Ngp airport sees 12.24 lakh flyers in 2026 despite West Asia conflict: RTI

Times of India: Nagpur: Monday, 8^th June 2026.
The city's Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport has recorded over 12.22 lakh passengers between January and May this year, according to an RTI reply issued by MIHAN India Ltd.

The data has come as a positive beacon for Nagpur, highlighting steady air traffic movement despite geopolitical uncertainty caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict and a broader economic tightening influenced by calls for austerity by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
As per the RTI, the airport handled a total of 12.22 lakh passengers during the period, with 6.07 lakh arrivals and 6.15 lakh departures. The monthly trend shows relatively consistent traffic, with minor fluctuations across the first four months of the year.
In January 2026, the airport recorded 2.86 lakh passengers, followed closely by 2.82 lakh in February. March saw a moderate decline to 2.62 lakh passengers, while April further dipped to 2.5 lakh passengers. Up to May 15, the airport registered 1.39 lakh passengers.
Aviation observers note that the slight dip in March and April aligns with seasonal travel variations and possible adjustments in airline operations amid global fuel price volatility linked to West Asia tensions. Despite this, overall passenger demand has remained resilient, particularly in domestic sectors. The RTI also revealed non-scheduled air traffic activity at the airport. A total of 360 private aircraft and 183 helicopters landed at Nagpur airport between the same time frame.
In terms of financial performance, MIHAN India Ltd reported total revenue of Rs74.86 crore during the same period. This includes aeronautical income of Rs1,743.13 lakh, User Development Fee collections of Rs4,444.47 lakh, cargo (royalty) income of Rs93.50 lakh, and non-aeronautical income of Rs1,204.88 lakh.
The RTI further highlighted growth in cargo-related activity handled through MIHAN's cargo hub. The facility generated Rs4.80 crore from cargo (royalty) operations between January and mid-May. During this period, cargo movement included 1.235 metric tonnes of imports and 15.41 metric tonnes of exports.
Ashish Kale, president of the Association of Industrial Development, said that the data has, in fact, proven that Nagpur should get more flights, not cancellations. "Nagpur is growing as an aero-hub faster than other centres. The airlines should take cognisance of the fact that a majority of flights fly at 90% and above occpuancy, and there is a rising demand for aviation facilities here," he said.

Mental health concerns among resident doctors? RTI says 30 JIPMER PGs sought psychiatric consultation in 2025

Times of India: National: Monday, 8^th June 2026.
An RTI response from the Department of Psychiatry at Jawaharlal Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (JIPMER), Puducherry, allegedly discloses that 30 postgraduate medical students sought psychiatric consultation in 2025.

The information was provided in response to a Right to Information application seeking details about postgraduate students' duty hours, weekly offs and mental health support. According to the reply, "30 post graduate medical students (MD/MS) took Psychiatric consultation in the year 2025 (January 2025 – December 2025)," the RTI reply says, accoding to a post shared online.
— jsdass1978 (@jsdass1978)
For several other queries, including records relating to duty hours, weekly offs and the number of students who quit the course during 2025, the department responded that it did not have the information.
The post described JIPMER as a "toxic centre" and alleged that postgraduate students face harsh working conditions, excessive duty hours and ragging by senior residents in some departments. The post further claimed that junior doctors are often denied adequate rest and weekly offs.
The social media post specifically made allegations regarding the orthopaedics department, claiming that junior residents are subjected to long duty schedules and intense workplace pressure. It also urged resident doctors to report alleged violations through official grievance mechanisms and legal channels.
"PG ragging in JIPMER is very harsh almost in all clinical departments especially in Ortho. In Ortho no JR can get a week off for the first 180 days of ragging period and juniors are never allowed to eat brush and bathe. Also Ortho JRs have twice 36 hours cruel inhumane duty against residency scheme guidelines. HoD does nothing to alleviate the suffering. All done by senior PGs," the post read.
However, the RTI response itself does not establish any connection between psychiatric consultations and residency conditions, duty hours or ragging.

Legal Awareness Programme on RTI Act held at District Jail Bhaderwah

Jammu Links News: Jammu: Monday, 8^th June 2026.

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bhaderwah organized an awareness programme on the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 here at District Jail.
The programme was conducted by LADC Advocate Tahir Hussain Dar, under the direction of the Chairman and Secretary, DLSA, in presence of Superintendent, District Jail Hamidullah Naik.
The event witnessed active participation from jail inmates, police personnel and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) Renu Devi and Mohammad Afzal.
The participants were sensitized to the objectives, significance and key provisions of the RTI Act, 2005.
Detailed information was provided regarding the statutory right of citizens to seek information from public authorities, the procedure for filing RTI applications and the prescribed timelines for furnishing information under the Act.
Advocate Tahir Hussain Dar emphasized that the RTI Act serves as an important instrument for ensuring transparency, accountability and good governance.

