Postal Life Insurance (PLI) was introduced on 1st February 1884 with the express approval of the Secretary

of State (for India) to Her Majesty, the Queen Empress of India. It was essentially a scheme of State Insurance mooted by the then Director General of Post Offices, Mr. F.R. Hogg in 1881 as a welfare scheme for the benefit of Postal employees and later extended to the employees of Telegraph department in 1888. In 1894, PLI extended insurance cover to female employees of P & T Department at a time when no other insurance company covered female lives. It is the oldest Life insurer in this country. In the beginning, the upper limit of life insurance was only Rs 4000/- which has now increased to Rs 10 lacs (Rupees Ten Lacs) for all schemes combined - Endowment Assurance and Whole Life Assurance. Over the years, PLI has grown substantially from a few hundred policies in 1884 to 42,83,302 policies as on 31.03.2010. It now covers employees of Central and State Governments, Central and State Public Sector Undertakings, Universities, Government aided Educational institutions, Nationalized Banks, Local bodies etc. PLI also extends the facility of insurance to the officers and staff of the Defence services and Para-Military forces. Apart from single insurance policies, Postal Life Insurance also manages a Group Insurance scheme for the Extra Departmental Employees (Gramin Dak Sevaks) of the Department of Posts. PLI is an exempted insurer under Section 118 (c) of the Insurance Act of 1938. It is also exempted under Section 44 (d) of LIC Act, 1956.

PLI offers 7 (Seven) types of plans: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Whole Life Assurance (SURAKSHA) Convertible Whole Life Assurance (SUVIDHA) Endowment Assurance (SANTOSH) Anticipated Endowment Assurance (SUMANGAL) Joint Life Assurance (YUGAL SURAKSHA) Scheme for Physically handicapped persons

7. Children Policy WHOLE LIFE ASSURANCE: This is a scheme where the assured amount with accrued bonus is payable to the assignee, nominee or the legal heir after death of the insurant. Minimum Age at entry is 19 years and the maximum Age at entry is 55 years. The minimum Sum Assured is Rs 20,000 and the maximum Sum Assured is Rs 10 lacs. The policy can be converted into an Endowment Assurance Policy after completion of one year and before 57 years of age of the insurant. Loan facility is available after completion of four years and policy can also be surrendered after completion of three years. The policy is not eligible for bonus if surrendered or assigned for loan before completion of 5 years. Proportionate bonus on the reduced sum assured is accrued if the policy is surrendered or assigned for loan. ENDOWMENT ASSURANCE: Under this scheme, the proponent is given an assurance to the extent of the Sum Assured and accrued bonus till he/she attains the pre-determined age of maturity. In case of unexpected death of the insurant, the assignee, nominee or the legal heir is paid the full Sum Assured together with the accrued bonus. The minimum age at entry is 19 years and the maximum Age at entry is 55 years. The minimum Sum Assured is Rs 20,000 and the maximum Sum Assured is Rs 10 lacs. Loan facility is available and policy can also be surrendered after completion of three years. The policy is not eligible for bonus if

surrendered or assigned for loan before completion of 5 years. Proportionate bonus on the reduced sum assured is accrued if the policy is surrendered or assigned for loan.

CONVERTIBLE WHOLE LIFE ASSURANCE: The features of this scheme are more or less same as Endowment assurance. Policy can be converted into Endowment Assurance after five years. Age on the date of conversion must not exceed 55 years. If option for conversion is not exercised within 6 years, the policy will be treated as Whole Life Assurance. Loan facility is available. The policy can also be surrendered after completion of three years. The policy is not eligible for bonus if surrendered or assigned for loan before completion of 5 years. Proportionate bonus on the reduced sum assured is accrued if the policy is surrendered or assigned for loan. The policy is not eligible for bonus if surrendered or assigned for loan before completion of 5 years. Proportionate bonus on the reduced sum assured is accrued if the policy is surrendered or assigned for loan.

ANTICIPATED ENDOWMENT ASSURANCE: It is a Money Back Policy with maximum Sum Assured of Rs 5 lacs. Best suited to those who need periodical returns. Survival benefit is paid to the insurant periodically. Two types of policies are available - 15 years term and 20 years term. For the 15 years term policy, the benefits are paid after 6 years (20%), 9 years (20%), 12 years (20%) and 15 years (40% and the accrued bonus). For the 20 years term policy, the benefits are paid after 8 years (20%), 12 years (20%), 16 years (20%) and 20 years (40% and the accrued bonus). Such payments will not be taken into consideration in the event of unexpected death of the insurant and the full sum assured with accrued bonus is payable to the assignee or legal heir.

JOINT LIFE ASSURRANCE: It is a joint-life Endowment Assurance in which one of the spouses should be eligible for PLI policies. Life insurance coverage is provided to both the spouses to the extent of sum assured with accrued bonus with only one premium. All other features are same as an Endowment policy. All the above schemes have compulsory medical examination. For the non-medical policy of any category (except AEA and Joint Life Assurance for which Medical Examination is compulsory), the maximum Sum Assured is Rs 1 lac.

LIMITS OF SUM ASSURED IN POSTAL LIFE INSURANCE: Any person who is eligible to the benefit of Post Office Life Insurance Fund under Rule 6, may effect an insurance-Whole Life Assurance, Endowment Assurance, Convertible Whole Assurance, Anticipated Endowment Assurance and Yugal Suraksha Policy or all of them on his life for a sum not less than Rs. 20,000 in each class but not more than an aggregate of Rs. Twenty Lac (Rs. 20,00,000/-) in respect of one class/all classes of insurance policy (s) taken together. The value of policy shall be taken in multiples of Rs. 10,000/- after minimum limit of Rs.20,000/- i.e. Rs. 20,000/-, Rs.30,000/-,Rs. 50,000/- and so on.

SCHEME FOR PHYSICALLY HANDICAPPED PERSONS: The maximum limit of Insurance for Physically Handicapped persons in PLI is the same as others and he/she can take any one of the plans. Medical examination is compulsory under this scheme in order to determine the exact nature and extent of their handicap and its bearing on the life being insured. Depending upon the nature and extent of handicap, normal or a slightly higher premium is charged. CHILDREN POLICY The Department has introduced Children Policy under PLI/RPLI, with effect form 20th Jan 2006. The salient features of this scheme are as under:

The Scheme is envisaged to provide Insurance cover to the children of PLI/RPLI policy holders. Maximum two children in family will be eligible to take children policy. Children between the age of 5 and 20 years are eligible and maximum sum assured is Rs 1 lakh or equivalent to the sum assured of the main policy holder which ever is less. The main policy holder should not have attained the age of 45 years. No premium is required to be paid on the children policy on the death of the main policy holder and full sum assured with the accrued bonus shall be paid to the child after the completion of the term of the children policy. On the death of the child/children, full sum assured with the accrued bonus shall be payable to the main policy holder. Main policy holder shall be responsible for payments for the Children Policy. No loan shall be admissible on Children Policy. However, the policy shall have facility for making it paid up provided the premia are paid continuously for 5 years. No Medical examination of the Child is necessary. However, the child should be healthy on the day of proposal and the risk shall start from the date of acceptance of proposal. The policy shall attract bonus at the rate applicable to Endowment Policy. The POIF Rules amended from time to time shall be applicable to Children Policy.

