Central Information Commission
Mr.Ganesh Shankar vs Insurance Division on 11 January, 2011
Central Information Commission
Room No.296, II Floor, B Wing, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Cama
Place, New Delhi110066
Telefax:01126180532 & 01126107254 websitecic.gov.in
Appeal : No. CIC/DS/A/2010/001131
Appellant /Complainant : Sh. Ganesh Shankar, New
Delhi
Public Authority : United India Insurance
Co. Ltd.,Chennai
(Sh. Narsimha Rao and Sh.
Vaman Rao -
Through videoconferencing)
Date of Hearing : 11/01/2011
Date of Decision : 11/01/2011
Facts:
1. Vide RTI request dated 9 December 2009 preferred before the CPIO, The United India Insurance Company Limited, the applicant sought to have copies of answer sheets in respect of promotion exercise 2009 for SCS - staff promotion to the cadre of Administrative officer Scale - 1 under Para 13.1 and 13.2 of the promotion policy - Northern Zone. He also sought to have copies of vouchers of making payments to GIPSA or any other institution who conducted this examination and was paid by United India Insurance Company Limited for the years 2008 - 09 and 2009 -
10.
2. The CPIO vide his order dated 21 January 2010 denied disclosure on the grounds that the Insurance Institute of India, Mumbai was entrusted with the conduct of examination for promotion for the year 2009 and that the answer sheets are available with them and not maintained by the Company. Also that the marks of candidates who were not successful in the examination are provided to each candidate in sealed cover. Disclosure of voucher making payment to the Examination Body was not provided since it was not available with the respondent.
3. The appellant moved first appeal dated 2 February 2010 before the first appellate authority who disposed of the matter vide FAA order dated 12 February 2010 and upheld the order of the CPIO.
4. The applicant challenged the above orders by moving second appeal before the Commission. The matter was heard today. Appellant was present in person. Respondent was present as above and heard through videoconferencing. Respondent submitted that the Insurance Institute of India was an independent professional body whose principal avocation was to conduct examinations and issue certificates for qualifying persons who have passed exams for entry into the insurance business. The Institute issues licenses to qualified persons to serve as insurance agents for all companies and holds examinations in the following disciplines:
Associate Fellowship Licentiate
5. The Institute also conducts training for those already serving in the Insurance Industry.
6. Respondent also stated that the payment voucher was held by GIPSA. Appellant argued in favour of disclosure of answer sheets and quoted order of the Commission dated 20 March 2008 in support of his averments.
Decision
7. After hearing both parties the Commission directs respondent to provide to the appellant, marks awarded to all successful and unsuccessful candidates against roll numbers.
8. However looking at the character of the examination conducting organisation namely Insurance Institute of India and on the basis of the arguments spelt out in this Commission's full bench decision in order number CIC/OK/A/2006/00266/00058/00066/00315 dated 23 April 2007, the Commission rules that in this case answer sheets are not disclosable information.
9. In respect of information sought under point 2 respondent is directed to obtain the same from the holder of information and provide to the appellant. Information to be provided within six weeks of receipt of the order.
(Smt. Deepak Sandhu) Information Commissioner (DS) Authenticated true copy:
(T. K. Mohapatra) Under Secretary & Dy. Registrar Tel No. 01126105027 Copy to:
1. Shri Ganesh Slhankar B12, Nanda Road, Sarai Extension Adarsh Nagar, New Delhi110033
2. The Central Public Information Officer United India Insurance Co. Ltd., Regd. & HO, 24, Whites Road, Chennai600014
3. The Appellate Authority United India Insurance Co. Ltd., Regd. & HO, 24, Whites Road, Chennai600014