Central Information Commission
Dr.B M Arora vs Ministry Of Environment And Forests on 22 April, 2010
Central Information Commission
CIC/AD/A/2010/000296
Dated April 22, 2010
Name of the Appellant : Dr. B.M Arora
Name of the Public Authority : Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi
Background
1. The Applicant filed his RTI Request on 15.06.2009, with the PIO, Central Zoo Authority, New Delhi seeking the results of experimental studies conducted on antibodies response to rabies vaccination in captive wild carnivore species, under the project entitled "Evolving standard protocol on wild animal health of Indian Zoos" approved by IVRI and funded by CZA. The PIO replied on 08.10.2009 requesting for Rs. 238/ through Demand Draft as the photocopying charges. The First Appeal was filed on 20.11.2009 by the Applicant stating that he had sent Rs. 238/ . However there is no mention of the said studies carried out in the CZA Project document published. He wanted confirmation that the same work was carried out. On not receiving any information from the First Appellate Authority he filed his Second Appeal before the Commission on 24.12.2009 .
2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing on April 22, 2010.
3. Mr. P.C.S Negi, Finance Officer, Mr. B.S. Bonal, Member Secretary, Dr. Nain Akhtar, Scientific Officer represented the Public Authority.
4. The Appellant was present during the hearing.
Decision
5. The Appellant stated that he had asked for results of experimental studies conducted on antibodies response to rabies vaccination in captive wild carnivore species, under the project entitled "Evolving standard protocol on wild animal health of Indian Zoos approved to IVRI and funded by CZA. However, according to him the information that was provided to him was only a compilation of studies by IVRI and contains no results of experimental studies he had sought. He also stated that this was a study that he was promised funding for and at the last minute he has been denied the opportunity to conduct the study. The Respondent admitted that the publication provided to the Appellant does not contain the information sought by him (the Appellant), although there was few papers of information related to Antirabies Vaccination. The Appellant insisted that the Respondent admit to him in writing that the publication does not contains the results of the studies for which he was promised he would be funded to conduct. The Commission accordingly directs the PIO to provide an Affidavit to the Commission with a copy to the Appellant admitting the fact that the publication provided to the Appellant does not contains any results of experimental studies as sought by him in his RTI Application. Also the photocopying charges paid by the Appellant to be returned to him. Information to be provided by 25.05.2010 and the Appellant to send a compliance report to the Commission by 1 June, 2010.
6. The Appeal is accordingly disposed of.
(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:
(G. Subramanian) Deputy Registrar Cc:
1. Mr. B.M Arora, President, AIZWV, M 83, BDA, Tibrinath Complex, Bareilly - 243005 UP
2. The Public Information Officer, Central Zoo Authority, Bikaner House, Annexe VI, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi
3. The Appellate Authority Central Zoo Authority, Bikaner House, Annexe VI, Shahjahan Road, New Delhi
4. Officer in charge, NIC
5. Press E Group, CIC