PLI is the only insurer in the Indian Life Insurance market today, which gives the highest return (bonus) with the lowest premium charged for any product in the market. A PLI/RPLI policy holder also gets following facilities :

Change of nomination. The insurant can take loan by pledging his/her policy to Heads of the Circle/Region on behalf of President of India, provided the policy has completed 3 years in case of Endowment Assurance and 4 years in case of Whole Life Assurance. The facility of assignment is also available. Assignment of Policy to any Financial Institution for taking loan. Revival of his/her lapsed policy. Policy lapses after 6 unpaid premiums if it remained in force for less than 3 years and after 12 unpaid premiums if it remained in force for more than 3 years. Issue of Duplicate Policy Bond in case of the original Policy Bond is lost,

burnt/torn/mutilation.

Conversion from Whole Life Assurance to Endowment Assurance and from Endowment Assurance to other Endowment Assurance as per rules.

YEAR No. of Policies in force 2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004 2004-2005 2005-2006 2006-2007 2007-2008 2008-2009 20,08,575 20,98,577 22,08,683 23,91,662 30,98,248 32,97,825 35,50,084 38,41,539

Postal Life Insurance (PLI) Sum Assured (in Rs. Crore) 11,870.30 13,676.80 15,917.61 19,105.43 22,951.60 26,753.17 31,469.00 38,403.00 Corpus of Fund (in Rs. Crore) 5090.16 5797.30 6619.81 7678.42 8933.69 10,342.61 12,081.71 14,152.59 16656.02

2009-10 42,83,302 51209.91 (A) Premium Income (2009-10) (Audited) (in Rs. Crore) PLI = 2415.21

(B)

Top five performing Circles (2008-09)

PLI Name of Circle APS Tamil Nadu Maharashtra Sum Assured(in Rs. Crore) 2112.80 752.58 669.21

Karnataka Gujarat

599.47 495.26

(C)

Claims settled (2008-09) Claims Number 10427 6359 15246 Amount paid (Rs. In crores) 267 38 106

PLI

Maturity Death Surrender

Issue of acceptance letter Issue of policy bonds Inter-Circle transfer of policies Settlement of claims on maturity Settlement of claims on death with nomination Settlement of death claim involving investigation Payment of paid-up value Loan for policies Changes of address Change of nomination Assignment Issue of duplicate policy document Revival of policy Conversion of policy

15 days 15 days 10 days 30 days 30 days 90 days 30 days 10 days 10 days 10 days 10 days 10 days 15 days 15 days

Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) came into being as a sequel to the recommendations of the Official Committee for Reforms in the Insurance Sector (Malhotra Committee). The Committee had observed in 1993 that only 22% of the insurable population in this country had been insured; life insurance funds accounted for only 10% of the gross household savings. The Committee had observed: The Committee understands that Rural Branch Postmasters who enjoy a position of trust in the community have the capacity to canvass life insurance business within their respective areas.. The Government accepted the recommendations of Malhotra Committee and allowed Postal Life Insurance to extend its coverage to the rural areas to transact life insurance business with effect from 24.3.1995, mainly because of the vast network of Post Offices in the rural areas and low cost of operations. The prime objective of the scheme is to provide insurance cover to the rural public in general and to benefit weaker sections and women workers of rural areas in particular and also to spread insurance awareness among the rural population. As on 31.03.2010, we have 99,25,103 RPLI policies.

RPLI offers following types of plans: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Whole Life Assurance ( GRAMA SURAKSHA) Convertible Whole Life Assurance (GRAMA SUVIDHA) Endowment Assurance ( GRAMA SANTOSH) Anticipated Endowment Assurance (GRAMA SUMANGAL) GRAM PRIYA Scheme for Physically handicapped persons

The salient features of the Whole Life, Endowment, Convertible Whole Life and Anticipated Endowment Schemes of RPLI are same as the corresponding schemes of PLI except that the minimum Sum Assured is Rs.10,000 and the maximum Sum Assured is Rs.3 lac. The maximum age limit of entry is 55 years in case of Whole Life and Endowment Assurance but 45 years in case of other plans. All the schemes have compulsory medical examination. For the non-medical policies, the maximum limit of Sum Assured is Rs.25,000/-, and maximum age is 35 years. In case of Non-standard age proof for Rural PLI policies, the maximum age limit is 45 years.

PLI is the only insurer in the Indian Life Insurance market today which gives the highest return (bonus) with the lowest premium charged for any product in the market. A PLI/RPLI policy holder may also get following facilities :

Change of nomination. The insurant can take loan by pledging his/her policy to Heads of the Circle on behalf of President of India, provided the policy has completed 3 years in case of Endowment Assurance and 4 years in case of Whole Life Assurance. The facility of assignment is also available. Assignment of Policy to any Financial Institution for taking loan. Revival of his/her lapsed policy. Policy lapses after 6 unpaid premia if it remained in force for less than 3 years and after 12 unpaid premia if it remained in force for more than 3 years. Issue of Duplicate Policy Bond in case the original Policy Bond is lost, burnt or

torn/mutilated.

Conversion from Whole Life Assurance to Endowment Assurance and from Endowment Assurance to other Endowment Assurance as per rules.

YEAR

Rural Postal Life Insurance (RPLI) No. of Policies in Sum Assured (in Force Rs. Crore) 11,33,013 4,403.92 17,95,070 7,464.53 26,66,485 12,385.11 18,520.93 25,229.66 33,865.65 Corpus of Fund (in Rs. Crore) 341.05 510.69 756.48 1127.61 1624.77 2284.92 3003.78 3994.36 5,524.69

2001-2002 2002-2003 2003-2004

37,38,798 2004-2005 47,02,776 2005-2006 52,46,673 2006-2007

61,67,928 41,846.09 2007-2008 2008-2009 73,56,446 53,072.10 2009-10 99,25,103 59,572.59 (A) Premium Income (2009-10) (Audited) (in Rs. Crore) RPLI = 1357.71

(B)

Top five performing Circles (2008-09)

RPLI Name of Circle Andhra Pradesh Maharashtra Uttar Pradesh Tamil Nadu Bihar Sum Assured (in Rs. Crore) 2300.51 1866.24 1653.13 1582.11 1258.83

(C)

Claims settled (2008-09)

Claims RPLI Maturity Death

Number 12384 3957

Amount paid (in Rs. Crore) 29 22

Issue of acceptance letter Issue of policy bonds Inter-Circle transfer of policies Settlement of claims on maturity Settlement of claims on death with nomination Settlement of death claim involving investigation Payment of paid-up value Loan for policies Changes of address Change of nomination Assignment Issue of duplicate policy document Revival of policy Conversion of policy

