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
North Block,
New Delhi, dated:23.2.2012
Office Memorandum
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005- Report of

the Task Force constituted for effective implementation
thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to DOPT's O.M. No.

1/6/2011-IR dated 24.11.2011 on the above mentioned subject and to
say that the para 2.1.2 of the report of Task Force on "Public
Private Partnership" specifically relates to this Department. It is
suggestd that the said para may be reformulated as per under:-
"If Public services are proposed to be provided through a

Public Private Partnership (PPP), all information relating to the
PPPs must be disclosed in the public domain by the public authority
entering into the PPP contract/concession agreement. This may
include details of the special purpose vehicle, if any set up,
concession agreements, operation and maintenance manuals and other
documents generated as part of the implementation of the PPP
projects. The documents under the ambit of the exemption from
disclosure of information under Section 18 (1) (d) & 8 (1) (i) of the
RTI Act, 2005 will not be disclosed without the concurrence of the
concessionaire/third party viz. Financing detils, details about
personnel & activities of the SPV which affect trade
secrets/competitive advantage of the concessionaire. Further,
information about fees, toll, or other kinds of revenue that may be
collected under authorization from the Government may also be
proactively disclosed by the public authority information in respect
of outputs and outcomes, process of selection of private sector party
can be sought from the public authority. All payments made by the
authority in respect of the PPP projects may also be disclosed in a
periodic manner along with the purpose of making payments".
2. The other recommendations are common to all

Ministries/Departments on which a view may be taken by the concerned
nodal Ministry/Department.
3. This has the approval of Joint Secretary.
(Ram Singh)
Under Secretary & CPIO
Tel: 23095253

Attention: (Ms.Sarita Nair, Under Secretary)
/1
-
0 r
RTI Matter
INFR No.A-007/2011/PIC
Government of India
Ministry of Urban Development
(P. I. Cell)
Room No. 203-C,Wing, Nirman Bhawan

New Delhi -110108, Dated 3.2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act-2005 - Report of the

Task Force constituted for effective implementation thereof
I am to refer to your Office Memorandu No. 1/6/2011-IR dated

24.11.2011 on the subject cited above and to say that Ministry of Urban
Development is in agreement of the recommendations of the Task Ibrcc.
(J.P. Agra
Director(C,PG&Parl.)
To
NAarita Nair,
Under Secretary,
M/o Personnel Public Grievances and Pensions,
Department of Personnel and training,
North Block,
New Delhi.
F.No. 6-3/FC&PG/2011
Government of India
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Shastri Bhavan New Delhi

Dated:27th February, 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: View/ comments on Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005-

Report of the Task Force constituted for effective implementation
thereof.
The undersigned is directed to refer to the Department of Personnel

& Training O.M. No. F.No.1/6/2011-IR dated 24th November, 2011 seeking
views/comments of this Ministry on Report of the Task Force constituted for
effective implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act,2005, and to state that the
matter has been carefully examined in this Ministry.
2. The comments of this Ministry are furnished as under:
i) The suggestion/recommendation of the Task Force at Section 2.1.5

appears to be unnecessary and will not enrich the information content of the
website of the PA and hence, public will not benefit from such information
which may be relevant only for the specific purpose of those seeking it.
Therefore, this recommendation needs to be moderated the extent that
PAs may be advised to list only important, informative queries and appeals
on its website. This will prevent the website of the PA from being clogged
with irrelevant information.
ii) The recommendation of the Task Force in Section 3.2.1 is for

implementation by the State Governments/ Local Bodies. Although the task
force has qualified its suggestion by saying 'as far as practicably possible', it
still remains difficult to implement and monitor at Central Government level.
Therefore, professionally accepted norms and methods for dissemination
of information may be used as per specific need of the public authority
for a specific purpose or campaign.
3. The above suggestions may be considered before the guidelines are

prepared and finalised by the DOP & T.
(A.P.Singh)
Ms. Sarita Nair,

Under Secretary
No. 28011/2/2011-Coord
Government of India
Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilizers
Department of Fertilizers
Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi

Dated:- 10th Feb 2012
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005 — Comments of

Department of Fertilizers on the Report of the Task Force
This has reference to DOPTs OM No 1/6/2011-IR dated 24th

November 2011 seeking this Departments comments on the Report of the
Task Force constituted by the DOPT for effective implementation of the
Section 4 of the RTI Act 2005.
This Department is already implementing Section 4 of the RTI Act

proactively under RFD and there is no recommendation of the Task Force
touching on the specific matter being dealt in Department of Fertilizers. This
Department has no objection to the recommendation made by the Task Force,
in general, and extends its full support to it.
(Sanjay Sri stava

Under Secret oord)/
1.2 389364
(Ms. Sarita Nair)

Under Secretary
Tel: 230940401
• 98/VGL/60
Government of India
Central Vigilance Commission
*****
Satarkta Bhawan, Block 'A',

GPO Complex, INA,
Dated the 15th April 1999
To
All Chief Vigilance Officers
Subject: Rotation of officials working in sensitive posts.
*****
Instructions have been issued from time to time by the Central Vigilance
Commission and the Department of Personnel and Training for making rotational transfers in
respect of the officials posted on sensitive posts at periodic inte:.vals. These instructions are
not being strictly followed and fallen into disuse.
2. In order to implement these instructions in a letter and spirit, it has been

decided by the Commission that a list of sensitive posts in various Departments/Organisations
should be identified by the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Department/Organisation. A list of
posts so identified by the CVOs may be intimated to the Commission immediately.
Thereafter CVOs in consultation with the Chief Executives would ensure that officials posted
on sensitive posts are rotated every two/three years to avoid developing vested interests. In
case officials posted on the sensitive posts continue to function in violation of the existing
orders, the Commission may be apprised so that it may take 1.T, the matter with the concerned
Departments/Organisations for implementing these instructions.
(P.S.FATEHULLAH)
DIRECTOR
No.: 98/VGL/60
Government of India
Central Vigilance Commission
********
Satarkta Bhawan, Block 'A',

GPO Complex, INA,
Dated the 2nd November, 2001.
To
All Chief Vigilance Officers
Subject: Rotation of officials working in sensitive posts.
**********
Attention is invited to Circular No. 98NGL/60 dated 15th April 1999 of the Central
Vigilance Commission regarding rotation of officials working in sensitive posts.
2. It is hereby clarified that postings in the vigilance wings/departments are classified

as sensitive. Therefore, the above instructions should be strictly followed while transferring
officials to and from vigilance.
3. Accordingly, personnel deputed to the vigilance wing from operational wings are to
have a tenure of three years following which they are to be reverted to operational areas. In the
case of organizations that have a separate cadre for vigilance, the rotation should be done across
regions on expiry of tenure of three years in a particular office.
4. CVOs may certify annually that this exercise has been carried.
5. This is for strict compliance by all concerned.
This issues with the approval of the Commission.
Sd/-
(C.J. Mathew)
Deputy Secretary
iclegraphicAddress : No.004/VGLI9O
"-,ATARKTA: New Delhi /
.\kidress -U"i c411?

tt2LltallIc. In ci)d1
Vvebsite FRNMF rskl OF INDIA
::Ve.111C.1/1 ('ENTRALIGILANCF COMMISSION
[PALA R'a*M
174)51001 - ( y7 mtri , j lcIt 1Oe2
*-4Tf/Fax 24616286 Satarkta Iihawan, ( ompie\,
Block A, INA, Ne\A Delhi
1.,•-firb et4w Jari., 2012
Circular No.02/01112
Sub: Rotation of officials working in sensitive posts -- reg.
Ref: Commission's circulars No. 98/VGL/60 dated 15/4/1999, 1/11/2001

and circular No.1 7I4I08(0041VGLi90 uuted ií5 2008
ticTi ti 0 n the I.2,0n I :,:m7r..i.i;c::71 in ciir-,ufa; 77-;

reference wherein all CVOs were asked to rjentifv til t., sensitive ptyp,,,, tU also
that officials posted on SerisTive pn ,-Ts
interests These tc0rH. n vVjrJH, 1 illhttm or sohous
coilpern
2 kentiy the \„, : rn

noticed that a senior nono offb in! w117._was ussouate — 7 77 7 locurements et= !vas oste7:
in the department for an unduly lonn period which sio - iinst the shirit of
gaijehnes The Carninison 1.1c11 pet oo:ai 'tato o' oh os
hOklirig sensttrve posts/obs esnecnity io he ensuieu ,A,s; soon ottpiais
should not be ètained in the same plac€,-' ,7 .os;tIon 7 unduly one pencici.. 17, the gipse oI
11-,a,snensaLwit, etc bie f‘,117
T C u m m i ss vv.! Hie i e .! -.; 1 l u1.7

Banks to bring to the notice of aH o; co 0. ',.e sinct ,,,,ompk:..-rtice of toe
Further. the CVOs shoulci specrfigally i'nention the ay: • ..ifcen status 1.;; this regard Indicalud
the number of officials: letateriltihn 7t7 fs tied !ir tne .! e Monthly r'■ ,-1. -Av, "n,
commission
;I V,Ii7,-.1,71
Al! CVOs of Public Sect ,

1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
To 5'U-t' do.) .0,21(-;

Ms.Pankti Jog 2i 1J-,ins.,
Executive Secretary
Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel
B 3, Sahajanand Towers
Jivarajpark Char-rasta
Ahmedabad-380051
Subject: Report of the Task Force constituted for effective implementation of

Section 4 of RTI Act, 2005
Madam
I am directed to refer to your letter dated 23.4.2012 on the above

subject and to say that the Report of the Task Force is under consideration of
the Government. On approval of the report, detailed guidelines for Suo motu
disclosure by Central and State Government offices would be issued.
Yours faithfully,
(Sarita Nair)
Secret
Government of India
Subject: Implementation of Recommendations of Task Force for strengthening

compliance with provisions for Suo Motu/ Proactive disclosure under
Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005
Reference Cabinet Secretariat's O.M. No.501/2/13/2011-CA.V dated 26th

September, 2012 on the above subject.
2. The issue of Guidelines on Suo Motu disclosure is a RFD target for this
Ministry. The target date is 31.12.2012. After the meeting of the COS, there may
be need for this department to revise the Guidelines submitted. It may also be
kept in mind that the Guidelines after approval have to be issued in Hindi also.
Therefore, this department would need sufficient time to meet the RFD target.
3. It is requested that the COS meeting scheduled for 17.10.2012, may, if

possible not be postponed again so as to enable this department to achieve its
RFD target.
g•
,
(Anuradha S.Chagti
Director
Tel: 23093074
Cabinet Secretariat(Shri R.Anand, Director), Rashtrapati Bhawan, New Delhi

DoPT I.D. No.1/6/2011-IR dated 5.10.2012
2 r
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative

New Delhi, India • London, UK •Accra, Ghana
NGO in Special Consultative Status with the Economic and Social Council of the United Nations
Date: 15/10/2012
To,
Mr. Manoj Joshi, IAS
Director
Moja Daruwala Joint Secretary to the Government of India (AT&A)
International Advisory
Commission: Government of India,
Sam Okudzeto - Chairperson
North Block
Members: New Delhi- 110 001
Alison Duxbury
Yashpal Ghai
Neville Union Dear sir,
B.G. Verghese
Zohra Yusuf Sub: Incompleteness of the report of the DoPT's Task Force constituted to review the
Moja Daruwala
implementation of Section 4 of the Right to Information Act (RTI Act)
Executive Committee (India):
B.G. Verghese - Chairperson I am writing to bring an important and urgent matter to your notice. You may recollect
that I served as a member of the Task Force set up by your Department last year for
Members:
B.K.Chandrashekar developing guidelines and templates for the purpose of implementing Section 4 of the
Bhagwan Das
RTI Act more effectively. I convened the sub-group of the Task Force that worked on
Nitin Desai
Wajahat Habibullah serial #(iii) of the terms of reference (TOR), namely, detailing of Sec. 4(1)(b)(iii),
Harivansh
Sonjoy Hazarika
4(1)(b)(iv), 4(1)(b)(ix) and 4(1)(b)(xiv) to lend clarity to these sections. After due
Kamal Kumar deliberations, we submitted a report with specific guidelines to the DoPT. Our guidelines
Poonam Muttreja
Ruma Pal
were subsequently included in the draft report which the then Joint Secretary, Shri
A.P. Shah Rajeev Kapoor, IAS circulated to all members of the Task Force (copy attached).
Moja Daruwala
Executive Committee (Ghana): It came as a surprise yesterday (14/10/2012) when the DoPT circulated the Report of the
Sam Okudzeto - Chairperson
Task Force at the meeting of the Working Group of the National Advisory Council on
Members:
Transparency, Accountability and Governance without including the guidelines and
Anna Bossman
Neville Linton recommendations made in relation to serial #(iii) of the ToR. The Working Group of the
Emile Short
NAC had invited me to take part in the deliberations on Pre-legislative Processes where
B.G. Verghese
Maja Daruwala the truncated report of the Task Force was included in the reading materials.
Executive Committee (UK):
Neville Linton - Chairperson I pointed out to the absence of our sub-group's recommendations at yesterday's meeting
where DoPT was represented by Smt. Mamta Kundra, Joint Secretary (Est.). She
Members:
Richard Bourne acknowledged the existence of the recommendations of our sub-group and their absence
Frances D'Souza
Meenakshi Dhar
from the report that was circulated at the meeting. She agreed to take it up with the
Derek Ingram Department.
Claire Martin
Syed Sharfuddin
Joe Silva I would like to point out that the report of the Task Force in its current form is focused
Sally-Ann Wilson
more on ensuring improved proactive disclosure in various departments at the district,
block and gram panchayat level leaving out the higher levels of the administration. Our
, B-117 • First Floor • Sarvodaya Enclave • New Delhi - 110 017 • T +91 11 43180200 • F +91 11 26864688
/ 6 info@humanrightsinitiative.org • www.humanrightsinitiative.org
FCRA Registration No.231 650671; Registration No. S-24565 under Societies Registration Act;
Registration No.DIT (E)/2005-2006/C-390/94/1226 U/S 80-G
CHRI
• io
sub-group's recommendations related to proactive disclosure of the processes of decision-
making, supervision and accountability, budget planning and expenditures and electronic
records management in all public authorities irrespective of their levels of operation. These
recommendations were designed in order to bring about greater transparency particularly in
the working of ministries, departments, directorates and other public authorities in both
Central and State Governments which rarely come into contact with members of the general
public. If this important part of the original report is left out in the final version the hard work
put in by the Task Force for making the higher levels of the administration transparent would
come to nought.
The JS (Est.) informed us that the report of the Task Force would be submitted to the
Committee of Secretaries (CoS) soon for approval. This is good news indeed. However I urge
you to place the complete report of the Task Force including the recommendations made by my
sub-group before the CoS. The guidelines of our sub-group also went through the same
processes of consultation as other templates and recommendations that have been included in
the truncated report. There is no reason why an incomplete report should be circulated
throughout the country.
I urge you to intervene in this matter and ensure that the complete report of the Task Force
including the recommendations made by the sub-group on serial #3 of the ToR is submitted to
the CoS for approval. The JS (Est.) assured us at yesterday's meeting that even if the CoS were
unable to meet to grant approval for the report of the Task Force, for any reason, the DoPT
would issue binding instructions soon. If such a course of action is contemplated, I urge you to
ensure that such binding instructions are issued for the topic dealt with under serial #3 of the
ToR as well.
If you wish to discuss this matter further please feel free to contact me at 9871050555 or
nayak.venkatesh@gmail.com. I have copied this communication to all civil society
representatives on the Task Force and participants at yesterday's NAC meeting by email and to
the JS (Est.), Director (RTI Cell, DoPT) and the NAC in hard copy.
Thanking you,
Yours sincerely,
•
I1r„z,
Venkatesh Nayak
Programme Coordinator
Access to Information Programme
Encl:
1) Report of the Task Force as circulated at the meeting of the Working Group of the NAC
on Transparency, Accountability and Governance (available in hard copy only)
2
CHRI
2) Extract from the Draft Report of the Task Force prepared by the sub-group related to
serial #3 of the ToR (in hard copy and electronic version)
Cc:
1) Smt. Mamta Kundra, JS (Est.), Department of Personnel and Training, Government of
India, North Block, NewDelhi- 110 001 (by email and in hard copy)
2) Smt. Aruna Roy, Member of the National Advisory Council and Convenor, Working
Group on Transparency, Accountability and Governance (by email)
3) Smt. Anuradha Chagti, Director (RTI Cell), DoPT, Government of India, North Block, New
Delhi- 110 001 (by email and in hard copy)
4) Shri Nikhil Dey, Co-Convenor, National Campaign for People's Right to Information
(NCPRI), (by email)
5) Ms. Anjali Bhardwaj, Co-Convenor, National Campaign for People's Right to Information
(NCPRI), (by email)
6) Ms. Pankti Jog, member of the DoPT's Task Force on the implementation of Section 4 of
the RTI Act (by email)
7) Shri K Gurumurthy, member of the DoPT's Task Force on the implementation of Section
4 of the RTI Act (by email)
8) Ms. Aheli Choudhary, member of the DoPT's Task Force on the implementation of
Section 4 of the RTI Act (by email)
9) Shri Vipul Mudgal, CSDS, New Delhi (by email)
10) Shri M R Madhavan, PRS Legislative Research, New Delhi (by email)
3
a
43-1R- tic-t)N
3t17 mRtarcri f41TT7T
Anuradha S. Chagti cilco DicbiLid fQTt
Director 914 (4114), ftA-110001
Tel : 23093074
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
AND PENSIONS
NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI-110001
Dated, 6th November, 2012
F.No.1/6/2011-1R
Dear Venkatesh Ji,
This is with reference to your letter dated 15.10.2012, to Joint Secretary,

