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Hans India
6 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Use RTI to seek reasons for public employment and policy deviations
Recently, an RTI questioner from Coimbatore sought some very useful information. The query was built around RTI's utility in questioning the re-employment order by the Department of Higher Education, with a focus on the use of RTI queries as a tool for public accountability. In a compelling example of how the Right to Information (RTI) Act can be used to challenge administrative decisions, a former professor and RTI activist has raised critical questions about a recent order issued by the Department of Higher Education in Tamil Nadu, which allows re-employment of certain college-level administrative officers beyond the age of superannuation. On July 31, the department issued an order permitting the re-employment of those engaged in administrative functions, even after crossing the age of 60 years. This move, based on a request from the Commissioner of Collegiate Education, sparked concern over its legality and consistency with existing government norms. RTI activist seeks answers: N R Ravisankar, an RTI activist and former Head of the Mathematics Department at CBM College, Coimbatore, submitted a formal representation to the Principal Secretary, Department of Higher Education, raising a red flag on the order. He cited Government Order (G.O.) 192 dated November 12, 2024, which had categorically barred re-employment for such positions beyond the age of 60. Prof. Ravisankar argues that the new order contradicts this amendment to G.O. 92, which states: 'Every government servant in the superior as well as basic service shall retire from service on the afternoon of the last day of the month in which they attain the age of 60 years. They shall not be retained in service after that age.' Questions raised under RTI: The activist's move highlights how RTI can be effectively used to demand transparency and rationale behind policy reversals or deviations. Through RTI applications and petitions, the following key questions can be posed to the Department of Higher Education and relevant authorities: Did the Higher Education Department consult the Law Department before issuing this July 31 G.O.? If yes, provide copies of such legal opinions. Has any review committee or expert panel been constituted to examine the impact of re-employment on governance, recruitment opportunities for younger candidates, and institutional autonomy? How many officials have been re-employed under this new order? Please provide a district-wise list with names, designations, and dates of reappointment. Was the re-employment order placed before the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly or its relevant committee for oversight, especially in light of its policy implications? Is there any provision under existing UGC regulations or the Tamil Nadu Government Servants' Conduct Rules that permits administrative staff to continue beyond superannuation age, specifically in aided colleges? What was the rationale behind cancelling re-employment in an earlier instance—such as the case of a government-aided college in Coimbatore where a new principal was directed to be appointed upon the previous incumbent's retirement? Does the July 31, 2025 G.O. apply to government-aided institutions as well? If yes, how does this comply with the statutory and financial norms applicable to such institutions? Legal and ethical dilemma: Prof Ravisankar underscores that such re-employment orders not only defy the retirement age rule but also block opportunities for younger aspirants in the education sector. 'If the rule is clear that retirement is mandatory at 60, how can administrative exceptions be allowed selectively? It defeats the very purpose of uniformity and public interest in service rules,' he said in his representation. His RTI-based challenge exemplifies how citizens and professionals can act as watchdogs over executive discretion, especially in sectors like education, where transparency and accountability are vital for fair governance. An administrative question: Whether the Department of Higher Education will issue a clarification or revoke the July 31 order remains to be seen. To reinforce the utility of the Right to Information (RTI) in questioning government re-employment policies post-superannuation, we can refer to a landmark decision by this author (Prof. (Dr.) M. Sridhar Acharyulu, former Central Information Commissioner (CIC)). This answer underscored citizens' right to seek reasons and file queries regarding public employment and policy deviations, especially those affecting transparency and equal opportunity. In File No: CIC/SA/A/2016/001978, the CIC ruled that: 'Public authorities are bound to give reasons for selection, extension, or re-employment of public servants, especially when there is a departure from standard procedure or existing policy.' This judgment