Police ignore RTI query about RW’s UK visit

The island.lk: Sri Lanka: Monday, 8^th June 2026.
Police Headquarters hasn’t responded to a Right to Information (RTI) query regarding sending a team of police officers to the UK to investigate President Ranil Wickremesinghe visit in September, 2023.Sources said that the RTI request was made on 08 January, this year, by journalist Thilini Ranasinghe.

The above request was forwarded to the Senior Deputy Inspector General of the Criminal Investigation and Financial Crimes Investigation Unit on January 09, but the CID has not provided the above information to date.
The appeal application in this regard was forwarded to the Inspector General of Police on January 29.
According to the Right to Information Act, when such a request is made, all relevant details must be provided within a period of 14 days.
The delay in providing information on the money spent by the government on the police officers who visited England has raised serious suspicions in many quarters.
Responding to an inquiry in this regard, a leader of a major political party stated that the requested information is not being provided as the amount spent on the London visit by the police is equivalent to the amount stated by the Criminal Investigation Department that was spent on the visit of the VIII Executive President to England.
The government has alleged Wickremesinghe spent Rs 16.2 mn for his 2023 September UK visit.

All ministries publish mandatory information publicly for the first time : Shazma Thaufeeq

Edition.mv: Maldives: Monday, 8^th June 2026.
A senior government official noted that this marks the first time that all government ministries and the President's Office have made this information public.

Information Commissioner Ahid Rasheed stated today that all ministries have now publicly disclosed the information mandatory to be published by authorities under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, even without an RTI request.
A senior government official noted that this marks the first time that all government ministries and the President's Office have made this information public.
In a post on X accompanied by statistics, Ahid stated that the average for proactive disclosure, information that authorities must disclose on their own initiative under the RTI Act, has now reached 100 percent for the President's Office and 16 ministries of this administration.
He noted that previously, this average stood at 34 percent.
"Appreciate all the teams who worked on this," Ahid said.
"Compliance work might not be glamorous or high-profile. But it is essential baseline work. Reaching this milestone is not the end, it’s the beginning."
According to Ahid, the next steps to be taken are:

• Bringing all departments under the ministries to full compliance levels
• Maintaining and updating the published information
• Advancing towards higher conformance levels
• Ensuring all RTI requests receive timely responses

According to the RTI Act, every authority must, on its own initiative, publish a total of 13 categories of information at least once a year in a way that is easily accessible to the public, including the authority's organizational structure, the services provided, and information regarding the employees working at the institution.
This administration has consistently stated that the government will respond to all RTI requests submitted to obtain information.
According to the latest figures released by the government, a total of 288 RTI requests were submitted from May last year until the first of May this year. Out of these, responses had been provided for 233 RTI requests by that time.

CIC Cites 'Deliberate Resistance'; Orders MCD To Disclose Stray Dog Records, NGO Payments

ETV Bharat: New Delhi: Monday, 8^th June 2026.
The commission said that upfront public disclosure of information sought by the applicant would facilitate regular monitoring of ABC measures and promote transparency and accountability.

After a three-year RTI battle, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has found "determined and deliberate resistance" to disclosure of information by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) in a stray dog management case and imposed a Rs 25,000 penalty.
It also awarded Rs 10,000 compensation to the applicant and ordered proactive disclosure of records, including NGO payments, sterilisation and vaccination data. The order referred to the Supreme Court's May 19, 2026, verdict on the stray dog issue, which stressed the need to closely monitor the implementation of Animal Birth Control (ABC) measures through objectively verifiable data.
The CIC said upfront public disclosure of information sought by the applicant would facilitate regular monitoring of ABC measures and promote transparency and accountability.
The case arose from a December 2022 RTI application filed by Akshay Kumar Malhotra seeking information on animal welfare organisations engaged by the MCD, sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs, dog shelters, complaints received by authorities and expenditure incurred on such activities.
The commission said the information sought related to implementation of the animal birth control programme, payments made to NGOs, functioning of animal shelters, monitoring mechanisms and expenditure of public funds, much of which ought to have been proactively disclosed under Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act.
During the show-cause proceedings, the CIC observed that the respondents had "clearly evaded providing complete and relevant information on each of the queries and instead asked the appellant/complainant to approach the NGOs who executed the work. Obviously, such NGOs will tell him that they are not a public authority, and they will turn down any request from him," it said.
The commission further observed that despite its earlier directions, the respondent failed to place the information in the public domain and held that "the PIO stands in continued violation of hon'ble Apex Court's orders for upfront public disclosure as mandated under section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act".
"Respondent's determined and deliberate resistance to disclosure of information to the appellant/complainant and also for putting it particularly in the public domain is established beyond any doubt," the commission said.
The CIC directed the MCD commissioner to ensure proactive disclosure of information relating to animal birth control programmes, sterilisation and vaccination data, payments made to NGOs, contracts, monitoring committee details, shelter and kennel information, complaints received and action taken reports.
The commission also took note of the applicant's allegations that disclosure of his personal details to third parties had resulted in intimidation and harassment while he pursued information related to stray dog management in his locality. It observed that proactive disclosure of such information would reduce the possibility of "intimidation and harassment of individual information seekers".
Awarding compensation of Rs 10,000, the commission said the applicant had been deprived of timely access to information concerning "public health, public safety and expenditure of public funds" affecting his locality and was compelled to pursue first appeal, second appeal and show-cause proceedings for more than three years.
"The conduct of the respondent has resulted in unnecessary litigation and avoidable hardship to the appellant," the commission said.