15 days 15 days 10 days 30 days 30 days 90 days 30 days 10 days 10 days 10 days 10 days 10 days 15 days 15 days

Post Office Savings Schemes

Scheme Interest payable, Minimum Amount for Rates, Periodicity opening of account and Salient features including Tax Rebate

etc.

maximum balance that can be retained

Post Office Account can be opened by cash only. Savings 4.0% per annum onMinimum INR 20/- for Account Minimum balance to be maintained in a nonindividual/ jointopening. cheque facility account is INR 50/-. accounts. Cheque facility available if an account is opened with INR 500/- and for this purpose minimum balance of INR 500/-in an account is to be maintained. Cheque facility can be taken in an existing account also. Interest earned is Tax Free up to INR 3500/per year in single and INR 7000/- in Joint account up to 2011-12 and up to INR 10,000/- per year either in single or joint account for 2012-13. Nomination facility is available at the time of opening and also after opening of account. Account can be transferred from one post office to another. One account can be opened in one post office

Account can be opened in the name of minor and a minor of 10 years and above age can open and operate the account. Joint account can be opened by two or three adults. At least one transaction of deposit or withdrawal in three financial years is necessary to keep the account active. Single account can be converted into Joint and Vice Versa. Minor after attaining majority has to apply for conversion of the account in his name. 5-Year From 1.4.2013, Account can be opened by cash/cheque and Post Office Minimum INR 10/- perin case of cheque the date of deposit shall be date interest rates are as Recurring of presentation of cheque. month or any amount in Deposit follows:Account multiples of INR 5/-. No Nomination facility is available at the time of opening and also after opening of account. 8.3% per annummaximum limit. (quarterly Account can be transferred from one post office to another.

compounded) On maturity INR 10/- account fetches INR 744.53. Can be continued for another 5 years on year to year basis.

Any number of accounts can be opened in any post office. Account can be opened in the name of minor and a minor of 10 years and above age can open and operate the account. Joint account can be opened by two adults.

Subsequent deposit can be made up to 15th day of next month if account is opened up to 15th of a calendar month and up to last working day of next month if account is opened between 16th day and last working day of a calendar month. If subsequent deposit is not made up to the prescribed day, a default fee is charged for each default. After 4 regular defaults, the account becomes discontinued and can be revived in two months but if the same is not revived within this period, no further deposit can be made. There is rebate on advance deposit of at least 6 installments. Single account can be converted into Joint and Vice Versa. Minor after attaining majority has to apply for conversion of the account in his name. One withdrawal upto 50% of the balance allowed after one year. Full maturity value allowed on R.D. Accounts restricted to that of INR. 50/- denomination in case of death of depositor subject to fulfillment of certain conditions. Account may be opened by individual.

Post Office Interest payable Time Minimum INR 200/- and annually but Deposit Account can be opened by cash/cheque and in multiple thereof. No Account calculated in case of cheque the date of realization of cheque maximum limit. in Govt. account shall be date of opening of quarterly. account. From follows:Period Rate 1.4.2013, Nomination facility is available at the time of opening and also after opening of account. Account can be transferred from one post office to another. Any number of accounts can be opened in any post office.

interest rates are as

1yr.A/c 2yr.A/c 3yr.A/c 5yr.A/c

8.20% 8.20% 8.30% 8.40%

Account can be opened in the name of minor and a minor of 10 years and above age can open and operate the account. Joint account can be opened by two adults.

Single account can be converted into Joint and Vice Versa. Minor after attaining majority has to apply for conversion of the account in his name. 2,3 & 5 year account can be closed after 1 year at discount. Account can also be closed after six months but before one year with interest @post office savings account. The investment under 5 Years TD qualifies for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from 1.4.2007. INR Account may be opened by individual.

Post Office From 1.4.2013,In multiples of Monthly interest rates are as1500/-. Income Account can be opened by cash/cheque and Account follows:in case of cheque the date of realization of cheque Scheme Maximum investmentin Govt. account shall be date of opening of account. 8.40% per annumlimit is INR 4.5 lakhs in payable monthly. single account and INR 9 Nomination facility is available at the time of opening and also after opening of account. lakhs in joint account. Account can be transferred from one post An individual can investoffice to another. maximum INR 4.5 lakh Any number of accounts can be opened in in MIS (including hisany post office subject to maximum investment limit by adding balance in all accounts. share in joint accounts) Account can be opened in the name of minor For calculation of shareand a minor of 10 years and above age can open and operate the account. of an individual in joint account, each joint holder Joint account can be opened by two or three adults. have equal share in each joint account. All joint account holders have equal share in each joint account. Single account can be converted into Joint and Vice Versa. Minor after attaining majority has to apply for conversion of the account in his name.

Maturity period is 5 years from 1.12.2011.

Interest can be drawn through auto credit into savings account standing at same post office, through PDCs or ECS. Can be prematurely encashed after one year but before 3 years at the discount of 2% of the deposit and after 3 years at the discount of 1% of the deposit. (Discount means deduction from the deposit.) A bonus of 5% on principal amount is admissible on maturity in respect of MIS accounts opened on or after 8.12.07 and up to 30.11.2011. No bonus is payable on the deposits made on or after 1.12.2011. From 1.4.2013, An individual of the Age of 60 years or more interest rates are as There shall be only onemay open the account. follows:deposit in the account in An individual of the age of 55 years or more 9.20% per annum, multiple of INR.1000/-but less than 60 years who has retired on payable from the superannuation or under VRS can also open maximum not exceeding date of deposit of account subject to the condition that the account 31st March/30th INR 15 lakh. is opened within one month of receipt of Sept/31st December retirement benefits and amount should not exceed in the first instance the amount of retirement benefits. & thereafter, interest shall be Maturity period is 5 years. payable on 31st March, 30th June, A depositor may operate more than one 30th Sept and 31st account in individual capacity or jointly with December. spouse (husband/wife). Account can be opened by cash for the amount below INR 1 lakh and for INR 1 Lakh and above by cheque only. In case of cheque, the date of realization of cheque in Govt. account shall be date of opening of account. Nomination facility is available at the time of opening and also after opening of account. Account can be transferred from one post office to another Any number of accounts can be opened in any post office subject to maximum investment limit by adding balance in all accounts. Joint account can be opened with spouse only

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme

and first depositor in Joint account is the investor. Interest can be drawn through auto credit into savings account standing at same post office, through PDCs or Money Order. Premature closure is allowed after one year on deduction of 1.5% interest & after 2 years 1% interest (Discount means deduction from the deposit.). After maturity, the account can be extended for further three years within one year of the maturity by giving application in prescribed format. In such cases, account can be closed at any time after expiry of one year of extension without any deduction. TDS is deducted at source on interest if the interest amount is more than INR 10,000/- p.a. Investment under this scheme qualifies for the benefit of Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, 1961 from 1.4.2007. From 1.4.2013,Minimum INR. 500/- An individual can open account with INR 5/but has to deposit minimum of INR 500/- in a interest rates are asMaximum INR. financial year and maximum INR 1,00,000/follows:1,00,000/- in a financial Joint account cannot be opened. year. 8.70% per annum Account can be opened by cash/cheque and (compounded Deposits can be made inIn case of cheque, the date of realization of cheque in Govt. account shall be date of opening yearly). lump-sum or in 12 of account. installments. Nomination facility is available at the time of opening and also after opening of account. Account can be transferred from one post office to another. The subscriber can open another account in the name of minors but subject to maximum investment limit by adding balance in all accounts. Maturity period is 15 years but the same can be extended within one year of maturity for further 5 years and so on. Maturity value can be retained without extension and without further deposits also. Premature closure is not allowed before 15

15 year Public Provident Fund Account

years. Deposits qualify for deduction from income under Sec. 80C of IT Act. Interest is completely tax-free.