arose in the context of an RTI applicant seeking details about the re-employment of a retired officer in a central government department. The Central Information Commission directed the public authority to: Disclose the note sheets and file notings showing the rationale for re-employment. Provide copies of approval orders, correspondence, and minutes of meetings that led to the decision. Clarify whether any rules were relaxed or amended to allow such re-employment. In his detailed reasoning, he emphasised: 'When a government servant is re-employed post-retirement, especially when young and qualified aspirants are awaiting regular appointments, the authorities must place on record the compelling public interest that justified such a move.' This principle is directly relevant to the July 31, 2025 re-employment order issued by the Tamil Nadu Department of Higher Education. Based on that ruling, the following implications arise: Citizens can question: Activists like Prof Ravisankar can seek: 1. The file notings, justifications, and correspondence from the Higher Education Department and Collegiate Education Commissioner-On whether any rules under G.O. 92 or G.O. 192 were amended or bypassed. 2. Lack of transparency violates the RTI mandate-If the July 31 order does not disclose public interest justifications, it could be seen as arbitrary or opaque, inviting challenge under RTI as well as judicial review. 3. Re-employment must serve public interest, not individual continuity-As noted in the order: Public offices are not meant for the convenience of individuals but for the service of the public. 4. RTI is a tool to uphold equality and fair opportunity-Re-employment of individuals beyond 60, without open recruitment or advertisement, raises serious concerns about denial of opportunity to eligible younger candidates, which can be pursued through RTI. Activists or citizens can file RTIs asking for: Copy of the July 31 G.O. with background file notes and recommendations; Details of consultation with the Law Department, if any. This judgment of CIC affirms that RTI is a powerful legal mechanism to challenge arbitrary re-employment, demand transparency in administrative decisions, and protect the rights of deserving aspirants. In the current Tamil Nadu case, this precedent strengthens the position of public-spirited individuals like Prof Ravisankar in ensuring that public policy does not become a tool for preferential or non-transparent governance. (The writer is a former CIC and Advisor, School of Law, Mahindra University, Hyderabad)
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
19 urban health and wellness centres in Coimbatore await inauguration
Coimbatore: As many as 19 urban health and wellness centres (UHWCs) in Coimbatore -- whose construction work has been completed and staff members have been recruited -- are awaiting inauguration. The Coimbatore city municipal corporation has 32 urban primary health centres (UPHC). The Tamil Nadu govt has constructed 19 UHWCs in Coimbatore to enhance the health services in the city. They include those in Ganapathy Maa Nagar, Townhall, Olympus, Ondipudur, Rathinapuri, Selvapuram, Kovilmedu and Pappanaickenpalayam. The state govt spent Rs 25 lakh for the construction of each centre, The construction work of the wellness centres was completed at least six months ago. More than 70 people have joined various postings including doctors, staff nurses, health inspectors and housekeeping staff members, in the 19 centres. "The state govt has completed the recruitment of staff members for the UHWCs. They include doctors, staff nurses and other cadres who will work on a contract basis. The centres will help the poor people. The centres were expected to be inaugurated by the chief minister M K Stalin last month, but it was postponed," said an official. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Commenting on this delay, N R Ravisankar, an activist in Cheran Maa Nagar, questioned the public health preparedness of the corporation. "Public health is very important. While there are high possibilities of monsoon infections like dengue and flu, the lack of these facilities forces the public to opt for private hospitals and clinics. Medical expenses in the private sector are not affordable, and many people fail to avail proper treatment. If these facilities are open, people from all walks of life can get better healthcare at the earliest, that too free of cost." said Ravisankar. A senior corporation official said, "The situation is the same across the state, with 208 centres awaiting inauguration." Meanwhile, all the staff members recruited for these 19 centres are on duty at various urban primary health centres. Stalin in 2022 announced the establishment of 708 urban health and wellness centres across Tamil Nadu, with 72 centres allocated to the Coimbatore district. Of this, 64 centres fall under the jurisdiction of the city corporation, of which 45 have been open to the public.
