Universities recognised by UGC to offer Para Veterinary certificate courses - Appellant: Was Vinayaka Mission University blacklisted by Ministry of Human Resource Development in the past - CIC: UGC is directed to provide a final reply to the appellant
26 Sep, 2019Information Sought:
The appellant has sought the following information:
1. a)Whether the following Universities are recognised by University Grant Commission, New Delhi to offer Para Veterinary diploma/certificate courses?
i) Vinayak Mission University (Salem, Tamilnadu)
ii) Sangai International University (Manipur)
iii) OPJS University (Churu, Rajasthan)
iv) Himalaya University (Arunachal Pradesh)
v) Manav Bharati University (Himachal Pradesh)
vi) Jodhpur National University (Rajasthan) vii) Madhav University (Rajasthan)
viii) Calorx Teacher’s University (Gujarat)
b) If, yes, provide the visitation report of visiting UGC Committees to these Institutes towards grant of recognition/permission for offering paraveterinary courses.
c) Whether above Universities mentioned in point-1(A) have obtained the recognition from University Grants Commission, New Delhi to conduct any certificate courses under their aegis
2. And other related information.
Grounds for Second Appeal
The CPIO did not provide the desired information. Submissions made by Appellant and Respondent during
Hearing:
The appellant was not present to plead his case despite service of valid hearing notice on 31.08.2019 vide speed post acknowledgment no. ED305660175IN The representative of the CPIO submitted that an adequate reply had been provided to the appellant on 15.11.2017 and his first appeal was also duly responded to by the First Appellate Authority vide his order dated 07.02.2018.
Observations:
From a perusal of the relevant case records, it is noted that even though all the points raised by the appellant were properly answered by the PIO and the FAA, however, no final reply had been provided to the appellant on point no. 7(b) as this point was transferred to MHRD for necessary reply. The appellant on this point had raised a question as to whether Vinayaka Mission University, Salem (Tamilnadu) has been blacklisted by Ministry of Human Resource Development in the past. The query being in the nature of a question, is not strictly covered u/s 2(f) “information” means any material in any form, including records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, models, data material held in any electronic form and information relating to any private body which can be accessed by a public authority under any other law for the time being in force; of the RTI Act.
Decision:
Based on the above observations, the CPIO, UGC is directed to provide a final reply to the appellant on point no. 7(b) of the RTI Act as per the above discussion, within a period of 07 days from the date of receipt of this order under intimation to the Commission. The appeal is disposed of accordingly.
Vanaja N. Sarna
Information Commissioner
Citation: Prakash Shankarji Sodha v. CPIO, University Grants Commission IN Decision no.: CIC/UGCOM/A/2018/123389/01609, Date of Decision: 12/09/2019