Withdrawal is permissible every year from 7th financial year from the year of opening account.. Loan facility available from 3rd financial year. No attachment under court decree order. Kisan Vikas Patra National Savings Certificate s (NSC) Discontinued from 01.12.2011 From 1.4.2013, A single holder type certificate can be Minimum INR. 100/- Nopurchased by, an adult for himself or on behalf of interest rates are as a minor or by a minor. maximum limit available follows:in denominations of INR. Deposits qualify for tax rebate under Sec. 80C of IT Act. 100/-, 500/-, 1000/-, 5000/- & INR. 10,000/-. The interest accruing annually but deemed to be reinvested under Section 80C of IT Act. 8.5% compounded 5 Years National six monthly but Savings payable at maturity. Certificate (VIII INR. 100/- grows to Issue) INR 151.62 after 5 years.

10 Years 8.80% compounded National six monthly but Savings Certificate payable at maturity. (IX Issue) INR 100/- grows to INR 236.60 after 10 years.

Money Remittance Services

Remittances are a growing and an important area for India Post. India Post offers various remittance services to meet the demands of various sections of the society. The remittance services of India Post are available for both domestic and international locations.

Money Order Electronic Money Order Instant Money Order MO Videsh International Money Transfer Service Electronic Clearance Services (ECS) Money gram International Money Transfer

are the remittance services offered by India Post. India Post has introduced web-enabled remittances to offer faster services. Money Order: This is a domestic money transfer facility through post office. Money send through money order is paid at the door-step of the payee and this service is available in all post offices . Maximum amount which can be remitted through a single money order is Rs.5000/-. Remitter can pay the amount in cash or cheque at the booking office and the charges for the service is 5% of the value of money to be transmitted. Remitter gets acknowledgement signed by the payee.there is a provision for sending short communication also along with the money order. Electronic Money Order (eMO): Introduced on 10.10.2008. eMO system aims to simplify the transmission process of money orders by ensuring quick and secure electronic transmission. Time taken for Transmission is very less & amount is paid within a day of booking . the amount of money order is paid in cash at the door step of the payee. Facility for remitting money from one to one, one to many and many to one is available under this service. eMO can be booked at authorized POs, but paid through all delivery POs in the country. commission for eMO is same as applicable to money order. The eMOs can be tracked through Indiapost website. Instant Money Order (iMO): India Post provides instant Money Order service, which is Instant, Safe, Reliable & Convenient. Amount from Rs.1000/- to Rs.50000/- can be remitted through designated iMO Post Offices. It is an instant web based money transfer service. Remitter has to fill-up prescribed form & should produce valid photo identity. Money Order Commission varies based on the amount of remittance. There are 33 standard messages for selection by the remitter. Payee has to visit the post office, fill up the prescribed form and produce the identity proof to receive the money. Amount recieved can also be credited to the savings bank account of the payee. MO Videsh: This is an international remittance service offered by Indiapost to most foreign destinations. Outward remittance is payable to beneficiaries by crediting the payment to the bank account of beneficieries in the destination countries. Each outward remittance shall not exceed 5000 USD & maximum 12 outward remittances are allowed in a year. This facility is available in all computerized post offices. The commission for MO Videsh vary with the amount to be transferred. International Money Transfer Service: Indiapost is also offering inward international money transfer through collaboration with western union money transfer and Money gram. The service is safe, fast & reliable. It is a quick and easy way of transferring personal remittance from abroad to beneficiaries in India. Money can be received from 195 countries through identified post offices. Recipients can receive money in minutes after the remitter remits money. A maximum of 2500 USD can be recieved at a time. 12 transactions can be received by a single beneficiary in a calendar year. Amount upto Rs.50000/- in cash and more than that in cheque or credited to savings accounts in PO. Recipient to provide sufficient information to establish his identity and proof of residence. The facility for receipt of WUMT is available in 7212 Post Offices and money gram facility is available in 500 post offices.

Electronic Clearance Service (ECS): ECS scheme provides alternative method for bulk payment, payment of interest/salary/pension/dividend. The scheme was introduced on 9th August 2003. ECS is offered by India Post in c/w payment of monthly interest in Monthly Income Scheme. Under ECS, depositors of MIS accounts get their interest automatically transferred and credited into their accounts on due dates at designated Bank of their choice. Currently the service is available in the Department of Posts 15 RBI locations and 21 SBI locations.

Money Order
A money order is an order issued by the Post Office for the payment of a sum of money to the person whose name the money order is sent through the agency of the Post Office. A Payee is the person named in money order as the person to whom the money is to be paid . The advantage of sending money to someone through money order is that the money is delivered at the house or his place of stay. Procedure of sending the Money Order Buy a money order form at the counter of the post office. A remitter is the person who send money order. Fill in ink the necessary entries adding his signature of thumbs marks at the foot. A form without signature or thumb mark or incomplete in any respect will not be accepted. All entries made in the form must be legible and may be written in English, Hindi ot in the language of the district either by the remitter himself of by any one on his behalf. The remitter may write on the coupon any communication he desires to make to the payee. The amount for which a single money order may be issued must not exceed Rs 5000/The money order form duly filed in, together with the amount of the money order and commission either in cash or by Cheque be presented at the post office counter. A receipt will be given for the amount paid by him on account of the money order and commission. Any error or omission in the receipt should be pointed out at once by the remitter, otherwise the Post Office will not be responsible. After the money is paid to the payee the remitter of money order receives an acknowledgement of payment of the amount of the money order signed by the payee or his authorised agent. If the acknowledgment is not received in a reasonable time, a certificate of payment signed by the Postmaster of the office will be given on application. However, in the case of money orders issued in favor of Government or District, Local or Municipal Boards, the acknowledgment in some cases is retained by the payee who issued a departmental receipt to the remitter direct. How your Money Order is sent and paid? Certain special types of Money Order Forms have been prescribed for remitting Government dues and some of them are current only within the limits of the state for which they are issued. These forms can be obtained from the Post Offices concerned. Note 1:- Could have been chargeable if the money order had originally been drawn in a post office of that country and the commission at the inland rate already paid will be deducted from the amount of the redirected order when it is advised to be country of destination. Note 2:- In the case of a money order in excess of the limit prescribed for remittance to a foreign country under any law or regulation in force at the time of such redirection, the remitter or the payee should obtain payment of the amount of the money order in India either personally or through a duly authorised agent or furnish the authority of the Reserve Bank of India permitting the remittance of the amount of the money order out of India by means of a foreign money order.

