Right To Information
The Right to Information under the provisions of the RTI Act is available to the citizens of India only. RTI Act is an important legislation designed to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities.
The full text of the RTI Act is available on the website: RTI ACT (https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/docs/1626783126RTI-Act.pdf)
The RTI Act also provides for appeals by aggrieved persons to the Central Information Commission of the Government of India.
Indian citizens residing in the consular jurisdiction of the Consulate General of India, Chicago (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin) may seek information in writing on payment of requisite fee during office hours on working days as per procedure laid down in the RTI Act, 2005.
Contact details of officers for addressing applications under Right to Information Act, 2005:
CPIO & Appellate Authority
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Central Public Information Officer
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Appellate Authority
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Mr. E.T. Chhangte
Vice Consul
Consulate General of India,
Suite No. 850, NBC Tower,
455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive,
Chicago, Illinois-60611
Tel. No. +1 312-595-0405
+1 312-595-0406
e-mail: vcadmn.chicago@mea.gov.in
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Mr. Vinod Gautam
Consul (HOC)/Community Affairs
Consulate General of India,
Suite No. 850, NBC Tower,
455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive,
Chicago, Illinois-60611
Tel. No. +1 312-595-0405
+1 312-595-0406
e-mail: hoc.chicago@mea.gov.in
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Applications seeking information under the RTI Act may be sent along with the prescribed fee in US Dollar equivalent to INR 10/- (Indian Rupee Ten only) in cheque or money order or postal order favoring “Consulate General of India, Chicago”. [The official Rupee-Dollar conversion rate may be first checked with the Consulate. The RTI fee can be paid using e-Indian Postal Order service of Department of Posts details of which is given in para below.
It may be noted that information provided under the Act is available to citizens of India only. Applications should be submitted along with documentary proof of Indian Citizenship (like copy of personal particulars pages of passport). OCI/PIO Card holders are foreign nationals, holding foreign passports and are, therefore, not eligible to seek information under the RTI Act 2005. More information is available at the RTI Website (https://rti.gov.in/). The mailing address is Consulate General of India, 455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, Suite No. 850, NBC Tower Building, Chicago, IL-60611.
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 Information Officer of the "concerned public authority". Applicants are, therefore, advised to send their requests under the RTI Act to the Consulate only when the subject matter can reasonably be presumed to pertain to the Consulate. 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 Consulate, the application may be addressed to the concerned PIO directly. The application should be supported by the proof of Indian Citizenship.
Payment of RTI fee online – Electronic Indian Postal Order (e-lPO)
The scheme of Electronic Indian Postal Order (e-IPO) 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:
www.indiapost.gov.in
www.epostoffice.gov.in
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 e-lPO is generated which can be used to seek information from that Ministry/Department only. A printout of the e-lPO is required to be attached with the RTI application sent in hard copy. In case RTI application is filed electronically, the e-lPO is enclosed as an attachment. The profile is required to be created during the first time only.
The RTI application accompanied by an e-lPO 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 e-IPO.
Extension of IPO Facility to Indians citizens residing in India
The Government of India (Department of Posts) has extended the e-IPO (Electronic Indian Postal Order) service to facilitate purchase of Indian Postal Order electronically for paying RTI fee/cost of information online through e-Post Office Portal i.e www.epostoffice.gov.in . It can also be accessed through India Post website www.indiapost.gov.in
This facility has been provided for Indian citizens to facilitate them to seek information from the Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) under the RTI Act, 2005. Debit or Credit Cards of any Bank powered by Visa/Master can be used to purchase e-IPO.
The user needs to get registered at the website. He has to select the Ministry/Department from whom he desires to seek the information under the RTI Act and the e-lPO so generated can be used to seek the information from that Ministry/Department only. A printout of the elPO is required to be attached with the RTI application. If the RTI application is being filed electronically, e-lPO is required to be attached as an attachment.
