RTI for Lost Post Office Savings Schemes or Parcels: Your 3-Step Guide to Effective Resolution!

The Post Office is a trusted institution for millions of Indians, whether it’s for investing in savings schemes or sending parcels. However, sometimes unexpected events occur, such as losing your hard-earned savings scheme passbook, noticing discrepancies in your account, or your important parcel getting lost somewhere en route. In such situations, people often get disheartened as they don’t know what information they can obtain or how to resolve their problem. This is where the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 can prove to be a powerful tool for you.

This article will guide you on how to file an RTI in cases of lost Post Office savings schemes or parcels, whom to seek information from, and how to achieve an effective resolution to your problem.

Why is RTI Essential for Lost Post Office Savings Schemes or Parcels?

When a Post Office related savings scheme (like NSC, KVP, PPF, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana) or parcel goes missing, a direct complaint often doesn’t yield a satisfactory response or action. The RTI Act empowers you for the following reasons:

• Ensuring Accountability: Through RTI, you can directly demand answers from the concerned officials, which increases their accountability.
• Obtaining Accurate Information: You can obtain copies of all important documents related to the lost savings scheme or parcel, such as transaction details, tracking records, complaint status, and actions taken thereon.
• Expediting Action: When you file an RTI, officials know they are bound to provide information, which often expedites their work.
• Basis for Compensation: If your parcel is lost and you have suffered a loss, the information obtained through RTI can play a crucial role in claiming compensation.

What Information Can You Seek Through RTI?

1. Information related to a lost savings scheme:

If your savings scheme passbook is lost, or any irregularity is observed in the account, you can seek the following information:

• Detailed statement of all transactions related to your account number (Opening Date to Latest Transaction).
• The procedure for issuing a new passbook in place of the lost one and the time required for it.
• Has any suspicious activity occurred in the account? If yes, its details and actions taken thereon.
• The current status of the complaint you have filed (if any), and what action has been taken by which officials.
• Certified copies of all rules and guidelines related to the account.

This process is somewhat similar to filing an RTI for delayed government pension, where you access your financial information.

2. Information related to a lost parcel:

If you have sent a parcel and it has not reached its destination, you can request the following information:

• Complete journey details related to your parcel’s tracking number (when and where it departed from, where it stopped, when it left for delivery).
• Details of the internal investigation conducted by the department regarding the loss of the parcel and a copy of the investigation report.
• Name and designation of the official responsible in this matter.
• What are the provisions for compensation for the lost parcel and the procedure to apply for it?
• The current status of the complaint you have filed (if any), and what action has been taken by which officials.

How to File an RTI Application at the Post Office: 3 Easy Steps

Filing an RTI application at the Post Office is a straightforward process; you just need to access the correct information and the right official.

Step 1: Identify the Correct Public Information Officer (PIO)

The Post Office is a large network, so identifying the correct PIO is crucial. Typically, the Postmaster or Assistant Postmaster of your local Post Office or the Post Office where you opened the savings scheme/sent the parcel will be the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO). You can address your RTI application to ‘Chief Public Information Officer/Postmaster, [Name and complete address of the concerned Post Office]’ (मुख्य जन सूचना अधिकारी/पोस्टमास्टर, [संबंधित डाकघर का नाम और पूरा पता]).

Step 2: Draft the RTI Application

Your RTI application should be clear, concise, and precise. It should include the following information:

• To: Chief Public Information Officer/Postmaster, [Name and complete address of the concerned Post Office].
• Subject: Request for information under the Right to Information Act, 2005, regarding a lost Post Office savings scheme/parcel.
• Your Details: Your name, father’s/husband’s name, complete address, contact number.
• Problem Description: Briefly describe your problem. For example: “I invested under [Name of savings scheme/Parcel Number] in account number [Account Number]/sent a parcel on [Date], which is now lost/has irregularities.”
• Information Sought: Write the information you are requesting point-wise. For example, choose from the points provided above that are relevant to you.
• Declaration: Also state that you are an Indian citizen and are seeking information under the RTI Act, 2005.
• Date and Signature: Sign the application and date it.

Remember, you can only request information that is public in nature and directly related to your case. You cannot ask for private information of a third party.

Step 3: Pay the Application Fee and Submit

An application fee of ₹10 is required with the RTI application. You can submit this fee in the following ways:

• Indian Postal Order (IPO): Purchase from any Post Office and attach it with the RTI application, addressed to ‘Public Information Officer, [Name of concerned Post Office]’.
• Demand Draft/Banker’s Cheque: In favor of ‘Public Information Officer, [Name of concerned Post Office]’.
• Cash: Pay directly at the concerned Post Office, obtain a receipt, and attach it with the RTI application.

Send your RTI application and proof of fee payment by Registered Post or Speed Post so that you have a record of dispatch. You can also submit the application directly at the Post Office and obtain an acknowledgment receipt.

What to do if the Problem Remains Unresolved Even After RTI?

If you do not receive a reply within 30 days or are not satisfied with the information received, you have the right to appeal.

1. First Appeal: In case of non-receipt of information or receipt of incorrect/incomplete information, you can file an appeal with the ‘First Appellate Authority’ (FAA) within 30 days. This officer is usually a senior official of the concerned Post Office (e.g., Postmaster General or Divisional Superintendent). Attach the original RTI application and a copy of any reply received, if applicable, with the appeal.
2. Second Appeal: If you do not receive a satisfactory reply from the First Appellate Authority within 45 days, you can file a second appeal with the ‘Central Information Commission’ (CIC). This is the final stage of the RTI process, and CIC’s decisions are binding.

This process ensures that government officials remain accountable and citizens can obtain the information they require.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: How to file an RTI at the Post Office?

To file an RTI at the Post Office, you need to prepare a written application addressed to the Chief Public Information Officer (PIO) or Postmaster of the concerned Post Office. Clearly state your problem and the information sought point-wise. Deposit the ₹10 application fee through an Indian Postal Order (IPO), Demand Draft, or cash. Send the application and proof of fee by Registered Post/Speed Post or submit it directly and obtain a receipt.

Q2: What to do if information about a lost parcel or savings scheme is not received?

If you do not receive information from the Post Office within 30 days or the information received is not satisfactory, you can file a ‘First Appeal’ with the ‘First Appellate Authority’. This appeal should be filed within 30 days of submitting the original RTI application.

Q3: What steps should be taken if the problem remains unresolved even after RTI?

If you do not receive a satisfactory reply from the First Appellate Authority within 45 days, you can file a ‘Second Appeal’ with the ‘Central Information Commission’ (CIC). CIC’s decisions are binding, and this is the final stage of the RTI process, where you can expect justice.

Q4: What can be asked through RTI about compensation for a lost parcel or savings scheme?

Through RTI, you can ask the Post Office about the rules for compensation in cases of lost parcels or savings schemes, the procedure for applying for compensation, and how much compensation you may be eligible for in this particular case (if eligible according to the rules). Additionally, you can request certified copies of compensation-related guidelines.

Conclusion

In cases of lost Post Office savings schemes or parcels, the RTI Act, 2005 protects your rights and provides you with an opportunity to obtain information transparently. With correct information and by following the process, you can achieve an effective resolution to your problem. Remember, information is your right.

If you need assistance in drafting your RTI application, you can draft it for free on rtisupport.in.

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