Information in respect of Cambridge International School, Birad was sought - CIC expressed extreme displeasure over the conduct of the PIO in providing an improper & incomplete reply; PIO warned to be careful in future; Ensure proper implementation of Act
11 May, 2019Information Sought:
The appellant has sought the following information in respect of Cambridge International School, Birad, Dist – Jhajjar – 124 146:
1. When the said institute was given recognition for D. Ed & B. Ed courses.
2. Whether the above institute fulfil all the necessary conditions or not. Provide details.
3. Provide details of the team who carried out the inspection of the school before giving recognition.
4. Whether any rules were overlooked by the said team. Provide details.
5. And other related information.
Grounds for Second Appeal
The CPIO did not provide the desired information.
Submissions made by Appellant and Respondent during Hearing:
The Appellant has not availed of the opportunity to appear before the Commission to plead his case despite duly served notice for the hearing vide speed post tracking no.ED317134490IN. The PIO submitted a copy of the reply dated 26.12.2017 which was not on record with the Commission. He further submitted a copy of the revised reply dated 26.04.2019. On a query by the Commission, the PIO submitted that information was called for from the deemed PIO Smt Priyanka Jain, Section Officer. She had replied accordingly vide the letter dated 15.12.2017 which was reiterated by him in his reply dated 26.12.2017. Observations: Based on a perusal of the records, the Commission noted that a proper reply was not provided on 26.12.2017. However, the revised recent reply dated 26.04.2019 sent to the appellant proves that the then CPIO had failed to provide a proper reply at the relevant time. On a query by the Commission, the present CPIO submitted that he was the then CPIO. The appellant failed to appear for the hearing and pursue his case.
Decision:
The Commission expresses extreme displeasure over the conduct of the CPIO in providing an improper and incomplete reply. The CPIO is issued a strict warning to be careful in future with regard to the above observations including the unnecessary delay in replying to the appellant. He should ensure proper implementation of the RTI Act in its letter and spirit. No further action is required, as an appropriate reply was provided on 26.04.2019. The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Vanaja N. Sarna
Information Commissioner
Citation: Ravi Kumar v. National Council for Teacher Education in Decision no.: CIC/NCTED/A/2017/608849/00575, Date of Decision : 06/05/2019