Kollam: In a major move towards ensuring transparency in self-financing educational institutions, the Kerala State Information Commissioner, Dr S Sreekumar, has ruled that these institutions must follow the Right to Information (RTI) Act. This order clarifies that self-financing schools and colleges are required to provide information to the public, just like government institutions, under the RTI Act. The institutions have also been directed to appoint designated RTI officers immediately.
Student’s appeal for information
Also Read
The ruling came in response to an appeal filed by a student named Ancy, who had sought information from CSI Teacher Training Institute (TTI), a self-financing institution in Amaravila, Thiruvananthapuram. Ancy requested the copy of the TTI certificate register and admission records under the RTI Act. However, the institution had denied the request, citing that, being a self-financed entity, it was not bound by the RTI Act.
RTI Commission's ruling
The RTI Commission rejected this argument. The commission also ordered that the information requested by the student be provided within 15 days.
According to the commission, self-financing institutions operate under government authorisation. They are allowed to function based on laws passed by the legislature and are issued government-approved certificates. While the government does not pay staff salaries, these institutions still benefit from government resources, including free electricity and water. In this context, self-financing institutions will be regarded as public institutions.
Published: 11 Dec 2024, 07:46 am IST
Subscribe to our Newsletter
Disclaimer: Kindly avoid objectionable, derogatory, unlawful and lewd comments, while responding to reports. Such comments are punishable under cyber laws. Please keep away from personal attacks. The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of readers and not that of Mathrubhumi.