DoPT regarding "Incompleteness of the report of the DoPT's Task Force
constituted to review the implementation of Section 4 of the Right to Information
Act (RTI Act)." As confirmed to you DoPT did not circulate any papers during
NAC meeting. The papers sent by you would have been circulated by the NAC
Secretariat.
I would like to put to rest your apprehension that the Section 3 of the Task
Force Report on pro-active disclosure has been deleted from the final report.
The Task Force report contains all the chapters on which the Task Force had
worked and the report is being shortly placed before the Committee of
Secretaries for its consideration.
With regards
• :
:_;.c.tic."41 Yours sincerely,
(Anuradha S.Chagti)
Shri Venkatesh Nayak

Programme Coordinator,
Access to Information Programme,
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative,
B-117, First Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave,
• New Delhi.110 017.
r
arruTrT http://persmin.gov.in
D.O.No.1/ 6/ 2011-IR
S ,Mcbk
P. K. Misra 4,1144 uP4-mm fir
444 cm (4), Dictwici
.912-t Edict), — 110001
Secretary
Tele : 23094848 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
:23092056 DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING
Fax : 23094500 MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES

AND PENSIONS
NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI - 110001
Website : http://persmin gov rn
25th October, 2012
Dear
A proposal to seek approval of Committee of Secretaries on the guidelines

framed on the recommendations of a Task Force set up by Department of
Personnel and Training, for strengthening compliance with the provisions of
Suo Motu disclosures as given in Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 was submitted to
Cabinet Secretariat vide Note for Committee for Committee of Secretaries dated
10th July 2012. The meeting of the Committee of Secretaries was initially
scheduled on 14.8.2012 and has been postponed thrice and now fixed for 31st
October, 2012.
2. The issue of Guidelines on Suo Motu disclosure is a RFD target for this
Department. The target date is 31.12.2012. After the meeting of the COS, there
may be need for this Department to revise the Guidelines. Thereafter, the
guidelines would have to be issued bilingually. Therefore, this Department
would need sufficient time to meet the RFD target.
3. I shall be grateful if a decision is taken on the guidelines for Suo Motu

disclosure in the COS meeting as soon as possible so as to enable this
Department to achieve its RFD target.
Yours sincerely,
(P.K. Misra)
Shri Ajit Kumar Seth

Cabinet Secretary
Rashtrapati Bhawan
New Delhi.
ikr4
31-ftWI7
*t-NctV
417 AMMT RIT171
Anuradha S. Chagti Th-TfifT, Act) RIct>lqd 1 1 OYI -r
Director
Tel : 23093074 GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
DEPARTMENT OF PERSONNEL & TRAINING
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES
AND PENSIONS
NORTH BLOCK, NEW DELHI-110001
Dated, 6th November, 2012
F.No.1 /6/201 1-IR
Dear Venkatesh Ji,
This is with reference to your letter dated 15.10.2012, to Joint Secretary,

DoPT regarding "Incompleteness of the report of the DoPT's Task Force
constituted to review the implementatidn of Section 4 of the Right to Information
Act (RTI Act)." As confirmed to you DoPT did not circulate any papers during
NAC meeting. The papers sent by you would have been circulated by the NAC
Secretariat.
I would like to put to rest your apprehension that the Section 3 of the Task
Force Report on pro-active disclosure has been deleted from the final report.
The Task Force report contains all the chapters on which the Task Force had
worked and the report is being shortly placed before the Committee of
Secretaries for its consideration.
With regards
•
..;;;;;1c.:r1
11,.;;_;
Yours sincerely,
(Anuradha S.Chagti)
Shri Venkatesh Nayak

Programme Coordinator,
Access to Information Programme,
Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative,
B-117, First Floor, Sarvodaya Enclave,
New Delhi.110 017.
71;7ffl. oh I
rpi ?TT-ft; *14 http://persmin.gov.in
fir Secretary (P)
D.O. No.1/6/2011-IR
A proposal to seek approval of Committee of Secretaries on the

guidelines framed on the recommendations of a Task Force set up by
Department of Personnel and Training, for strengthening compliance
with the provisions of Suo Motu disclosures as given in Section 4 of
the RTI Act, 2005 was submitted to Cabinet Secretariat vide Note for
Committee for Committee of Secretaries dated 10th July 2012. The
meeting of the Committee of Secretaries was initially scheduled on
14.8.2012 and has been postponed thrice and now fixed for 31st
October, 2012.
The issue of Guidelines on Suo Motu disclosure is a RFD target

for this Department. The target date is 31.12.2012. After the meeting
of the COS, .there may be need for this department to revise the
Guidelines. Thereafter, the guidelines would have to be issued
bilingually. Therefore, this department would need sufficient time to
meet the RFD target.
I shall be grateful if a decision is taken on the • idelines for Suo

&.42 Scan. 4.0 ra4 titiA.-
Motu disclosure in the COS meeting
so as to enable this department to achieve its RFD target.
Yours sincerely
L
Secretary (P)
Shri Ajit Seth,
Cabinet Secretary,
Rashtrapati Bhawan,
New Delhi.
SECRET
Copy No. .
No.501/2/13/2011-CA.V
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA/BHARAT SARKAR
CABINET SECRETARIAT/MANTRIMANDAL SACHIVALAYA
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
New Delhi dated 4th December, 2012

Compliance with Provisions for Suo Motu / Proactive Disclosures under
Reference this Secretariat's O.M. of even number dated 23rd November, 2012, on the
subject matter.
2. The meeting of Committee of Secretaries scheduled to be held at 05.00 P.M. on

23rd November, 2012 but postponed will now be held at 12.00 Noon on 12th December, 2012.
Agenda and venue will remain the same.
3. It is requested to kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.
ClclA
(V.P.Arora)
Deputy Secretary
) - Tele No: 23014378
( )
--Shri P. K. Misra, Secretary, D/o Personnel & Training.
Shri R.K. Singh, Home Secretary, M/o Home Affairs.
Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Secretary, D/o Space.
Dr. R.K. Sinha, Secretary, D/o Atomic Energy.
Secretary, M/o Environment & Forests.
Shri R.S. Gujral, Finance Secretary & Secretary, D/o Expenditure
Shri Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, D/o Economic Affairs.
JS Shri J. Satyanarayana, Secretary, D/o Electronics & Information Technology.
Shri Anil Goswami, Secretary, D/o Social Justice & Empowerment.
Shri B. A. Agarwal, Secretary, D/o Legal Affairs.
Shri B. A. Agarwal, Secretary, Legislative Department.
Copy forwarded to: -
Secretary, Central Information Commission w.r.t this Secretariat's OM of even number

dated 23rd November, 2012, with the request to kindly make it convenient to attend the meeting.
(V.P.Arora)
Deputy Secretary
Copy also forwarded to: -
Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.
Internal circulation
CS/Secy(C)/AS(G)/Dir.(RA)
20 Copies
Secret
F.No.1/6/2011-IR
Government of India
Ministry of Personnel, PG and Pensions

Dated the December,2012.
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject:- Implementation of the Recommendations of Task Force for strengthening

Compliance with Provisions for Suo Motu / Proactive Disclosures under
Section 4 of the RTI Act,2005.
The undersigned is directed to refer to this Department's O.M. of even number dated
the 10th July, 2012 forwarding therewith a Note for the Committee of Secretaries regarding
implementation of the Recommendations of Task Force for strengthening compliance with
provisions for Suo Motu / Proactive Disclosures under Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005. In the
said note approval of the CoS has been sought for the guidelines for implementation of the
suo-motu disclosure under RTI Act,2005.
2. Pending receipt of the approval of CoS, the matter has been reconsidered in this
Department. Since RTI Act, 2005 came into existence; DOPT has been issuing several
guidelines and instructions aiming at effective implementation of various provisions of RTI
Act with the approval of the Competent Authority in DOPT.
3. It is stated that there are seven categories of cases that can be referred to CoS by a
Ministry/Department. This case falls in the category in which a Secretary of a Department
desires advice of CoS on a subject assigned to his charge.
4. The Report of the Task Force has been circulated among Ministries/Departments and
inter-ministerial consultation has already been held and views of Ministries/Departments
r1 14"
it have been incorporated in the draft guideline. There are no irreconcilable difference(s) of
opinion between DOPT and other Ministries warranting the intervention of CoS. The issue of
guidelines is an RFD target to be achieved by 31St December,2012.
5. As was done on earlier occasion, it has now been decided to issue the guidelines
proposed in the CoS Note under reference after obtaining the approval of the competent
authority in DOPT.
6. Accordingly it is requested that DOPT may be allowed to withdraw the CoS Note
dated 10.7.2012 submitted to Cabinet Secretariat.
7. This issues with the approval of Secretary(Personnel).
(Sandee Ja‘\•ii-i)
Deputy Secretary to the Government of India
Tele:23092755
Cabinet Secretariat
(Shri R.Anand, Director)
Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi.
•
4
A
c_
, •
s
t S4
No. 30/2/2013-PPD
Ministry of Finance
Procurement Policy Division
Dated 5 th February, 2013
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Recommendations of Task Force for Strengthening

Compliance with Provisions for Suo Moto/ Proactive disclosures under section 4 of the RTI
Act, 2005.
This has reference to the minutes of the meeting of the CoS held on 12/12/12 on the
subject cited above. In this regard it is stated that the present formulation of para 1.1 of draft
guidelines on "Information related to procurement' prescribes a limit of Rs. 10 Lakh for the
publication of notice/ tender enquiries, corrigenda and details of bid awards thereon. In the
context of e-Publishing, this contradicts with this Departments O.M No. 10/1/2011- PPC dated
30th November 2011. Hence this contradiction needs to be removed. Further, inclusion of 'works
contracts' along with goods /services, would make the guidelines in line with the existing
instructions issued vide above cited O.M.
3. This can be achieved with the following two minimal changes. It is therefore requested
that these may be incorporated in the para 1.1 of the draft guidelines before the same is issued;
i. In line 1 of para 1.1 of the draft guidelines, the figure of Rs. 10 Lakhs for
disclosure may be removed as the same contradicts with this Departments O.M
dated 30th November 2011.
ii. In the phrase "detailing the name of the supplier of goods/services being
procured and the rate and total amount at which such procurement is to be
done" the words 'or works contracts entered or any such combination of these'
may be included after being procured.
4. This issues with the approval of OSD (PPD).

Jettukiask
5- 1 • 13
(Yashashri Shukla)
Director (PPD)
011-23093457
To,
Shri Sandeep Jain,
Dy. Secretary (RTI), DOPT,
Room No. 279-A, North Block, New Delhi
Copy to:
DS( RTI), DoE, North Block , New Delhi with respect to their Note dated 28.12.12 in
- l, file no. 11/5/2011-RTI.
S -Gc_R e
South Block,
Subject: Provisions for suo motu disclosure under Section 4 of

the RTI Act, 2005 — Reg.
Reference is invited to the proposal of DoPT in the note dated

21.3.2013 at page 64/n in the DoPT's file no. 1/6/2011-IR on the
above subject.
2. The undersigned is directed to convey that Prime Minister has

approved the draft OM and the Guidelines on implementation of suo-
motu disclosure under Section 4 (1) (b) of the RTI Act, 2005, with
amendments as per the copy enclosed.
3. DoPT is also requested to put up these Guidelines on their

website and also release these guidelines to the media.
4. DoPT File no. 1/6/201'1-IR is returned herewith.
(Dheeraj gupta)
ToLit 11)1 ■ Isq
et.A.p,1-...
Tel. No. 2301 59441
Secretary, Department of Personnel & Training

PMO ID no. 600/31/C/65/2012-ES.2 ?-7c2,4‘ Dated: 9.4.2013
(
No.1/6/2011-1R
Government of India

