Sir,
This refers to the article “Scarcity of postal orders” in J&K by Dr Raja Muzaffar (DE 21st May ). The author has rightly pointed out about non availability of Indian Postal Orders in post offices. For obtaining a Rs 10 Postal Order information seeker under RTI Act has to spend a minimum Rs 50 to 100. Black marketing of these postal orders is another issue which needs to be highlighted.
I have been told that State Chief Information Commissioner Khursheed A Ganai has taken up this matter at top level in the Ministry of Telecommunication Government of India. It would be advisable if use of Non Judicial Stamp paper of Rs 10 is again allowed by the J&K. CIC can take up this matter with the Government and through a cabinet order use of non Judicial stamp paper can be allowed once again in J&K state . It is very much difficult to get postal order and Government instead of creating hurdles for citizens in accessing information must provide alternate modes of fees payment. Suggestion like introducing a special RTI stamp or paying online RTI fees can also be worked out. Filing of online RTI applications should also be started in J&K . It is an irony that we have not yet been able to file application under J&K RTI Act 2009 in a digital format.
Yours etc….
B A Bhat (Advocate)
Srinagar
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