HC refuses to stay order directing pvt schools to disclose fee details under RTI

The Times of India: Chennai: Sunday, 7^th June 2026.
Madras high court refused to stay the operation of a circular issued by the director of private schools instructing all the schools to display their fee structure on notice boards. The court has directed the govt to file its response to the plea.

Justice M Dhandapani passed the order on a plea moved by All India Association of Private Educational Institutions challenging the order passed by the director of private schools.
The court observed that schools could not refuse to disclose fee rates. Even provisions exempting disclosure under the Right to Information Act recognize the need to disclose information when larger public interest is involved, the court said. The judge adjourned the hearing to June 18.
On May 25, the Tamil Nadu State Information Commission directed the director of private schools to make it mandatory for all private schools across the state to display the fee structures approved by the govt on their notice boards.
In view of the commission’s direction, the state govt issued a circular on June 1 directing all private nursery, primary, matriculation, CBSE, and other board-affiliated schools to display their fee details on notice boards by June 5.
When the plea came up for hearing on Friday, the association contended that Supreme Court had held that Right to Information Act does not apply to private educational institutions, and the govt govt has no authority to regulate schools functioning under central education boards such as CBSE.
Opposing the plea, the state submitted that the direction to disclose fee details had been issued pursuant to the commission’s order and only individual schools, and not an association, could challenge the order.

RTI : Manipur crisis toll mounts: 731 deaths reported in relief camps, 43,000 still displaced

The Times of India: Imphal: Sunday, 7^th June 2026.
More than 700 internally displaced persons (IDPs), who were taking shelter in relief camps and pre-fabricated housing across Manipur, have died since the outbreak of violence in May 2023, according to information disclosed by the state home department under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The information was furnished to RTI appellant Hareshwar Goshwami, writer and political activist, on Friday, following directions of the Manipur Information Commission in Appeal Case No. 22 of 2026.
According to the district-wise data compiled by the home department from various district administrations, at least 731 displaced persons have died in relief camps and pre-fabricated housing facilities across nine districts.
Churachandpur reported the highest number of deaths at 248, followed by Bishnupur with 151, Kangpokpi with 128, Imphal West with 94, Kakching with 60, Imphal East with 25, Jiribam with 13, Thoubal with 11 and Tengnoupal with one death.
The RTI response also revealed that more than 43,000 people continue to live in relief camps and pre-fabricated housing across the state, three years after the conflict began. Kangpokpi district recorded the highest displaced population at 15,694, followed by Bishnupur with 10,092 and Churachandpur with 6,365 (as on April 30 this year).
The documents further recorded at least 25 unnatural deaths in relief camps and relief settlements.
In Churachandpur, six unnatural deaths were reported, including four drowning incidents, one electrocution case and one sexual assault case in which the accused was arrested. The district administration stated that counselling and awareness programmes were conducted following the incidents.
Imphal West reported four unnatural deaths, comprising two cases of hanging, one overdose and one death caused by a bullet injury.
The RTI disclosure also highlighted the health challenges faced by displaced families. Imphal East alone reported 217 inmates suffering from terminal diseases or incurable illnesses, while Imphal West reported 41 such patients and Bishnupur reported 26.
District administrations stated that various forms of assistance, including medical treatment, counselling, medicines, wheelchairs, air mattresses and financial support for surgeries, have been provided to affected camp residents.
The information was collected from district administrations in response to specific RTI queries relating to the number of IDPs housed in relief camps and pre-fabricated settlements, deaths among displaced persons, unnatural deaths and the status of inmates suffering from terminal or incurable illnesses.
The disclosure provides one of the most comprehensive official snapshots to date of the humanitarian impact of the ongoing displacement crisis in Manipur.

Chennai Mayor, Deputy Mayor and 75 per cent councillors yet to declare their assets as per law : RTI

The New Indian Express: Chennai: Sunday, 7^th June 2026.
The rules mandate that the declaration be furnished soon after the election and thereafter updated annually for the period ending March 31 every year.

