CBEC may put selected RTI replies on its web site

In a step to help the RTI applicants, the Central Board of Excise and Customs may put some selected replies sent under the Act on its website which will help avoid repetition of similar applications.

Stating this, CBEC Chairman V Sridhar added that he was not aware of any similar move by any other government department but if it is being done then the Board may also consider such a measure.

"Most of our circulars and other related documents are in public domain through a number of journals. We can consider putting up some selected replies beneficial to public at large on our web site," he said while replying to a query whether the Board will consider putting up RTI replies on its web site on the lines of Delhi Government.

Sridhar was interacting with audience after releasing a book "Right to Information Law and Practice" written by 1997 batch IRS officer Dr R K Verma, posted as Joint Commissioner Customs and Central Excise, and his wife Anuradha Verma.

Verma has put about 2500 hours compiling the decisions of CIC and other Information Commissions in the form of a book.

"While the first edition dealt with particular issues. This edition deals in concepts like information about third parties, exclusions from RTI Act etc," Verma said.