This facility is only for purchasing an Indian Postal Order electronically. All the requirements for filling an RTI application as well as other provisions regarding eligibility, time limit, exemptions etc. will continue to apply.
An e-lPO so generated must be used only once with an RTI application.
- Creating Awareness about the facility of e-IPO for payment of fee under the RTI Act, 2005. (https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/page/creating-awareness-about-the-facility-of-e-ipo-for-payment-of-fee-under-the-rti-act-2005/)
Information required under Section 4(1)(B) of RTI Act, 2005
Information about the Consulate General of India, Chicago under Section 4(1) of the RTI Act 2005
- Organization and Function
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S.N.
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Item
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Remarks
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1.1
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Particulars of its organization, functions and duties
[Section 4(1)(b)(i)]
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Consulate General of India,
455 N Cityfront Plaza Drive, Suite # 850,
NBC Tower, Chicago, Illinois-60660
The Consulate is headed by Consul General of India Mr. Somnath Ghosh.
The Consulate has the following Wings:
(i) Administration Wing
(ii) Political Wing
(iii) Commercial Wing
(iv) Publicity, Information and Culture Wing
(v) Community Affairs Wing
(vi) Consular Wing (Passport, Visa, OCI and
other Consular services)
(vii) Education Wing
each Wing is headed by Consul rank officer.
The functions of the Consulate inter alia, include political and economic cooperation, trade and investment promotion, cultural interaction, press and media liaison, and scientific cooperation in bilateral and multilateral contexts.
The Consulate functions within the purview of business allocated to the Ministry of External Affairs under the Allocation of Business Rules of the Government of India and Transaction of Business Rules.
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1.2
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Power and duties of its officers and employees
[Section 4(1) (b)(ii)]
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General Administrative powers are derived from ‘IFS (PLCA) [Indian Foreign Services (Pay, Leave and Compensatory Allowances)] Rules’, as amended from time to time.
Financial powers of the Officers of the Missions/Posts have been detailed in the ‘Financial Powers of the Government of India’s Representatives Abroad’ issued by Ministry of External Affairs.
Consular powers are derived from the ‘Passport Act of India’.
Other duties of the officers flow from the ‘Allocation of Business Rules of the Government of India’, ‘Manual of Office Procedure’ and ‘Central Civil Services (CCS) Rules’.
The Officers of the Consulate function under the guidance and supervision of the Consul General, who also allocates the work to the Consulate officers/officials from time to time.
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1.3
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Procedure followed in decision making process
[Section 4(1)(b)(iii)]
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Decisions are taken under the instruction and supervision of the Consul General in consultation with Embassy of India, Washington D.C. and Ministry of External Affairs, when necessary.
Officers of the different Wings of the Consulate initiate and take follow up action with the help of the staff posted in their respective Wings in accordance with departmental instructions which prescribe the level of final disposal and channel of submission for each category of cases.
Final decision-making authority in the Consulate is the Consul General.
The work is discharged and decision is taken in accordance with the provisions contained in various rules such as IFS (PLCA) Rules, Central Civil Services (CCS) Rules, Delegated Financial Powers of GOI’s Representatives Abroad, etc.
The decisions are taken in keeping with the priority/urgency of the case so that action is taken within the prescribed time limit.
The Heads of Wings supervise the functioning of the staff under their charge.
Overall supervision of the Consulate rests with the Consul General.
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1.4
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Norms for discharge of functions
[Section 4(1)(b)(iv)]
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Provision of consular services, strengthening of political, commercial and cultural cooperation with the USA in the jurisdiction of the Consulate etc. are the nature of functions/services offered by the Consulate.
Norms are set under the instruction and supervision of the Consul General in consultation with Embassy of India, Washington DC and Ministry of External Affairs, when necessary.
Consular services can be accessed by applying online and/or submitting documents at the Consulate. The commercial enquiries can be made by e-mail, which are replied accordingly.