Mayor R Priya and Deputy Mayor M Mageshkumar should have submitted asset details within 90 days of taking oath.Photo | Express

The Greater Chennai Corporation has stated that only 43 of its 200 councillors have furnished a statement of their assets and liabilities within the mandatory 90-day period from the date of taking oath. The names of Mayor R Priya and Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar also appear in the list of those who have failed to submit the details, according to an RTI reply dated June 2.
The RTI application was filed by advocate GM Shankar, a member of the state legal wing of Aam Aadmi Party. According to GCC’s reply, of the 157 councillors who had not furnished their assets and liabilities details since 2022, four had passed away between 2022 and 2023 K Saraswathi (ward 59), V Sheeba (ward 122), Nanjil Eshwar Prasad (ward 165) and Alapakkam K Shanmugam (ward 146). Two others KP Chokkalingam (ward 5) and V Babu (ward 189) have been dismissed from office.
According to Rule 2 of the CCMC Rules, 1973, all councillors, including the mayor and deputy mayor, must submit a declaration of all movable and immovable properties owned, acquired or inherited by them or their family members, as well as properties held on lease or mortgaged, along with details of the sources of acquisition. The rules mandate that the declaration be furnished soon after the election and thereafter updated annually for the period ending March 31 every year. Rule 3 adds that such details must be placed at the council meeting to be made a public document.
Also, Section 34-A of the TNULB Act (Amendment) 2022 or Rule 183 of the TNULB Rules, 2023, requires every councillor, including the Mayor and Deputy Mayor, to disclose details of their movable and immovable assets, as well as liabilities of themselves, their spouse and dependent children, within ‘90 days of taking the oath.’
The provision aims to ensure transparency and accountability among elected representatives. It was also noted that the corporation commissioner is responsible for keeping the record of such details.
Speaking to TNIE, a personal assistant to a corporation councillor who has furnished details said, “Every year, the corporation used to provide us with a form to declare movable and immovable assets and liabilities. Since 2022, we have submitted the details three times. However, we did not receive the form either last year or this year, and therefore the details were not furnished,” the assistant said.
Shankar said the disclosure requirement was introduced to promote transparency, accountability, and curb corrupt practices among elected representatives. “While it is encouraging that 43 councillors have complied with the rule, it is concerning that more than three-fourths of the councillors have failed to furnish their asset and liability details. More importantly, Mayor R Priya and Deputy Mayor M Magesh Kumaar, who should set an example for other councillors, have themselves not submitted the disclosures,” he said.
Responding to the RTI findings, Magesh Kumaar told TNIE that he was unaware of the requirement as neither he nor his office had received any circular or form seeking the disclosure of such details. After checking with the commissioner, he said, “We came to know about the requirement only now. I’ve been an income tax payer for the past 30 years. I would have submitted the details if I had received such notice before. We are not sure how it was missed. I will submit the details by Monday or Tuesday,” he said.
Mayor Priya did not respond to calls. GCC Commissioner GS Sameeran could not be reached for a comment.

Illegal Motorised Shikaras on Dal Lake Threaten Livelihoods, RTI Exposes Regulatory Failure : By Javed Shah

Good morning, Kashmir: Srinagar: Sunday, 7^th June 2026.
Members of the motor boat community allege that the practice has flourished unchecked despite repeated complaints to the authorities

What was once seen as a contest between traditional transport and modern technology has now emerged as a question of law enforcement and regulatory accountability. Ironically, in this case, the “machine” appears to be operating outside the law while authorities remain silent spectators.
Fresh revelations obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act have brought to light the growing menace of illegally motorised shikaras operating on the world-famous Dal Lake. According to stakeholders, several shikaras have clandestinely fitted small engines in violation of existing regulations, allowing them to ferry tourists at higher speeds while undermining the livelihood of licensed motor boat operators.
Members of the motor boat community allege that the practice has flourished unchecked despite repeated complaints to the authorities. They argue that illegal motorised shikaras are not only violating established rules but are also creating unfair competition for those who have invested heavily in licensed motor boats and comply with all regulatory requirements.
Raising serious concerns, Rafiq Ahmad, President of the Motor Boat Association Nishat, said the revelations exposed through the RTI have vindicated long-standing complaints of the association.
“It is the duty of the Tourism Police and other concerned agencies to uphold the law and act against violators. Unfortunately, despite clear violations taking place in broad daylight, there appears to be no willingness to crack down on offenders,” he said.
Ahmad questioned why authorities had failed to initiate action despite being fully aware of the illegal modifications being carried out on shikaras. He alleged that the continued inaction had emboldened violators and pushed many legitimate motor boat owners towards financial distress.
“The law cannot have two yardsticks. If licensed operators are expected to follow every rule, then those illegally converting shikaras into motorised vessels must also be held accountable,” he added.
The issue has sparked resentment among motor boat owners, who claim their business has suffered significantly as tourists increasingly opt for illegally motorised shikaras offering quicker rides at lower operational costs.
Repeated attempts by GMK to seek a response from officials of the Tourism Department regarding the RTI findings and allegations of lax enforcement evoked no response.
With Dal Lake being one of Kashmir’s most iconic tourist attractions, stakeholders argue that unchecked violations not only threaten the livelihoods of hundreds of families dependent on the motor boat sector but also raise serious questions about governance, transparency and the rule of law in the Valley’s tourism industry.

