Central Information Commission
Pradip Pradhan vs University Grants Commission on 27 December, 2017
CENTRAL INFORMATION COMMISSION
Baba Gang Nath Marg,
Munirka, New Delhi -110067
Tel : +91-11-26186535
Complaint No. CIC/SA/C/2016/000358
Complainant: Sh. Pradip Pradhan,
Respondent: Central Public Information Officer,
M/o. HRD, University Grants Commission,
Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, ITO,
Metro Gate No. 3,
New Delhi-110002
Date of Hearing: 26.12.2017
Dated of Decision: 26.12.2017
ORDER
Facts:
1. The complainant filed RTI application dated 14..1.2014 seeking information regarding: name of ex-state and Central Govt. employees appointed in KIIT Deemed University and its affiliated institutions, positions held by them, details of monthly salary and allowances, etc.
2. The response of CPIO is not on record. The first appeal of the complainant is not on record. The response of FAA is not on record. The complainant filed complaint on 06.07.2016 before the Commission on the ground that information has not been provided to him and penalty should be imposed on the respondent.
Hearing:
3. The complainant participated in the hearing through VC.1
4. The respondent vide their letter dated 26.12.2017, informed the Commission that "the RTI application of the complainant was addressed to KIIT, Bhubaneswar and the same was not received in UGC. The information could not be provided to the applicant".
5. The complainant stated that he had filed RTI application with the PIO, O/o.
KIIT, Bhubaneswar to seek information on some points. The complainant stated that the PIO denied receiving his application.
6. The complainant stated that KIIT, Bhubneswar is a deemed university. Therefore it is a public authority under Section 2(h) of the RTI Act.
7. The complainant further referred to the Commission's decision no. CIC /OK/A/2008/01098/SG/2550 in Appeal No. CIC/OK/A/2008/01098/SG tilted as Mahavir Chopda Vs. PIO, NMIMS dated 31.03.2009 vide which the Commission observed that deemed universities comes under the definition of ' public authority' under the RTI Act.
Discussion/ observation:
8. The Commission observed that the notice of hearing was wrongly sent to the CPIO, University Grants Commission. The RTI application was addressed to the PIO, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar.
Decision:
9. The Deputy Registrar is directed to fix a hearing in the matter after 15 days, where notice of hearing should be issued to the complainant and Director, Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar. The Deputy Registrar is directed to send complete file to the Director, KIIT, Bhubaneswar along with this order.
Copy of the order be given to the parties free of cost.
2(Radha Krishna Mathur) Chief Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy (S.C. Sharma) Dy. Registrar Copy to:
Director Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT), Bhubaneswar, Odisha, PIN: 751024 3