Dated the , 2013
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Implementation of Suo — Motu disclosure under Section 4 (1)(b) of RTI Act,2005 —
Issue of guidelines regarding:
Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act lays down the information which should be disclosed
by Public Authorities on a suo motu or proactive basis. Section 4(2) and Section 4(3)
prescribe the method of dissemination of this information. The purpose of suo motu
disclosures under Section 4 is to place large amount of information in public domain on a
proactive basis to make the functioning of the Public Authorities more transparent and also
to reduce the need for filing individual RTI applications.
2. Since the promulgation of the Act in 2005, large amount of information relating to
functioning of the government is being put in public domain. However, the quality and
quantity of proactive disclosures are not up to the desired level. It was felt that the weak
implementation of the Section 4 of the RTI Act is partly due to the fact that certain
provisions of this Section have not been fully detailed and, in case of certain other
provisions there is need for laying down detailed guidelines. Further there is need to set up
a compliance mechanism to ensure that requirements under section 4 of the RTI Act are
met.
3. In order to address the above Government of India constituted a Task Force on Suo
Motu disclosures under the RTI Act, 2005 in May 2011 which included representatives of
civil society organizations active in the field of Right to Information, for strengthening
compliance with provisions for suo motu or proactive disclosures as given in Section 4 of the
RTI Act, 2005. Based on the report of the Task Force the Government have decided to issue
guidelines for suo motu disclosures under section 4 of the RTI Act.
4. Guidelines for Central Government Ministries/Departments are on:
i. Suo motu disclosure of more items under Section 4.
ii. Guidelines for digital Publication of proactive disclosures under Section 4.
iii. Detailing of Section 4(1)(b)(iii), 4(1)(b)(iv), 4(1)(b)(xi) and 4(1)(b)(xiv)
iv. Compliance mechanism for suo motu disclosures (Proactive disclosure) under
the RTI Act, 2005.
5. The above guidelines are enclosed. However, it may be kept in mind that proactive
disclosures should be done in the local language so that it remains accessible to public. It
should be presented in a form that is easily understood and if technical words are used they
should be carefully explained. As provided in 4(1)(b), disclosures should be made in as many
mediums as feasible and disclosures should be kept up to date. The disclosure of
Information may be made keeping in mind the provisions of Section 8 to 11 of the RTI Act.
6. Central Government Ministries/ Departments should undertake suo motu disclosure
and ensure compliance based on these guidelines.
7. The enclosed guidelines may be brought to the notice of all for compliance.
•
Guidelines on suo motu Disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act
INDEX
S. Chapter Page
No. No.
1 Suo motu disclosure of more items under Section 4 1
2 Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive 4
3 Guidelines for certain clauses of Section 4(1)(b) to 7
4 Compliance with provisions of suo motu 12
iv
Guidelines on Suo-Motu Disclosure under Section 4 of the RTI Act
1.0 Suo motu disclosure of more items under Section 4
Sub-section 4(2) of the RTI Act, 2005 requires every public authority to take steps in
accordance with the requirements of clause (b) of sub-section 4(1) to provide as much
information suo motu to the public at regular intervals through various means of
communication, including internet, so that the public have minimum resort to use the Act to
obtain information. Accordingly, the Public Authorities may proactively disclose the
following items also under the suo motu disclosure ,5-therne provisions of Section 4:
1.1 Information related to Procurement
1.1.1 Information relating to procurement made by Public Authorities on including
publication of notice/tender enquiries, corrigenda thereon, and details of bid awards
detailing the name of the supplier of goods/services being procured or the works contracts
entered or any such combination of these and the rate and total amount at which such
procurement or works contract is to be done should be disclosed. All information
disclosable as per Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure's O.M. No 10/1/2011-PPC
dated 30th November, 2011 on Mandatory Publication of Tender Enquiries on the Central
Public Procurement Portal and O.M. No. 10/3/2012- PPC dated 30th March, 2012 on
Implementation of comprehensive end-to-end e-procurement should be disclosed under
Section 4. At present the limit is fixed at Rs. 10.00 lakhs. In case of procurements made
through DGS&D Rate Contracts or through Kendriya Bhandar/ NCCF, only award details
need to be published. However information about procurement which w& 44-fall within the
purview of Section 8 of the RTI Act would be exempt.
1.2 Public Private Partnerships
1.2.1 If Public services are proposed to be provided through a Public Private Partnership
(PPP), all information relating to the PPPs must be disclosed in the public domain by the
Public Authority entering into the PPP contract/concession agreement. This may include
details of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), if any set up, detailed project reports,
concession agreements, operation and maintenance manuals and other documents
generated as part of the implementation of the PPP project. The documents under the
ambit of the exemption from disclosure of information under section 8(1)(d) and 8(1)(j) of
1
•
the RTI Act will not be disclosed suo-motu. Further, information about fees, tolls, or other
kinds of revenue that may be collected under authorization from the Government,
information in respect of outputs and outcomes, process of selection of the private sector
party may also be proactively disclosed. All payments made under the PPP project may also
be disclosed in a periodic manner along with the purpose of making such payment.
1.3 Transfer Policy and Transfer Orders
1.3.1 Transfer policy for different grades/cadres of employees serving in Public Authority
should be proactively disclosed. All transfer orders should be publicized through the website
or in any other manner listed in Section 4(4) of the Act. These guidelines will not be
applicable in cases of transfers made keeping in view sovereignty, integrity, security,
strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State and the exemptions covered under
Section 8 of the Act. These instructions would not apply to security and intelligence
organizations under the second schedule of the RTI Act.
1.4 RTI Queries and Frequently Asked Questions
1.4.1 All Public Authorities shall proactively disclose RTI queries and appeals received and
their responses, on the websites maintained by Public Authorities with search facility based
on key words. Attempt---4)e__44.4_e_
4f-e— Of a gener,c r-e-Re4f4- -9 t+r}rv.4ca.401=:.
based-e4 -these app4+14.444cis-&14-o4±44 4ttp444f:tee ke,4 e, RTI applications and
appeals received and their responses relating to the personnel information of an individual
may not be disclosed as they do not serve any public interest.
1.5 CAG & PAC paras
1.5.1 Public Authorities may proactively disclose the CAG & PAC paras and the Action
Taken Reports (ATRs) only after these have been laid on the table of both the houses of the
Parliament. However, CAG paras dealing with information about the issues of sovereignty,
integrity, security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State and information
covered under Section 8 of the RTI Act would be exempt.
1.6 Citizens Charter
1.6.1 Citizens Charter prepared by the Ministry/Department, as part of the Result
Framework Document of the department/organization should be proactively disclosed and
2
six monthly report on the performance against the benchmarks set in Citizens Charter
should also be displayed on the website of public authorities.
1.7 Discretionary and Non-discretionary grants
1.7.1 All discretionary /non-discretionary grants/ allocations to state governments/
NG0s/Other institutions by Ministry/Department should be placed on the website of the
Ministry/Department concerned. Annual Accounts of all legal entities who are provided
grants by Public Authorities should be made available through publication, directly or
indirectly on the Public Authority's website. Disclosures will be subject to provisions of
Section 8 to 11 of the RTI Act.
1.8 Foreign Tours of PM/Ministers
1.8.1 A large number of RTI queries are being filed on official tours undertaken by
Ministers or officials of various Government Ministries/Departments. Information regarding
the nature, place and period of foreign and domestic tours of Prime Minister are already
disclosed on the PMO's website.
1.8.2 As per DoPT's OM No. 1/8/2012-IR dated 11/9/2012, Public Authorities may
proactively disclose the details of foreign and domestic official tours undertaken by the
Minister(s) and officials of the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India and above
and Heads of Departments, since 1st January, 2012. The disclosures may be updated once
every quarter starting from 1st July, 20122013.
1.8.3. Information to be disclosed proactively may contain nature of the official tour,
places visited, the period, number of people included in the official delegation and total cost
of such travel undertaken. Exemptions under Section 8 of the RTI Act, 2005 may be taken
kept in view while disclosing the information. These instructions would not apply to security
and intelligence organisations under the second schedule of the RTI Act, 2005 and CVOs of
public authorities.
3
2.0 Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive disclosures under Section 4
2.1 Section 4 lays down that information should be provided through many mediums
depending upon the level of the public authority and the recipient of information (for
example, in case of Panchayat, wall painting may be more effective means of dissemination
of information), and that more and more proactive disclosure would gradually be made
through Internet. There is need for more clear guidelines for web-based publication of
information for information disclosure.
2.2 The Department of Information Technology has been working on setting of technical
standards for government websites and the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public
Grievances has published guidelines for websites of Government Departments. These
guidelines prescribe the manner in which websites need to be designed and how
information should be disclosed. While adhering to the standards of government guidelines
as laid down by Department of Information Technology and Department of Administrative
Reforms & Public Grievances, the following principles additionally should also be kept in
view to ensure that websites' disclosures are complete, easily accessible, technology and
platform neutral and in a form which conveys the desired information in an effective and
user-friendly manner.
a) It should be the endeavor of all public authorities that all entitlements to citizens and
all transactions between the citizen and government are gradually made available
through computer based interface. The 'Electronic Delivery of Services Bill, 2012'
under formulation in Government of India would provide the necessary impetus.
b) Websites should contain detailed information from the point of origin to the point of
delivery of entitlements/services provided by the Public Authorities to citizens.
c) Orders of the public authority should be uploaded on the website immediately after
they have been issued. ci-e4, 444 si 4 4: c,c1=-44-4„4.-L.E4
c+l-C h e P.r44es*-4- :4,
4
d) Website should contain all the relevant Acts, Rules, forms and other documents
which are normally accessed by citizens.
e) Websites should have detailed directory of key contacts, details of officials of the
Public Authority.
f) It is obligatory under Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) of the RTI Act for every Public Authority to
proactively disclose 'details in respect of the information, available to or held by it,
reduced in an electronic form'. 1-n- such sect;on,The
website should therefore indicate which digitally held information is made available
publicly over the internet and which is not.
g) As departments reorganize their systems and processes to enable themselves for
electronic service delivery, it is recommended that du-r-i-RE ocess reengineef t-ng the
requirement of bringing due transparency as provided in the RTI Act ace-is given duo
adequate consideration at the design stage itself.
h) To maintain reliability of information and its real time updation, information
generation in a digital we-r-k-fform should be locked' toautomatically updated on
the basis of key work outputs, like a muster roll and salary slip (NREGA in Andhra
Pradesh) or formalization of a government order (Andhra Pradesh). Such an
approach will lead to automation of proactive disclosure.
Information must be presented from a user's perspective, which may require re-
arranging it, simplifying it etc. However, original documents in original formats
should continue to be made available because these are needed for community
monitoring of government's functioning.
The 'National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy' by the Department of Science
and Technology is based on the principle that all publicly funded information should
be readily available a-n-d--..v-oc-k-s- on—t-he offirtea-p-l-e-ot opea+ and res-trictk-d dtces-s to
data.-The policy has been notified in March, 2012 and the schedule should be strictly
adhered to.
k) Information and data should be presented in open data formats whereby it can be
pulled by different Application Protocol Interfaces to be used in different fashions
more appropriate to specific contexts and needs. Information/ data can, for
instance, be presented in powerful visual ways using visualisation techniques. Such
visual representation of information/ data can give insights that may remain largely
hidden in a textual or tabular presentation of data. In some contexts, pictures and
audio/videos recordings etc may be more useful. There have been moves in some
parts of the country to video record Gram Sabha meetings. A picture of a NREGA
worksite, for instance, may tell much more than words can. All such different media
and forms should be used for proactive disclosure.
I) Every webpage displaying information or data proactively disclosed under the RTI
Act should, on the top right corner, display the mandatory field 'Date last updated
(DD/MM/YY)'.
6
3.0 Guidelines for certain clauses of Section 4(1)(b) to make disclosures more effective
3.1 The elements of information listed in the various sub-clauses of Section 4(1)(b) must
be disclosed in an integrated manner. treated as --e-ier-iients of an ;ntegraten o-e,ctosure
_3(.11C111C -For example, the functions and responsibilities of a public authority cannot be
understood in isolation from the powers and functions of its employees, the norms that
inform its decision making processes and the rules, instructions and manuals that are used
in the discharge of its functions. Description of one element presupposes the existence of
another. So every public authority must endeavour to integrate the information mentioned
in these sub-clauses while preparing voluntary disclosure materials.
3.2 Considering that disclosures in regard to certain clauses have been relatively weak,
detailed guidelines for four clauses are given below:
3.3 Guidelines for section 4(1)(b)(iii) - "the procedure followed in the decision-making
processes, including channels of supervision and accountability".
3.3.1 All government departments have specific duties and responsibilities under the
respective Allocation of Business Rules (AOB) issued by the appropriate Government. The
constitutional provisions and statutes each department is required to implement are clearly
laid down in the AOB. The manner of disposal of matters assigned to each
Department/Ministry is described in the Transaction of Business Rules (TOB). Additionally,
every department would have a specific set of schemes and development programmes
which they are required to implement directly or through their subordinate offices or other
designated agencies. These documents contain the specific operations that every Public
Authority is required to undertake in the course of implementing the programme or
scheme. Every operation mandated under the AOB read with the TOB would be linked to a
specific decision-making chain. All government officers have to follow laid down office
procedure manual or the other rules which gives details of how representations, petitions
and applications from citizens must be dealt with. Templates, formats, and basic steps of
decision-making are briefly explained in such manuals. These descriptions constitute the
elements of decision-making processes in general.

3.3.2 Additionally, in the routine work of governance, government functionaries are
required to make decisions in a discretionary manner but broad guiding principles are laid
down in some rule or the other. For example, the General Financial Rules lay down
procedures for a variety of operations relating to government finances. How sanction must
be accorded for incurring expenditure; how losses to government must be reported; how
responsibility for losses may be fixed on any government servant; how budgets, demand for
grants are prepared and submitted; how public works must be sanctioned and executed;
how commodities and services may be procured by a public authority; are all explained in
these manuals which are updated from time to time. The challenge is to present a simplified
version of the decision-making procedure that is of interest to a common citizen.
3.3.3 In view of the above, the following guidelines for detailing the decision making
processes are as follows:
(a) Every public authority should specifically identify the major outputs/ tangible
results/ services/ goods as applicable that it is responsible for providing to the public
or to whosoever is the client of the public authority.
(b) In respect of (a) above, the decision-making chain should be identified in the form of
a flow chart explaining the rank/grade of the public functionaries involved in the
decision - making process clar-Lfv44-4-9- and the specific stages in the decision-making
hierarchy.
(c) The powers of each officer including powers of supervision over subordinates
involved in the chain of decision-making must also be spelt out next to the flow chart
or in a simple bullet-pointed format in a text-box. The exceptional circumstances
when such standard decision-making processes may be overridden and by whom
should also be explained clearly. Where decentralization of decision-making has
occurred in order to grant greater autonomy to public authorities, such procedures
must also be clearly explained.
(d) This design of 4;cpresentation should then be extended to cover all statutory and
discretionary operations that are part of the public authority's mandate under the
AOB read with the TOB.
8
474
(e) In the event of a public authority altering an existing decision-making process or
adopting an entirely new process, such changes must be explained in simple
language in order to enable people to easily understand the changes made.
3.4 Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(iv) - "the norms set by it for the discharge of its
functions".
3.4.1 Primarily, the intention of this clause is that every public authority should proactively
disclose the standards by which its performance should be judged. Norms may be
qualitative or quantitative in nature, or temporal or statutory norms. In order to ensure
compliance with this clause, public authorities would need to develop disclose norms for
major functions that are being performed,4they da not !ready-exist.
3.4.2 Citizen Charters, which are mandatory, for each central
Ministry/Department/Authority, are good examples of vehicles created for laying down
norms of performance for major functions and for monitoring achievements against those
standards.
3.4.3 Wherever norms have been specified for the discharge of its functions by any statute
or government orders, they should be proactively disclosed, particularly linking them with
the decision making processes as detailed earlier. All Public Authorities should proactively
disclose the following:
a) Defining the services and goods that the particular public authority/office
provides directly (or indirectly through any other agency/contractor).
b) Detailing and describing the processes by which the public can access and/or
receive the goods and services that they are entitled to, from the public
authority/office along with the forms, if any prescribed, for use by both the
applicant and the service providing agency. Links to such forms (online),
wherever available, should be given.
c) Describing the conditions, criteria and priorities under which a person becomes
eligible for the goods and services, and consequently the categories of people
who are entitled to receive the goods and services.

•
d) Defining the quantitative and tangible parameters, (weight, size, frequency etc,)
and timelines, that are applicable to the goods and services that are accessible to
the public.
e) Defining the qualitative and quantitative outcomes that each public
authority/office plans to achieve through the goods and services that it was
obligated to provide.
f) Laying down individual responsibility for providing the goods and services (who is
responsible for delivery/implementation and who is responsible for supervision).
3.5 Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(xi)- "the budget allocated to each of its agency,
indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on
disbursements made".
3.5.1 The public authorities while disclosing their budgets shall undertake the following:
(a) Keeping in view of the technical nature of the government budgets, it is essential
that Ministries/Departments prepare simplified versions of their budgets which can
be understood easily by general public and .4-91- t 1-,pplace them in public
domain. P—
r-e-,-P-n-t-4444-n--e-f-taBudgets and their periodic monitoring reports may also be
presented in a more user-friendly manner through graphs and tables, etc.
(b) Outcome budget being prepared by Ministries/Departments of Government of India
should be prominently displayed and be used as a basis to identify physical targets
planned during the budgetary period and the actual achievement vis-à-vis those
targets. A monthly programme implementation calendar method of reporting being
followed in Karnataka is a useful model.
(c) Funds released to various autonomous organizations/ statutory organizations/
attached offices/ Public Sector Enterprises/ Societies/ NG0s/ Corporations etc.
should be put on the website on a quarterly basis and budgets of such authorities
may be made accessible through links from the website of the Ministry/Department.
If a subsidiary does not have a website then the budgets and expenditure reports of
10
0
such subsidiary authority may be uploaded on the website of the principal Public
Authority.
(d) Wherever required by law or executive instruction, sector specific allocations and
achievements of every department or public authority (where feasible) must be
highlighted. For example, budget allocation and target focusing on gender, children,
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and religious minorities should be specially
highlighted. The sector-wise breakup of these targets and actual outcomes must be
given in simplified form to enable the vulnerable segments of society to better
understand the budgets of public authorities better.
3.6 Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) — details in respect of information, available to
or held by it, reduced in an electronic form.
3.6.1 On the one hand, this clause serves as a means of proactively disclosing the progress
made in computerizing information under Section 4(1)(a) of the RTI Act in a periodic
manner. On the other, it provides people with clarity about the kinds of electronic
information that, although not held by the public authority, is available to them. FFor
example the stocks of ration available with individual fair price shops may not be a-vaiiaolc
w-ft-kheld by the District Civil Supplies office, but may be available at a subordinate
formation.
3.6.2 Keeping in view the varied levels of computerization of records and documents in
public authorities, data about records that have been digitized may be proactively disclosed
on the respective websites, excluding those records /files /information that are exempted
under Section 8. The data about digitized record may include the name of the record and
any categorization or indexing used; the subject matter and any other information that is
required to be compiled in relation to a file as prescribed by Manual of Office Procedure
(and to be prescribed by MOP for electronic records that is under finalization by DARPG),
the division/ section/ unit/ office where the record is normally held; the person, with
designation, responsible for maintaining the record; and the life span of the record, as
prescribed in the relevant record retention schedule.
11
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4.3 Nodal Officer
4.3.1 Each Central WIinistry/Departo.e-n-t wouici aoeceat se-to!
of a---Jai-nt--Sec-re-ta-r-v and not below rank- -of-Addition-4:- :=44447.:,44_4, d's
ensuring compliance with the proac-tty-e disclosure- c4N04,4' -11f-Lc.Att 444-1r-L t+C-c4-cx+
the supervision of the Secretary €4 t-ii!Tt Min-istry4)-(c4:t4t-toe-at -ecr
a g • f4cors of Moats/ b t t -rtratoet
also ensure that 4-he- .formations th-e- --1\44a4,:aoi_40e0 -et4 I ac-ix cttlif , A
disclose the inforrnat.on --a-so-e-r-t-hoo-roact-tv-e-d-iisc-lost
4,3 --An-n-u-al-R-Hae-Ft-to-Gl-G
a 4.1 Alt Ministrie nents/A-4-;.ti-c-dod
disclosure -sc home cter-tn-p-i-i-e-n-ee--Prta-de with -he- s-chest- so- - 4.
:hanges in the scheme 4 4, •

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•: . • • . •• iink to -t-tact-Ccer-ttrat to-rnta-t 'a! ,tearows-lo--
• • •
ct!tartrae4"Jst ■ '! ;.3 IF•44
on-R-T-4--/scet--lo their Annual Reportseciahmitted -to the 444d-ia-i!eent____Petei4,___,_144d411_
• • •
Id plarteate-tHii.,
Annual Report of Ministry/4ep-a4-meot
4.0 Compliance with Provisions of Suo Moto (pro-active Disclosure) Guidelines under The RTI
Act
4.1 Each Ministry/Public Authority shall ensure that these Guidelines are fully operationalized
within a period of 6 months from the date of their issue.
14
4.2 Proactive Disclosure as per these Guidelines would require collating a large quantum
of information and digitizing it. For this purpose, Ministries/Public Authorities may engage
consultants or outsource such work to expeditiously comply with these Guidelines. For this
purpose, the plan/non-plan funds of that department may be utilized.
4.3 The Action Taken Report on the compliance of these Guidelines should be sent,
along with the URL link, to the DoPT and Central Information Commission soon after the
expiry of the initial period of 6 months.
4.4 Each Ministry/ Public Authority should get its Proactive Disclosure package audited
by third party every year. The audit should cover compliance with the Proactive Disclosure
Guidelines as well as adequacy of the items included in the package. The audit should
examine whether there are any other types of information which could be proactively
disclosed. Such audit should be done annually and should be communicated to the Central
Information Commission annually through publication on their own websites. All Public
Authorities should proactively disclose the names of the third party auditors on their
website. For carrying out third party audit through outside consultants also Ministries/Public
Authorities should utilize their plan/non-plan funds.
4.5 The Central Information Commission should examine the third-party audit reports
for each Ministry/Public Authority and offer advice/recommendations to the concerned
Ministries/ Public Authorities.
4.6 Central Information Commission should carry out sample audit of few of the
Ministries/ Public Authorities each year with regard to adequacy of items included as well as
compliance of the Ministry/Public Authority with these Guidelines.
4.7 Compliance with the Proactive Disclosure Guidelines, its audit by third party and its
communication to the Central Information Commission should be included as RFD target.
5.0 Nodal Officer
5.1 Each Central Ministry/ Public Authority should appoint a senior officer not below the
rank of a Joint Secretary and not below rank of Additional HOD in case of attached offices
for ensuring compliance with the proactive disclosure Guidelines. The Nodal Officer would
15
work under the supervision of the Secretary of the Ministry/Department or the HOD of the
attached office as the case may be. Nodal Officers of Ministry/Department and HOD
separately should also ensure that the formations below the Ministry/Department/Attached
Office also disclose the information as per the proactive disclosure Guidelines.
6.0 Annual Reports to Parliament/Legislatures
6.1 Government has issued directions to all Ministries/Departments to include a chapter
on RTI Act in their Annual Reports submitted to the Parliament. Details about compliance
with proactive disclosure Guidelines should mandatorily be included in the relevant chapter
in Annual Report of Ministry/Department.
• Formatted: Font: 14
pt, Bold
Formatted: Normal,
Justified
16
South Block,
Sub: Provisions for Suo Moto Disclosure under Section 4 of the

