Karnataka State Open University seeks Rs. 1000/- as fee for providing answersheets
14 Sep, 2014A strange case of denial of copy of answer scripts to the students by the Karnataka State Open University (KSOU) under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 has been reported.
Devappa M, a student pursuing his BA course, filed an application under the RTI Act seeking the Kannada answer scripts of third year. Te KSOU examination registrar declined to provide the answer script informing that the photocopy of the answer scripts can be obtained by a student within 14 days after the results have been announced online with payment of Rs 1,000 through bank challan. The registrar refused to entertain the RTI application stating that it cannot be considered.
The issue of whether copies of answer sheets ought to be provided under RTI Act has long been settled by the Supreme Court in the case of Aditya Bandophadhyay v. CBSE [Link - http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/supremecourt1-459]. The move of the University to dissuade the students by trying to set up an alternate system wherein a high fee has been imposed and shortening the window period for filing of RTI application is contrary to the word and spirit of the RTI Act. The centres of education are expected to act as the centres of excellence and the response of an open university is deploreable.
Devappa has now approached the State Governor for redressal since he is the First Appellate Authority and Chancellor to give justice to him and direct KSOU to follow the RTI Act.