Latest news with #GujaratInformationCommission
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Gujarat govt to provide first five pages of info free under RTI Act
Gandhinagar: The state govt has made significant changes in the system of govt departments providing information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. All departments are now directed to provide the first five pages of information sought under the RTI Act free of charge. On Wednesday, the govt announced that it issued a notification on May 13 this year, directing all departments to make changes in the method of providing information. Apart from providing information of up to five pages free, the govt has directed departments to properly classify records maintain them with an index and publish them appropriately on their websites. Moreover, the govt stated in the notification that when applicants are called for self-inspection of records, they should be allowed to take photos of only the information that can be provided and carry it on a portable storage device with no need to send it in physical form afterwards. The Gujarat Information Commission (GIC) made these recommendations to the state govt in its annual report for 2023-24, which was tabled in the budget session of the state assembly earlier this year. An official statement on Wednesday said that instructions have been given to departments to provide proactive disclosure (PAD) to citizens. "Records of actions taken by the state govt regarding illegal constructions and encroachments, and details of various permits, licences, approvals and authorizations granted should be proactively published," the statement said. Additionally, to keep applicants informed about the progress of their applications, all public authorities have been instructed to set up a system where applicants receive updates via message or email at each stage of approval after submitting an application.
Time of India
01-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Gujarat University accused of blocking RTI on finances of animation dept
Ahmedabad: Gujarat University 's animation department is embroiled in a dispute for refusing RTI requests on self-financed programmes . The university administration continues to withhold information despite directives from the Gujarat Information Commission and education department. Devdatt Rana, who filed an RTI application in 2023, requested financial documentation, audit statements and course details from the mobile applications department within the animation faculty. The then-coordinator Kamaljeet Lakhtariya rejected the application, stating self-financed courses were exempt. Lakhtariya, currently imprisoned for a substantial financial fraud, is suspected of intentionally concealing RTI information. You Can Also Check: Ahmedabad AQI | Weather in Ahmedabad | Bank Holidays in Ahmedabad | Public Holidays in Ahmedabad The RTI appeal established that state universities must provide information under the RTI Act, regardless of whether they operate private or self-financed courses. Following the Gujarat Information Commission's disclosure order, the department's name was changed to "Centre for Professional Courses" and the leadership was changed too. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending local enterprise accounting software [Click Here] Esseps Learn More Undo Rana contended that the new administration continues to avoid sharing the requested information, disregarding both the registrar's and information commission's orders. The situation has escalated to the extent that the principal secretary of education has directed the higher education commissioner to address the matter. Internal sources indicate the university consistently avoids proper RTI responses, often providing incomplete or inaccurate information when pressured. Rana has indicated his intention to pursue legal action in the high court if complete disclosure is not forthcoming. This ongoing situation highlights concerns about the university's transparency and public accountability practices.
