Ever wondered who officially decides what our beloved National Flag, National Tree, or National Fruit are? Many Indians have questions about the origins of these national symbols. The Right to Information (RTI) Act empowers you to seek such information from government departments. This case highlights how you can use RTI to uncover the official declarations behind these important national emblems and what to do if the information isn’t readily available.
Background: What Information Was Sought
In this instance, an RTI applicant approached the Ministry of Environment and Forest (MoEF) with a specific request. They sought to obtain copies of the official orders through which the Central Government had declared our National Flag, National Tree, and National Fruit. This is a common type of query where citizens want to understand the legal and administrative basis for national symbols that are deeply ingrained in our collective identity.
How the Public Authority Responded
The Public Information Officer (PIO) at the Ministry of Environment and Forest provided some information in response to the RTI application. However, it appears that the provided information might not have been complete or directly addressed the core of the applicant’s request for the specific declaration orders.
The CIC Hearing: What Happened
When the applicant felt the information provided was insufficient, they escalated the matter to the Central Information Commission (CIC). The CIC, acting as the appellate authority under the RTI Act, examined the case. During the hearing, the Commission acknowledged that the Ministry of Environment and Forest might indeed hold notifications or orders related to the declaration of the National River, National Fruit, and National Tree. The PIO’s response was reviewed to ascertain the completeness and accuracy of the information shared.
The CIC Order and Its Significance
The Central Information Commission, in its decision, directed the PIO of the MoEF to conduct a thorough search within their records. If any notifications or orders pertaining to the declaration of the National River, National Fruit, and National Tree were found, the PIO was explicitly instructed to provide a copy of these documents to the appellant. This order is significant because it ensures that even if initial responses are not fully satisfactory, the RTI Act provides a mechanism for citizens to pursue the information they are entitled to. It reinforces the principle of transparency and accountability of public authorities.
Key Lessons for RTI Applicants
- Lesson 1: Be Specific in Your RTI Request: Clearly state the exact information you need. In this case, the applicant asked for “copies of those orders” which is more precise than just asking about national symbols.
- Lesson 2: Understand Your Appellate Rights: If you are not satisfied with the PIO’s response, you have the right to appeal to the First Appellate Authority and then to the Central Information Commission (CIC) or State Information Commission (SIC).
- Lesson 3: Persistence Pays Off: Sometimes, information is not immediately available or is not provided in the first instance. The RTI Act provides a structured process to follow up and ensure you receive the information you are legally entitled to.
How to File a Similar RTI Application
- Identify the Correct Public Authority: For information on national symbols, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change is often the relevant authority.
- Draft Your RTI Application: Clearly state your request, mentioning the specific national symbols and asking for the relevant government orders or notifications.
- Pay the Nominal Fee: A fee of Rs. 10 is usually required, payable through postal order, demand draft, or cash to the Accounts Officer.
- Submit and Follow Up: Submit your application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the concerned department and keep a record of your application. If you don’t receive a response within 30 days (or 35 days if the matter concerns a third party), you can file a first appeal.
Sample RTI question you can use:
Please provide copies of all official notifications, orders, or resolutions issued Central Government that declare the National Flag, National Tree, and National Fruit of India, along with the dates of their issuance.
Conclusion
This case underscores the power of the RTI Act in demystifying governmental processes and providing citizens with access to information that shapes our national identity. how to frame your RTI requests and utilizing the appellate mechanisms, you can effectively seek clarity on various aspects of governance, including the official recognition of our cherished national symbols.