Funds under scanner: RTI questions utilisation of Green Tax in Manali.

Tribune India: Abhinav Vashisht: Manali: Saturday, June 06, 2026.

Manali’s Tourism Development Council (TDC) has come under scrutiny following disclosures obtained under the Right to Information (RTI) Act that indicate a significant portion of the Green Tax collected from tourists is being spent on salaries and administrative expenAccording to information secured by Punjab-based advocate and RTI activist Kamal Anand, the TDC collected approximately Rs 14.71 crore through Green Tax over the past 21 months. However, expenditure details obtained through the RTI reveal that a substantial share of the revenue was spent on manpower. 

More than Rs 3.65 crore was paid as remuneration to Home Guards deployed for traffic management during the period, while nearly Rs 1 crore was spent on salaries of ex-servicemen and outsourced staff posted at Green Tax barriers.

The Green Tax, imposed under a government notification issued in May 2004, is levied on vehicles entering Manali. Tourists pay Rs 100 for two-wheelers, Rs 200 for cars and jeeps, Rs 300 for multi-utility vehicles and Rs 500 for buses. The notification envisages the use of these funds for developing tourist facilities and environmental infrastructure, including parking areas, public toilets, parks and other civic amenities.

In contrast, spending on public amenities appears limited. RTI records show that only Rs 3.67 lakh was spent on the maintenance of toilets at Aloo Ground and the Hadimba Temple area. Although the council earned an additional revenue of nearly Rs 25 lakh from parking operations, major infrastructure projects such as a foot overbridge at Ram Bagh Chowk and an escalator connecting Mall Road remain at the proposal or approval stage.

Anand said the Green Tax was introduced primarily to address environmental concerns and improve facilities for visitors. He argued that the available figures suggest the funds have been underutilised for environmental purposes and infrastructure creation. He also pointed out that tourists paying the Green Tax are entitled to free parking under the notification, but the lack of adequate parking facilities has rendered the provision largely ineffective.

The RTI activist has sought greater transparency in the functioning of the council and indicated that further RTI applications would be filed to obtain complete financial records. The disclosures have sparked fresh debate over whether the sizeable Green Tax collections are being utilised in accordance with the objectives for which the levy was originally introduced.ses rather than on environmental protection and tourism infrastructure, the primary objectives behind the levy.

Madras High Court refuses to stay circular mandating private schools in T.N. to display fee structure on notice boards

The Hindu: Mohamed Imranullah S., TN: Saturday, June 06, 2026.

The Madras High Court on Friday (June 5, 2026) refused to grant an interim stay on a circular issued by the Director of Private Schools on June 1, 2026, which instructed all private schools in Tamil Nadu to display their fee structures on their notice boards.

Justice M. Dhandapani rejected the plea for interim relief and said, he would prefer to take up for final hearing, after two weeks, a writ petition filed by All India Private Educational Institutions Association, represented by its general secretary K. Palaniappan of Chennai.

The petitioner association had challenged the June 1 circular, as well as Tamil Nadu Information Commission’s (TNIC) May 25, 2026, order, based on which the circular had been issued. It had urged the court to quash the TNIC’s order and the circular and stay them until the disposal of the main case.

What is the case about?

The court was informed that an individual named M. Liyakath Ali had in 2022 filed an application under the Right to Information Act of 2005, seeking information regarding the fee structure of private schools. The application was addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO)/Personal Assistant to Coimbatore Chief Educational Officer.

The PIO forwarded the application to the District Education Officer (DEO) who, in turn, forwarded it further to the individual schools in the district. Aggrieved over it, the applicant had taken the matter on second appeal before the TNIC and complained about the information not having been given to him.

The TNIC issued wide-ranging directions on the matter on May 25, 2026. It was in compliance with those directions that the Director of Private Schools had issued the circular under challenge, mandating all private schools to display their fee structures on their notice boards, the petitioner association said.

Assailing the TNIC’s order and the circular on various grounds, the association said, such directions and instructions had been issued without analysing whether the RTI Act would apply to private unaided educational institutions and whether those institutions would fall under the definition of the term ‘public authority.’

The petitioner’s counsel said, it also had to be analysed whether the TNIC had exceeded its jurisdiction under the RTI Act by passing suo motu directions of a legislative and regulatory character amounting to a general policy mandate for all private schools functioning in the State.

After hearing the preliminary arguments, the judge decided to take up the writ petition for final disposal pursuant to the filing of counter affidavits by the respondents.