The services are rendered and the information sought is provided without any delay and within the prescribed time limit.
Apart from traditional channel for redressal of grievances, the aggrieved can make use of the MADAD portal (Consular Services Management System) and through various social media platforms.
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1.5
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Rules, regulations, instructions manual and records for discharging functions
[Section 4(1)(b)(v)]
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The Consulate refers to the general rules prescribed for a Central Government Department as well as specific rules prescribed for the Indian Missions/Posts abroad.
The list of rules includes IFS (PLCA) Rules; Financial Powers of Government of India’s Representatives Abroad; Passport Act; Passport, Visa and Consular manuals; and Manual of Office Procedure.
The Consulate also utilizes relevant rules, regulations, and orders of the Government of India, such as Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules; CCS (Leave Travel Concession) Rules; CCS (Leave) Rules; CCS (Pension) Rules; General Provident Fund Rules; General Financial Rules; Fundamental and Supplementary Rules etc. These rules are in the public domain as printed, priced publications.
Transfer Policy is framed by the Ministry of External Affairs and accordingly transfer orders in respect of officers/officials are issued from time to time.
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1.6
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Categories of documents held by the authority under its control [Section 4(1)(b) (vi)]
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· Classified documents/files relating to India’s external relations.
· Unclassified documents/files including joint statements, declarations, agreement and MoUs. Passport and Consular services application forms.
The documents/files are maintained by each Wing and are under the custody of the respective officers of the Consulate.
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1.7
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Boards, Councils, Committees and other Bodies constituted as part of the Public Authority [Section 4(1)(b)(viii)]
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Consul General and his officers interact regularly with the representatives of think tank, academic, community and others.
Consular camps are organized in the different states under the jurisdiction of the Consulate to address the issues and grievances of the Indian community.
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1.8
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Directory of officers and employees
[Section 4(1) (b) (ix)]
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The directory of officers may be seen at Annexure-I.
(https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/docs/1693373714ANNEXURE-I-%20RTI-%20Aug%202023.pdf)
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1.9
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Monthly Remuneration received by officers & employees including system of compensation
[Section 4(1) (b) (x)]
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The employees are paid in accordance with the pay and allowances fixed by the Government of India from time to time. The pay scales/levels of officers of different ranks as per 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix are at Annexure II.
(https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/docs/1651473770ANNEXURE-II.pdf)
The system of compensation is also in accordance with the Government of India regulations.
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1.10
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Name, designation and other particulars of public information officers [Section 4(1) (b) (xvi)]
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Appellate Authority (AA)
Mr. Vinod Gautam
Consul (Commerce, Economic and Head of Chancery)
Email: hoc.chicago@mea.gov.in
Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO)
Mr. E.T. Chhangte
Vice Consul (Admn. & OCI)
Email: vcadmn.chicago@mea.gov.in
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1.11
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No. of employees against whom Disciplinary action has been proposed/ taken (Section 4(2))
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Nil
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1.12
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Programmes to advance understanding of RTI (Section 26)
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The updated guidelines on RTI are maintained at the Consulate and also published on the website, which can be accessed by the public. The public authority attends the training programmes as and when conducted by the Ministry.
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1.13
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Transfer policy and transfer orders [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt. 15.4.2013]
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Transfer Policy is framed by the Ministry of External Affairs and accordingly transfer orders in respect of officers/officials are issued from time to time.
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- Budget and Programme
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2.1
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Budget allocated to each agency including all plans, proposed expenditure and reports on disbursements made etc. [Section 4(1)(b)(xi)]
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The budgetary allocation to the Consulate for the year 2023-24 on different heads and expenditure incurred in Financial Year 2022-2023, are given at Annexure-III.
(https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/docs/1651473774ANNEXURE-III.pdf)
The actual expenditure is restricted to the budgetary allocation, and the details are sent to the Ministry of External Affairs on a regular basis.
The budget is revised by the Ministry of External Affairs at specific time intervals.