Alteration in address or place of payment:The remitter of a money order which has not been paid may require that the address of the payee shall be altered or that the name of post office at which the order was originally made payable, shall be changed. The required change will be made without additional charge on the remitter applying in writing to the Post Office at which the order was issued and producing the receipt and giving full particulars of the payees address as entered in the money order. Alteration of payees name:The remitter of a money order which has not been paid may require that the amount be paid to some person other than the payee named in the order. The required change will be made, on payment of a second commission equal to the first, on the remitter applying in writing to the post office at which the order was issued and producing the receipt and giving full particulars of the payees address as entered in the money order. Stoppage of payment :The remitter of a money order which has not been paid may stop payment and require that the money be repaid to himself. This will be done without additional charge on the remitter applying in writing to the post office at which the money order was issued and producing the receipt and giving full particulars of the payees address as entered in the money order. Payment can be stopped by telegram if the remitter pays the telegram charges. In no case however will the Post Office be responsible for inability or failure to stop payment of a money order in compliance with the remitters request.

Instant Money Order (iMO)

The instant domestic Money Transfer Service India Post presents Instant Money Order (iMO), the instant on-line money transfer service that is instant, convenient,reliable and affordable. iMO is an instant web based money transfer service through Post Offices (iMO Centre) in India between two resident individuals in Indian territory. You can transfer money from INR 1,000/- to INR 50,000/- from designated iMO Post Offices. It is simple to send and receive money. iMO Booking Procedure Fill up the To Remit Payment (TRP-1) form and submit it with money at iMO Post Office Counter. iMO Counter clerk after booking the iMO immediately will give a printed receipt with computer generated confidential 16 digit iMO number in a sealed condition. Even the 16 digit iMO number will not be known to booking clerk. Customer is required to tear off the seal and convey the confidential 16 digit iMO number to the receiver over phone, SMS, e-mail, etc. at his means and risk. iMO Delivery Procedure Receiver to present the 16 digit iMO number at any designated iMO post office counter and will fill up and submit a To Make Payment (TMP-1) form along with a copy of his personal identity proof.

Receiver can receive the payment in cash upto INR 50,000. He can also receive the payment through his post office savings bank account in the same iMO office. Tariff Remittance 1000-10000 10001-30000 30001-50000 Photo Identity 1. Voters Identity Card 2. PAN Card 3. Ration Card with photo of the receiver 4. Post Office Identity Card 5. Driving License 6. Passport. 7. School/college Identity Card 8. Official Identity Card In case the Photo Identity Card has a valid expiry date the same is to be mentioned in To Make Payment (TMP-1) Form List of Standardised Messages (You can choose one standardized message from the list below with your iMO without additional charges) 01. Wish you a speedy recovery 02. Wish you all success in your studies 03. Hearty Congratulations on New Arrival 04. Our sincere condolence 05. Happy Birthday 06. Heartiest Congratulations on the Distinction conferred on you. 07. Best Wishes for Your Success. 08. Congratulations. 09. Pongal Greetings. 10. Grehapravesh Mubarak 11. Heartiest Gur Purab Greetings 12. Diwali Greetings 13. Heartiest Greetings on Nav-roz 14. Id Mubarak 15. Ganapati Festival Greetings 16. Dussehera Greetings 17. Christmas Greetings 18. Happy New Year 19. Holi Greetings 20. Many Happy Returns of the Day 21. Happy Anniversary 22. Best Wishes for a Pleasant Journey 23. Wedding Greetings 24. Wish you a successful trip abroad 25. Wedding Anniversary Greetings Commission in INR 100 110 120

26. Rakhi Greetings 27. Bhai Dooj Greetings 28. Onam Greetings 29. Bihu Greetings 30. Annaprassam Greetings 31. Mundan Greetings 32. Thread Ceremony Greetings 33. Chhat Puja Greetings Salient features of the International Money Transfer Service: Money Transfer Service Scheme is a quick and easy way of transferring personal remittances from abroad to beneficiaries in India. Only inward personal remittances into India such as remittances towards family maintenance and remittances favouring foreign tourists visiting India are permissible. No outward remittance from India is permissible under MTSS. As a result of the collaboration of the Department of Posts, Government of India with the Western Union Financial Services and MoneyGram International, a state of the art International Money transfer Service is now available through the Post Offices in India, which enables instantaneous remittance of money from around 195 countries and territories to India. The recipients can in fact collect the money in minutes after the sender has made the remittance. The service is targeted to particularly fulfill the needs of NRI dependent families in India, visiting International tourists and foreign students studying in India. The International Money Transfer process is as follows:1. To avail of this Service, a remitter goes to any one of the Western Union / MoneyGram Locations in the countries in which the Service operates , fills up a form to send the amount and pays principal amount and charges. The sender gets a unique Money Transfer Control Number / Reference Number on a receipt after the transaction is sent through the system. Thereafter, the sender calls up his/her payee and gives information on the money sent. The Payee / Receiver goes to the Post Office , fills up a form to receive money, shows valid identification and receives money along with the receipt, once the transaction is verified. This entire process is completed within ten minutes. 2. The Payee receives the full amount in Indian Rupees. There is a maximum limit of 2500 USD that can be sent at a time as per applicable RBI regulations which must however be only for personal use. 3. Amounts upto INR. 50,000/- may be paid to the beneficiary in cash. Any amount exceeding this limit shall be paid by means of account payee cheque or credited directly to the Savings Account standing in the Post Office in the name of the beneficiary. However, in case of foreign tourists, higher amounts can be payable in cash. 4. Only 30 transactions can be received by a single beneficiary in a calendar year. 5. The Post Offices have been directed to treat the payee as "Most Favoured Customers", which ensures courteous and efficient service to them. 6. Under the KYC / AML / CFT guidelines issued by the RBI to prevent the system of cross border inward money transfer into India to be used by criminal elements for money laundering or terrorist financing activities, beneficiaries / recipients of the money transfers need to provide sufficient information necessary to establish their identity and proof of residence through reliable Govt issued documents like Election Card, Driving License, PAN Card,

