ZP member files RTI to seek info on her constituency

She failed to get details from officials concerned on devt works

Owing to the bureaucrats paying no heed to the demand of the elected representative, a Kodagu Zilla Panchayat member ended up filing a RTI application to get the information about various developmental works in her constituency.

ZP member Allaranda Beena Bollamma representing Kadagadalu constituency had sought information from the officials about developmental works in her constituency, but the officials did not provide her the details even after waiting for months. As her attempts went futile, she found no other way but filing RTI applications.

Some of the informations she sought under the RTI, include the expenditure of the funds released in 2011-12, 2012-13 and this year for Palur connectivity road, details on Rs two lakh released for asphalting Palur main road under the MLA’s special fund,  Rs two lakh released under ZP chief fund for the construction of public library near Bettageri VSSN in 2012-13, Rs two lakh released  for the development of Kadangi lake in Bettageri gram panchayat in 2011-12.

The ZP member had asked the zilla panchayat engineering department detailed information about the plan, estimation, M B Book, agreement with the contractors, cheque number given to the contractor and bills. She had filed RTI on October 25, 2013, addressing the Public Information Officer, Assistant Executive Engineer’s office, Panchayat Engineering Division, Madikeri. She received the reply on December 31, 2013.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, she said that the officials have not provided sufficient information under RTI. They have not answered several questions. More over, they are following the delay policy with intention.

“This has made me suspect their motives,” she said.

She submitted an official complaint to the zilla panchayat chief executive officer to take action against the officials for making unnecessary delay of over two months and providing incomplete information. “When the officers are not ready give information to me, despite being the member of ruling BJP in the zilla panchayat, what is the condition of general public? Where is the transparent policy in the administration,” she asked.

ZP CEO Srividya told Deccan Herald that she has received the complaint submitted by ZP Member Beena Bollamma. “I am examining the matter and I have directed the officials to provide elaborate information on all the questions raised by the member.”