Electronic Indian Postal Order
To seek informaton from the Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) under the RTI Act, 2005 by the Indian citizens aborad, Department of Posts had launched a service called “ePO” (Electornic Indian Postal Order) w.e.f. 22nd March, 2013. This is a faciltiy to purchase an Indian Postal Order electronically by paying a fee online through e-Post Office Portal http://www.epostoffice.gov.in or www.indiapost.gov.in.
The same facilty for purchasing Postal Order electronically by paying a fee only through e-Post Office Portal has now been extended to Indian citizens residing in India w.e.f. 13th February, 2014 to seek information from the CPIOs under the RTI Act, 2005. Please visit http://www.epostoffice.gov.in or www.indiapost.gov.in for more details.
Click here to know more about RTI Act
Click here to access official website for RTI Information
The e-IPO service to enable Indian citizens abroad seek information underthe RTI Act, 2005.
Click here to know more about e-IPO
In Brief
1. The Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005, which came into force w.e.f. 12.10.2005, 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 http://righttoinformation.gov.in/RTI-Act.pdf. Detailed information on this Act is available on the DoPT website http://www.persmin.nic.in. It has been recently decided to bring the Embassies of India abroad also under the purview of the Act.
2. In pursuance of the implementation of the RTI Act 2005 in the Consulate General of India, Frankfurt, one of the officers has been designated as Public Information Officer (PIO) who is entrusted with the task of providing information to the citizens of India, requesting for information under the Act.
3. Application for requesting information, relevant to the functioning of the Consulate General of India, Frankfurt, can be made in writing or through electronic means on payment of the prescribed fee for obtaining such information.
4. The application fee is Rs 10/- only and this can be paid in equivalent amount in Euros (cents 15 only at the current rate of exchange) to the Consulate General of India, Frankfurt.
5. In case the applicant is not satisfied with the information provided by the PIO, he/she can appeal to the Appellate Authority.
6. Please note that the information under RTI Act can be sought only by CITIZENS OF INDIA, holding Indian passports. Persons of Indian Origin and Citizens of Indian origin are not covered by this Act.
Central Public Information Officer
Under the Right to Information Act 2005 of the Government of India, application for seeking information relevant to Consulate General of India, Frankfurt, may be addressed to the Central Public Information Officer in writing through a letter, fax or E-Mail. Particulars of the Central Public Information Officer in the Consulate General of India, Frankfurt are as follows:
Shri Vibha Kant Sharma
Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)
Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 26
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. 0049 69 15300517
Fax. 0049 69 554125
E-Mail: hoc.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
Appellate Authority
Under Right to Information Act 2005 Government of India, the application for seeking information should be addressed to Public Information Officer. However, if the applicant is not satisfied with the response, he/she may approach the Appellate Authority:
Mr. B. S. Mubarak
Consul General of India
Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 26
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. (069) 15300500
Fax. (069) 554125
E-Mail: cg.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
Information about the Consulate General of India, Frankfurt Under Section 4(1)(B) of the RTI Act, 2005
ORGANIZATION AND FUNCTION
1. The particulars of its organization, functions and duties [Section 4(1) (b) (i)] :
The Consulate General of India, Frankfurt is headed by Consul General and has the following Wings: (a) Chancery Wing (b) Commercial Wing (c) Press, Information & Culture Wing and (d) Consular Wing. These Wings are headed by a 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, scientific cooperation in bilateral and multilateral and contexts: community affairs and providing passport, visa and consular services in the four States of Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, under its jurisdiction.
Consulate 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.
2. The powers and duties of its officers and employees [Section 4(1) (b) (ii)] :
General Administrative powers are derived from Indian Foreign Services (Pay, Leave and Compensatory Allowances) [IFS (PLCA) Rules], 1961 as amended from time to time.
Financial powers of the Officers of the Consulate General of India have been detailed in the Delegated Financial powers of the Government of India's Representatives Abroad issued by Ministry of External Affairs.
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’, ‘Passport Act of India’ etc.
3. The procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability [Secion 4(1) (b) (iii)]:
Process of decision making Identify key decision making points - The Consulate follows the procedure indicated in the ‘Manual of Office Procedure’ for decision making process in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Ministry of External Affairs from time to time. Officers of 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 - Consul General is the Final decision making authority in the Consulate
Related provisions, acts, rules etc. - 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.