The report on disbursements made and related reports are kept in the Consulate and sent on regular basis to the Ministry of External Affairs.
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2.2
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Foreign and domestic tours (F. No. 1/8/2012- IR dt. 11.9.2012)
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Local tours in the jurisdiction of the Consulate are undertaken by the Consul General and other concerned officers from time to time on functional grounds. The budget is as mentioned under ‘Local Tours’ head in Annexure-III. (https://www.cgichicago.gov.in/docs/1651473774ANNEXURE-III.pdf)
Information related to procurements:
Notice/tender enquiries and corrigenda if any, thereon –Tender notice/enquiries are uploaded in the Consular website under the section ‘Media/Tender’ for the cases, referred by various departments of the Government of India, for wide publicity.
Details of the bids awarded – Not applicable
The work contracts concluded – Not applicable
The rate/rates and the total amount at which such procurement or work contract is to be executed – Not applicable.
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2.3
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Manner of execution of subsidy programme [Section 4(i)(b)(xii)]
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Not applicable
[The Consulate is not handling any subsidy programme.]
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2.4
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Discretionary and non-discretionary grants/allocations to State Govt./NGOs/other institutions [F. No. 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2013]
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Not applicable
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2.5
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Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits of authorizations granted by the public authority [Section 4(1) (b) (xiii)]
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Not applicable
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2.6
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CAG & PAC paras [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt. 15.4.2013]
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Nil
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- Publicity Band Public interface
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3.1
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Particulars for any arrangement for consultation with or representation by the members of the public in relation to the formulation of policy or implementation there of [Section 4(1)(b)(vii)] [F No 1/6/2011- IR dt. 15.04.2013]
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The members of the public have access to the relevant Acts, Rules, Forms and other documents which are available online.
The policy is drawn by the Ministry of External Affairs. The members of the public are free to convey their views to the Embassy on relevant Acts, Rules, Forms and other documents.
The members of the public have access to the Embassy’s website that includes contact details of all officers. Apart from this, the public has access to various social media platforms. The public can also seek meetings in person with the concerned officers, wherever and whenever required.
The contact details of officer who provides information sought by RTI applicants:
Mr. E.T. Chhangte
Vice Consul (Admn. & OCI)
Tel.: +1 -312-595-0405 & 312-595-0406
Email: vcadmn.chicago@mea.gov.in
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Not applicable.
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3.2
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Are the details of policies / decisions, which affect public, informed to them [Section 4(1) (c)]
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The policy decisions relevant to the public are disseminated through the Consulate’s website and social media channels. The policy is drawn up by the Ministry of External Affairs.
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3.3
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Dissemination of information widely and in such form and manner which is easily accessible to the public [Section 4(3)]
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The information is disseminated through the Mission’s website and social media channels.
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3.4
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Form of accessibility of information manual/ handbook [Section 4(1)(b)]
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The information is available in electronic format on the Consulate’s website with links to various sites of Ministries/Departments of the Government of India. Printed format is made available in cases, where it is required.
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3.5
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Whether information manual/ handbook available free of cost or not [Section 4(1)(b)]
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The information on the Consulate’s website and social media platforms are freely available. The printed booklets wherever required are also provided free of cost.
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- E-Governance
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4.1
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Language in which Information Manual/ Handbook Available [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt. 15.4.2013]
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The information on the website is available in English language. However, Google translate facility is included in the website for translation of information in many languages, both Indian and foreign.
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4.2
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When was the information Manual/ Handbook last updated? [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt 15.4.2013]
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The information on the website is updated on regular basis.
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4.3
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Information available in electronic form [Section 4(1)(b)(xiv)]
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Information relating to consular services, bilateral relations between India and USA, commercial matters, RTI, list of holidays, contact details of Consulate and its staff, important announcements etc. is available on the website in electronic form.
Links to websites of several important organizations based in USA as well as of India have also been provided on the Consulate’s website.
