RIGHT TO SERVICE ACT: CDPO and SDM fined

Ferozepur, November 22, 2012:  In the Punjab state, the District Project Officer of Social Security and Women and Child Development Department and first appellate authority SDM have been fined Rs.500 each by Dr. S. Karuna Raju, Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur under Right to Service Act for not providing the services within the fixed time limit.

The DC said, on May 8, 2012, Maya Devi wife of late Parlhad Rai resident of Street No.1, House No.28, Ferozepur Cantt had applied for old age pension in the office of Social Security and Women and Child Development Department but no action was taken on her application even after lapse of more than one month.  After that, the applicant made an appeal before the first appellate authority SDM and even then, her pension was not sanctioned.  Subsequently, Maya Devi applicant made a complaint before the Punjab Right to Service Commission, who, on July 30, 2012, ordered the second appellate authority Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur, to take a decision second appeal in this regard.

Deputy Commissioner informed, the CDPO and SDM were asked to give reasons for this delay and for not providing the services within the fixed time limit, under Right to Service Act 2011, para No.9(1) A and para No.9(3), CDPO Jasbir Kaur and SDM Ferozepur, have been fined Rs.500 each for not finalising the case of appellant within the time bound. 

He further said, both these officers could file appeal against this decision before the Information Commission, Punjab.  The concerned department has been written for taking disciplinary action against the CDPO.

Deputy Commissioner has asked all the officers and officials of the district, to provide the services to the people under Right to Service Act otherwise disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against them besides fine under the Act.