Punjab info panel raps Amritsar MC over missing 75-shop tower records : By Hillary Victor

Hindustan Times: Chandigarh: Friday, 5^th June 2026.
The Punjab State Information Commission has questioned the mechanism to tackle illegal constructions and violations of building norms

The matter arose from a right to information (RTI) application filed by Amritsar resident Om Prakash Chitkara, who sought detailed information concerning Ganpati Tower. (HT)

The Punjab State Information Commission (PSIC) has expressed serious concern over the inability of the Amritsar municipal corporation (MC) to trace official records relating to Ganpati Tower, a prominent five-storey commercial complex on Lawrence Road, while raising larger questions about the civic body’s capacity to detect and act against illegal constructions and violations of building norms.
In a strongly worded order, chief information commissioner Inderpal Singh criticised the repeated stand taken by the town planning wing of the municipal corporation that sanctioned building plans and related records could only be retrieved through general registration (GR) numbers or specific file numbers, and not through the name or address of a property.
The commission termed the explanation untenable and observed that such a position undermines the very framework of urban planning enforcement. It questioned how municipal authorities could identify unauthorised constructions or investigate violations of sanctioned building plans if basic property details were insufficient to trace official records.
The matter arose from a right to information (RTI) application filed by Amritsar resident Om Prakash Chitkara, who sought detailed information concerning Ganpati Tower. The information requested included ownership details, sanctioned building plans, parking provisions, details of any deviations from approved plans, and records of taxes collected from the property since 2007.
Despite multiple hearings spread over more than two years, the town planning wing continued to maintain that the absence of a GR number prevented retrieval of the records sought under the RTI Act.
Taking a stern view of the matter, the commission observed that if the municipal body’s argument were accepted, action against unauthorised constructions could never be initiated unless property owners themselves disclosed the relevant file numbers. Such an interpretation, the Commission noted, would be contrary to the powers vested in municipal authorities under the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976, and the Punjab Building Bye-Laws, 2018, which empower the Commissioner to stop, demolish, or penalise illegal constructions.
The commission further noted that the issue transcended a single property and raised broader concerns regarding transparency, record management and enforcement of building regulations across the state.
In its latest order, the commission directed several senior officials to submit detailed sworn affidavits before the next hearing. These include the chief town planner, municipal town planners, superintendent of the licensing branch, superintendent of property tax and officials of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL).
The affidavits are expected to provide information regarding the availability of records, issuance of completion certificates, property tax assessments and payments, licensing records, and electricity connections associated with Ganpati Tower.
The commission has also sought details on whether legacy municipal records were digitised before the introduction of the E-Naksha portal and has asked officials to identify the custodians responsible for maintaining the relevant files over the years.
The order records that municipal authorities did not conduct any site inspection of the commercial complex, stating that no formal complaint had been received regarding the building. However, the Commission rejected this justification, pointing out that the RTI application itself had raised concerns regarding inadequate parking arrangements at the busy commercial establishment.
The commission also referred to an earlier hearing in which disciplinary action was recommended against the Superintendent of the Establishment Branch of the municipal corporation for allegedly wilfully failing to comply with directions issued by the commission.
When contacted, MC commissioner Bikramjit Singh Shergill said he was not aware of the matter and would examine the case.
All departments concerned have been directed to submit their reports and affidavits before the next hearing scheduled for July 8.

NTA has no clear record of NEET reform implementation, reveals RTI

India Today: New Delhi: Friday, 5^th June 2026.
Nearly two years after NEET reform recommendations, an RTI reply sought by India Today has raised questions over how much has actually been implemented, as NTA says it has no consolidated record of progress despite public claims of major reforms.