The website has been classified into several sections and sub-sections. The information on various matters has been put under respective sections/ sub-sections for easy access to the public.
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4.4
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Particulars of facilities available to citizen for obtaining information [Section 4(1)(b)(xv)]
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The information may be obtained from the website of the Consulate and is also provided through e-mail/telephone.
Information relating to consular services and FAQs related to it, bilateral relations between India and USA, commercial matters, RTI, list of holidays, contact details of Embassy and its staff, important announcements etc. is available on the website.
The working hours of the facility are the office hours of the Consulate i.e., from 8.30 AM to 5.00 PM. Emergency consular services are also provided by the Consulate outside office hours and the contact details are as under:
Emergency number: +1 312-753-8530
The information under RTI Act can be obtained by writing to the CPIO (Mr. E.T. Chhangte) along with the prescribed fee. The contact details are as under:
Mr. E.T. Chhangte, Vice Consul (Admn. & OCI)
Tel.: +1 312-595-0405 & 312-595-0406
Email: vcadmn.chicago@mea.gov.in
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4.5
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Such other information as may be prescribed under section 4(i) (b)(xvii)
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Any grievance received by the Consulate is given due attention and efforts are made to redress them. Apart from the conventional system of receiving grievances, the Consulate utilizes the MADAD portal (Consular Services Management System) for redressing the grievances arising out of consular services.
The details of all major events/programmes organized by the Consulate are posted on the Consulate’s website under the section “What’s New”. They are also posted on the Consulate’s social media platforms.
The details of all major events/programmes planned to be organized by the Consulate as well as the details of trade fairs and exhibitions scheduled to be held in India are put on the Consulate’s website. The details of trade fairs and exhibitions already held in India are also put under the section “Exhibitions and Trade Fairs in India”. The tenders issued by PSUs/Ministries in India are put under the section “Media/Tender” of the Consulate’s website, for wide publicity/dissemination.
The Annual Report of the Consulate is provided to the Ministry of External Affairs.
Detailed and key information is given under respective headings on the website for easy understanding of the subject matter by the public. FAQs are provided under “Community Resources” and are updated on regular basis. Apart from this, the important circulars and information related to consular and other matters are published on the Consulate’s website, on regular basis through ‘Press Release’ and by the use of social media platforms, as and when required.
Citizen’s Charter – Not applicable.
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4.6
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Receipt & Disposal of RTI applications & appeals
[F.No 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2013]
Section 4(1)(B) of RTI Act, 2005
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The details of RTI applications received and disposed by the Consulate from January - December, 2022- 17 Nos.
The details of RTI appeals received and orders issued by the Consulate from January - December, 2022- 06 Nos
The details of RTI applications received and disposed by the Consulate from January - December, 2023- 16 Nos.
The details of RTI appeals received and orders issued by the Consulate from January - December, 2023- 04 Nos
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4.7
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Replies to questions asked in the Parliament
[Section 4(1)(d)(2)]
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Not applicable.
[Parliament questions are replied by the Ministry. Inputs are given by the Consulate as and when required].
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- Item/information disclosed so that public have minimum resort to use of RTI Act to obtain information
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5.1
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Item/information disclosed so that public have minimum resort to use of RTI Act to obtain information
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The information which may be required by the public has been put on the Consulate’s website such as consular services, bilateral relations, community related, media, commerce, student related information, ICCR scholarships, tenders, current events, forthcoming events, important announcements, list of holidays, contact details of the Consulate etc.
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5.2
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Guidelines for Indian Government Websites (GIGW) is followed (released in February 2009 and included in the Central Secretariat Manual of Office Procedures (CSMOP) by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievance and Pensions, Govt. Of India)
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The guidelines for Government of India’s Websites are being followed. The website has been shifted to GOV.IN domain. The website is hosted on Virtual Private Cloud with data centre in India.
All Phases of STQC certification are completed.
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