Time Limit for taking a decisions, if any - The decisions are taken in keeping with the priority/urgency of the case so that action is taken within the prescribed time limit.
Channel of supervision and accountability - The Heads of Wings supervise the functioning of the staff under their charge. Overall supervision of the Consulate rests with the Consul General. All Heads of Wings are accountable to the timely disposal of work and smooth functioning of their respective wing.
4. The norms set by it for the discharge of its functions [Section 4(1) (b) (iv)] :
Norms are set under the instruction and supervision of the Consul General.
Nature of functions/ services offered - Provision of consular services, strengthening of political, commercial and cultural cooperation with Germany, etc. are the nature of functions/services offered by the Consulate.
Norms/standards for functions/service delivery - Consulate functions within the norms of India’s foreign policy formulated by the Ministry of External Affairs. The Policy is implemented by the Consulate under the guidance and supervision of the Consul General, in consultation with the Embassy of India, Berlin and Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
Process by which these services can be accessed - Consular services can be accessed by applying online and/or submitting the documents at the Consulate as published on the website. The commercial enquiries can be made by e-mail, which are replied accordingly.
Time-limit for achieving the targets - The services are rendered and the information sought is provided without any delay and within the prescribed time limit, subject to the condition that the requirement of documents are fulfilled by the applicants.
Process of redressal of grievances - Apart from traditional channel for redressal of grievances, the aggrieved can make use of the MADAD portal (Consular Services Management System), CPGRAMS portal. through various social media platforms and personal interactions by the concerned officers. In addition, Consulate organizes ‘Open House’ on 1st and 3rd Wednesdays of every month from 3-4 pm.
5. The rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records, held by it or under its control or used by its employees for discharging its functions [Section 4(1) (b) (v)] :
Title and nature of the record/ manual/instruction - 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.
List of Rules, Regulations, instructions manuals and records - The list of rules include IFS (PLCA) Rules, Financial Powers of Government of India’s Representatives Abroad;, Passport Act, Passport, Visa and Consular manuals, and Manual of Office Procedure.
Act/Rules manuals etc. - 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 and transfer orders – 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.
6. A statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control [Section 4(1) (b) (vi)] :
Category of documents- Classified documents/files relating to India's bilateral/ external relations, classified and unclassified documents on economic and trade issues, unclassified documents on Consulate’s administration/establishment matters, unclassified documents relating to educational, cultural and community issues, passport and consular services application forms, unclassified documents/files including Joint Statements, declarations, agreements and MoUs: Passport and consular services application forms.
Custodian of documents/ categories - The documents/files are maintained by each wing and are under the custody of the respective officers of the Consulate.
7. 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 [Section 4(1) (b) (viii)] :
Consulate interacts regularly with representatives of think tanks, academic community and others. Consulate is not specifically a part of any Boards, Councils and committees etc. under its purview/jurisdiction.
8. A directory of its officers and employees [Section 4(1) (b) (ix)] :
A directory is given at Annexure-I.
9. The monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation as provided in its regulations [Section 4(1) (b) (x)] :
List of employees with Gross monthly remuneration - A statement of monthly remuneration is given at Annexure-1.9.1.
System of compensation as provided in its regulations - The employees are paid in accordance with the pay and allowances fixed by the Government of India from time to time.
10. The names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers [Section 4(1) (b) (xvi)] :
Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)
Shri Vibha Kant Sharma
Consul, Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 2660325
Frankfurt am Main
Tel. 0049 69 15300517
E-Mail: hoc.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
Appellate Authority:
Mr. B. S. Mubarak
Consul General of India
Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 26
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. (069) 15300500
E-Mail: cg.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
11. No. Of employees against whom Disciplinary action has been proposed/ taken [Section 4(2)] – 01
Programmes to advance understanding of RTI [Section (26)] : 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 RTI cell of the Ministry of External Affairs, New Delhi.
Transfer policy and transfer orders [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt. 15.4.2013] : Transfer Policy is framed by the Ministry of External Affairs and accordingly transfer orders in respect of officers/officials are issued by the Ministry of External Affairs from time to time.