Nearly two years after a high-level committee submitted 101 recommendations to overhaul the National Testing Agency (NTA) following the NEET controversy, an RTI reply has revealed a key gap in the system: the agency does not have a consolidated, point-wise record showing what has actually been implemented.
The disclosure has raised fresh questions over how NEET reforms are being tracked, especially at a time when multiple authorities have publicly claimed that a large portion of the recommendations have already been carried out.
WHAT NTA SAID IN THE RTI REPLY
In response to an RTI query filed by India Today, the NTA said that it does not have a finalised, consolidated document that shows the implementation status of each of the 101 recommendations made by the K Radhakrishnan Committee.
The RTI reply stated, "K. Radhakrishnan Committee recommendations are under various stages of examination and implementation. The process of implementation is ongoing and involves coordination among multiple stakeholders, technical agencies, and examination authorities. A finalised and consolidated point-wise status report indicating completion of implementation of each recommendation has not been prepared as on date."
It clearly stated that a point-wise status report mapping each recommendation to its implementation stage has not been prepared.
Because such a document does not exist in the requested format, the NTA said the information could not be provided under the RTI Act.
It added, "Accordingly, the information sought is not available in the form requested. Therefore, the requested information cannot be furnished under the RTI Act, 2005."
NO CLEAR TRACKING SYSTEM
The RTI reply also indicates that there is no single public tracker or consolidated report that shows which reforms have been completed, which remain pending, and what timelines are being followed.
This includes key areas such as improvements in question paper security, systems for transport and storage of exam materials, and reforms related to computer-based or hybrid examination models.
In short, while implementation is said to be ongoing, there is no structured document available that breaks down progress item by item.
CLAIMS OF PROGRESS FROM OFFICIALS
The RTI response comes in contrast with repeated public statements from senior officials and institutions.
Former ISRO chairman K Radhakrishnan, in an affidavit submitted to the Supreme Court, said that a majority of the 101 recommendations had either been implemented or were under active execution.
These reforms reportedly include Aadhaar-based biometric authentication, multi-layer frisking at exam centres, expanded CCTV surveillance, use of mobile signal jammers, state-level coordination committees, and deployment of data analytics tools to detect suspicious examination patterns.
He also noted that a gradual shift towards computer-based testing for NEET is part of the long-term reform roadmap.
Earlier, a parliamentary standing committee was reportedly informed that around 75 per cent of the recommendations had already been implemented.
Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has also publicly stated that around 70 per cent of the reforms have been implemented, while acknowledging that there had been a breach in the command chain and corrective steps are underway.
THE MISSING DOCUMENT
Despite these repeated claims, the RTI reply suggests that the NTA does not maintain any consolidated, publicly accessible document that matches each recommendation with its exact implementation status.
This means there is currently no official record available that clearly shows what has been completed, what is pending, and where delays exist in the reform process.
TRANSPARENCY QUESTION REMAINS
While the NTA maintains that the reform process is ongoing, the RTI response leaves an important question unanswered: If 70 to 75 per cent of the recommendations have truly been implemented, as claimed publicly, why is there still no verified, point-wise record showing exactly what has been done and what remains pending?

NMC silent on action against medical colleges flouting stipend regulations: RTIs reveal

New Indian Express: New Delhi: Friday, 5^th June 2026.
The NMC also failed to provide details of medical colleges that had paid stipends to postgraduate students but later allegedly withdrew them.

A series of RTI applications filed by Kerala-based RTI activist Dr K V Babu on the stipend issue have received evasive replies from the NMC regarding action taken against medical colleges. (Express Illustration)

The National Medical Commission (NMC) has remained silent on the action taken over the past three years against medical colleges for allegedly flouting regulations on stipends for interns and postgraduate students, a series of RTI replies have revealed.
This comes despite the Supreme Court pulling up the NMC over delays in furnishing a reply on a plea alleging that 70 per cent of medical colleges in the country do not pay stipends to MBBS interns.
What is notable is that, while the NMC has periodically issued public notices announcing action against erring medical colleges on the stipend issue, it has failed to share details when sought through RTI applications or by the apex court.
A series of RTI applications filed by Kerala-based RTI activist Dr K V Babu on the stipend issue have received evasive replies from the NMC regarding action taken against medical colleges, both government and private, for allegedly violating the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations (MSMER), 2023.
The NMC is mandated to take action against medical colleges for violations of the MSMER, 2023, which clearly state that if any regulation, including non-payment of stipends to interns and postgraduate students, is breached, several measures can be taken against the institution. These include closure or the imposition of heavy fines.
Speaking with this newspaper, Dr Babu said, “When the documents are sought under the RTI Act, the NMC is evasive. I had been repeatedly saying the NMC is for the 'ease of doing business' of medical college management and never for paying legitimate stipends to interns & PGs.”
“Though MSMER 2023 was gazetted in September 2023, there is not even a single instance of any action taken against erring medical colleges in the public domain,” he said.
The Kerala-based ophthalmologist, in an RTI application, sought information on action taken by the Boards/NMC against medical colleges for non-compliance with MSMER, 2023, from September 19, 2023, to date. However, the Commission replied on April 7, stating that the “information is not available in compiled form”.
Not satisfied with the response, Dr Babu, who has been pursuing the stipend issue for several years, filed an appeal. In its May 13 reply, the NMC again did not share the details sought and instead referred him to two earlier notices relating to action against erring medical colleges.
The NMC also failed to provide details of medical colleges that had paid stipends to postgraduate students but later allegedly withdrew them.
In its 2023 survey, the NMC shared data on 7,901 postgraduate students from 213 self-financed or private medical colleges across 19 states.
The survey found that 16 per cent of postgraduate students had to return their stipend to the college management.
However, the Commission has never identified these private medical colleges despite several RTI applications seeking the information.
“In 2023, the NMC refused to disclose the names of the medical colleges which took back the PG stipend. When asked again, the NMC CPIO says the records are not available in compiled form. However, they are simultaneously highlighting the so-called penalty of Rs 1 crore imposed on seven medical colleges for failing to submit the details in March. But they refuse to share more when details are sought,” Dr Babu said.

