Finmin denies info to CITU

CPI(M)-backed trade union CITU's attempt to raise the issue of tax concessions to Dabhol/Ratnagiri Gas and Power Pvt Ltd (RGPPL) has hit a roadblock with the finance ministry denying the information to the trade union, which had sought it under the Right to Information Act.

The RTI Act can be used by an "individual" only, and not by any company or association, a Central Public Information Officer of the Ministry of Finance recently informed CITU secretary and former MP Dipankar Mukherjee who had sought the information.

CPIO Pragya S Saksena's letter to the CITU stated that the RTI Act provides that all citizens shall have the Right to Information but it does not define the term "citizen". Therefore, a reference is to be made to the Citizenship Act.