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Rupesh Kumar Jha vs University Grants Commission on 24 July, 2025

                                          के ीय सूचना आयोग
                                Central Information Commission
                                     बाबा गं गनाथ माग,मुिनरका
                                 Baba Gangnath Marg, Munirka
                                   नई िद    ी, New Delhi - 110067
ि तीय अपील सं         ा / Second Appeal No. CIC/UGCOM/A/2024/656485

Rupesh Kumar Jha                                                    ... अपीलकता/Appellant

                                           VERSUS
                                            बनाम
CPIO: University Grants
Commission, New Delhi                                         ... ितवादीगण/Respondents

Relevant dates emerging from the appeal:

RTI : 21.07.2024                  FA       : 04.09.2024             SA     : 18.12.2024

CPIO : 11.09.2024                 FAO : 24.09.2024                  Hearing : 15.07.2025


Date of Decision: 24.07.2025
                                               CORAM:
                                         Hon'ble Commissioner
                                       _ANANDI RAMALINGAM
                                              ORDER

1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 21.07.2024 seeking information on the following points:

1. Please provide a comprehensive list of scholarships available to Indian students for studying undergraduate courses abroad under the MOUs signed with UGC.

2. For each scholarship listed, please provide the following details:

a. Name of the scholarship b. Eligibility criteria c. Application process and deadlines d. Financial assistance offered Page 1 of 4 e. Any other relevant details

2. Having not received any response from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 04.09.2024.

3. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 11.09.2024 and the same is reproduced as under :-

"The asked programme comes under Stipendium Hungaricum Scholarship programme.

The concerned programme tennure was till March 2023."

4. The FAA vide order dated 24.09.2024 has given the following reply:

"The appeal UGCOM/A/E/24/01254 dated 04.09.2024 of Rupesh Kumar Jha (Hereinafter referred to as the Appellant) is received under section 19 of RTI Act, 2005. He is aggrieved that the information provided to him by the CPIO is not sufficient information as far as his request for information is concerned, which is sought vide RTI Request dated 21.07.2024. 2. On going through the records, it is observed that the information provided by the CPIO in his reply dated 11.09.2024 in respect of the RTI application was appropriate and in order. However, you can find the other desired details on the UGC website. Further, it is informed that, the information pertaining to the International Cooperation Section of UGC is available on the UGC website https://www.ugc.gov.in . 3. It is observed that there has been a delay in replying to the RTI by the CPIO which is duly noted and the CPIO has been directed to be more careful in future and reply all the RTIs on time. 4. With above order, the Appeal stands disposed off. 5. If applicant is not satisfied with the reply of the first Appellate Authority he can approach for second appeal in Central Information Commission, B-Wing, 2" Floor, August Kranti Bhawan, Bhikaji Kama Place, New Delhi-66."

Aggrieved with the FAA's order, the Appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal dated 18.12.2024.

5. The appellant attended the hearing through video conference and on behalf of the respondent Amit Kumar Verma, and Raj Kumar, attended the hearing in-person.

6. The appellant inter alia submitted that the respondent did not reply within 30 days from the date of RTI application. He contended that given the importance of scholarships for students from underprivileged and backward regions, the information sought is of immense public importance and directly affects the future of deserving students across the country.

7. The respondent while defending their case inter alia submitted that the fellowships/scholarships regarding which the appellant had inquired in his RTI application were reviewed by the Ministry of Education. Therefore, the details with respect to the active scholarships are available in the website of UGC currently and the same are updated from time to time.

8. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing both parties and perusal of records, observes that the FAA has duly responded to the RTI application by referring to the website of UGC. However, the reply given by the CPIO is found inadequate, incorrect and also found to have been given after the stipulated time limit. In view of the above, the CPIO is directed to be cautious in future while disposing of RTI applications in future and strictly adhere to the timelines prescribed under the RTI Act. On perusal of the weblink provided by the respondent, it is found that the list of scholarships and fellowships are mentioned at their website along with details such as name of scheme, objective of scheme, eligibility, number of slots, tenure, financial assistance. That being so, and the information already being available in the public domain, the Commission finds no scope for further intervention in the matter. Accordingly, the appeal is disposed of.

Copy of the decision be provided free of cost to the parties.

Sd/-

(Anandi Ramalingam) (आनंदी रामिलंगम) Information Commissioner (सूचना आयु ) Page 3 of 4 िदनांक/Date: 24.07.2025 Authenticated true copy O. P. Pokhriyal (ओ. पी. पोख रयाल) Dy. Registrar (उप पंजीयक) 011-26180514 Addresses of the parties:

1. The CPIO University Grants Commission, CPIO, RTI Cell, Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg, New Delhi -110002

2. Rupesh Kumar Jha Page 4 of 4 Recomendation(s) to PA under section 25(5) of the RTI Act, 2005:-

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