CIC Cautions Jammu University in its dealing with RTI Applications
CIC takes serious note of Lackadaisical
Approach of JU towards RTI Act
Jammu, 02/June/2022: Taking serious note of lackadaisical approach
of Jammu University in processing and disposing of applications under Right to Information Act
received from citizens, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the
Jammu University to be cautious in future.
While deciding second appeal
of RTI activist Raman Sharma against the Jammu University wherein the appellant
has alleged that Jammu University had not provide him any information despite lapse
of stipulated period of time.
In his appeal, before the
commission Sharma had stated that he had submitted his RTI application dated
11-02-2020 under a proper receipt from the postal department but as
he was not supplied any information or intimation by the Public Information
Officer of the Jammu University within
30 days, therefore on 23/06/2020 he then filed a 1st Appeal before the first Appellate Authority
(within Jammu University) but there also he did not get any appropriate
response therefore he preferred his second appeal before the Central
Information Commission on 10/08/2020.
During proceedings before
the Central Information Commission on 31/05/2022 via video conference, the
Jammu University (respondent) was
represented by Dr Imran Farooq, who is designated Public Information Officer-II.
During the proceedings Dr
Imran informed the commission that there are two Public Information Officers in
the Jammu University and the said RTI application of the appellant Raman Sharma
has not been received by either of them. Dr Imran also submitted before the commission
that the appellant did not submit any fresh RTI application as was asked by the
First Appellate Authority.
The Chief Information Commissioner YK Sinha disagreeing with the
arguments of the Public Information Officer of the Jammu University admitted
the appeal and stated that contention of the Respondent (PIO) that the RTI
application was not received by them is ‘unfathomable’ as the dispatch
receipt of the RTI application was annexed with the Second
Appeal.
Thus the Chief Information Commissioner directed the
PIO_II of the university to ensure that a point wise response in accordance
with provisions of the RTI Act is provided to the appellant by 30/06/202 under
an intimation to the Commission as well.
In his three pages order the
CIC also asked the PIO to remain cautious while dealing with RTI Applications
and second appeals in future, since excuses such as non receipt of RTI
application is not acceptable when the appellant has annexed copy of receipt.
The commission in its
written order also noted that if such a lackadaisical
approach is encouraged then the purpose of the RTI Act 2005 will be defeated.
