CIC orders Private schools to disclose information under RTI act

New Delhi: Now, private schools across the city cannot deny the information sought by anyone under the RTI act. The Central Information Commission (CIC) has declared that schoolsreceiving grants from the government come within the definition of "Public Authority" and thus come under the ambit of RTI act. The decision by CIC, according to sources, has given more powers in the hands of citizens, who for a very long time wanted private schools to provide them with the necessary information.

The first private educational institution to come under RTI scrutiny is Sanskriti School. The CIC on Tuesday ordered the school to disclose information under RTI act. The commission took this decision while hearing a petition filed by Ms Manju S. Kumar.

It must be noted that Ms. Kumar in July 2006 had sought details from the school about the contributions made to it by government and NGOs. She also sought details about admissions to class IX between March 15, 2006 and July 2006 and about all those children (of class VII) who secured a transfer during that period. Besides, Ms. Kumarwanted to know the profile of all the parents whose wards were studying in the school. The school, however, refused to divulge any information by saying that it does not come under the jurisdiction of "Public Authority".

The CIC on Tuesday rejected its contention and termed it a "Public Authority"on two grounds. Firstly, it receives grants from government and secondly, the wife of acabinet secretary is the ex-officio chairperson of the school's board of management.

According to CIC's order, the school has to provide all information to Ms. Kumar sought by her till February 15, 2007.


http://www.indiaedunews.net/Law/CIC_orders_Private_schools_to_disclose_information_under_RTI_act_338/

DCPCR working under pressure of Pvt. Public Schools.

A Commission in Delhi has also been set up under the Act for ensuring the rights of children. Hence it is the responsibility of the Delhi Commission for Protection of Childs Rights (DCPCR) to ensure the implementation of norms of RTE act 2009 & children get admitted to school.

A complaint was filed by aggrieved parents & Gyan Lakshay (NGO) with DCPCR on 13/02/2011, REGARDING COMPLAINTS OF DEPRIVATION AND VIOLATION OF CHILD RIGHTS, NON- IMPLEMENTATION OF LAWS AND NON-COMPLIANCE POLICY DECISIONS, GUIDELINES OR INSTRUCTIONS & VIOLATION OF RTE ACT-2009 IN THE ACADEMIC SESSION 2011-2012 BY RICHMOND GLOBAL SCHOOL, PASCHIM VIHAR, NEW DELHI-110087.

However, it is extremely surprising that after three months, DCPCR has sent a letter on 23/05/2011 stating that “After examining the record of conduction of draw by the school, the enquiry team has found that the process of execution of draw was totally fair and transparent as per the norms and guidelines of the department of education and Right of Children to free and compulsory Education Act-2009.”

We are asking the questions:

• For whom is this Commission functioning - the   Public Schools or the CHILDREN?
• Is this Commission bound to work under pressure of the Public Schools management?
• Are the appointments being made just to oblige the people who are closer to the Government?
• Who is responsible for spoiling one year of these children?
• How will the children be compensated for this one year's loss?