Ration Card, Aadhar Card etc, a copy of which also has to be provided to the Post Office for receiving a transfer. 7. This International Money Transfer Service is safe, legal, fast & reliable. Also, it is approved by the Reserve Bank of India and is being provided by a Department of the Government of India i.e. the Department of Posts. For further information / any assistance on the service, the Customer Service Centre at the Postal Directorate, Dak Bhawan, Sansad Marg,New Delhi. Pincode: 110 116, Tel : 91-11-23096114 , Fax: 91-11-23096108 may be contacted. E-mail: indiapostcsc@rediffmail.com (For Western Union IMTS) indiapost.moneygramcsc@gmail.com (For MoneyGram IMTS) For Details about agents in sending points Please visit www.westernunion.com

Electronic Clearance Service (ECS)

The Electronic Clearance Service (ECS) scheme provides an alternative method of effecting bulk payment transactions like periodic (monthly/ quarterly/ half-yearly/ yearly) payments of interest/ salary/ pension/ commission/ dividend/ refund by Banks/Companies /Corporations /Government Departments. The transactions under this scheme move from a single User source (i.e. Banks/Companies /Corporations /Government Departments) to a large number of Destination Account Holders (Customers/Investors). This scheme obviates the need for issuing and handling paper instruments and thereby facilitates improved customer service by the Banks and Companies/Corporations/Government Departments effecting bulk payments. The Scheme is in operation at 15 centres where Reserve Bank of India manages Clearing Houses, 21 centres where SBI is managing ECS on behalf of RBI and 29 other centres where PNB and other banks are managing ECS on behalf of RBI. The ECS is being offered in the Department of Posts in connection with payment of monthly interest under Monthly Income Scheme (MIS). The Department of Posts introduced ECS scheme on a pilot basis in Mumbai City on 9th August 2003. Under ECS, the depositors have the facility of getting MIS interest automatically transferred and credited into their SB account on the due dates at the designated Bank of their choice. Currently, the service is available in the Department of Posts at 15 RBI locations and 21 SBI locations as given below. Locations where RBI is managing ECS: 1. Ahmedabad (Gujarat) 2. Bangalore (Karnataka) 3. Bhubaneswar (Orissa) 4.Kolkata (West Bengal) 5. Chandigarh (Punjab) 6. Chennai (Tamil Nadu)

7. Guwahati (Assam) 8. Hyderabad (Andhra Pradesh) 9. Jaipur (Rajsthan) 10. Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) 11.Mumbai (Maharashtra) 12. Nagpur (Mahrashtra) 13. New Delhi 14. Patna (Bihar) 15. Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) Locations where SBI is managing ECS: 1. Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) 2. Nashik (Maharashtra) 3. Panaji (Goa, Maharashtra) 4. Calicut (Kerala) 5. Thrissur (Kerala) 6. Jabalpur (Madhya Pradesh) 7. Jodhpur (Rajasthan) 8. Pondicherry (Tamil Nadu) 9. Tiruchirapalli (Tamil Nadu) 10. Durgapur (West Bengal) 11. Hubli (Karnataka) 12. Dehradun (Uttaranchal) 13. Siliguri (West Bengal) 14. Burdwan ( West Bengal) 15. Baroda (Gujarat) 16. Surat (Gujarat) 17. Sholapur (Maharashtra) 18. Gwalior (Madhya Pradesh) 19. Tirupur (Tamil Nadu) 20. Raipur (Chhattisgarh) 21. Ranchi (Jharkhand)

Organizational Structure

Minister for Communications & IT: Shri Kapil Sibal Minister of State for Communications & IT: Dr. (Smt.) Kruparani Killi Minister of State for Communications & IT: Shri Milind Murli Deora

2. Functional Units of Department of Posts

3. Instructions regarding implementation of the Right To Information Act 2005 Role of the DOP 1. The Right to Information Act, 2005 has come into force on 12th October, 2005. The Department of Posts is responsible to implement the Act in its own domain and 833* CPIOs have been nominated in the Postal Circles to process RTI requests. The Central Government has entrusted the Department of Posts to assist other interested public authorities under the Central Government including Ministries, Departments, PSUs, and Autonomous Bodies etc. in implementation of the RTI Act by designating CAPIOs on their behalf. While the role of the Department in implementation of the Act stems directly from the provisions of the RTI Act, the latter role, and perhaps the more demanding one, arises out of a decision taken by the Prime Minister of India that the Department of Posts should provide its services to the Central Government as a collection point for request for information under the Act by designating its CAPIOs as CAPIOs for the Central Government. Currently, 1153* Public Authorities of Central Government who have designated their own CPIOs are availing this service. (*As on 30.06.2011). 2. The Department has already designated 4707* CAPIOs at least one in each Tehsil level across the country. The officers in charge of the computerized Customer Care Centers have been identified to act as CAPIOs for the Department and to receive RTI requests and appeals on behalf of other Central Public Authorities who have agreed to avail of this facility in Post Offices in pursuance of Section 5 (2) and 19 of the RTI Act, 2005. The designated CAPIO at a Post Office receives requests and appeals under the RTI Act 2005 for forwarding the same to the Central Public Information Officer or senior officer specified under subsection (1) of section 19 the RTI Act 2005 or the Central Information Commission (CIC), as the case may be. The CAPIOs in the Postal Circles receive the requests/appeals from the public and enter them in the CAPIO Module within the time frame prescribed in the RTI Act. The CAPIO subsequently generates three copies of forwarding letter. The first copy is addressed to the Nodal Officer/Central Point of the concerned Central Public Authority, second is meant for the requestor/appellant as intimation and the third is kept as an office copy. The onward transmission of the request/appeal is done through Registered Post. (*As on 30.06.2011). What is Information? 3. Information is not an abstract concept under the RTI Act. It is conceived as being contained in any material including records, documents, memos, e mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form. It also includes information relating to any private body which can be accessed by the public authority under any law for the time being in force. Only such information is required to be supplied under the Act which already exists and is held by the public authority or held under the control of the public authority. It is not required under the Act to create information; or to interpret information; or to solve the problems raised by the applicants; or to furnish replies to hypothetical questions Maintenance and Computerization of Records 4. Proper management of records is of utmost importance for effective implementation of the provisions of the Act. A public authority should, therefore, maintain all its records properly. It should ensure that the records are duly catalogued and indexed in such a manner and form that it may facilitate the right to information. The Public authorities should computerize all its records which are appropriate to be computerized. Records so computerized should be connected through a network on different systems so that access to such records is facilitated. Identification of a request under RTI stamping etc. 5. Appropriate arrangement should be made to ensure that a matter under the Right to Information Act 20, 05 is distinctly recognized as such. Records etc. related to the RTI Act should also be separately maintained to facilitate submission of periodic reports as required under the Act. A clear stamp Right to Information priority should be impressed on each request received, each envelope in which these requests are forwarded and also on the receipts issued in acknowledgement of receipt of these requests.

Checks to be performed by CAPIO while receiving a request 6. At the time of receiving a request, the CAPIO should ensure the following:

Receive the request, personally, so far as possible and Check whether the application has the following details:

1. Name of the applicant 2. Contact details of the applicant including complete postal address, telephone numbers and e mail address (if any) 3. Name of the public authority from whom the information is being requested 4. Nature and details of the information requested 5. Whether proof of payment of application fee is attached or not

If the applicant claims fee waiver whether proof of BPL status is attached or not. Whether the applicant wishes to receive the information by post? Date on which application is being submitted.

In view of the above points CAPIOs can follow these guidelines: (a) If the application is not legible assist the applicant to write it clearly. If the applicant has not filled in one or more of the above details bring the same to his/her notice and request him/her to fill in the details. Make sure that the date mentioned on the application matches with the date on which the CAPIO is actually receiving the application. This is very important for calculating the deadline while forwarding the application to the CPIO. The applicant may have attached a bank draft or a Bankers Cheque or UR Receipt or proof of payment of application fee by any other mode prescribed by the Government. All such payments are valid. The CAPIO may not insist on a particular mode of payment. If claiming fee waiver, the BPL applicant must attach a photocopy of a BPL/Antyodaya ration card or any other valid proof of BPL identity that may be prescribed by the Government. (b) The applicant may not always know the exact name and complete postal address of the public authority who has the information he/she wants. So please do not insist upon the applicant to furnish these details. It is the duty of the CAPIO to send the application to the concerned CPIO. (The CPIO directory published may be consulted for this purpose.) (c) To check if the applicant has not already attached proof of payment of application fees or if the applicant has not attached proof of BPL identity in support of his/her claim for fee waiver please request the applicant to furnish the same. (d) To issue receipt for receiving complete request along with fees/exemption there from in the prescribed format with due authentication (signature, stamp and date of receipt). The receipt cum acknowledgement may be issued to the requestor. The cash collected for the entire day may be deposited under ACG-67 receipt in the Post Office on the same day/next morning under clear records maintained separately for department of Posts and other public authorities. (e) Record the particulars of the request received including date of receipt, identification number, name of the applicant with contact details, subject matter of the request, name of Ministry/Department/public authority to whom it is related, name and address of the CPIO, date of forwarding the application to the CPIO, particulars of mode of dispatch like RL No. date etc. The entries in the concerned register are to be made on the same day. Despatch should be made at the first available opportunity thereafter. The particulars in respect of the request received for the Department of Posts may be entered separately. A format has already been prescribed and available on the website. If the application is not addressed to a specific CPIO or a public authority the CAPIO may read through the nature of information being requested. This will help the CAPIO to identify the public authority that is most likely to possess the information requested. The CAPIO may then dispatch the complete application to the

concerned CPIO using the CPIO directory. The CAPIO need not maintain a copy of the application for their records. (f) In certain cases, the application may be received by the CAPIO by post also. In such cases, the checks to be applied by the CAPIO would be the same as in cases where the application is received personally. If the request is complete in all respects and proof of payment of fees is also enclosed, the request should be entered in the register as in other cases and forwarded to the CPIO concerned. Things to Do If the applicant has not attached proof of payment of application fees and has also not claimed fee waiver the CAPIO may send a communication by post to the sender requesting him to furnish proof of payment of the prescribed application fees. If the application contains a contact telephone number he may call up the applicant advising him/her to pay the application fees. This action saves time and effort and prevents wastage of stationery. Similarly if the applicant has not attached proof of identity despite claiming fee waiver in the application the CAPIO may send a communication by post/courier to the sender requesting him/her to furnish proof of BPL identity. If the application contains a contact telephone number he may call up the applicant advising him/her to furnish proof of BPL identity. This action saves time and effort and prevents wastage of stationery. If any of the details are missing or illegible the CAPIO may return the application by post to the sender requesting him/her to fill in the missing or unclear details. If the application contains a contact telephone number he may call up the applicant requesting him/her to visit your office to fill in the missing details. Receipt of appeals by the CAPIO 7. The CAPIO may also be required to receive appeals made to various departmental appellate authorities or to the Central Information Commission in cases where the citizen is not satisfied with the response of the CPIO. No fee is applicable in appeal cases. (a) In such cases, subject to the checks mentioned above, the following particulars should be available in all appeal applications.

Name of the appellant Contact details of the appellant including complete postal address, telephone numbers and email address (if any) Authority to which appeal is being sent (whether DAA or the CIC) Details of the authority against whose decision the appeal is being made (whether CPIO or DAA) Nature and details of the information requested originally Copy of the information request submitted to the CPIO/appeal letter sent to the DAA (whichever is applicable) Rejection letter issued by the CPIO against the appellants information request (if any) Copy of the order issued by the DAA (if any) Date on which appeal is being submitted.

(b) No receipt would be required in such cases but an acknowledgement for receiving the application along with date of application will be necessary. (c) The entries required in case of original applications to CPIOs will also be required to be made in case of appeals along with dispatch particulars of the appeals received. A separate register for recording the details related to appeals should be maintained. A format has been prescribed in the regard and available on the website.

The duties of the CPIO 8. The Central Public Information Officer to whom a request is addressed has the duty to respond with the information required. Citizens can submit applications personally or by post/courier or through electronic means (such as email etc.) in English, or Hindi or the official language of the area; Citizens are not required to give reasons for requesting information. The CPIO shall not demand an explanation from the requestor as to why he/she needs that information. Refusal to accept an application from the citizen without reasonable cause is an offence under the law. The Central Information Commission may impose a fine of Rs. 250/- per day till the application is received up to a maximum of Rs. 25,000/- and also recommend disciplinary action for delays, providing wrong information and refusal. 9. As a CPIO there are certain obligations that are to be carried out carefully. If the CPIO receives a request for information that is not available with his office but is likely to be available with another office or public authority, it is his duty to transfer that request to the concerned public authority. If the CPIO advises the requestor to approach the concerned public authority he/she may treat this as his refusal to accept the application and send a complaint to the DAA or the CIC. This could lead to litigation, which can be avoided by transferring the application to the relevant CPIO). The CPIO should transfer the application to the CPIO concerned as soon as possible and in no case later than five days. The CPIO should inform the applicant about the transfer of the application in writing immediately. There is no grace period stipulated in the law for communicating this transfer to the requestor. 10. In cases where the CPIO is giving a response the following has to be kept in mind: If the information requested is not covered by any of the exemptions the CPIO should ordinarily provide it within thirty days Do not let applications pile up on your desk. This will only increase your workload in future. Please dispatch all complete applications immediately. If the requested information relates to the life and liberty of a person (Art. 21 of the Constitution) then you have a duty to provide such information within 48 hours. Ordinarily, if the requested information is given by a third party which treats it as confidential then ten extra days are allowed to seek its submission on whether such information may be disclosed (see below). This does not apply to cases involving the life and liberty of a person. Such information must be given within 48 hours because of the sense of urgency involved. In cases of rejection of requests: The CPIO is required to communicate to the applicant in writing:

The reason/s for rejecting the request; The period within which the applicant may appeal against the rejection; The particulars of the appellate authority.