BUDGET AND PROGRAMME
The budget allocated to each of its agency, indicating the particulars of all plans, proposed expenditures and reports on disbursements made [Section 4(1) (b) (xi)] :
Total budget for the public authority - The budgetary allocation to the Consulate for the year 2024-25 is given at Annexure-2.1.1.
Proposed Expenditure - The actual expenditure is restricted to the budgetary allocation, and the details are sent to the Ministry of External Affairs on regular basis. For FY 2024-25, Chancery - Rs. 2,16,931/- (in thousands) and Commerce – Rs. 88, 873/- (in thousands).
Revised budget for each agency if any - The budget is revised by the Ministry of External Affairs at specific time intervals. For FY 2024-25, Chancery – Rs. 2,18,537/- (in thousands) and Commerce – Rs. 1,00,107/- (in thousands).
Report on disbursements made and place where the related reports are available - The report on disbursements made and related reports are kept in the Consulate and also sent on regular basis to the Ministry of External Affairs.
2.Foreign and domestic tours (F. No. 1/8/2012- IR dt. 11.9.2012) : Local tours under the jurisdiction of the Consulate are undertaken by the CG and other concerned officers from time to time on functional grounds. Information is given at Annexure-2.2.1.
Information related to procurement:
Notice/tender inquiries and corrigenda if any, thereon Notice Inviting Tenders (NIT) are uploaded by the Consulate on CPP portal as well as on Consulate’s website and social media platforms to give wide publicity and to attract better service providers. Detailed information is given at Annexure-2.2.3.
3.The manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details of beneficiaries of such programmes [Section 4(1) (b) (xii)] :
Consulate General of India does not have any subsidy programme.
4. Discretionary and non-discretaionary grants [F. No. 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2023]: Not Applicable
5. Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it [Section 4(1) (b) (xiii)] :
a) No concessions/permits are granted by Consulate General of India.
b) Processing of CPV services has been outsourced to M/s Alankit Assignments Limited with effect from 30 January 2025.
Contact details of M/s Alankit Assignments Limited and the procedure for obtaining CPV services has been given in the Consulate web site.
6. CAG & PAC paras [F. No. 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.4.2013] : NIL
PUBLICITY BAND PUBLIC INTERFACE
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 [Section 4(1) (b) (vii)] :
Consulate General of India functions within the norms of India's foreign policy formulated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Policy is implemented by the Consulate under the guidance and supervision of the Consul General. Feedback of Indian diaspora as well as reports on various subjects are shared with the Embassy/Ministry from time to time which helps the Ministry in formulation of its policy.
Relevant Acts, Rules, Forms and other documents which are normally accessed by citizens - As such there are no acts, rules, forms and other documents for consultation/representation by members of public. However, members of public can access requirement of documents and the procedure for seeking various services from the Consulate and raise their concern by mail, phone, twitter etc which can be resolved amicably. The policy is drawn by the Ministry of External Affairs. The members of the public are free to convey their views to the Consulate on relevant Acts, Rules, Forms and other documents.
Arrangements for consultation with or representation by – (a) Members of the public in policy formulation/ policy implementation (b) Day & Time allotted for visitors, (c) Contact details of information & Facilitation Counter to provide publication frequently south by RTI Applicants : The members of the public have access to the Consulate’s website that includes contact details of all officers. Apart from this, public has access to various social media platforms. The public can also seek meeting in person with the concerned officers, wherever and whenever required.
The contact details of officer who provides information sought by RTI applicants:
Shri Vibha Kant Sharma
Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)
Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 26
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. 0049 69 15300517
E-Mail: hoc.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Not applicable.
2. Are the details of policies / decisions, which affect public, informed to them [Section 4(1) (c)] : All policy decisions taken by the Ministry, which affect public, are published over various social media platforms such as Consulate’s website, facebook, twitter handle etc.
3. Dissemination of information widely and in such form and manner which is easily accessible to the public [Section 4(3)] : The information is disseminated through the Consulate’s website and social media channels.
4. Form of accessibility of information manual/ handbook [Section 4(1)(b)] : 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.
Whether information manual/ handbook available free of cost or not [Section 4(1)(b)]: 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.
E-GOVERNANCE
Language in which Information Manual/ Handbook Available [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt. 15.4.2013] : The information on the website is available in English language.
