CIC takes serious note of 'Lackadaisical Approach' of JU towards RTI Act

 

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 1^st  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.

 

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