Tainted info chief can't get info on Adarsh!

Ramanand Tiwari, asked to quit over Adarsh scam, has himself been unable to procure RTI info on the housing society from Urban Development Dept

After the Maharashtra Government asked State Information Commissioner Ramanand Tiwari to either quit or face action in the aftermath of the Adarsh housing scam, it has come to light that the commissioner, who had applied for information relating to the building through the RTI Act two months ago, hasn't received it till date.
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Tiwari who has been standing firm after CM Prithviraj Chavan's order to quit, has written a letter to him, saying he is willing to face an inquiry into his alleged involvement

Tiwari had applied to the Urban Development Department for information on Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society through the RTI Act.

But he has so far been unable to procure the information, which should have ideally been made available to him in 15 days.

Sources said that UDD Principal Secretary TC Benjamin, who is allegedly involved in the scam, is withholding the information fearing exposure.

According to Mantralaya sources, Kamlesh B Tribhuvan, Tiwary's secretary, had made an RTI application to UDD on November 6, 2010, seeking to know details relating to the permit granted for the minimisation of roads for the building's construction, the 15 per cent FSI allotted to it, and, the documents of land allotment.

But the UDD asked Tribhuvan to pay a fee of Rs 320 first. After paying the amount, he was asked by the department to pay another Rs 1,300 for a copy of the documents. Trinhuvan complied but did not receive a reply.

"My personal assistant Tribhuvan had sought information through RTI but the UDD is not providing the information," said Tiwari.

About allegations that Tiwari was sitting on information related to the scam as his son, Omkar, was a member of Adarsh society, officials from his office told MiD DAY that he was in no way responsible, and that all Adarsh files were cleared after his retirement from the department.

Tiwari was its secretary between 2002 and 2008.

Mantralaya sources alleged that the incumbent secretary, Benjamin, had given the extra FSI to Adarsh, while adding that he also had a role to play in the missing papers related to the housing society. As such, the department is reluctant to provide the documents.

They also said that an IAS officer, who is soon to be released from service, has his eyes set on Tiwari's chair, and he has spread the rumours about Tiwari's involvement in the scam.

Tiwari who has been standing firm after CM Prithviraj Chavan's order to quit, has written a letter to him, saying he is willing to face an inquiry into his alleged involvement.

The letter, available with MiD DAY, has Tiwari saying, "I am ready for any inquiry related to Adarsh. If found guilty, I am ready to face any action," said Tiwari.

The Other Side
Despite several attempts, TC Benjamin remained unavailable for comment.