Guwahati residents are facing a tough time as the city grapples with a shortage of Indian Postal Orders (IPOs), impacting the filing of applications under the Right to Information Act (RTI). The prescribed fee of ₹10 required to accompany the RTI application can be paid through various means, including IPOs, demand drafts, bankers' cheques, or cash with a proper receipt. However, with IPO stocks running low, citizens are finding it challenging to obtain them for their RTI applications.
A concerned citizen from Jyotikuchi expressed frustration, stating that despite efforts to purchase IPOs from various post offices in Guwahati over the past two days, none had any stock available. This hindrance is particularly troubling as certain departments only accept RTI applications accompanied by an IPO.
Attempts by a team from GPlus to procure IPOs from different post offices across Guwahati, including Ulubari, Silpukhuri, Saukuchi, and Beltola, proved futile.
Many departments like Guwahati Municipal Corporation, and Public Works Department accept ₹10 in cash for the RTI application. Departments like Information and Public Relations accept IPO or a payment receipt through Assam Gras (claimed as a 24/7 facility through which citizens can generate e-Challan for required services and make online payments). An RTI applicant said he tried filing an RTI in DIPR where he was asked to either submit an IPO or a payment receipt through Assam Gras. “As IPOs are not available, I tried making a payment through Assam Gras. For making the payment we need to provide the head of accounts number which the DIPR did not have and asked me to collect it from the Information Commissioner's office,” said the applicant adding the process is harassment for applicants.
Upon reaching out to the Guwahati General Post Office (GPO), officials admitted to the shortage, citing reasons such as the recent budget session, and the approaching month of March. While one senior official promised to investigate the matter, another acknowledged the lack of stock even at the GPO level.
As citizens continue to struggle with the unavailability of IPOs, they are left waiting for a resolution to ensure the smooth processing of their RTI applications in Guwahati.
