Responsibility for shortage of text books in the schools of NDMC
10 Jun, 2012Background
The appellant wanted to know whether the text books being used in the schools under the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and under the Delhi Government for classes 3 to 5 were same or not, whether the syllabus set by the NCERT can be modified or changed by the Delhi Municipal Council and who is responsible for the shortage of text books. The Public Information Officer (PIO) replied as per the information provided by the Deputy Education Officer, MCD.
Proceedings
During the hearing, the respondent submitted that the appellant wanted to know who is responsible for the shortage of text books, no information could be provided since this information does not fall under the definition of ‘Information’ as given in section 2(f) “information” means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force; of the RTI Act. Further, the appellant wanted to know as to whether the same text books are beings used by NDMC and Delhi Government the respondent submitted that they do not have the text books being used in the Delhi Government Schools and that the information sought by the appellant is not available with them. They stated that the NDMC text books are available with the applicant.
View of CIC
The Central Information Commission (CIC) advised the appellant to purchase Delhi Government School text books from the market and compare the text books for himself and come to a conclusion whether the same text books are being used or not. The Commission rejected the appeal stating that adequate information has been provided to the appellant.
Citation: Shri Haridwar Singh v. New Delhi Municipal Council in File No: CIC/AD/C/2011/000447
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/341
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission