Indian Missions Overseas would have to comply with the provisions
mentioned in Right to Information Act, says the Central Information
Commission (CIC).
The move will enable 50 lakh Non Resident Indians (NRIs) to leverage
the benefits out of it too. Also, India Missions were established
by the External Affairs Ministry. Thus, they naturally come under
the purview of RTI Act, says the CIC at a meeting last week.
The procedure for the fee submission by the applicants approaching
missions abroad for information is under discussion. CIC has asked
the ministry and the Department of Personnel and Training to scout
the way for them.
However, the Indian Missions cannot reject any application on
grounds of non payment of fee.
A French national wanted to visit India was denied a visa by
the Indian Mission in Paris. This has raised the issues. But OP
Kejariwal, Information Commissioner assures to call an enquiry
regarding the same.