Time of India
16-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
19 urban health and wellness centres in Coimbatore awaiting inauguration
COIMBATORE: As many as 19 urban health and wellness centres (UHWCs) in Coimbatore -- whose construction work has been completed and staff members have been recruited -- are awaiting inauguration. The Coimbatore city municipal corporation has 32 urban primary health centres (UPHC). The Tamil Nadu govt has constructed 19 UHWCs in Coimbatore to enhance the health services in the city. They include those in Ganapathy Maa Nagar, Townhall, Olympus, Ondipudur, Rathinapuri, Selvapuram, Kovilmedu and Pappanaickenpalayam. The state govt spent Rs 25 lakh for the construction of each centre, The construction work of the wellness centres was completed at least six months ago. More than 70 people have joined various postings including doctors, staff nurses, health inspectors and housekeeping staff, across the 19 centres. 'The state govt has completed the recruitment of staff members for the UHWCs. They include doctors, staff nurses and other cadres who will work on a contract basis. The centres will help the poor people. The centres were expected to be inaugurated by the chief minister MK Stalin last month, but it was postponed. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Here's A List Of Cheapest Steel Suppliers In 2025 (See List) Steel Suppliers | search ads Search Now Undo So far, the city municipal corporation and public health department have not taken any initiatives to open the UHWCs,' said an official. Commenting on this delay, N R Ravisankar, an activist in Cheran Maa Nagar, questioned the public health preparedness of the corporation. 'While they look into roads and drains, public health is very important. While there are high possibilities of monsoon infections like dengue and flu, the lack of these facilities forces the public to opt for private hospitals and clinics. Medical expenses in the private sector are not affordable, and many people fail to avail proper treatment. If these facilities are open, people from all walks of life can get better healthcare at the earliest, that too free of cost.' said Ravisankar. Briefing on the delay, a senior corporation official said, 'The situation is the same across the state, with 208 centres awaiting inauguration.' Meanwhile, all the staff recruited for these 19 centres are on duty at various urban primary health centres. Chief minister M K Stalin in 2022 announced the establishment of 708 urban health and wellness centres across Tamil Nadu, with 72 centres allocated to the Coimbatore district. Of this, 64 centres fall under the jurisdiction of the city corporation, of which 45 have been open to the public.
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Stick to HC restriction on re-employment of college teachers after 60, RTI activist urges Higher Education Department
A Coimbatore-based RTI activist has made a representation to the Commissioner of Collegiate Education, urging a clear directive specifying the High Court's restriction on re-employment of college teachers beyond the age of 60. Referring to the Madras High Court verdict on October 4, 2024, in a case concerning the extension of service granted by the management of an aided college in Coimbatore to the principal who had reached the age of superannuation on June 5, N R Ravisankar - formerly Associate Professor and Head, Department of Mathematics, CBM College, Coimbatore - said that retirement should not be deferred merely because it falls shortly after the academic year begins. The judgment read, 'Just because a person retires a few days after the academic year commences, the services should not be extended by taking advantage of the Government Order. The objective behind the Government Order has to be appreciated, and the extension of service must take place by considering the letter and spirit behind it.' The judgment said that the retirement of the seventh respondent (the principal), which occurred at the beginning of the academic year, cannot be construed as falling in the middle of the academic year, and accordingly, the Government Order should not have been applied in the case. The third respondent (Director of Collegiate Education) has completely lost sight of this and has mechanically granted extension, the judgement said. The sixth respondent (college management) was directed to complete the process of appointing a new principal within six months from the date of judgement. The amendment in Government Order 92 of the HRM Department states, 'Every government servant in the superior as well as basic service shall retire on the afternoon of the last day of attainment of the age of sixty years.' Interpreting the judgment differently and permitting re-employment beyond the age of 60 would amount to 'disobedience to law', causing loss to the exchequer and warranting unnecessary legal wrangles, Prof. Ravishankar said in his representation, copies of which were forwarded to the Regional Joint Directors of Collegiate Education at Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, Tiruchi, Tirunelveli and Vellore. This was the right time for the issuance of necessary proceedings, for any further delay would complicate matters, and lead colleges to seek re-employment at their convenience, ignoring the intent of the High Court directive.