RTI Act, 2005

19.1.2013 at page 59/n in the DoPT's File No. 1/6/2011-IR on the above
subject.
2. The undersigned is directed to return the proposal of the Department

to refer the matter back to Department of Legal Affairs for obtaining the
views of Law Secretary in the matter.
3. DoPT File no. 1/6/2011-IR is returned herewith.
(Dheeraj upta)
Joint Secretary to PM
Tel. No. 2301 5944

PMO ID no. 600/31/C/65/2012-ES.2 Dated. 30.1.2013
f 63 02E3
r.-1""'■
Confidential
South Block,
Subject: Provisions for Suo Moto disclosure under Section 4 of the

RTI Act, 2005

26.12.2012 at page 51/n in the DoPT's file no. 1/6/2011-IR on the above
subject.
2. It has been observed that DoPT has not clarified in the proposal
whether DoPT can 'prescribe' or 'mandate' suo moto disclosure of
additional items through guidelines. In this connection, attention is drawn
to Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) of the RTI Act which stipulates that a public
authority shall publish within 120 days from the enactment of the Act 'such
other information as may be prescribed'. Further, Section 2 (g) states that "
`prescribed' means prescribed by rules made under this Act by the
appropriate Government or the competent authority, as the case may be".
3. In view of the above, the undersigned is directed to request the

Department to submit its views, after consultation with Ministry of Law &
Justice, on the requirement of framing rules for that part of the guidelines
which is intended to be made binding on public authorities.
4. DoPT is also requested to apprise this office of the compliance levels

of the earlier guidelines.
5. DoPT File no. 1/6/2011-IR is returned herewith.
(Dheer Gupta)
Joint Secretary to PM
Tel. No. 2301 5944

PMO ID no. 600/31/C/65/2012-ES.2 Dated. 8.1.2013
sp
I
26 1 3 Dispatch No.
s (t, T+ it)
Arum -
/14
Guidelines for State Governments for facilitating disclosure at district and
lower levels of government through suggestive templates for key areas
1.0 The scheme of Section 4 applies uniformly to all public authorities even though they
may be constituted at different levels. It is felt that at different levels of administration
different level of detailing is required and if that could be facilitated by development of
suitable templates it would not only improve the quality of disclosures but would also
facilitate more transparency in governance. For example, in the case of Public Distribution
System (PDS) disclosures at the level of Fair Price Shops (FPS) should go down to the level of
ration card holder, while at the level of district/state, agencies dealing with the disclosures
would need to be more broad-based. Keeping this in view four areas were identified for
development of templates.
(b) Panchayats;
(c) MGNREGA; and
These four areas have been selected on the ground that they constitute some of the most
significant services being provided at the ground level. However, it is recommended that
similar templates need to be worked out for other important areas such as health services,
services relating to social benefits, etc.
2.0 Templates for Information Disclosure
The templates of information disclosure at various levels of service delivery in
relation to the above four areas are enclosed at the end of the guidelines. The general
principles which should be adopted for disclosure at various levels are given below:
2.1 Use of Information boards/walls
Section 4(4) of the RTI Act states that information should be disseminated taking into
consideration 'the most effective method of communication in that local area and the
information should be easily accessible'. Given the limited reach and accessibility of the
internet in India, information disclosures, as far as practically possible, must also be done
locally in a form and manner that is easily accessible to people. It is recommended that at
• village / block level relevant information should be painted on walls and provided on boards
in the local language at prominent public places.
2.2 Information disclosure through any document/proof of delivery that is available to
beneficiaries
Any document relating to a scheme/program of the department that is held by a
citizen (eg. ration card, school books etc.) should be used as a mode of disclosure.
Information in the local language can be printed on such documents. Stickers can be used to
update/change the information, if required.
2.3 RTI Proactive Disclosure File
Panchayat is the first public authority or unit which has an interface with citizens. In
their case many of the information can be painted on the walls. However, all the
information that is painted on the walls should also be kept ready for perusal in a "RTI
Proactive Disclosure File". This file should also contain details of all the moneys received and
all the guidelines which are sent to Panchayats by various government authorities for
implementation of schemes.
3.0 'Good' and 'Innovative' practices adopted by State Governments
3.1 State governments may adopt innovative practices to disseminate information at
local level. Some of these practices are listed below:
• Read out all information about benefits of schemes, budgets, expenditure,
MGNREGA works, payments etc in the Gramsabha. Example - Yakubbhai Kothariya
works as a Gram Panchayat Secretary and a PIO in Gujarat. Even before the RTI Act
was in place, Yakubbhai was fond of using folk lyrics as a medium of disseminating
information. In his Gram Sabha, he talks about various scheme by connecting it with
incidents in the village and sings a folk song marking the specific characteristics of a
scheme. His Gram Sabhas are frequented by large numbers of residents on a regular
basis.
• Disseminate information about schemes and programmes by setting up a desk whilst
organizing the 'Village Mela (fair)' or any Folk Fair that is conducted in the region.
This can also be done in collaboration with village youth mandal, or SHG or any
Community bases organization.

• Organization of "Information Mela (fair)" at the village school on important days like
Independence Day, Republic Day". This works very effectively in the villages, and
people feel connected with village school.
• Community radio can become another media of dissemination of info. This proves
very effective.
• In Panchmahal district, Gujarat, during the RTI campaign for pro-active disclosures it
was observed that the multi-media vehicle used for dissemination of information
was widely accepted. The pamphlets, guidelines of various schemes, including forms
were disseminated by "RTI on Wheels" a multimedia vehicle. The films and case
stories of use of information for achieving transparency in governance were
screened.
• In Goa, it's a regular practice that details of the gram sabha are reported in local
newspapers.
• Other media like street plays, puppet shows can also be used for information
dissemination.
• If there are any specific programmes or schemes meant specifically for the region or
village then in such cases, pro-active disclosure should be prepared in the form of
charts giving details of such schemes/programme.

•
• Enclosure
Templates for disclosures at the level of

Fair Price Shops
1. Static Information to be painted at the FPS in the local language
Template 1.1: Entitlement, scale of issue and retail issue price of essential commodities
for all types of ration cards
Ration APL BPL Antodyaya Annapurnna

Price Quantity Price Quantity Price Quantity Price Quantity
Wheat
Flour
Rice
Edible oil
Sugar
Kerosene
Maize,
Bazra/ millet
other/salt
Sample of all commodities to be displayed at the FPS

Template 1.2: Information about the FPS
1. Names of Villages/ Mohallas/ Areas covered by the FPS:
1 Name of license holder
License number (display copy of license) Date of issue

Name of shop keeper Phone no
2 Time of shop opening
Time of shop closing
Days the shop remains open in a week
3 List of records held by the FPS- Stock register, sale register, list of cardholders attached
to the shop, etc.
Template 1.3: Information about the grievance redress mechanism
Complaints Register
Ration cardholders can register their complaints in the complaints register available in the Fair Price
Shop. Cardholders can demand inspection of the complaints register.
State-level toll free INFORMATION and GRIEVANCE REDRESS HELPLINE (details

later in the section 'Proposed new measures')
e.g. 1800-1117222-333
f?-
Template 1.4: Public audit of records of the FPS (details later in the section "Proposed
new measures")
Records of FPS available for public audit

(based on the Delhi model)
• All records of the FPS are available for inspection to cardholders on

demand
• On the last Saturday of every month, all the records of the FPS will be
available for audit by the people at the FPS between 2 to 5 pm
• On the first Saturday of every alternate month, all records of the FPS
will be available for audit by people at the Circle/block/panchayat level
office from 2 to 5 pm
It
""-- i.
Template 1.5: Information about the RTI Act
Right to Information Act 2005
Under the RTI Act, citizens have the right to access information from the
Department of Food and Civil Supplies.
• Applications for seeking information have to be submitted in writing

with the prescribed fee, to Public Information Officer (PIO) or
Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO).
• RTI application fee is Rs. and photocopy charges for providing
copies of records is Rs. per page.
• No fee for citizens below the poverty line
• Information will be provided within 30 days
Name, designation and contact details of relevant officials under the RTI Act
Public Information Officer Name of Designation of Office Mobile phone no.
(PIO) officer officer address &
Assistant Public Information Room no.

2. Dynamic information at the FPS to be painted / available on blackboards and made
available in a file for inspection on demand in local language
Template 2.1: Stock Position (prey. month)

Number of Ration Cards (as on.....)
REQUIREMENT, STOCK AND DISTRIBUTION FOR THE MONTH

Ration APL BPL AAY
Required Balance Stock Distributed Required Balance Stock Distributed Required Balance Stock Distrib
of prey provided in this of prey provided in this of prey provided in this
month in this month month in this month month in this month
month month month
Wheat
Flour
Rice
Edible
oil
Sugar
Kerosene
Board verified by On
Template 2.2: Vigilance Committee FPS-level
FPS-level Ration Vigilance Committee
The last meeting of the Vigilance Committee was held on ....

The next meeting of the Vigilance Committee will be held on ...
Minutes of the committee meetings are available for inspection at ....
Members of the ration vigilance committee

Name Designation Phone number & address
Chairperson
Template 2.3: List uf, a am La, dholdet s

Number of cards Total number of members
• The list of al
APL
displayed at
BPL
stuck on the
AAY should be a)
Annapurna
Applications
pending
Total
II. Disclosures at the block/ panchayat* level office (*or other appopriate authority for
areas under the sixth schedule of the Constitution and for urban areas)
Template 1: Entitlement, scale of issue and retail issue price of essential commodities for
all types of ration cards
Ration APL BPL Antodyaya Annapurnna

Wheat
Flour
Rice
Edible oil
Sugar
Kerosene
Maize,
Bajra/ millet
other/salt
Template 2: Monthly stock position of each FPS
REQUIREMENT, STOCK AND DISTRIBUTION FOR THE MONTH

FPS Name & Number: Address:
Ration APL BPL AAY
Required Balance Stock Distributed Required Balance Stock Distributed Required Balance Stock Distrib
of prey provided in this of prey provided in this of prey provid uted in
month in this month month in this month month ed in this
month month this month
month
Wheat
Flour
Rice
Sugar
Kerosene
Template 3: Name, designation & duties of officials
S. No. Name Designation Duties

Food Supplies Officer
2 Inspector
Template 4: Grievance redress mechanisms
Complaints Register
Ration cardholders can register their complaints in the complaints register available in the Fair Price
Shop. Cardholders can demand inspection of the complaints register.
State-level toll free INFORMATION and GRIEVANCE REDRESS HELPLINE (details later in
the section 'Proposed new measures')
e.g. 1800-111-222-333
Name, designation and contact of the grievance redress authority
Complaints regarding the functioning of the Public Distribution System can be made to:
•Helpline number:
•At the Block level:
•At the District level
•At the State level
Vigilance committees at all levels
Other relevant authority Template 5: Status of complaints filed
Status of Complaints filed

(to be maintained in a register shown on demand/ print outs pinned on a notice board)
S. Name of Date of Name & designation of Current Name and number of

No. complainant filing officer who received status of FPS/KOD against
whom complaint was
& complaint complaint the complaint grievance
filed
Complaints received in the last six months (Painted)
S. Name and number of FPS/KOD Total number of complaints Action taken against
No. against whom complaints were filed FPS/KOD
filed
6. Public audit of records of the FPS (details later in the section -Proposed new measures")
Records of FPS available for audit

(Based on Delhi model)

demand
• On the last Saturday of every month, all the records of the FPS will be
available for audit by the people at the FPS between 2 to 5 pm
• On the first Saturday of every alternate month, all records of the FPS will
be available for audit by people at the Circle/block/panchayat level office
between 2 to 5 pm
Template 7: Vigilance Committee at Block/ Panchayat- level
Block/Panchayat-level Ration Vigilance Committee

Members of the vigilance committee
Chairperson
Template 8: List of ration cardholders

APL
BPL
AAY
Annapurna
Applications pending
Total
• The list of all cards (attached to the shop) must be displayed securely,
in an accessible place at the Block/Panchayat- level office. The print
out of the list could be stuck on the wall and a register be maintained
which should be available for inspection on demand.
• The list should be painted in the village
Template 9: Procedure for applying for a new APL, BPL and AAY ration card/o ther
services and the time-frame for disposal
Procedure for applying for a new APL, BPL and AAY ration card/other services and the
time-frame for disposal
Type of Card Eligibility Documents Fee, if any Time-frame for disposal
required
APL Card
BPL Card/
AAY Card
Modification to
card
All application should be given a unique number and people should be

able to track the status of their application on the website of the
department. Reasons for rejection of any application must be recorded
online and should be communicated to the applicant.
Template 10: Boards displaying all relevant orders
• Board should display relevant orders by:

o Food Department
o Supreme Court
• Orders pertaining to closure/transfer of FPS, policy changes
etc.
Template 11: Information about the RTI Act
•Applications for seeking information have to be submitted in writing with prescribed fee, to Public
Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO).
• RTI application fee is Rs. & photocopy charges for providing copies of records is Rs. per
page.
• If information is not provided within the stipulated time-frame, first appeal can be to the First
Appellate Authorty in the Department, and the Second appeal can be filed to the Information
Commission
• If information is not provided in time, a penalty of Rs. 250 per day, subject to a maximum on Rs.
25000 can be levied on the PIO by the Information Commission.
• Under Section 4 of the Act, the department is required to proactively provide information to
citizens. The Section 4 publication is available in the office of the PIO in room no. and
can be inspected any time during office hours for free.
Public Information Officer Name of Designation of Office Mobile phone no.

(PIO) officer address &
officer
Assistant Public Information Room no.
Template 12: Board displaying list of documents available for inspection
All documents of this office can be inspected by citizens and photocopies can be
taken at actual cost
Name of document Officer responsible for Time for inspection

maintaining the document
ITT Il!- -I-- -- a al-- Tt,.a-:,ti 1,-,..,,,I
Template 1: Information to be kept in a file, available for inspection on demand

• List of card-holders (FPS-wise and Block-wise)
•
• Monthly stock position of all FPS in the district
• Minutes of meetings/reports of FPS-level, block-level and district-
level vigilance committees
• Status of complaints filed
Template 2: Board displaying list of documents available for inspection
All documents of this office can be inspected by citizens and photocopies can
be taken at actual cost
Name of document Officer responsible for Time for inspection

maintaining the document
• Template 3: Entitlement, scale of issue and retail issue price of essential commodities for
all types of ration cards
APL BPL Antodyaya Annapurnna

Ration
Wheat
Flour
Rice
Edible oil
Sugar
Kerosene
Maize,
Bajra/ millet
Template 4: Grievance redress mechanisms
Complaints Register
Ration cardholders can register their complaints in the complaints register available in the Fair Price Shop.
Cardholders can demand inspection of the complaints register.
State-level toll free INFORMATION and GRIEVANCE REDRESS HELPLINE (details later in the
section 'Proposed new measures')
e.g. 1800-111-222-333
Name, designation and contact of the grievance redress authority

Complaints regarding the functioning of the Public Distribution System can be made to:
°Helpline number:
'At the Block level:
•At the District level
°At the State level
'Vigilance committees at all levels
'Other relevant authority Template 5: Name, designation & duties of officials
S. No. Name Designation Duties

f
•
Additional
1 Commissioner -
2 Assistant Commissioner-
_
3 Food Supplies Officer -
4 Inspector -
5 -
Template 6: Public audit of records of the FPS
Records of FPS available for audit

(details later in the section "Proposed new measures")

demand at the FPS
• On the last Saturday of every month, all the records of the FPS will
be available for audit by the people at the FPS between 2 to 5 pm
• On the first Saturday of every alternate month, all records of the
FPS will be available for audit by people at the
Circle/block/panchayat level office between 2 to 5 pm
Template 7: Vigilance Committee District- level
District-level Ration Vigilance Committee

Members of the vigilance committee
Chairperson
Template 8: List of ration cardholders
APL
BPL
AAY
Annapurna
Applications pending
Total
The list of all cards (attached to the shop) must be displayed at the
Block/Panchayat- level office and at the FPS. The print out of the list could be
stuck on the wall and a register be maintained which should be available for
inspection on demand.
The list should be painted in the village
Template 9: Procedure for applying for new card/other services and time-frame for
disposal of applications
Procedure for applying for a new APL, BPL and AAY ration card/other services and the
time-frame for disposal
Type of Card Eligibility Documents Fee, if any Time-frame for disposal
required
APL Card
BPL Card/
AAY Card
Modification to
card
All application should be given a unique number and people should be

able to track the status of their application on the website of the
department. Reasons for rejection of any application must be recorded
online and should be communicated to the applicant.
Template 10: Boards displaying all relevant orders
• Board should display relevant orders by:

o Food Department
o Supreme Court
• Orders pertaining to closure/transfer of FPS, policy changes etc.
• Template 11: Information about the RTI Act
*Applications for seeking information have to be submitted in writing with

prescribed fee, to Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information
Officer (APIO).
•RTI application fee is Rs. and photocopy charges for providing copies of
records is Rs. per page.
*No fee for citizens below the poverty line
°Information will be provided within 30 days
*If information is not provided within the stipulated time-frame, the first appeal can
be to the First Appellate Authorty in the Department, and the Second appeal can be
filed to the Information Commission
*If information is not provided in time, a penalty of Rs. 250 per day, subject to a
maximum on Rs. 25000 can be levied on the PIO by the Information Commission.
'Under Section 4 of the Act, the department is required to proactively
provide information to citizens. The Section 4 publication is available in the
office of the PIO in room no. and can be inspected any time during
office hours for free.
Public Information Officer (PIO) Name of Designation of officer Office Mobile phone no.
officer address &

Assistant Public Information
Officer (APIO) Room no.

