New Delhi, March 30 The Central Information Commission (CIC) has highlighted gaps in information flow that are affecting the implementation of the Delhi government's Ladli scheme. This includes the lack of updates on claim status and technical difficulties faced by beneficiaries in accessing policy documents.
Issuing an advisory under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act, the Commission noted that due to "technical issues" on the insurer's website, beneficiaries are unable to download their policy documents.
Information Commissioner Vinod Kumar Tiwari observed that "once maturity claims are sent to the insurance company, beneficiaries do not receive any progress report or information regarding the claim amount or its processing."
He further pointed out that beneficiaries are also unaware of "which official/employee in the insurance company is handling their case," highlighting a lack of transparency.
The Commission suggested that the department and the insurance company establish better coordination between their systems, including integration through "API/bridging software" for seamless information flow.
It also advised that beneficiaries be informed via SMS as soon as their maturity claims are forwarded, so they remain aware of the status.
The Commission also noted that these issues are leading to a surge in RTI filings, observing that beneficiaries are being forced to seek information through applications and appeals.
It said this results in "unnecessary wastage of time and labour" of both public authorities and the commission, which could be avoided by addressing the technical shortcomings and improving information access systems.
These observations came during the hearing of an RTI appeal where issues such as non-receipt of policy documents and lack of clarity on claim processing were raised.
The Ladli scheme of the Delhi government aims to empower girl children by linking financial assistance with their education up to the senior secondary level.
The sanctioned amount is deposited in the name of the girl child with SBI Life Insurance Co. Ltd., which manages it until she attains 18 years of age and meets the prescribed education criteria.
The maturity amount can then be used for higher education, vocational training, or setting up a micro enterprise.