Consulate General of India, Seattle

RTI ACT - 2005

Information about the Consulate General of India, Seattle under Section 4(1) of the RTI ct 2005 Organization and Function

S.No.	Item	Remarks
1.1	Particulars of its organization, functions and duties [Section 4(1)(b)(i)]	Consulate General of India, 1015 2nd Ave Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98104 The Post is headed by Consul General of India Shri Prakash Gupta. Organization chart may be accessed at Annex-I The Consulate has the following Wings: Political, Consular and PIC Wing Administration & Establishment Wing Community Affairs and Commercial Wing Each Wing is headed by a Consul rank officer. The key objectives of the Consulate inter alia, include political and economic cooperation, trade and investment promotion, cultural interaction, consular, passport and visa services, press and media liaison. 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.
1.2	Power and duties of its officers and employees [Section 4(1) (b)(ii)]	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 officer’s 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.
1.3	Procedure followed in decision making process [Section 4(1)(b)(iii)]	The Consulate under the extant Rules and supervision of the Consul General.
1.4	Norms for discharge of functions [Section 4(1)(b)(iv)]	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 within the prescribed time limit. Apart from traditional channel for redressal of grievances, an aggrieved person may make use of the MADAD portal (Consular Services Management System) also.
1.5	The rules, regulations, instructions manual and records, held by it or under its control or used by employees for discharging its functions [Section 4(1)(b)(v)]	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, Delegated Financial Powers of Government of India’s Representative Abroad, Consular Manual, Passport Manual, Visa Manual, Manuals on Office Procedures, and other Central Government Rules and manuals published by the Government of India. The Rule-making power vests with the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. 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.
1.6	Categories of documents held by the authority under its control [Section 4(1)(b) (vi)]	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.
1.7	Boards, Councils, Committees and other Bodies constituted as part of the Public Authority [Section 4(1)(b)(viii)]	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.
1.8	Directory of officers and employees [Section 4(1) (b) (ix)]	The directory of officers may be seen at Annexure-II
1.9	Monthly remuneration received by each of its officers and employees, including the system of compensation	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-III The system of compensation is also in accordance with the Government of India regulations.
1.10	Name, designation and other particulars of public information officers [Section 4(1) (b) (xvi)]	Chief Public Information Officer (CPIO) Ms. Anita Kukerti, Vice Consul (Admin) Email: vcadmn.seattle@mea.gov.in First Apellate Authority (AA) Shri Fakhruddin Ali Ahmad, Head of Chancery and First Appellate Authority Email: hoc.seattle@mea.gov.in
1.11	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 Ministry.
1.12	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 from time to time.

Budget and Programme

2.1	Budget allocated to each agency including all plans, proposed expenditure and reports on disbursements made etc. [Section 4(1)(b)(xi)]	The budgetary allocation to the Consulate for the year 2026-27 on different heads and expenditure are given at Annexure-IV . 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.
2.2	Foreign and domestic tours (F. No. 1/8/2012- IR dt. 11.9.2012)	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-IV.
2.3	Manner of execution of subsidy programme [Section 4(i)(b)(xii)]	Not applicable [The Consulate is not handling any subsidy programme.]
2.4	Discretionary and non-discretionary grants/allocations to State Govt./NGOs/other institutions [F. No. 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2013]	Not applicable
2.5	Particulars of recipients of concessions, permits of authorizations granted by the public authority [Section 4(1) (b) (xiii)]	Not applicable
2.6	CAG & PAC paras [F No. 1/6/2011- IR dt.15.4.2013]	Nil

Publicity Band Public interface

3.1	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]	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 Consulate on relevant Acts, Rules, Forms and other documents. The members of the public have access to the Consulate’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: Ms. Anita Kukreti, VC(Admin) Email: Vcadmn.seattle@mea.gov.in Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) – Not applicable.
3.2	Are the details of policies / decisions, which affect public, informed to them [Section 4(1) (c)]	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.
3.3	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 Mission’s website and social media channels.
3.4	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.
3.5	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 is freely available. The printed booklets wherever required are also provided free of cost.

