CDSCO’s New Guidelines for Timely Disposal of RTI Compliances

The Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO), under the Directorate General of Health Services, has taken a significant step toward ensuring transparency and accountability in public service. In compliance with the RTI Act, 2005, CDSCO has introduced updated internal timelines and procedures to address delays in responding to RTI applications and appeals. These measures aim to enhance efficiency and ensure timely disposal of requests, reinforcing the organization’s commitment to good governance.

Why the Update?

Recent observations revealed delays in processing RTI applications and appeals, with some cases exceeding the prescribed timeline of 45 days. Appeals such as CDSCO/A/E/00036, CDSCO/A/E/00040, and CDSCO/A/E/00047 were among those delayed. To address these issues, a meeting chaired by the First Appellate Authority (FAA) on 28.08.2025 led to the formulation of new guidelines for all divisions, DPIOs, and officers concerned.

Key Guidelines for RTI Applications and Appeals 

The updated procedures provide clear timelines and responsibilities for handling RTI applications and appeals:

Non-Pertinent RTI Applications: Applications that do not pertain to a division must be forwarded to the appropriate division or department within 2 days via the RTI-MIS Portal.
Applications Pertaining to Other Divisions/Departments: The DPIO must notify the CPIO within 2 days that the application has been transferred to the relevant division or external department.
Partially Related Applications: Division Heads/DPIOs must submit their part of the reply to the CPIO within 7 days, allowing the CPIO to consolidate responses.
Fully Related Applications: Division Heads/DPIOs must provide a complete reply to the CPIO within 15 days, ensuring timely submission of the response.
Appeals Involving Multiple Divisions: Replies for appeals related to applications handled by more than two divisions must be submitted to the RTI Cell within 2 days via e-office.
Appeals Handled by a Single Division: Replies for appeals related to applications handled by a single division must be submitted within 7 days to the RTI Cell via e-office.
Additional Comments Requested by FAA: Divisions that did not respond to the original RTI application must provide comments within 2 days if requested by the FAA.
Second Appeals: Replies for second appeals must be submitted by Division Heads to the RTI Cell within 2 days. DPIOs are also required to attend CIC hearings as scheduled.
Weekly Updates on COSCO Website: All divisions must update information on the official COSCO website under suo-motu disclosure every week.

Accountability Matters

To ensure strict compliance, CDSCO has emphasized that any penalties imposed by the Central Information Commission (CIC) due to delays will be the responsibility of the concerned DPIO/Division Head. This accountability framework underscores the importance of adhering to the prescribed timelines.

A Step Toward Better Governance

These updated procedures reflect CDSCO’s dedication to improving efficiency and transparency in handling RTI applications and appeals. By streamlining processes and setting clear timelines, the organization is taking proactive steps to uphold the principles of the RTI Act, 2005.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

We offer Legal advice and litigation support in matters related to Indirect Tax-Customs, FTP, other Indirect Tax matters & Arbitration law, all sorts of Central licensing and related matters. Come and explore the new way of doing business with us!

Source: CDSCO

Disclaimer

Handy Download:

CDSCO Circular Download

Connect with us for more-

@ Team S J EXIM SERVICES, New Delhi, IN

CP: Ms. Shubhra Jha, Founder

Tel: +91-11-4999 2707 I +91-9999005693

Web: www.sjexim.services

EMAIL: operations@sjexim.services I shubhra@sjexim.services

Facebook: www.facebook.com/sjeximservices

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/90794255/admin/feed/posts/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sjeximIndia

Subscribe our WhatsApp Channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaTxDT8JZg4CHEOSoK47

Subscribe our Telegram Channel: https://t.me/sjeximindia

S J EXIM Services