Examination for admission in CET-DNB - appellant was denied admission in the Centre stating driving license is not a valid proof of his identity - CIC: appellant has lost one year despite production of valid ID document - enquiry ordered
19 Aug, 2013FACTS
Heard today dated 26.7.2013. Appellant not present but he is represented by his son Shri Mohit Mahendra. The NBE is represented by Adv. Dr. Rakesh Gussain.
2. The matter, in short, is that National Board of Examinations holds examination for admission in CET-DNB (equivalent to post graduation in modern medicine). In the RTI application dated 5.9.2012, the appellant had essentially sought to know the number of candidates who were not allowed to appear in the examination held in August, 2012. Dr. Gussain submits that the Appellate Authority in letter dated 29.10.2012 had informed the appellant that this information was not being maintained by NBE. It is also his say that the candidates are permitted to enter the Examination Centres on the basis of their photo identity cards, inclusive of PAN card, driving license, Aadhaar card etc. Those candidates who are not equipped with the IDs are denied admission. However, this information is not being maintained and, therefore, cannot be supplied to the appellant.
3. On the other hand, Shri Mohit Mahendra submits that his examination Centre was Prometric Testing Pvt. Ltd. Eristic Park, Gurgaon. He visited the Centre on the appointed date i.e. 17.8.2012 at 1000 hrs. He showed his driving licence bearing No. 112738 issued on 31.5.2006 and valid up to 31.5.2026 to the officials but he was denied admission in the Centre. He then contacted the senior officers of the NBE on telephone but they were not helpful. The result is that he has lost one year despite production of valid ID document at the examination Centre. He also submits that he had asked the concerned officer to give him in writing that his driving license was not a valid proof of his identity but he refused to do so.
4. Shri Mohit Mahendra has made a serious allegation against the functioning of the above mentioned examination centre which needs to be probed. Hence, the Executive Director of NBE is hereby directed to cause an enquiry into the matter and inform the outcome thereof to the appellant in 08 weeks time. (Photocopy of the driving license of Shri Mohit Mahendra is enclosed with this order for ready reference).
(M.L. Sharma)
Central Information Commissioner
Citation: B K Mohindra v. National Board of Examinations in File No. CIC/LS/A/2013/001126