PIO directed to obtain the information which was required to be maintained
13 Oct, 2012Background
The appellant filed an application under the Right to Information (RTI) Act with the Directorate of Education seeking copies of various policies, rules etc. in respect of admission of children to aided and private recognized schools along with the policies related to school uniforms in schools under Government of Delhi. The appellant also sought the list of private recognized schools which were allotted land by Government Agencies, whether Delhi School Education Act and the rules under the Act allow the cultural diversity and freedom of expression of children in the form of dress that the children are allowed to wear. The Public Information Officer (PIO) informed the applicant that the information sought is voluminous and returned the application to the applicant with a request to prioritize his requirement. Later he requested the applicant to deposit Rs 22/- for 11 pages of information.
Proceedings
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission (CIC), regarding the provisions related to the admission of children, respondent submitted that the question was rather vague since the rules for admissions vary for different classes and also from school to school. Further regarding the appellant’s queries related to uniform & dress policy for school children; activities undertaken by the Delhi Government Education Department to promote national integration and whether the NCT of Government of Delhi conducts secularism audit of schools to promote national integration and unity in diversity, the respondents stated that they do not have the sought information in their records and nor there are any rules available regarding any of these queries.
View of CIC
Regarding the information related to the admission of children which are to be complied with by the aided and private recognized schools, the CIC directed the appellant to seek specific information following which the PIO will furnish the information as available in the records.
The Commission also directed the PIO to provide copy of admission criteria in respect of any of the schools mentioned in the RTI Application as available in records to the appellant. In case such records do not exist the applicant may be informed accordingly. The Commission further held that if it is mandatory for the Public Authority to maintain such information in respect of some/all categories of schools, the PIO should obtain the information from the schools and provide the same to the appellant.
Citation: Mr. Syed M v. Directorate of education in File No: CIC/AD/A/2012/001834
RTI Citation : RTIFI/2012/CIC/721
Click here to view original RTI order of Court / Information Commission