SIC orders Maha govt to include RTI clause while disbursing funds

Source: DNA dated 28.01.2019

Ashutosh M. Shukla s_ashutosh@dnaindia.net

The state information commission (SIC) in a landmark order has directed the government to put a condition of RTI applicability when giving funds. The order will enable citizens to get information of records of all decisions and works that are related to government funding under RTI. Until now, a number of bodies evaded RTI and giving information stating that they did not get “substantial funding”.

Several schools and colleges said they did not have certain information and that it was with the Trust governing it. The trust would say that RTI is not applicable to it because it did not get any state funding. Now, at the time of funding or registration, a clause will have to be introduced that records all decisions and works related to government funding under the RTI Act.

The SIC order passed on January 9, 2019 is directed to chief secretary, additional chief secretary (school education), secretary of higher and technical education, secretary of medical education and registrar of University of Mumbai. It was passed on by Ajit Kumar Jain, state information commissioner (Brihanmumbai bench) on an appeal of Dr Susy Kuriakose, resident of Prabhadevi. It has to be implemented by February 15, 2019.

“I am yet to get information. The order gives time till February 15. It is a fair order. I think it should bring in more transparency for those who are working in aided colleges,” said Kuriakose.

DNA could not get in touch with BVB. D K Jain, chief secretary said, “We are processing the directions”.

Kuriakose had sought information from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (BVB) regarding meeting of governing committee, the notice of the meeting, agenda, minutes of meeting and report sent to the college in which her suspension and removal was decided. During the second appeal hearing, the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan stated that the RTI is not applicable to it.