IV. Disclosures at the State-level through the Department website
Note: The MIS used by Chhatisgarh and Tamil Nadu are extremely comprehensive and
provide real-time information on the functioning of the PDS. While the Chhatisgarh website
has free public access to the MIS (N\ NA, .cg.nic.in/citizen), the Tamil Nadu MIS is only for
internal use and is not accessible by the public. All the content listed out in this section is
already being recorded in real-time in Chhatisgarh/Tamil Nadu. Other states can emulate the
model of these 2 states.
1. Contents of website related to distribution of grain (to be updated in real-time, as far as

possible)
List of all FPS/KODs (Block-wise & District-wise)

Entitlement, scale of issue and retail issue price of essential commodities for all types
of ration cards
• Types of ration cards
• Procedure for applying for new card/other services and time-frame for disposal of
applications
• List of card-holders (FPS-wise, Village-wise, Block-wise & District-wise)
• Actual disbursement made on each card (will require shop-level information to be
entered into the MIS)
Monthly stock position of all FPS
• Grievance redress mechanisms for PDS (including details of how and where to lodge
a complaint using each of the mechanisms)
• Minutes of meetings/reports of FPS-level, block-level, district-level and state-level
vigilance committees
• Information about the RTI Act and section 4 disclosures of the department
• Information about the mechanism for public audit of records of FPS
• Name, designation & duties of all officials of the Department
• Status of complaints filed
• Status of applications submitted
• Status of RTI applications filed
• Status of public audit reports
• ALL orders issued by the department and any other relevant orders which affect the
PDS. The department should have a mechanism whereby orders can only be
generated through the website and automatically uploaded in the relevant section of
the website. Several states, including Andhra Pradesh, follow this mechanism
wherein, the order number can only be procured if the order is generated online and is
displayed on the website.
• Monthly food grains bulletin (must provide information upto block-level)
All this information should be provided in a searchable format. The website should not
require any password/login to access/view this information. The MIS of the Department
should be completely visible to people accessing the site.
2. Contents of website related to procurement of grain (to be updated in real-time, as far as

possible)
• MSP & Bonus for all commodities
• • Names of farmers (village-wise, block-wise, district-wise)
• Quantity procured and amount paid to each farmer
• Norms for fair average quality
• List of mills (along with capacity of each mill)
• Quantity of grain given and received from each mill
Information on procurement should also be displayed at the procurement centre-level

and the block-level offices and at all other offices/sites involved in procurement of grain.
V. Disclosures at the Central Level (through the website)
• All relevant content related to procurement including details of agencies involved

• All relevant content related to transportation including details of agencies involved
• All relevant content related to distribution and linking to state level MIS
• Real-time information on grain movement
• All orders issued by the ministry, Supreme Court etc. which affect the functioning of
the PDS
• Monthly food grains bulletin (with information upto block-level)
VI. Information from other sources (organisations involved in procurement,

transportation etc.)
All relevant information related to the PDS must be displayed on the website of the relevant
organization and should be linked to the Ministry/Food Department website. Eg- Railways
which is involved in transportation of food grains, should display real-time information on
movement of grains on its website.
•
Templates for disclosures for Panchayat

Recommended templates for disclosure of information under Section 4 of the RTI Act for
Panchayat
1. GENERAL INFORMATION
Designation Name Phone No
Name and Address of Sarpanch (Village

Head)
Name and Address of Chairman
of Social Justice Committee of village
Name and address of Panchayat Secretary
(Talati)
Revenue Secretary/Patwari
Assistant secretary
Name and address of Panchayat's Peon
Name and address of operator of village
water works
Gramsevak (Dev)
Gram Seval (Agriculture)
Any Other
2. Details about PIO and Appellate Authorities under RTI act 2005 (Should be displayed on
outside wall of the Panchayat)
Heads Name Designation Phone Number Address
PIO
First Appellate Authority
Second Appellate
Authority
Kindly bring to the notice of PIO if any information disclosed on the walls is misleading or wrong,
or not updated. Citizen may also file complaint under section 18 of RTI ac to State information
commission.
RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2005
❖ Citizen has right to take photocopy, right to inspect the work and records, held by any
public authority.
❖ Approach Public information Officer for information.
❖ Application for information need to be submitted to public information officer with
application fee which can be paid by:
❖ If you need assistance in writing application, PIO is suppose to help you as per provisions
of the act.
❖ PIO is suppose to furnish you information within 30 days. If information is not held by
Panchayt, PIO may transfer your application to respective public authority.
• Any information provided after prescribed time limit will be given free of any charge.
❖ Citizen need not give application or application fee or wait for 30 days for inspecting any
•
information that is disclosed on the walls.
❖ Citizen may also file direct complaint under section 18 of RTI act, in case she/he not
getting info or getting misleading info.
❖ Citizen may file first appeal befoe applet authority.
3. Details of information about village population:
Type
Female Male total
Total population
SC
ST
Voters
Type of family
Total family
BPL Card holder
Antyoday card
holders
4. Details about Village Population (to be kept in File )
Type population
Female Male Total/persons
Total Population of village (0 to 6 years
children)
Schedule Caste
Schedule Tribe
SEBC
Minorities
Others
Total Voters
Schedule Caste
Schedule tribe
SEBC
Minorities
Others
Handicapped
Farmers (Land holders)
Schedule caste Farmers (Land holders)
ST Farmers (Land holders) (Tribal )/Adivasi
OBC Farmers (Land holders)
MINORITY Farmers (Land holders)
Type of Families
Total families Numbers
BPL FAMILIES
APL Families
Antodiyaya families
Ann-purnna families
Families having Toilets at their house
Families not having toilets at their house
Families having electricity connection
Families not having electricity connection
Families having agriculture land
Landless families
Marginal farmers
Families having Tap connection in their
house
Families dwelling Kucha houses
Families having pucca houses
Grazing land Hecters
Fallow Land Hecters
Wasteland Hecters
Village Revenue land
Others
5.Information about animals in village (file)
Species/type Numbers
COW
Ox
Buffaloes
Goat
Sheep
Camel
hen /poultry
6. Panchayat employees' duties (functions) and authorities (information with
•
Patwari/village secretary) (file) , Gamsevak,
Talati(Patwari)
Panchayat secretary
Gram Sevak
Peon/s
Water work operator
Others
Do the above mentioned employees stay

/reside in the village
Gram Sabha Details: table 4
+ Minimum Gram Sabha held during the year:

+ Date of last Gramsabha :
+ Date of next Gramsabha :
+ The officials from block level to be present:
The proceedings of the Gramsabha and resolutions can be inspected from Panchayat free of any
charge. The copy of which can be obtained upon paying photocopy charges.
Details of meeting held at Panchayat
Sr. Type of Time span Where participants Who will Agenda

No Meeting between chair?
two
meetings
1 Ward Sabha Ward 10% of the Ward Work to be taken up at ward

(meeting) voters panch level &
(ward)
Schemes
required to
be present
Gramsabha Panchaya 10% of the Sarpanc Work to be taken up at

t level voters (from h Panchayat level &
panchayat)
Schemes
required to
e be present.
Panchayat Panchaya Ward panch Sarpanc Implementation of schemes,

corum or t and h status, progress report,
Gram Panchayat complaints etc.
sachivalay employee
Details of other committees at village level:
Sr. No Name of the No of Meeting held Date of last Next meeting

committee members meeting
1 Social Justice 5 Every 3

Committee months
2 Village Water 12 Every 2

Committee months
3 Village 7 Every 2
Vigilance months
committee
(MGNREGA)
4 Village Health 5 Every 2

committee months
5 Vigilance 5 Every month

committee for
PDS
6 School
Management
Committee
The minutes of meetings are available in the Panchayat and can be inspected free of any charge.
The copy can be obtained by paying photocopy charges.
Name of committee : Social Justice committee
•
Name of
Sr. Members Designations SC/ST/OBC/Others Female/Male
Name of committee : Vigilance committee for PDS
Name of
Name of committee : Village Health committee
Name of
Kindly prepare Information for every committee (file )

Social Justice Village water and sanitation
committee committee Village welfare committee
Village water committee Village Health committee Village education committee
Monitoring committee Village Ration shop monitoring

MGNREGA committee E-Gram Computer committee
As per panchayat ward
List of Records available for inspection free of charge at Panchayat Office. Copy can be obtained by
paying photocopy charges.
1. Panchayati Act, Rules

2. MGNREGA Act, Guidelines, rules
3. Right to information Act and copy of rules
4. Copy of Land revenue act/code
5. Budget
6. Audit Report
7. Annual Admistrative report of the panchayt (at least last five years)
8. Proceedings and resolutions of Gramsabha
9. Proceedings and resolutions of meetings held by various committees like 9mentioned
above)
10. Report that are presented by government officials in the Gramsabha.
11. Revenue record (Register 6- A, - A etc)
12. Registers regarding MGNREGA
13. Voters list of the village
14. BPL List Card holders list
15. BPL Ration card holders List
16. Antyoday Family List.
17. Cash Book
18. Asset Register
19. Stock Register
20. Patta Register
21. Complaint Register
Details of Panchayat taxes (File )
Type of tax Responsible person Number
House tax
Sanitation tax
Light tax
General water tax
Profession tax
Land revenue
•
Sewerage tax
Diva Bati tax
Fee: market fee
Fee for use of well water for other

purposes
Fee for gutter cleaning
Village choky fee
Fee for animal keeping house
Attach panchayat tax rules here
Panchayat Budget
Revenue Private
of (Royalty,
Panchayat CSR,
(income of Grants donation Total other Total
Year panchayat) Received ** received income income) expenditure Balance
2007-08
2008-09
2009-10
2010-11
2011-12
***grants or assistance received from MPLAD/MLA, District Planning Board, development

programm, 13th finance commission's grants and others
Type of Water Number Area Capacity of

S body I storing water
River/Dam
Talab
Handpump NA
Private wells
Public Wells
Schemes run by Central Government Assistance:
Sr. Scheme Who is What is Where Documents Time Who will Where
no entitled? the to required for limit of take the to file
benefit? apply applying decision decision appeal
Indira
Awas
Schemes run by State Government Assistance:
Sr. Scheme Who is What is Where Documents Time Who will Where
no entitled? the to required for limit of take the to file
benefit? apply applying decision decision appeal
Indira
Awas
Waiting list of Indira Awas Yojana:
Name Remark
•
List of Beneficiaries of various schemes of last five years:
1. Housing Scheme
2. Pension Scheme (widow, old age, differently able)
3. Allotment of land patta
4. Bankable schemes
Name of the scheme:
Name of person benefited Year of receiving

benefit
Details of village development work
number of incurred status of work complete/

type of work works Budget expenditure incomplete
1 Roads
2 well recharge
3 check dams
4 Gutter
5 Sanitation
6 Anganwadi
7 School
8 community center hall
_i
9 drinking water pipeline
101 Others
Details of work done: Road

From --- to --- Year Under which Estimated Total cost Date of
scheme cost completion
of work
Details of work: Well recharging
Following functions are done by Panchayat.
1. Birth Registration
2. Death registration
3. Valuation of house or shop
4. Entries of land entitlements in the register.
Other facilities available in village (file)
where it is located in village phone

Facility /taluka Contact number
Milk cooperative society
Agriculture cooperative society
Bank
Post office
Fire brigade house
•
Veterinary clinic
seeds distribution
Women groups
Children groups
Disaster mitigation and management

unit
Regarding Police station
Address of police station or

outpost
Name of PI/PSI Ph:
Name of Police Mitra Ph:
Social defense officer name Ph:

and address
Instructions:
1. All the above information should be on the except those table where is specifically
mentioned for keeping it only in the file.
2. Copy of all GRs, circulars, GOs, OMs, policies, rules, guidelines received by Panchayat, or
reports, budgets, list of proposed beneficiaries, submitted by Panchayat should be marked
to RTI file (pro-active disclosure file). This will a copy of the citizen.
•
Templates for disclosures for MGNREGA

2. Job Card Board in Every village (on the wall and file)
(All the job card holders name to be displayed on this board, including those who have not
•
applied for any work or not worked even for a day)
Job
card
Name of the Job Num Year
card holder ber 2010-11 2011-12 2012-13 2013-14 2014-15
Da Amo Da Amo Da Amo Da Amo Da Amo
ys unt ys unt ys unt ys unt ys tint
Table showing details for devel ment works as under

Sanctioned Amount spent Work Work Status of work
amount commen complet
ced on ed on
Sr Na Cod Labo Materi tot Labo Materi tot comp) incompl

. me e of ur al al ur al al ete ete
N of the
o the wor
wor k
k
1
2
Details of material used:

Sr. Nam Cement Bolders Pebbles Sand Bricks Water
N e of
o the
work
Qt Rat Qt Rat Qt Rat Qt Rat Qt Rat Qt Rat Qt Rat
y e y e y e y e y e y e y e
2. List of registers to be maintained at Pancha at level for MGNREGA

List applications for registration list of sanction works
Registration list Payment register
Unemployment Allowance
List of job card issued to Register
Job Card Register Employment Register
(c) e
estimates of sanctioned work Allotment of Work register

Muster roll received register Muster roll issue register
Asset Register Cash Book
Complaint register
About Social Audit :

Name of Social Date of Last Date of next
audit team members meeting meeting
3. Displayboard at work place
Name of work/description
Sanction cost of work
A-MATERIAL COST
B-WAGES
SKILLED
UNSKILLED
Date of work started
expected date of work completion
Old
No of workers present Physically pregnant other total
age
challenged
•
Templates for disclosures for government

schools
• Recommended templates for disclosure of information under Section 4 of the RTI Act for
Government Schools
Information to be displayed at the government schools: -
Sample Board 1: Details of information for Grievance Redressal
Nature of Information Authority Name of Office Time Public Appellate

for redressal Address lines Dealing Authority
redressal officer and For Day and
phone redressal and process of
number time appeal
Issues Related to
Availability/Appointment
of Teachers
Issues related to
admission
Issues related to school
infrastructure
Issues related to corporal
punishment,
discrimination, child
rights
Issues related to
incentive schemes
Issues related to MDM
Issues related to
Financial allocations to
school
Sample Board 2: Teacher information:
Teachers' Information Month and Year

update eve month
Sr. Name of Male Date of Joining Class and Salary Number Number
Teacher / School Subject of of days of days
Fern Teacher taught in and
ale the nature of
month non-
S
instructio
nal work
(includin
g in
service
trainings
Head
Teacher
Number of Sanctioned Posts
Number of Vacant Posts
Number of Teachers on Deputation
Please make available service conditions and transfer policy of all teachers in hard copy
Sample Board 3: Student Enrolment Information: (Hard Copy)
This information to be compiled and kept available for each academic year
Categor Class
ies Class II III Class Class V Class Class Class
Class I IV VI VII VIII
Bo Gir Bo Gir Bo Gir Bo Gir Bo Gir Bo Gir Bo Gir Bo Gir
ys Is ys Is ys Is ys Is ys Is ys Is ys Is ys Is
Childre
n with
Special
Needs
SC
ST
i OBC
Minoriti
es
Others
Total
Sample Board 4: Entitlement and Incentive Information:
Nature of Eligibility Amount to Number Number When Dated

Incentive/ criteria be of of disbursed Receipt
Entitlements Disbursed students students [specify given
eligible who date] And by
for the have whom
same received
I Textbooks
2 Uniform
3 Scholarships
4 Any other
Information to be provided in details in hard copy -name of beneficiary , grade, name

of guardian, address and contact details of beneficiary.
Sample Board 5: Details of budgetary expenditure: (in Hard Copy)
Detail of budget received by the school
Name of Budget Amount Date of Amount Period of Nature of

Head Received Receipt Spent Expenditure expenditure
Teaching Learning
Material (TLM)
School
Development Grant
(SDG)
Maintenance
Additional
Classrooms
Major Repairs
Computer Aided
Learning
Any other
Total
Sample Board 6: Information about School Management Committee (SMC)

•
Date of appointment/constitution of committee:
Name and Class of

Designation Child whose parent is a
SI. No. Name of member Male/female Category member
Date of Next Meeting of SMC (to be updated

monthly)
Sample Board 7: Details of School Management Committee: (In Hard Copy)
Date of Number of members Name of Person holding

SI. No. Meeting present meeting register
I
2
3
4
5
6
7
Issue 8: Copy of the Three Year Long SDP, with annual sub-parts, Copy of the DISE
Report Card
Sample Board 9: Details of Mid Day Meal (MDM):
Day Menu to be Served Menu Served

Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
To be made available in hard copy: copy of order of State Government on MDM as per
Supreme Court order, supply register of MDM- norm of supply/delivery to include
2 ?
amount and date of delivery on a monthly basis, actual date of delivery and actual
amount received, and payment register/record on MDM-Name of cook, payment
received-date and amount of the payment received by the cook.
Sample Board 10: Details of Inspection of School: (In Hard Copy)
Si. No. Name of Inspector Date of Details of officer from who Inspection
Visit report can be accessed
Sample Board 11: Issues Inspected by the School Inspector:
SI. No. Items Inspectors Comments

1. State of Infrastructure
a. Classrooms
b. Toilets
c. Drinking Water
2. Teachers
a. Attendance
3. Quality of Teaching
a. State of notebooks
b. State of learning abilities
4. Children Related
a. Attendance
b. Any other
Date of last Inspection:
Name of officer from whom the Inspection Report can be accessed
Sample Board 12: Medical Facilities available:
Medical Facility Name/ Contact person Address and Phone

