The Central Information Commission (CIC) has severely reprimanded the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research's Central Institute of Mining and Fuel Research (CSIR-CIMFR) for failing to make timely payments to contractors and for lapses in handling Right to Information (RTI) requests. Information Commissioner Heeralal Samariya described the case as reflecting a “complete breakdown in institutional discipline, record management and administrative responsibility.”
Details of the Complaint
The matter came to light after an RTI applicant, who had also been a contractor for the institute, sought information about pending payments. The contractor alleged that dues amounting to over Rs 10 lakh had been withheld for more than two years. The RTI application was met with delays and incomplete responses, prompting the complainant to approach the CIC.
During the hearing, CSIR-CIMFR officials admitted to the delayed payments but cited procedural bottlenecks. The commission noted that the institute failed to provide a clear timeline for clearing the dues and had not maintained proper records of the contract.
Commission's Observations
Commissioner Samariya observed that the case exemplified a systemic failure within the institute. He stated, “The attitude of the public authority shows a complete breakdown in institutional discipline, record management and administrative responsibility.” The commission directed CSIR-CIMFR to release the pending payment within four weeks and submit a compliance report.
Additionally, the CIC imposed a penalty of Rs 25,000 on the institute's Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) for providing incomplete and misleading information under the RTI Act. The CPIO was also advised to undergo training on RTI procedures.
Broader Implications
The ruling highlights persistent issues in government-funded research institutions regarding contractor payments and RTI compliance. According to data from the CIC, complaints against CSIR labs have increased by 15% in the last two years, with many related to delayed responses and poor record-keeping. The commission has called for a review of administrative practices at CSIR-CIMFR to prevent recurrence.
