New Delhi: Pointing out that MCD`s actions
in not keeping records of schools closed by it contrasted with
the government`s objectives under the Right to Education Bill,
the CIC has directed the civic body to furnish the details
sought by an RTI petitioner.
The case relates to an RTI application filed by one
Sanjay Gupta who wanted to know the number of schools closed
down by the civic body and the officials who passed such
orders.
Not getting satisfactory response from the corporation,
Gupta reached the transparency panel with an appeal.
"The respondent (MCD) states that it does not even have
records as to how and when the schools are being closed and on
what authority. The Commission realises that this is the level
of importance which MCD gives to its extremely important
functions to provide education to the children," Information
Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi lamented.
MCD School Inspector Jai Chand Srohiya who represented
the civic body during the hearing also said he had no means to
get information about the schools which have been closed.
"He (Gupta) states that there is a crying need for
education for children and the municipal corporation is
giving away its buildings and properties and closing down the
schools.
"When contrasted with the government`s objectives
under Right to Education Bill this seems to indicate lack of
any serious purpose in MCD," Gandhi mentioned in his order,
directing the Additional Commissioner (Education), MCD, Janak
Diggal to provide the information.
PTI