Number
Visiting Doctor
Nurse
Primary Health Centre
Ambulance
Any other
Please also mention where the first-aid box is available in the school
premise
•
Sample Board 13: Schemes and Programmes Implemented in School: (Hard Copy)
Including under innovation fund, PPP, others and principal components of the same.
Sample Board 14. Support system for Children with Special Needs: (Hard Copy)
Sample Board 15: Public Notice on Right to Information Act:
Public Notice on Right to Information Act
Under the RTI Act, citizens have the right to access information from the school and the
Department of Education.
• Applications for seeking information have to be submitted in writing with prescribed
fee, to Public Information Officer (PIO) or Assistant Public Information Officer
(APIO).
• RTI application fee is Rs. and photocopy charges for providing copies of records
is Rs. per page.
• In case information is incomplete or unsatisfactory, first appeal to be made to the First
Appellate Authority
Official in custody of Name of Designation of Room no. Mobile phone
information in hard copy officer officer and Public no.
in school Dealing
Time
Public Information Name of Designation of Room no. Mobile phone

Officer (PIO) officer officer no.
First Appellate Authority Name of Designation of Room no. Mobile phone

(FAA) officer officer no.
• List of Information that needs to be made available at Zonal /District Office of
Education Department
Sample Board 1: Roles and Responsibilities:
Nature of Designation/Autho Name Office Public Name Timelin

Information rity level of the Addre Deal in and e for
responsible offici ss and g Day designati Redress
al Phone and on of the al
No. time Redressal
Officer
Issues related to
availability/appointm
ent of teachers
Issues related to .
admission
Issues related to
school infrastructure
Issues related to
mental and physical
harassment,
discrimination and
child rights
Issues related to
incentive schemes
Issues related to Mid
Day Meal
Issues related to
Financial allocations
to school
Others
OVERALL GREVIANCE REDRESSAL STATUS:

Number of Complaints Received This Month:
Number of Complaints Redressed:
Total Number of Complaints Unresolved :
Phone number of Child Helpline
Phone number of RTE hel 1 line if available
1. Organogram
2. Copy of the Citizen's Charter
3. School wise School Development Plans (SDPs)
4. Process document of compilation of School Development Plans (SDPs)
5. Copy of Aggregated SDP
6. District Plan under SSA- Details of the planning process undertaken, including time
when it is done at each stage and names of people responsible.
7. District Report Card of DISE
8. All circulars/orders/notice/notifications issued to be displayed for the period of week,
•
summary of orders, backlog/previous orders/circulars/notice/notifications can be
obtained at particular time from particular person. The name, designation, and time of
availability for public viewing to be clearly displayed on board.
9. Information of all projects running in District- including government schemes,
schemes functioning under Innovation Fund and those under PPP mode. Details to be
included are- department running scheme, nature of input provided/service provided
under partnership, quantum of funds disbursed by government, name of private
partners and contribution of private partner (if applicable).
10. District office to display/make available all information of eachblock-
Block 1 Block 2
Number of Schools Overall
Elementary Schools
Primary
UP
Elementary (Class 1-8)
Total Schools having elementary
sections
Total Schools RTE compliant on
teacher availability
Total Schools RTE compliant on
infrastructure
Total Schools RTE compliant on all
indicators
Secondary
Higher Secondary
Pre- Primary Education
ICDS Centres
Preschools
Schools with PS section
Specified Category Schools
Kendriya V idyalaya
Sainik Schools
Narvodaya Schools
SC Hostels
Tribal Ashrams
Residential Schools
Residential Bridge Course
Non-Residential Bridge Course
Seasonal Hostels
KGBVs
Model Schools
Special Schools for Children with
disability (will also need to be broken
into multi-disability special schools,
and for the individual specific
disability
Schools imparting special training
within the existing school premises
and ongoing processes
Private Schools
Aided
Total seats in the incoming school
Total seats reserved for weaker /disadvantaged section (as per aid)
[-Unaided
School wise details in Hard Copy

11. Teachers Information:
Total Block Block

1 2
Tota Number of Teachers
(Teachers by regular/parateachers/contract
teachers/guest teachers)
Number of Resource Teachers for Children with
Disability
Number of Subject teachers-Health and Physical
Education
Number of Subject teachers-Art Education
Number of Subject teachers-Work Education
Residential Facilities and Special Training Related
Information*
Residential Bridge Course
Non-Residential Bridge Course
Seasonal Hostels
Month (from-to) when Hostels run
Schools imparting special training within the
existing school premises and ongoing processes
KGBVs
Tribal Hostels
SC Hostels
Mobile School or other means of imparting
education to migrant population
* Information about villages/schools where these are provided to made available on request.
12.Names of teachers receiving awards for meritorious work and name of awards
13. Financial/ Budget related details

Account Allocation Money Date of Date of Money
Head Received Receipt Disbursal Spent
This information will need to be contextualised based on State

Both aggregate budgetary information and for individual blocks and panchayats and
schools to be provided in Hard Copy
14. Child Population Details

Total Block 1 Block 2 Block 3
Total Total
14 Population Boys
Girls
Dalits
SC
ST
Minority
CWSN
Out of Total
School Boys
Girls
Dalits
SC
ST
Minority
CWSN
Other groups
defined as
marginalized
group in State
Rules
15. Teacher training Institutes- DIET, Private B.Ed College, BRC, etc.- Number, Courses
Run, Number of Seats, Free/Paid, Institution has been granted recognition by what
body.
16. Inspection reports: for both government and private schools to be made available. The
data to include, name of inspector, number of schools under him/her, dates of the
visits made to the schools allocated to him/her, and details of inspection undertaken.
(To be compiled and made available on a monthly basis)
17. Information of all private schools in the district:
S. Na Addr Recogni Affiliat Name Total No. No. of No Cont Period Status
N me ess tion ion to of No of seat applicati of act of of RTE
o Status which societ seats s ons sea perso admiss complia
Board y/ (incom and received is n in ion nce
manag ing er fill the (startin
ing class) 25 ed scho g&
body % of closing
)
•
No.1/18/2007-IR
Government of India
New Delhi, the 21 September, 2007
OFFICE MEMORAUDM
Subject: Maintenance of records and publication of information under the Right to

Information Act, 2005.
* * *
Section 4 of the Right to Information Act. 2005 sets out a practical regime of
transparency in the working of the public authorities by way of disclosure of as
much information to the public as possible, suo-motu so that the public may not
have to resort to section 6. It is an important part of the Act observance of which is
essential for its effective implementation.
2. Clause (a) of sub-section (1) of the section makes it obligatory for every
public authority to maintain all its records duly catalogued and indexed. Record
management in accordance with this provision is an important step to enable the
Public Information Officers to furnish information sought under the Act. The
clause also requires the public authority to have its records computerized and
connected through a network all over the country. The public authorities are
expected to complete the requirements of this clause on top !Priority.
3. Clause (b) of the Sub-section ibid mandates the public authorities to publish
the information mentioned therein within one hundred and twenty days from the
date of enactment of the Act. It is expected that all public authorities would have
complied with this requirement already. if it has not been done, its compliance
may be ensured without any further delay. Information so published should also
be updated every year as provided in the Act.
4. It is obligatory for all the public authorities under clause (c) of sub section
( I) of section 4 of the Act to publish all relevant facts while formulating important
policies and announcinz, decisions affecting the public. 1 hey, under clause (d), are
also obliged to provide reasons for their administrative or quasi judicial decisions
to the affected parties.
5. Section 4 of the Act requires wide dissemination ot* every information

required to be disclosed suo motu in such form and manner which is accessible to
the public. Dissemination may be done through notice boards, news papers. nublic
announcements, media broadcasts. the internet or any other means. While
•
disseminating the information, the public authority should take into consideration
the cost effectiveness, local language and the most effective method c.)t-
communication in the concerned local area. The information should be. to the
extent possible, available with the Public Information Officer in the electronic
format which could be made available free of cost or at such price as may be
prescribed. A copy of the document published, referred to in para .3, and also the
copies of publications referred to in para 4 above, should be kept with an officer of
the public authority and should he made available for inspection by any person
desirous of inspecting these documents.
6. All the Ministries/Departments etc. are requested to comply with the above
referred requirements of the Act and also to issue necessary instructions :o the
public authorities under them .for compliance of the same.
\,...e1-111a1)
I)irect or
Tel: 2309215.8
Al] the Ministries Departments of the Government of India

2. Union Public. Service Commission! Lok Sabha Sectt..,' P,aiya Sabha
Secretariat: Cabinet Secretariat Central Vigilance Commission;
Presidents Secretariat/ Vice-President's Secretariat; Prime :Minister'
Office/ Planning Commission/Election Commission
3. Central Information Commission/State Information Commissions.
4. Staff Selection Commission, COO tom-plex, Ne-w Delhi
5. Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India. 10. Bahadur Shah
Zafar Marg, New Delhi.
b. All officers/DesksSeetions, Deparnent of Personnel & Trainiti4 and
Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare.
Copy to: Chief Secretaries of all the States/L --

No.12/192/2009-IR
Government of India

Dated the 20th January 2010
OFFICE MEMORANDUM
Subject: Maintenance of records in consonance with Section 4 of the RTI Act
The Central Information Commission in a case has highlighted that the

systematic failure in maintenance of records is resulting in supply of incomplete and
misleading information and that such failure is due to the fact that the public
authorities do not adhere to the mandate of Section 4(1)(a) of the RTI Act, which
requires every public authority to maintain all its records duly catalogued and
indexed in a manner and form which would facilitate the right to information. The
Commission also pointed out that such a default could qualify for payment of
compensation to the complainant. Section 19(8)(b) of the Act gives power to the
Commission to require the concerned public authority to compensate the
complainant for any loss or other detriment suffered.
2. Proper maintenance of records is vital for the success of the Right to

Information Act but many public authorities have not paid due attention to the issue
despite instructions issued by this Department. The undersigned is directed to
request all the Ministries/Departments etc. to ensure that requirements of Section 4
of the Act in general and clause (a) of sub-section (1) thereof in particular are met by
all the public authorities under them without any further delay.
(KG7Verma)
Director
Tel. No.23092158
To
1. All the Ministries / Departments of the Government of India

2. Union Public Service Commission/ Lok Sabha Sectt./ Rajya Sabha'
Secretariat/ Cabinet Secretariat/ Central Vigilance Commission / President's
Secretariat/ Vice-President's Secretariat/ Prime Minister's Office/ Planning
Commission / Election Commission
3. Central Information Commission/State Information Commission
4. Staff Selection Commission, CGO Complex, New Delhi
5. Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, 10, Bahadur Shah, Zafar
Marg, New Delhi.
6. All officers/Desks/Sections, Department of Personnel & Training, Department
of AR & PG and Department of Pension & Pensioners Welfare.
Copy to: Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs

S
•
altabiz
F. No. 1/ 8/2012-IR
Government of India

Dated: llth September, 2012
Office Memorandum
Sub: Suo motu disclosure on official tours of Ministers and other officials.
Sub-Section (2) of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 requires every public authority
to take steps in accordance with the requirements of clause (b) of sub-section (1) to
provide as much information suo motu to the public at regular intervals through various
means of communications, including internet, so that the public have minimum resort
to use the Act to obtain information.
2. It has been brought to the notice of this Department that public authorities are
receiving RTI applications frequently asking for details of the official tours undertaken
by Ministers and other officials of the Ministries/Departments concerned. In compliance
with the provisions of Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005, it is advised that Public
Authorities may proactively disclose the details of foreign and domestic official tours
undertaken by Minister(s) and officials of the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government
of India and above and Heads of Departments, since 1st January, 2012. The disclosures
may be updated once every quarter starting from 1st July, 2012.
3. Information to be disclosed proactively may contain nature of the official tour,

places visited, the period, number of people included in the official delegation and total
cost of such travel undertaken. Exemptions under Section 8 of the RTI Act, 2005 may
be taken in view while disclosing the information. These advisory would not apply to
security and intelligence organisations under the second schedule of the RTI Act, 2005
and CVOs of public authorities.
4. Contents of this OM may be brought to the notice of all concerned.
Sa.,)\ 1c"---\
(San ep Jain)
Deputysecretary
Tele: 23092755
1. All the Ministries / Departments of the Government of India

2. Union Public Service Commission/Lok Sabha Sectt./Rajya Sabha Secretariat/
Cabinet Secretariat/ Central Vigilance Commission/ President's Secretariat/ Vice-
President's Secretariat/ Prime Minister's Office/ Planning Commission/Election
Commission.
3. Central Information Commission.
4. Staff Selection Commission, CGO Complex, New Delhi
5. Office of the Comptroller & Auditor General of India, 10, Bahadur Shah Zafar
Marg, New Delhi.
6. All officers/Desks/Sections, of DOP&T, Department of Pension & Pensioners
Welfare and Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances.
Copy to: Chief Secretaries of all the States/UTs.

SECRET/IMMEDIATE
Copy No.
No.501/2/13/2011-CA.V
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
-C S4C4/C l~Ct13c) New Delhi dated 20th December, 2012

Compliance with Provisions for Suo Motu/Proactive Disclosures under
The undersigned is directed to send herewith a copy of the minutes of the meeting
of Committee of Secretaries held on 12th December, 2012 at 12.00 Noon in the
Committee Room, Cabinet Secretariat, Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, on above cited
subject.
Encl: Doc. No.CD (CA.V)-52/2012
(Rajeev Kr. Jain)

Under Secretary
Tele No: 23014378
To
.26ri P. K. Misra, Secretary, D/o Personnel & Training.
Shri R.K. Singh, Home Secretary, M/o Home Affairs.
Dr. K. Radhakrishnan, Secretary, D/o Space.
Dr. R.K. Sinha, Secretary, D/o Atomic Energy.
Shri V. Rajagopalan, Secretary, M/o Environment & Forests.
Shri R.S. Gujral, Finance Secretary & Secretary, D/o Expenditure
Shri Arvind Mayaram, Secretary, D/o Economic Affairs.
Shri J. Satyanarayana, Secretary, D/o Electronics & Information Technology.
Shri B. A. Agarwal, Secretary, D/o Legal Affairs.
Shri P. K. Malhotra, Secretary, Legislative Department.
Copy forwarded to: -
Secretary, Central Information Commission
(Rajeev Kr. Jain)

Under Secretary
Copy also forwarded to: -
Principal Secretary to Prime Minister.
Internal circulation(only one copy)

CS/Secy(C)/AS(G)/Dir.(RA)
16 Copies
No. 501/2/13/2011-CA.V
RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
Doc. No. CD (CA.V) — 52/2012
MINUTES OF THE COMMITTEE OF SECRETARIES
Venue : Committee Room, Cabinet Secretariat.
Date of Meeting: 12.12.2012.
Time of Meeting: 12.00 Noon

PRESENT
Shri Ajit Seth, Cabinet Secretary.

Shri Alok Rawat, Secretary (C), Cabinet Secretariat.
Shri P.K. Misra, Secretary, D/o Personnel & Training.
Shri A.K. Mangotra, Secretary (BM), M/o Home Affairs.
Shri J. Satyanarayana, Secretary, D/o Electronics & Information Technology.
Shri B.A. Agarwal, Secretary, D/o Legal Affairs.
Shri P.K. Malhotra, Secretary, Legislative Department.
Shri A.P.Joshi, Special Secretary, D/o Atomic Energy.
Shri L.C. Goyal, Additional Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat.
Ms. Anjuli Chib Duggal, Additional Secretary, D/o Expenditure.
Ms. Mamta Kundra, Joint Secretary, D/o Personnel & Training.
Shri Anil Sant, Joint Secretary, M/o Environment & Forests.
Shri Rajesh Khullar, Joint Secretary, D/o Economic Affairs.
Shri Akash Deep Chakravarti, Joint Secretary, Central Information Commission.
Shri J.R. Sharma, OSD, D/o Space.
Shri Nikunja Bihari Dhal, Director, Cabinet Secretariat.
Ms. Anuradha S. Chagti, Director, D/o Personnel & Training.
Shri V.P. Arora, Deputy Secretary, Cabinet Secretariat.
Secret
Subject :- Implementation of Recommendations of Task Force for

Strengthening Compliance with the provisions for suo-motu/
proactive disclosures under Section 4 of the Right to Information
Act, 2005.
A meeting of the Committee of Secretaries was held on 12.12.2012 at 12.00

noon under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary to consider the Note
circulated by the Department of Personnel & Training vide their I.D. note
No.F.1/6/2011-IR, dated 10th July, 2012, on the above subject.
2. The Department of Personnel and Training made a presentation on the

provisions under Section 4 of the RTI Act, highlighting inter alia, the extant of
implementation and quality of compliance. Prevailing lack of clarity regarding certain
provisions, absence of guidelines for some provisions and additional items not
covered under Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) were also mentioned. It was stated that a Task
Force was set up by the DoP&T with representatives from Central Government
Ministries, State Governments and members of the Civil Society, and based on the
Report of the Task Force as also the comments / observations made by the
concerned Ministries / Departments, a draft 'Guidelines on Proactive Disclosure'
have been attempted.
3. The representative of the D/o Atomic Energy raised general issues on

governance and public interest vis-a-vis implementation of the RTI Act. Concerns
were voiced on the provisions in the draft guidelines with regard to transfer orders
and sensitive posts and that the Departments of Atomic Energy, Space and DRDO
and the Ministry of Home Affairs have concerns about certain strategic / security
related issues. It was noted that the exemptions in terms of Section 8 of the RTI Act
address such concerns. It was generally agreed that adoption of the draft Guidelines
is a measure towards good governance and would lead to increased transparency in
functioning of the Ministries / Departments of the Central Government and also at the
State Government level.
4. Detailed discussions were held thereafter on each of the items of the

guidelines. A copy of the draft guidelines is at Annex-I. The discussions were as
follows:-
(i) Information related to Procurement: - In the light of the mandatory provision

of e-procurement through the Public Procurement Portal, the D/o Expenditure
supported the proposal for disclosure. The Department, however, suggested that the
limit for disclosure may be set at Rs. 10 lakhs and the words 'which may change
subsequently' in para 1.1 of the draft guidelines may not be necessary. This was
agreed to.
(ii) Public Private Partnerships: - While supporting disclosure of information

relating to Public Private Partnerships, Joint Secretary, D/o Economic Affairs
confirmed that views of the Department have been incorporated appropriately in para
1.2 of the draft Guidelines.
(iii) Transfer policy and transfer orders : - The representatives of D/o Atomic
Energy, D/o Space and MHA expressed apprehensions regarding application of the
1
Secret
guidelines to their Departments in the matter of transfer policy and transfer orders.
They apprehended an increase in the number of RTI applications and court cases
relating to such transfers and postings, which may sometimes be made as
exceptions to the laid down transfer policy. Concerns were also raised on transfers
and postings made keeping in mind the sensitivity of various posts. They wanted to
be exempted from the purview of these guidelines. While clarifying that the draft
guidelines provide for non- applicability in cases of transfers made keeping in view
the sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of the
State and information covered under Section 8 of the RTI Act, Secretary (Personnel)
said that the inclusion of these organizations in the second schedule to the RTI Act
could be examined separately. These guidelines may also not apply to security and
intelligence organizations under the second schedule to the RTI Act. After
discussions, it was decided to retain the proposed provisions in the guidelines.
(iv) Sensitive Posts: - While discussing the background of the CVC's instructions
in this regard, it was decided to delete this from the guidelines as proactive
disclosure regarding sensitive posts may lead to targeting of officers holding these
posts.
(v) RTI Queries: - All the participants were in agreement with the proposed
provision in the guidelines. In addition, it was decided that all Public Authorities may
be directed to place FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) on their websites. The
suggestion of having a common portal in the DoP&T website for FAQs was not
considered feasible in view of the enormity of data.
(vi) CAG & PAC paras : - The guidelines on this provision were discussed in the
background of various interim stages related to CAG/PAC paras which could give a
skewed picture of the issues involved. Joint Secretary, D/o Economic Affairs stated
that disclosing the CAG paras proactively should be done only after finalization of the
CAG Report. Also, it was noted that CAG & PAC reports are already available on
the websites of the CAG and the Parliament. After discussions, it was decided that
Public Authorities shall proactively disclose the CAG & PAC paras and the Action
Taken Reports (ATRs) thereon, only after these have been laid on the Table of both
Houses of the Parliament. However, CAG paras dealing with information about the
issues of sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic, scientific or economic interests of
the State and the information covered under Section 8 of the RTI Act would continue
to be exempt.
(vii) Citizens Charter: - The view of the Committee was to retain the provision in
the guidelines in the present form.
(viii) Discretionary and Non-discretionary grants : - It was observed that the

guidelines in the present form are implementable. However, a caveat that these are
subject to the provisions of Sections 8 to 11 of the RTI Act is required to be added
keeping in view the apprehensions expressed by MHA.
(ix) Foreign Tours of PM/Ministers: - It was stated that the Office Memorandum
in this regard has already been issued with the approval of the Prime Minister.
2
Secret
S
(x) Guidelines for Digital Publication : Secretary, DeitY was of the view that
these guidelines are feasible. He, however, suggested that the following clause may
be inserted under para 2.2 of the guidelines, after the clause (k):-
"(I) Every webpage displaying information or data proactively disclosed under

the RTI Act should, on top right corner, display the mandatory field 'Date last
updated (D D/M MNY)' ."
This was agreed to.
(xi) Guidelines . for section 4(1)(b)(iii): - " the procedure followed in the
decision making processes including channels of supervision and
accountability".
Discussions on this item related to the feasibility of tracking outputs/ results in

Central Government Ministries/ Departments. It was noted that these guidelines are
primarily meant for Public Service Delivery Departments. It was accordingly agreed
to make the following amendments:-
3.3.3 (a) Every public authority may specifically identify the major
outputs/tangible results/ services / goods as applicable that it is responsible
for providing to the public or to whosoever is the client of the public authority.
3.3.3(b) In respect of (a) above, the decision-making chain may be identified

in the form of a flow chart explaining the rank/grade of the public functionaries
involved in the decision-making process clarifying the specific stages in the
decision-making hierarchy.
(xii) The participants agreed to the paras 3.4, 3.5, and 3.6 of the proposed
guidelines dealing with Section 4(1)(b)(iv), Section 4(1)(b)(xi), Section
4(1)(b)(xiv).
(xiii) Proactive Disclosure Scheme: - It was decided that in addition to the

proactive disclosure scheme and the third party audit, public authorities would also
disclose the names of third party auditors.
(xiv) Annual report to CIC: - It was observed that the requirement of submission
of the Annual Report on compliance of the proactive suo-motu disclosure scheme to
the Central Information Commission is beyond the statutory requirement. The
suggestion made by the representative of the CIC that in its place the URL link to
proactive disclosure to be provided on the CIC's website was agreed to.
(xv) Paras 4.4 and 4.5 of the draft guidelines were agreed to.
(xvi) As regards templates for State Governments, it was agreed that the
guidelines being recommendatory in nature for the State Governments, the
templates may be sent to the State Governments for adoption.
3
• 5.
Secret
In the light of the above discussions, the CoS recommended to accept the
proposed guidelines subject to the following modifications: -
(a) To delete the words 'which may change subsequently' in para 1.1 of
the draft guidelines.
(b) To delete para 1.4 relating to the sensitive posts from the guidelines.
(c) To add FAQs to be uploaded on its website in context of para 1.5.
(d) To modify para 1.6 to read as "Public Authorities shall proactively
disclose the CAG & PAC paras and the Action Taken Reports (ATRs)
only after these have been laid on the Tables of both Houses of the
Parliament. However, CAG paras dealing with information about the
issues of sovereignty, integrity, security, strategic, scientific or
economic interests of the State and the information covered under
Section 8 of the RTI Act would be exempt."
(e) To add "subject to the provisions of sections 8 to 11 of the RTI Act" in
para 1.8.
(f) To insert the following clause in para 2.2, after the clause (k):-
"(I) Every webpage displaying information or data proactively disclosed
under the RTI Act should, on top right corner, display the mandatory
field 'Date last updated (DD/MM/YY)'."
(g) To modify para 3.3.3 as under :
3.3.3 (a) Every public authority may specifically identify the major
outputs/tangible results/ services /goods as applicable that it is
responsible for providing to the public or to whosoever is the client of
the public authority.
3.3.3(b) In respect of (a) above, the decision-making chain may be
identified in the form of a flow chart explaining the rank/grade of the
public functionaries involved in the decision-making process clarifying
the specific stages in the decision-making hierarchy.
(h) To disclose the names of the third party auditors in para 4.2.2(c).
(i) To modify para 4.4 to provide for URL link to proactive disclosure to be
provided on the CIO's website.
(j) The templates for State Governments may be sent to them for their
consideration.
6. The Department of Personnel & Training will issue the guidelines after
obtaining the approval of the competent authority.
4
ANNEX.1
Guidelines for Central Ministries/ Departments
1.0 Prescribing Additional items for suo motu disclosure under Section
4(1 )(b)(xvii)
Section 4(1)(b)(xvii) lays down that government may prescribe any additional item
which should also be included for suo motu disclosure. The following items should be
disclosed under the Suo motu disclosure Scheme of Section 4(1)(b):
1.1 Information related to Procurement

1.1.1 Information relating to procurement over Rs. 10.00 lakhs made by Public Authorities
relating to the publication of notice/tender enquiries, corrigenda thereon, and details of bid
awards detailing the name of the supplier of goods/services being procured and the rate and
total amount at which such procurement is to be done should be disclosed. All information
disclosable as per Ministry of Finance, Department of Expenditure's O.M. No 10/1/2011-PPC
dated 30th November, 2011 on Mandatory Publication of Tender Enquiries on the Central
Public Procurement Portal and O.M. No. 10/3/2012- PPC dated 30th March, 2012 on
Implementation of comprehensive end-to-end e-procurement should be disclosed under
Section 4(1)(b)(xvii). At present the limit is fixed at Rs. 10.00 lakhs which may change
subsequently. In case of procurements made through DGS&D Rate Contracts or through
Kendriya Bhandar/ NCCF, only award details need to be published. However information
about procurement which would fall within the purview of Section 8 of the RTI Act would be
exempt.
1.2 Public Private Partnerships

1.2.1 If Public services are proposed to be provided through a Public Private Partnership
(PPP), all information relating to the PPPs must be disclosed in the public domain by the
Public Authority entering into the PPP contract/concession agreement. This may include
details of the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), if any set up, detailed project reports,
concession agreements, operation and maintenance manuals and other documents
generated as part of the implementation of the PPP project. The documents under the ambit
of the exemption from disclosure of information under section 8(1)(d) and 8(1)(j) of the RTI
Act will not be disclosed suo-motu. Further, information about fees, tolls, or other kinds of
revenue that may be collected under authorization from the Government, information in
respect of outputs and outcomes, process of selection of the private sector party may also
be proactively disclosed. All payments made under the PPP project may also be disclosed in
a periodic manner along with the purpose of making such payment.
• 1.3 Transfer Policy and Transfer Orders
1.3.1 Transfer policy for different grades/cadres of employees serving in Public Authority
should be proactively disclosed. All transfer orders should be publicized through the website
or in any other manner listed in Section 4(4) of the Act. These guidelines will not be
applicable in cases of transfers made keeping in view sovereignty, integrity, security,
strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State and the exemptions covered under
Section 8 of the Act. These instructions would not apply to security and intelligence
organizations under the second schedule of the RTI Act.
1.4 Sensitive Posts

1.4.1 The Central Vigilance Commission had vide circular no. 98NGL/60 dated 15th April,
1999, and 2nd November, 2001 directed that a list of sensitive posts in various Departments/
Organisations should be identified by the Chief Vigilance Officer of the Department/
Organisation. The circular further directed that CVOs in consultation with the Chief
Executives would ensure that officials posted on sensitive posts are rotated every two/three
years to avoid developing vested interest. Public Authorities shall proactively disclose posts
identified as sensitive and details of the officers/officials occupying those posts including the
date since when they are holding the posts. (CVC- letter 98NGL/60 Dated the 15th April
1999 and No.004NGL/90 dated the 1st May, 2008)
1.5 RTI Queries

1.5.1 All Public Authorities shall proactively disclose RTI queries and appeals received and
their responses, on the websites maintained by Public Authorities with search facility based
on key words. Attempt should be made to upload RTI applications and their replies which
are of a generic nature and not repetitive applications. RTI applications and appeals
received and their responses relating to the personnel information of an individual may not
be disclosed as they do not serve any public interest.
1.6 CAG & PAC paras

1.6.1 Public Authorities shall proactively disclose the CAG paras framed in regard to their
Ministry/Department and the response of the Ministry/Department to those paragraphs. In
addition, a tabular statement should be given regarding pendency of CAG paras. However
CAG paras dealing with information about on issues of sovereignty, integrity, security,
strategic, scientific or economic interests of the State and the information covered under
Section 8 would be exempt.
1.7 Citizens Charter

1.7.1 Citizens Charter prepared by the Ministry/Department, a part of the Result framework
Document of the department/organization should be proactively disclosed and six monthly
report on the performance against the benchmarks set in Citizens Charter should also be
displayed on the website of public authorities.
1.8 Discretionary and Non-discretionary grants
1.8.1 All discretionary /non-discretionary grants/ allocations to state governments/

NG0s/Other institutions by Ministry/Department should be placed on the website of the
Ministry/Department concerned. Annual Accounts of all legal entities who are provided
grants by Public Authorities should be made available through publication, directly or
indirectly on the Public Authority's website.
1.9 Foreign Tours of PM/Ministers
1.9.1 A large number of RTI queries are being filed on official tours undertaken by
Ministers or officials of various Government Ministries/Departments. Information regarding
the nature, place and period of foreign and domestic tours of Prime Minister are already
disclosed on the PMO's website.
1.9.2 As per DoPT's OM No. 1/8/2012-IR dated , 2012 Public Authorities shall
proactively disclose the details of official tours undertaken by Minister(s) and officials since
1st January, 2012. The disclosures maybe updated once every quarter starting from 1st July,
2012. Public authorities shall disclose information about all official foreign tours undertaken
by the Minister(s) and officials; and information about official domestic tours undertaken by
Minister(s) and officers of the rank of Joint Secretaries to the Government of India and above
and Heads of Departments.
1.9.3. Information to be disclosed proactively should contain nature of the official tour,
places visited, the period, number of people included in the official delegation and total cost
of such travel undertaken. Exemptions under Section 8 of the RTI Act, 2005 may be taken
in view while disclosing the information. These instructions would not apply to security and
intelligence organisations under the second schedule of the RTI Act, 2005 and CVOs of
public authorities.
2.0 Guidelines for Digital Publication of proactive disclosures under Section 4
2.1 Section 4 lays down that information should be provided through many mediums
depending upon the level of public authority and the recipient of information (for example, in
case of Panchayat wall painting may be more effective means of dissemination of
information), more and more proactive disclosure would gradually be made through Internet.
There is need for more clear guidelines for web-based publication of information for
information disclosure.
2.2 The Department of Information Technology has been working on setting of technical
standards for government websites and the Department of Administrative Reforms & Public
• Grievances has published guidelines for websites of Government Departments. These
guidelines prescribe the manner in which websites need to be designed and how information
should be disclosed. While adhering to the standards of government guidelines as laid down
by Department of Information Technology and Department of Administrative Reforms &
Public Grievances the following principles additionally should also be kept in view to ensure
that websites' disclosures are complete, easily accessible, technology and platform neutral
and in a form which conveys the desired information in an effective and user-friendly
manner.
a) It should be the endeavor of all public authorities that all entitlements to citizens and
all transactions between the citizen and government are gradually made available
through computer based interface. The 'Electronic Service Delivery Bill' under
formulation in Government of India would provide the necessary impetus.
b) Websites should contain detailed information from the point of origin to the point of
delivery of entitlements/services provided by the Public Authorities to citizens.
c) Orders of the public authority should be issued only after such orders have been
uploaded on the website. Such a system exists in Andhra Pradesh and could be
adopted in other governments easily.
d) Website should contain all the relevant Acts, Rules, forms and other documents
which are normally accessed by citizens.
e) Websites should have detailed directory of key contacts, details of officials of the
Public Authority.
f) It is obligatory under Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) of the RTI Act for every Public Authority to
proactively disclose 'details in respect of the information, available to or held by it,
reduced in an electronic form'. In such a listing required under this section, indicate
which digitally held information is made available publicly over the internet and which
not.
g) As departments reorganize their systems and processes to enable themselves for

electronic service delivery, it is recommended that during process reengineering the
requirement of bringing due transparency as provided in the RTI Act are given due
consideration at the design stage itself.
h) To maintain reliability of information and its real time updation, information generation
in a digital work flow should be 'locked' to key work outputs, like a muster roll and
salary slip (NREGA in Andhra Pradesh) or formalization of a government order
(Andhra Pradesh). Such an approach will lead to automation of proactive disclosure.
X3 43
i) Information must be presented from a user's perspective, which may require re-
arranging it, simplifying it etc. However, original documents in original formats should
continue to be made available because these are needed for community monitoring
of government's functioning.
I
The 'National Data Sharing and Accessibility Policy' by the Department of Science
and Technology is based on the principle that all publicly funded information should
be readily available and works on the principle of open and restricted access to data.
The policy has been notified in March, 2012 and the schedule should be strictly
adhered to.
k) Information and data should be presented in open data formats whereby it can be
pulled by different Application Protocol Interfaces to be used in different fashions
more appropriate to specific contexts and needs. Information/ data can, for instance,
be presented in powerful visual ways using visualisation techniques. Such visual
representation of information/ data can give insights that may remain largely hidden
in a textual or tabular presentation of data. In some contexts, pictures and
audio/videos recordings etc may be more useful. There have been moves in some
part of the country to video record Gram Sabha meetings. A picture of a NREGA
worksite, for instance, may tell much more than words can. All such different media
and forms should be used for proactive disclosure.
3.0 Guidelines for certain clauses of Section 4(1)(b) to make disclosures more
effective
3.1 The various sub-clauses of Section 4(1)(b) must be treated as elements of an

integrated disclosure scheme. For example, the functions and responsibilities of a public
authority cannot be understood in isolation from the powers and functions of its employees,
the norms that inform its decision making processes and the rules, instructions and manuals
that are used in the discharge of its functions. Description of one element presupposes the
existence of another. So every public authority must endeavour to integrate the information
mentioned in these sub-clauses while preparing voluntary disclosure materials.
3.2 Considering that disclosures in regard to certain clauses have been relatively weak,
detailed guidelines for four clauses are given below:
3.3 Guidelines for section 4(1)(b)(iii) - "the procedure followed in the decision-making
processes including channels of supervision and accountability".
3.3.1 All, government departments have specific duties and responsibilities under the
respective Allocation of Business Rules (AOB) issued by the appropriate Government. The
constitutional provisions and statutes each department is required to implement are clearly
laid down in the AOB. The manner of disposal of matters assigned to each
Department/Ministry is described in the Transaction of Business Rules (TOB). Additionally,
every department would have a specific set of schemes and development programmes
which they are required to implement directly or through their subordinate offices or other
designated agencies. These documents contain the specific operations that every Public
Authority is required to undertake in the course of implementing the programme or scheme.
Every operation mandated under the AOB read with the TOB would be linked to a specific
decision-making chain. All government officers have to follow laid down office procedure
manual or the other rules which gives details of how representations, petitions and
applications from citizens must be dealt with. Templates, formats, and basic steps of
decision-making are briefly explained in such manuals. These descriptions constitute the
elements of decision-making processes in general.
3.3.2 Additionally, in the routine work of governance, government functionaries are