When was the information Manual/ Handbook last updated? [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt 15.4.2013] : The information on the website is updated on regular basis.
Information available in electronic form [Section 4(1)(b)(xiv)] : The Consulate's website has the required information. Consulate also makes available to interested individuals various CDs and DVDs containing information on India, its people and culture. Information relating to consular services, bilateral relations between India and Germany, 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 Germany 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.
4. Particulars of facilities available to citizen for obtaining information [Section 4(1)(b)(xv)] :
Name & location of the facility - At the website of Consulate General of India, Frankfurt and also at the notice board at the Consulate as well as at the location of outsourced agency.
Details of information made available - Information relating to consular services and FAQs related to it, bilateral relations between India and Germany, commercial matters, RTI, list of holidays, contact details of Consulate and its staff, important announcements etc. is available on the website.
The working hours of the facility - The working hours of the facility are the office hours of the Consulate i.e., from 9.00 AM to 5.30 PM. Emergency consular services are also provided by the Consulate outside office hours and the contact details are as under:
Contact personal & Contact details - Emergency number: 0049-162-4918679
The information under RTI Act can be obtained by writing to the CPIO (Shri Vibha Kant Sharma) along with the prescribed fee. The contact details are as under:-No
Shri Vibha Kant Sharma
Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)
Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 26
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. 0049 69 15300517
E-Mail: hoc.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
5. Such other information as may be prescribed under section 4(i) (b)(xvii)
Grievance readdressal mechanism - Any grievance received by the Consulate is given due attention and efforts are made for redressing them. Apart from the conventional system of receiving the grievances, the Consulate utilizes the MADAD portal (Consular Services Management System) for redressing the grievances arising out of consular services.
Details of applications received under RTI and information provided - Details of Receipts and disposal of RTI applications and Appeals during the FY 2024-25 is given at Annexure-4.6.1.
List of completed schemes/ projects/ Programmes – Not Applicable
List of schemes/ projects/ Programmes underway - Not Applicable
Details of all contracts entered into including name of the contractor, amount of contract and period of completion of contract - Services related to CPV matters have been outsourced to M/s Alankit Assignments Limited, Frankfurt w.e.f 30.01.2025 for a period of 3 years . Contact details of M/s Alankit Assignments Limited has been given in the Consulate web site on its pop-up notification.
Annual Report - The Annual Report of the Consulate is shared with the Ministry of External Affairs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - 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 consular services 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.
6. Replies to questions asked in the Parliament [Section 4(1)(d)(2)] – Inputs on various Parliament Questions sought by Ministry/Embassy are shared with them promptly without delay.
INFORMATION AS MAY BE PRESCRIBED
Such other information as may be prescribed [F.No. 1/2/2016- IR dt. 17.8.2016, F No. 1/6/ 2011- IR dt. 15.4.2013] -
Name & details of - (a) Current CPIOs & FAAs, (b) Earlier CPIO & FAAs from 1.1.2015
(a) Shri Vibha Kant Sharma
Central Public Information Officer (CPIO)
Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 26
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. 0049 69 15300517
Fax. 0049 69 554125
E-Mail: hoc.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
Appellate Authority:
Mr. B. S. Mubarak
Consul General of India
Consulate General of India
Friedrich-Ebert-Anlage. 26
60325 Frankfurt am Main
Tel. (069) 15300500
Fax. (069) 554125
E-Mail: cg.frankfurt@mea.gov.in
(b) The List of the Appellate Authority (FAA) and Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) w.e.f. 2016 till date in terms of provisions of section 5 (1) of the RTI Act 2005 is at Annexure-5.1.1.
Appointment of Nodal Officers, Consultancy Committee of key stakeholders for advice on suo-moto disclosure and Committee of PIOs/FAAs to identify frequently sought information under RTI – Not applicable.
INFORMATION DISCLOSED ON OWN INITIATIVE
Item/information disclosed so that public have minimum resort to use of RTI Act to obtain information - The information which may be required by the public has been put on the Consulate’s website such as consular services, bilateral relations, media, commerce, student related information, ICCR scholarships, tenders, current events, forthcoming events, important announcements, list of holidays, contact details of the Consulate etc.
2. 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.) -
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. STQC certification is completed.
Please Click Here to see the Website Security Certificate issued by STQC Directorate.
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