E-Governance

4.1	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. However, Google translate facility is included in the website for translation of information in many languages, both Indian and foreign.
4.2	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.
4.3	Information available in electronic form [Section 4(1)(b)(xiv)]	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.
4.4	Particulars of facilities available to citizen for obtaining information [Section 4(1)(b)(xv)]	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 Consulate 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 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: Emergency number: +1 206 608 0608" The information under RTI Act can be obtained by writing to the CPIO (Ms. Anita Kukerti) along with the prescribed fee. The contact details are as under: Ms. Anita Kukerti, Vice Consul Email: vcadmn.seattle@mea.gov.in
4.5	Such other information as may be prescribed under section 4(i) (b)(xvii)	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.
4.6	Receipt & Disposal of RTI applications & appeals [F.No 1/6/2011-IR dt. 15.04.2013] Section 4(1)(B) of RTI Act, 2005	The details of RTI appeals received and orders issued by the Consulate from January 2024 - December 2024- Nos. 04 The details of RTI applications received and disposed by the Consulate from January 2025 - December, 2025- Nos. 11
4.7	Replies to questions asked in the Parliament [Section 4(1)(d)(2)]	Not applicable. [Parliament questions are replied by the Ministry. Inputs are given by the Consulate as and when required].

Item/information disclosed so that public have minimum resort to use of RTI Act to obtain information

5.1	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, 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.
5.2	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. All Phases of STQC certification are completed.

5.1

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, 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.

5.2

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.

All Phases of STQC certification are completed.

INFORMATION ABOUT THE EMBASSY OF INDIA,
REQUIRED UNDER SECTION 4(1)(B) OF THE RTI ACT, 2005

(i)	the particulars of its organization, functions and duties;	Embassy of India is headed by Ambassador and Deputy Chief of Mission and has following 14 Wings: (i) Political Wing (ii) Chancery Wing (iii) Community Affairs Wing (iv) Personnel Wing (v) Press, Information and Culture Wing (vi) Military Wing (vii) Air Wing (viii) Naval Wing (ix) Defense Technology Wing (x) Commerce Wing (xi) Consular Wing (xii) Science & Technology Wing, (xiii) Indian Space Research Organisation Wing and (xiv) Economic Wing. Each Wing is headed by a Minister, Counsellor or First Secretary rank officer. The functions of the Embassy 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. 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.
(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 of the Officers of the Embassy of India have been detailed in the Delegated Financial powers of the Government of India's Representatives Abroad. Other powers are derived from the Passport Act of India. The Officers of the Embassy function under the guidance and supervision of the Ambassador.
(iii)	the procedure followed in the decision making process, including channels of supervision and accountability;	Decisions are taken under the instruction and supervision of the Ambassador.
(iv)	the norms set by it for the discharge of its functions	Norms are set under the instruction and supervision of the Ambassador.
(v)	the rules, regulations, instructions, manuals and records, held by it or under its control or used by its employees for discharging its functions;	IFS PLCA rules and annexures Delegated Financial Powers of Government of India's Representatives abroad Rules Passport Act Manuals on Office Procedures Other Central Government Rules and manuals published by Central Government.
(vi)	a statement of the categories of documents that are held by it or under its control;	Classified documents/files relating to India's external relations Unclassified documents/files including joint statements, declarations, agreements and MoUs. Passport and consular services application forms
(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;	Embassy of India functions within the norms of India's foreign policy formulated by the Ministry of External Affairs. Policy is implemented by the Embassy under the guidance and supervision of the Ambassador. Embassy interacts regularly with representatives of think tanks, academic community and others.
(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;
(ix)	a directory of its officers and employees;	A directory is given at Annex-I
(x)	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 at Annex-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 for the current financial year are given in the statement at Annex-III
(xii)	the manner of execution of subsidy programmes, including the amounts allocated and the details of beneficiaries of such programmes;	Embassy of India does not have any subsidy programme.
(xiii)	particulars of recipients of concessions, permits or authorizations granted by it;	No concessions/permits are granted by the Embassy of India.
(xiv)	details in respect of the information, available to or held by it, reduced in an electronic form;	The Embassy's website has the required information. The Embassy also makes available to interested individuals various CD's and DVD's containing information on India, its people and culture.
(xv)	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;	Central Public Information Officer Suresh Kumar Sharma Consul / Head of Chancery Suite No. 1211, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101 Email: hoc[dot]seattle[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in First Appellate Authority: Prakash Gupta Consul General Suite No. 1211, Fairmont Olympic Hotel, 411 University Street, Seattle, WA 98101 Email: cg[dot]seattle[at]mea[dot]gov[dot]in
(xvi)	the names, designations and other particulars of the Public Information Officers;
(xvii)	such other information as may be prescribed and thereafter update these publications every year;	The Embassy's website has information which is updated on a regular basis.