CIC tells MCD to publish residential lift plans, maps, approvals in wider public interest

New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) The Central Information Commission (CIC) has advised the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to proactively place in the public domain residential lift installation plans, building maps, approvals and related records, observing that such information is of "recurring public relevance". It will help promote transparency and reduce the need for individual RTI applications, Information Commissioner Vinod Kumar Tiwari said in an advisory issued under Section 25 of the RTI Act while disposing of show-cause proceedings against an MCD public information officer (PIO) over delay in providing information in a matter relating to records on lift installation in a residential apartment complex. The Commission noted that the information sought in the matter pertained to "permissions, sanctions, plans and allied documents concerning installation of lifts in residential premises", which are matters having "wider public interest and recurring public relevance". Observing that sanctioned building plans are already disclosed proactively by the civic body, the Commission said, "Now, it makes sense to also proactively disclose information relating to the installation of lifts in the buildings including those provided via retrofitting/retro-installation." It accordingly advised the MCD to proactively place in the public domain information and documents relating to grant of permissions or sanctions for installation of lifts, applicable guidelines, procedures, formats and related records in compliance with the spirit of Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, "so as to promote transparency and reduce the need for individual RTI applications". The advisory came after the Commission accepted the PIO's explanation for the delay and found no mala fide intention or deliberate obstruction warranting penal action under the RTI Act. PTI MHS RT