required to make decisions in a discretionary manner but broad guiding principles are laid
down in some rule or the other. For example, the General Financial Rules lay down
procedures for a variety of operations relating to government finances. How sanction must
be accorded for incurring expenditure; how losses to government must be reported; how
responsibility for losses may be fixed on any government servant; how budgets, demand for
grants are prepared and submitted; how public works must be sanctioned and executed;
how commodities and services may be procured by a public authority; are all explained in
these manuals which are updated from time to time. The challenge is to present a simplified
version of the decision-making procedure that is of interest to a common citizen.
3.3.3 In view of the above, the following guidelines for detailing the decision making
processes are as follows:
(a) Every public authority may specifically identify the major outputs/ tangible results/
services/ goods that it is responsible for providing to the public or to whosoever is the
client of the public authority.
(b) The decision-making chain may be identified in the form of a flow chart explaining the
rank/grade of the public functionaries involved in the decision-making process
clarifying the specific stages in the decision-making hierarchy.
(c) The powers of each officer including powers of supervision over subordinates
involved in the chain of decision-making must also be spelt out next to the flow chart
or in a simple bullet-pointed format in a text-box. The exceptional circumstances
when such standards decision-making processes may be overridden and by whom
should also be explained clearly. Where decentralization of decision-making has
occurred in order to grant greater autonomy to public authorities, such procedures
must also be clearly explained.
(d) This design of representation may then be extended to cover all statutory and
discretionary operations that are part of the public authority's mandate under the
AOB read with the TOB.
(e) In the event of a public authority altering an existing decision-making process or

adopting an entirely new process, such changes must be explained in simple
language in order to enable people to easily understand the changes made.
3.4 Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(iv) - "the norms set by it for the discharge of its
functions".
3.4.1 Primarily, the intention of this clause is that every public authority should proactively
disclose the standards by which its performance should be judged. Norms may be qualitative
or quantitative in nature, or temporal or statutory norms. In order to ensure compliance with
this clause, public authorities would need to develop norms for major functions that are being
performed, if they do not already exist.
4 3.4.2 Citizen Charters, which are mandatory, for each central
Ministry/Department/Authority, are good examples of vehicles created for laying down norms
of performance for major functions and for monitoring achievements against those
standards.
3.4.3 Wherever norms have been specified for the discharge of its functions by any statute
or government orders, they should be proactively disclosed, particularly linking them with the
decision making processes as detailed earlier. All Public Authorities should proactively
disclose the following:
a) Defining the services and goods that the particular public authority/office provides
directly (or indirectly through any other agency/contractor).
b) Detailing and describing the processes by which the public can access and/or
receive the goods and services that they are entitled to, from the public
authority/office along with the forms, if any prescribed, for use by both the
applicant and the service providing agency. Links to such forms (online),
wherever available, should be given.
c) Describing the conditions, criteria and priorities under which a person becomes
eligible for the goods and services, and consequently the categories of people
who are entitled to receive the goods and services.
d) Defining the quantitative and tangible parameters, (weight, size, frequency etc,)
and timelines, that are applicable to the goods and services that are accessible to
the public.
e) Defining the qualitative and quantitative outcomes that each public

authority/office plans to achieve through the goods and services that it was
obligated to provide.
f) Laying down individual responsibility for providing the goods and services (who is
responsible for delivery/implementation and who is responsible for supervision).
3.5 Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(xi)- "the budget allocated to each of its agency
indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on
disbursements made".
3.6 It is recommended that:
(a) Keeping in view of the technical nature of the government budgets, it is essential that
Ministries/Departments prepare simplified versions of their budgets which can be
understood easily by general public and keep them also in public domain.
Presentation of budgets and their periodic monitoring reports may also be presented
in a more user-friendly manner through graphs and tables, etc.
(b) Outcome budget being prepared by Ministries/Departments of Government of India

should be prominently displayed and be used as a basis to identify physical targets
planned during the budgetary period and the actual achievement vis-à-vis those
targets. A monthly programme implementation calendar method of reporting being
followed in Karnataka is a useful model.
(c) Funds released to various autonomous organizations/ statutory organizations/

attached offices/ Public Sector Enterprises/ Societies/ NGOs/ Corporations etc.
should be put on the website on a quarterly basis and budgets of such authorities
may be made accessible through links from the website of the Ministry/Department. If
a subsidiary does not have a website then the budgets and expenditure reports of
such subsidiary authority may be uploaded on the website of the principal Public
Authority.
(d) Wherever required by law or executive instruction, sector specific allocations and
achievements of every department or public authority (where feasible) must be
highlighted. For example, budget allocation and target focusing on gender, children,
Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and religious minorities should be specially
' highlighted. The sector-wise breakup of these targets and actual outcomes must be
given in simplified form to enable the vulnerable segments of society to understand
the budgets of public authorities better.
3.6 Guidelines for Section 4(1)(b)(xiv) - details of the kinds of information that they
themselves hold or information that is available to them, which is reduced in an
electronic form.
3.6.1 On the one hand, this clause serves as a means of proactively disclosing the
progress made in computerizing information under Section 4(1(a) of the RTI Act in a periodic
manner. On the other, it provides people with clarity about the kinds of electronic information
that, although not held by the public authority, is available to them, for example the stocks of
ration available with individual fair price shop may not be available with the District Civil
Supplies office, but may be available at a subordinate formation.
3.6.2 Keeping in view the varied levels of computerization of records and documents in
public authorities, data about records that have been digitized may be proactively disclosed
on the respective websites, excluding those records /files /information that are exempted
under Section 8. The data about digitized record may include the name of the record and
any categorization or indexing used; the subject matter and any other information that is
• required to be compiled in relation to a file as prescribed by Manual of Office Procedure (and
to be prescribed by MOP for electronic records that is under finalization by DARPG), the
division/ section/ unit/ office where the record is normally held; the person, with designation,
responsible for maintaining the record; and the life span of the record, as prescribed in the
relevant record retention schedule.
4.0 Compliance with provisions of suo motu (Proactive Disclosure) under the RTI
Act.
4.1 In order to monitor and enforce compliance with suo motu disclosure provisions both
the public authorities and Information Commissions should share the responsibility. At the
level of public authority responsibility should be given at senior levels for ensuring that
information is proactively disclosed and regularly updated as per the provisions of the Act.
Information Commissions would need to develop mechanisms to monitor whether action is
being taken as per the provisions of the Act and, if weaknesses are found, they are already
authorized to issue recommendations to public authorities under Section 25(5) of the Act.
The following guidelines are for improving compliance with the provisions of the RTI Act
regarding proactive disclosures.
4.2.1 Proactive Disclosure Scheme

4.2.1 Each Ministry/Department of Government should prepare a proactive disclosure
scheme for their Ministry/Department which should also include the proactive disclosures to
be made by attached and subordinate offices of that Ministry/Department. This is
necessitated as many of the clauses of Section 4(1)(b) would need to be specifically detailed
for a specific Ministry/Department and their offices. For example, under Section 4(1)(b)(iii)
the procedure followed in the decision making process needs to be detailed and it needs to
be decided as to which decisions should be covered for proactive disclosures for this
purpose. This would be different for different Ministry and should be carefully detailed in the
scheme specific to that Ministry. Similarly, how the budgets of the Ministry/Department are to
be put up in the user-friendly manner as recommended elsewhere in these guidelines would
be different for different Ministries/ Departments. The norms set by public authority for
discharge of its functions would also be specifically detailed for each public
authority/Ministry/Department. It is in this context that need for a Ministry/Department
specific proactive disclosure scheme which conforms to the provisions of RTI Act is felt.
4.2.2 The following steps should be taken by each Ministry/Public Authority under the
Proactive Disclosure Scheme.
a) Each Ministry/ Public Authority, within a period of 6 months from the date of issue of
these guidelines, should prepare a list of items they would be disclosing under PDS
along with the time period over which this exercise would be carried out. Each
Ministry/ Public Authority should list out the items they would disclose under the
scheme within one year, within two years and in three years time. Such detailed
planning is essential as a lot of information may need to be piloted and digitized for
disclosure.
b) The above scheme for disclosure should be sent to the Central Information
Commission and should also be included in the Public Authority's RFD and
disclosed on the web-site.
c) Each Ministry/ Public Authority should get its Proactive Disclosure Scheme audited
by third party every year. The audit should cover compliance with the Proactive
Disclosure Scheme as well as adequacy of the items included in the scheme. The
audit should examine whether there are any other type of information which is
feasible within the sources to be proactively disclosed. Such audit should be done
annually and should be communicated to the Central Information Commission
annually.
d) Central Information Commission should carry out sample audit and of few of the
Ministries/ Public Authority with regard to adequacy of items included and their
schedule for Proactive Disclosure Scheme as well as compliance of the Ministry/
Public Authority with the scheme. The Central Information Commission, for other
Ministries/ Public Authority should examine the third-party audit reports for each
Ministries/organization and offer their advice/recommendation on compliance with the
Proactive Disclosure Scheme to the concerned Ministries/organization.
e) Preparation of Proactive Disclosure Scheme, its audit by third party, its
communication to the Central Information Commission and the detailed and quality of
disclosure should be included as RFD target.
f) Proactive Disclosure Scheme would require collating a large quantum of information
and digitizing it. Therefore, Ministries/organization for this purpose, may engage
consultants or outsource such an additional efforts to expeditiously comply with the
Proactive Disclosure Scheme and for this purpose utilize the plans/non-plan funds of
that department.
g) For carrying out third part audit through outside consultants also Ministries/ Public
Authority should utilize their plan/non-plan funds.
4.3 Nodal Officer

4.3.1 Each Central Ministry/Department would appoint a senior officer not below the rank
of a Joint Secretary and not below rank of Additional HOD in case of attached offices for
ensuring compliance with the proactive disclosure scheme. Nodal Officer would work under
the supervision of the Secretary of the Ministry/Department or the HOD of the attached office
as the case may be. Nodal Officers of Ministry/Department and HOD separately would also
ensure that the formations below the Ministry/Department/Attached Office also disclose the
information as per the proactive disclosure scheme.
4.3 Annual Report to CIC
4.4.1 All Ministries/Departments/Attached Offices would submit an annual report to CIC
within three months of the close of the year detailing compliance made with the suo-motu
scheme and also list out any changes in the scheme which are deemed to be appropriate.
4.4 Annual Reports to Parliament/Legislatures

4.5.1 Government has issued directions to all Ministries/Departments to include a chapter
on RTI Act in their Annual Reports submitted to the Parliament. Details about compliance
with proactive disclosure scheme should mandatorily be included in the relevant chapter in
Annual Report of Ministry/Department.
4.5 Inclusion in RFDs

4.5.1 Proactive disclosure has been included in the RFDs as a mandatory indicator. This
may be strictly adhered to.
354
Guidelines for State Governments
1.0 The guidelines prescribed for the Central government Ministries/ departments are
illustrative for State governments and they may adopt the same with suitable modifications.
1.1 The Task Force had also deliberated on facilitating disclosure at different levels of
government and suggested templates in four areas. The State Governments are requested
to use these templates for suo-motu disclosure at various levels. State Governments may
prepare templates in more areas based on their experience. The guidelines for facilitating
disclosure at district and lower levels in State Governments and suggested templates for key
areas are placed below:
2.0 Guidelines for State Governments for facilitating disclosure at district and
lower levels of government through suggestive templates for key areas
2.1 The scheme of Section 4 applies uniformly to all public authorities even though they
may be constituted at different levels. It is felt that at different levels of administration
different level of detailing is required and if that could be facilitated by development of
suitable templates it would not only improve the quality of disclosures but would also
facilitate more transparency in governance. For example, in the case of Public Distribution
System (PDS) disclosures at the level of Fair Price Shops (FPS) should go down to the level
of ration card holder, while at the level of district/state, agencies dealing with the disclosures
would need to be more broad-based. Keeping this in view four areas were identified for
development of templates.
(b) Panchayats;
(c) MGNREGA; and
These four areas have been selected on the ground that they constitute some of the most
significant services being provided at the ground level. However, it is recommended that
similar templates need to be worked out for other important areas such as health services,
services relating to social benefits, etc.
2.2 Templates for Information Disclosure

The templates of information disclosure at various levels of service delivery in
relation to the above four areas are enclosed at the end of the guidelines. The general
principles which should be adopted for disclosure at various levels are given below:
2.3 Use of Information boards/walls
Section 4(4) of the RTI Act states that information should be disseminated taking into
consideration 'the most effective method of communication in that local area and the
information should be easily accessible'. Given the limited reach and accessibility of the
internet in India, information disclosures, as far as practically possible, must also be done
locally in a form and manner that is easily accessible to people. It is recommended that at
village / block level relevant information should be painted on walls and provided on boards
in the local language at prominent public places.
2.4 Information disclosure through any document/proof of delivery that is available to

beneficiaries
Any document relating to a scheme/program of the department that is held by 'a
citizen (eg. ration card, school books etc.) should be used as a mode of disclosure.
Information in the local language can be printed on such documents. Stickers can be used to
update/change the information, if required.
2.5 RTI Proactive Disclosure File

Panchayat is the first public authority or unit which has an interface with citizens. In
their case many of the information can be painted on the walls. However, all the information
that is painted on the walls should also be kept ready for perusal in a "RTI Proactive
Disclosure File". This file should also contain details of all the moneys received and all the
guidelines which are sent to Panchayats by various government authorities for
implementation of schemes.
2.6 'Good' and 'Innovative' practices adopted by State Governments

2.6.1 State governments may adopt innovative practices to disseminate information at
local level. Some of these practices are listed below:
• Read out all information about benefits of schemes, budgets, expenditure,
MGNREGA works, payments etc in the Gramsabha. Example - Yakubbhai Kothariya
works as a Gram Panchayat Secretary and a PIO in Gujarat. Even before the RTI Act
was in place, Yakubbhai was fond of using folk lyrics as a medium of disseminating
information. In his Gram Sabha, he talks about various scheme by connecting it with
incidents in the village and sings a folk song marking the specific characteristics of a
scheme. His Gram Sabhas are frequented by large numbers of residents on a
regular basis.
• Disseminate information about schemes and programmes by setting up a desk whilst
organizing the 'Village Mela (fair)' or any Folk Fair that is conducted in the region.
This can also be done in collaboration with village youth mandal, or SHG or any
Community bases organization.
• Organization of "Information Mela (fair)" at the village school on important days like
Independence Day, Republic Day". This works very effectively in the villages, and
people feel connected with village school.
• Community radio can become another media of dissemination of info. This proves
very effective.
• In Panchmahal district, Gujarat, during the RTI campaign for pro-active disclosures it
was observed that the multi-media vehicle used for dissemination of information was
widely accepted. The pamphlets, guidelines of various schemes, including forms
were disseminated by "RTI on Wheels" a multimedia vehicle. The films and case
stories of use of information for achieving transparency in governance were
screened.
• In Goa, it's a regular practice that details of the gram sabha are reported in local
newspapers.
• Other media like street plays, puppet shows can also be used for information
dissemination.
If there are any specific programmes or schemes meant specifically for the region or village
then in such cases, pro-active disclosure should be prepared in the form of charts giving
details of such schemes/programme.

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No.

New Delhi, 6th May, 2011

Subject: Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

(1) JS (AT&A), Department of Personnel and Training Chairperson

(2) One representative of M/o. Information Technology not below

(3) One representative of D/o. AR&PG not below the rank

(4) One representative of M/o. Law not below the rank

(5) to (7) Secretaries of Governments' of Uttar Pradesh,

(8) to (12) Five representatives of non-government organizations working in the

(13) Shri K.G.Verma, Director (RTI), DOPT Member-Secretary

2. The Terms of Reference of the Task Force will be as under:

t e. To recommend guidelines for complying with the provisions under Section(

1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi

1. Shri Rajeev Kapoor, Joint Secretary, DOPT

Representatives of Civil Society Organisations:

1. Shri Nikhil Dey, Co-Convener, NCPRI, Delhi

1. Ms.Anuradha S.Chagti, DS(RTI), DOPT, Delhi

North Block, New Delhi

Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effect implementation of

In continuation of this Department's OM of even number dated 6th May,

1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Technology Bhavan, Mehrauli Road,

1. Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel)

North Block, New Delhi

Subject: Meeting of the Task Force constituted for effect implementation of

In continuation of this Department's OM of even number dated 6th May,

1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Technology Bhavan, Mehrauli Road,

1. Sr.PPS to Secretary (Personnel)

Dated: 16' May, 2011

Smt Anuradha. S. Chagti

Ref: Office Memo no n 1/6/2011 - IR

Dear Smt Chagti,

With Best Regards

Parmi er Jeet Singh

Sardar Patel Bhavan, Sansad Marg.

Subject:-Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of the RTI

The undersigned is directed to refer to Department of Personnel & Training's

Ms. Ritika Bhatia,

This issues with the approval of Secretary (AR&PG).

Copy for information to:-

No.7(1)/201 1-RTI 19.5.2011

Sub. Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions

2. The issues listed under the heading Lack of transparency relate

4. Our comments on the recommendations enclosed in the paper

New Delhi, 6th May, 2011

Subject: Constitution of a Task Force for effective implementation of Section 4 of

(1) JS (AT&A), Department of Personnel and Training Chairperson

(2) One representative of M/o. Information Technology not below

(3) One representative of D/o. AR&PG not below the rank

(4) One representative of M/o. Law not below the rank

(5) to (7) Secretaries of Governments' of Uttar Pradesh,

(8) to (12) Five representatives of non-government organizations working in the

(13) Shri K.G.Verma, Director (RTI), DOPT Member-Secretary

2. The Terms of Reference of the Task Force will be as under:

1. Secretary, M/o Information Technology, Govt. of India, New Delhi

4. Chief Secretary, Govt. of Uttar Pradesh With a request to nominate a

7. Head of Organisation, NCPRI, C 117A, DDA Flat Munirka,New Delhi

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