The dismissal of the appeal was justified due to the Appellant's absence and the adequacy of the CPIO's response under relevant RTI provisions.

Hon’ble Commissioner _ANANDI RAMALINGAM O R D E R

1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 04.05.2024 seeking information on the following points:

1. Provide the list of actions taken for the grievance application bearing Token Number: STU20241673008236425 submitted in UGC e-Samadhaan Portal.

2. Please furnish the reason for keeping this case in pending state for 95 days even if the TAT is 20 days.

2. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 18.05.2024 and the same is reproduced as under :-

“Your grievances already transferred to the concern authority. Therefore, you are requested to approach directed to the concern authority for getting information of in respect of grievances.”

3. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 19.05.2024 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. The FAA vide order dated 04.07.2024 stated as under: -

“The grievance application bearing Token Number: STU20241673008236425 submitted in the UGC e-Samadhaan Portal was forwarded to the concerned HEI. To date, no reply received. However, a reminder is given to the HEI for its reply.”

4. Aggrieved with the FAA’s order, the Appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal dated 13.09.2024.

5. The appellant remained absent during the hearing despite notice and on behalf of the respondent Mr. Lokesh Kumar Jangra, Under Secretary, attended the hearing in-

person.

6. The respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that the appellant had sought action taken on a grievance against the Higher Education Institute (HEI) submitted on E- Samadhan Portal which was transferred to the concerned authority. He stated that concerned HEI via online portal informed the appellant that details submitted with the application is insufficient, hence, no action can be taken and status of the application is available on the portal which can also be accessed by the appellant, after login.

7. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing the respondent and perusal of records, observes that the CPIO has provided an appropriate reply to the appellant vide letter dated 18.05.2024. The respondent clarified during the hearing that action taken on the appellant grievance is available on E- Samadhan portal which can also be accessed by the appellant, after login. Further, in the absence of the appellant to plead his case or contest the CPIO’s submissions, the Commission finds no scope of intervention in the matter. Accordingly, the appeal is dismissed.

Copy of the decision be provided free of cost to the parties.