The law specifies 11 categories of information that may not be disclosed to the requestor. Sec. 8 applies to categories of information and not categories of records. (Sec. 9 applies to cases where release of information may infringe upon the copyright of any person other than the State) A record may contain both exempt and non-exempt information. Non-exempt information contained in such records may be disclosed upon request. No other exemption contained in any other law including the Official Secrets Act and the Indian Evidence Act, or rules, orders or procedures prescribed by any public authority will take precedence over the operation of the RTI Act. Furthermore, if the public interest in disclosing exempt information weighs more than the harm to the protected interests then such information may be released. If the requestor appeals against the rejection order he/she is not required to justify why such information is being requested. Under the law the burden of proving why such information cannot be given is placed on the CPIO. The CPIO will have to prove before the appellate authority that the rejection order was based on reasons valid under this law. If the Information Commission finds the justification unreasonable the CPIO is

liable to fine and also disciplinary action. The CPIO has to be very cautious while rejecting an information request. 11. In cases where the CPIO decides to provide information he should ensure the following: If he decides to provide the requested information he should immediately inform the applicant in writing about the additional fees he/she is required to pay as cost of providing the information. This additional fee must be calculated at the rate prescribed by the Government as per the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Notification No. 34012/8 (S)/2005-Estt. (B) dated 16.09.2005 .The time taken between dispatch of this intimation and the actual payment of fees will not be included while calculating the period of thirty days; If the information requested is to be provided in electronic or printed format the CPIO may charge additional fees at the rate prescribed by the Government as per the Government of India, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Notification No. 34012/8 (S)/2005-Estt. (B) dated 16.09.2005.The CPIO will be required to inform the applicant about this additional fee in writing. The time taken between dispatch of this intimation and the actual payment of fees will not be included while calculating the period of thirty days; BPL applicants are exempted from paying additional fees for securing the requested information; If for some reason the requested information is not provided within the deadline the requestor has a right to receive such information free of cost. The CPIO has a duty to inform the applicant in writing the details of how the additional fee were calculated and how the amount was arrived at; The CPIO has a duty to inform the applicant in writing that he/she has a right to demand from the DAA and/or the CIC a review of the additional fees charged by the CPIO as cost of providing the requested information. The CPIO is required to inform the applicant in writing the particulars of the appellate authority, the time limit and the process of appeal and any other forms that may be prescribed in this context. The applicant may request information that might have to be extracted or compiled from one or more public records or documents. Furthermore the applicant may request that the information be provided in a specific format. Ordinarily, in such cases the CPIO is required to provide information in the format sought by the applicant unless such extraction or compilation Will require spending disproportionately large amount of time, money or human power resources or Will adversely affect the safety or preservation of the relevant record/s. Appeals and the role of the Departmental Appellate Authority 12. Appeals may arise in the following cases:

Where the CPIO fails to provide the requested information within thirty days in ordinary cases; Where the CPIO fails to provide the requested information within 48 hours where the requested information relates to the life and liberty of a person; Where the citizen believes that the additional fee charged by the CPIO for supplying the requested information is unreasonable (not to be confused with application fees) ; Where the citizen believes the rejection order issued by the CPIO in response to his/her information request is unjustifiable; Where the citizen believes the decision of the CPIO granting partial access to records is unjustifiable;

Where the citizen believes the CPIO has knowingly provided incorrect, incomplete or misleading information;

13. Aggrieved citizens may file appeals directly by handing them over in person or send them by post. Additionally they may send the appeal letter to the CAPIO. The CAPIO is duty bound to forward such appeals to the concerned DAA. There are no fees for filing appeals. Appeals must be received, processed and disposed of without imposing any financial burden on the appellant. However forms for filing appeals may be prescribed [Sec. 7(3)(b) mentions forms for filing an appeal against the intimation order of PIO requiring payment of additional fee]. Nevertheless keeping in mind the convenience of the common person living in remote areas who may not have easy access to such forms it is best to allow appeals made on plain paper as long as they contain the following details and enclosures:

Name of the appellant Contact details of the appellant including complete postal address, telephone numbers and email address (if any) Authority to which appeal is being sent (whether DAA or the CIC) Details of the authority against whose decision the appeal is being made (whether CPIO or DAA) Nature and details of the information requested originally Copy of the information request submitted to the PIO/appeal letter sent to the DAA (whichever is applicable) Rejection letter issued by the CPIO against the appellants information request (if any) or Copy of the order of the CPIO/information disclosed which is being contested including order of partial access (if any) or Copy of the letter issued by the CPIO intimating additional fee to be paid towards cost of providing information which is being contested by the appellant (if any) Copy of the order issued by the DAA which is being contested (if any) Date on which appeal is being submitted.

It is good practice to issue a receipt for every appeal received by the DAA and the same must be entered in a register in the format prescribed. 14. The RTI Act allows the following time limit for filing appeals:

If the citizen does not receive any decision on his/her application from the CPIO within thirty days of the expiry of the time period (usually thirty days or 40 days if a third partys submissions have been invited). If the citizen is not satisfied with the information provided by the CPIO or is aggrieved by the decision of the CPIO where partial access has been provided - within thirty days from the receipt of such decision. (Please note the time limit mentioned immediately above does not begin from the date of the issue of the CPIOs order. It starts with the date on which the applicant receives the order). If the DAA is satisfied that there was sufficient cause that prevented the appellant from filing the appeal within the time limit he/she may admit the appeal after the expiry of the deadline. If a third party is aggrieved by the order of the CPIO within thirty days from the date of such order.

15. Ordinarily the DAA is required to give its decision within 30 days of the receipt of the appeal. This time limit is extendable but in no case should it exceed 15 days. If additional time is taken over and above the thirty-day limit the DAA is required to record its reasons for the same in writing while issuing the order on the appeal. The appellant has the right to file a second appeal with the CIC within ninety days of the expiry of the time limit prescribed for the DAA whether or not a decision has been received.

The burden of proving that rejection of the application for information was justified lies on the CPIO concerned. It is not necessary to summon the appellant in every case. The DAA can and should apply its mind to the case to decide whether the decision of the CPIO was reasonable or not. The presence of the appellant is not always required for such an exercise. However if the appellants presence is required in order to seek some clarification in his/her information request in such cases the appellant may be summoned. Similarly even the CPIO need not be summoned in many cases. The DAA need only ascertain whether the denial of the request was in good faith and whether the requested information may be disclosed in the public interest. As the DAA does not have the power to penalize, the question of giving the CPIO an opportunity to defend his/her decision of rejection of request need not arise. 16. It is worth mentioning here that a significant number of appeals will be filed by citizens against rejection orders of CPIOs where Sec. 8 exemption/s have been invoked. The DAA will be called upon to interpret these exemptions in light of the public interest that may be upheld in disclosing such information. The Government has to draw up detailed guidelines for interpreting every category of exempt information as well as good practices to determine the primacy of public interest. If these practical guidelines are made available to the CPIOs in the form of a practice manual there may be a significant decline in the number of appeals filed by citizens.