"This emergency number has WhatsApp instant messaging facility and may be accessed only for calls/messages by Indian nationals seeking emergency assistance in Bhutan"
Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizens’ requests for government information. i. English ii. Hindi
Under the Right to Information Act 2005, citizens of India may send applications seeking information of public interest relevant to Embassy of India, Thimphu to the following officers:
Appellate Authority:
Shri Niteen S. Yeola Deputy Chief of Mission Embassy of India, Thimphu
These officers would be available on regular working days of the Embassy from 9.00 AM to 5.30 PM and can be met with prior appointment. Please also note that:
(i) Under the RTI Act, information can be sought only by Indian citizens. For this, copy of applicant’s passport as proof of Indian citizenship has to be provided by eligible applicants in Bhutan. More information is available at http://rti.gov.in (ii) Postal address of applicant needs to be provided. (iii) Application seeking information under the Act has to follow prescribed procedure in the Act, including payment of prescribed fee. Please bring a Demand Draft/Cheque of Rs 10 made in favor. Controller of Accounts, Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi along with each application (Indian Citizens below the poverty line are exempted from payment of fee)
It may also be pointed out that as per section 6(1) (a) of the RTI Act, 2005, a person who desires to obtain information under the Act is required to submit the application to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the “concerned public authority”. Applicants are, therefore, advised to send their requests under the RTI Act to the Embassy of India, Thimphu only when the subject matter can reasonably be presumed to pertain to the Embassy of India, Thimphu. While section 6(3) provides for the transfer of an application by a receiving PIO to another [concerned] PIO, this is clearly meant to cover situations where the application is addressed to a PIO on the assumption that it has been directed to the concerned PIO. Where the information required obviously does not pertain to the Indian Embassy, Thimphu, the application may be addressed to the concerned PIO directly
Payment of RTI fee online - Electronic Indian Postal Order (eIPO)
The scheme of Electronic Indian Postal Order (eIPO) has been launched by the Department of Posts, Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, in association with Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT). This would enable the Indian citizens abroad to pay the RTI fee online.
An Indian Postal Order can be purchased electronically by paying a fee on-line through e-Post Office Portal or through India Post website. The web-links for payment are:
The Credit Card or Debit Card of any bank powered by Visa/ Master can be used for this purpose.
Procedure
The RTI applicant is required to register on the website to create his/ her profile. Then he has to select the Ministry/ Department from whom he desires to seek information under the RTI Act. The eIPO is generated which can be used to seek information from that Ministry/ Department only. A printout of the eIPO is required to be attached with the RTI application sent in hard copy. In case RTI application is filed electronically, the eIPO is enclosed as an attachment. The profile is required to be created during the first time only.
The RTI application accompanied by an eIPO is similar in all respects to the RTI application accompanied by fees through any other approved mode. All the provisions regarding eligibility, time limit, exemptions etc; as provided in the RTI Act, 2005 continue to apply.
Currently, this facility is available only for Indian Citizens living anywhere other than in India. By this measure, those living abroad would be facilitated to seek information under the RTI Act, 2005. It is hoped that in future, this facility would be extended to all citizens within the country too. Any public authority which accepts a postal order should also accept an eIPO.
DOPT vide its O.M. No. 1/44/2009-IR dated 07th October 2013 has extended the e-IPO facility to 176 Indian Missions/Posts abroad also.
DOPT vide its O.M. dated 13.02.14 has extended the e-IPO facility to Indians residing in India also.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE INDIAN EMBASSY THIMPHU REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 4(1)(B) OF THE RTI ACT, 2005
(i)
The particulars of the organization, functions and duties
Indian Embassy, Thimphu is headed by Ambassador and has following Wings: (i) Political Wing (ii) Economic and Commercial Wing (iii) Chancery (including Administration) (iv) Education Wing (iv) Consular Wing (including Labour Services).
Each Wing is headed by a Counsellor/First Secretary/Second Secretary rank officer. The hierarchy at the Embassy is a) Ambassador b) Deputy Chief of Mission c) Counsellor d) First secretary e) Second secretary f) Attache Indian Embassy functions within the purview of business allocated to the Ministry of External Affairs under the Government of India’s Allocation of Business Rules and Transaction of Business Rules. Broad functions of the Embassy are a) Representing India and protecting India’s national interests in Bhutan; b) Promoting friendly relations with Royal Government of Bhutan as also its people; c) Furthering India-Bhutan bilateral cooperation in all areas of mutual interest; d) Reporting on major developments; e) Negotiating agreements on various issues with the concerned RGoB authorities; f) Extending consular services to Bhutanese, Indian and foreign nationals in Bhutan.
(ii)
The powers and duties of its officers and employees
General Administrative powers are derived from IFS(PLCA) Rules, as amended from time to time. Financial Powers are detailed in the Financial Powers of the Government of India's Representatives Abroad. Designated officials of the Embassy also have powers under the Passport Act.
(iii)
The procedure followed in the decision-making process, including channels of supervision and accountability
This Embassy follows procedures as indicated in the "Manual of Office Procedure" for decision-making process under the supervision of the Ambassador.
(iv)
The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions
As prescribed by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
(v)
The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals, etc. held in its control
IFS(PLCA) Rules, Financial Powers of Government of India's Representatives Abroad, Passport Act, Consular and Visa Manual, Other Central Government Rules and manuals published by Central Governmen.
(vi)
Statement of categories of documents that are held by Embassy of India Thimphu
Classified and unclassified documents related to India’s relations and economic cooperation with Bhutan.
Classified and unclassified documents on Embassy’s administration matters.
Unclassified documents including Joint statements, declarations, Agreements and MOUs. These are being progressively made available to the public through our website.
unclassified documents relating to Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Centre
Maps, including classified maps.
Passport and Consular services application forms. Political clearance records.
(vii)
The particulars of any arrangement that exists for consultation with, or representation by, the members of the public in relation to the formulation of its policy or implementation thereof
The Embassy functions within the norms of India's foreign policy formulated by the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi. This policy is implemented by the Embassy under the guidance and supervision of the Ambassador.
(viii)
A statement of the boards, councils, committees and other bodies consisting of two or more persons constituted as its part or for the purpose of its advice, and as to whether meetings of those boards, councils, committees and other bodies are open to the public, or the minutes of such meetings are accessible for public
This Embassy has not constituted any such bodies. Adhoc Internal committees are constituted as and when required under the rules.
The monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations
A statement of monthly remuneration is given atAnnexure-II.
(xi)
The budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made
The budget figures and expenditure for the last two financial years are given in the statement is given at Annexure-III.
(xii)
The manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details of beneficiaries of such programmes
This Embassy does not have any subsidy programmes.
(xiii)
Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it
There are no such concessions, permits of authorizations granted by Embassy.
(xiv)
Details in respect of the information, available to or held by it, reduced in an electronic form
Citizens can access information held by the Embassy in the electronic form through our websitewww.indembthimphu.gov.in. Further information can also be obtained from the following website held by Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, New Delhi.
The particulars of facilities available to citizens for obtaining information, including the working hours of a library or reading room, if maintained for public use
Nehru-Wangchuck Cultural Centre timings
Sl. No.
Programmes and Services
Timings
Morning
Evening
1
Library
9AM-1PM
2PM-5.30PM
2
Yoga
7AM-10AM
4PM-7PM
3
Musical Classes
7AM-10AM
4PM-7PM
4
Exhibitions and cultural related programmes
6.30PM
Embassy also has a Golf Course and a Badminton/Table Tennis/Lawn Tennis club. Indian and Bhutanese nationals can become a member and avail the facilities. Kindly contact Office of the Counsellor (at +975-2-322225), to avail the facilities.
(xvi)
The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers
Ms. Megha Arora, Second Secretary (Political) & CPIO, Embassy of India, Thimphu
Information related to procurements- (a) Notice/tender enquiries, and corrigenda if any thereon, (b) Details of the bids awarded comprising the names of the suppliers of goods/services being procured, (c) The works contracts concluded – in any such combination of the above-and, (d) The rate/rates and the total amount at which such procurement or works contract is to be executed.