CIC directs railways to provide Amrit Bharat Station redevelopment records under RTI

Moneycontrol: New Delhi: Friday, 5^th June 2026.
The commission also cautioned the Public Information Officer to exercise due care while invoking exemption clauses and ensure that information is not denied without proper justification, especially in matters involving public interest and public accountability.

The CIC directed the railway authorities to provide a revised point-wise reply and furnish the requested information free of cost after severing any commercially sensitive details, if required, in accordance with the RTI Act.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has directed the West Central Railway to furnish records related to redevelopment and construction works carried out at a railway station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, stating the information could not be denied under provisions relating to personal information and commercial confidence.
The directive followed a complaint seeking copies of documents concerning the redevelopment of the Narmadapuram railway station in Madhya Pradesh, including work orders, estimates, drawings, and related records under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The railway authorities had denied the information citing exemptions under Sections 8(1)(j) and 8(1)(d) of the Act.
During the hearing, the respondent railway officials submitted that the information sought was exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act. However, they voluntarily agreed to provide a revised reply to the complainant in response to the RTI application. Information Commissioner Swagat Das pulled up the railway authorities for denying the information, holding that the rejection under Section 8(1)(j), which deals with personal information, was ”misplaced and untenable” as the provision had ”no applicability in the present case”.
The commission also found that Section 8(1)(d), relating to commercial confidence, had been invoked in a ”mechanical and unjustified manner” without demonstrating how disclosure would harm the competitive position of any third party. Observing that the information sought related to redevelopment works at a railway station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and utilisation of public funds, the commission said such details ”squarely fall within the ambit of larger public interest”. ”The Commission takes a serious view of such casual and improper denial of information, particularly in matters involving public works and transparency in governance,” the order said.
The CIC directed the railway authorities to provide a revised point-wise reply and furnish the requested information free of cost after severing any commercially sensitive details, if required, in accordance with the RTI Act. The commission also cautioned the Public Information Officer to exercise due care while invoking exemption clauses and ensure that information is not denied without proper justification, especially in matters involving public interest and public accountability.

DEO asked to appear before State Information Commission for not providing information sought under RTI

The Hindu: Madurai: Friday, 5^th June 2026.
The State Information Commission has directed a District Educational Officer to appear before it for furnishing acceptable reasons for not providing the information sought by a petitioner under the Right to Information Act.

When P. G. Pitchaiah of Ilanji in the district submitted a petition under Right to Information Act on April 21, 2023 with the then District Educational Officer Arulanandam, the information officer, seeking copy of the documents detailing the movable properties under the custody of the Committee administering Ilanji Ramasamy Pillai Higher Secondary School between the academic years from 2017 to 2021, it was not provided.
Subsequently, Mr. Pitchaiah filed an appeal with the Chief Educational Officer Muthaiah on May 26, 2023, who too did not give any reply.
Aggrieved, the petitioner preferred the second appeal with the State Information Commission on June 27, 2023. As this petition was taken-up for inquiry on April 15 last, the State Information Commission observed as to why the fine of ₹25,000 should not be imposed on the Mr. Arulanandam, the information officer, for not providing the information sought by the petitioner. The Commission directed the DEO to appear before the Commission on June 12 to submit his explanation in black and white.
The Commission also has awarded the compensation of ₹10,000 to Mr. Pitchaiah.

Give directions to BMC and MMRDA to start online RTI portal; activist urges Chief Information Commissioner, Maharashtra

Times of India: Mumbai: Friday, 5^th June 2026.
RTI activist Anil Galgali has urged Chief Information Commissioner Rahul Pandey to issue necessary directions for the introduction of dedicated online RTI portals for BMC and MMRDA. At the moment, both these top agencies do not have any online RTI portals. Galgali said while several govt departments in Maharashtra have already adopted online RTI systems, citizens continue to face inconvenience due to the absence of comprehensive online RTI mechanisms in these two major institutions.

“The discussion focused on the current status of RTI applications, first appeals and second appeals filed before public authorities across Maharashtra, pending cases and the challenges faced by citizens in accessing information. Various measures aimed at enhancing transparency, accountability and efficiency in the RTI system were also deliberated upon. I urged him to give necessary directions for the introduction of dedicated online RTI portals for BMC and MMRDA,” Galgali said.
Galgali proposed the creation of a public database containing RTI applications, replies provided by departments, documents disclosed and decisions rendered under the RTI Act. “Such a database would reduce the need for repeated applications seeking similar information and would further strengthen transparency in governance. We also discussed concerns regarding the growing number of second appeals being filed by a single applicant in large volumes. It was observed that such cases place an additional burden on the Commission’s functioning and may impact the timely disposal of appeals filed by other citizens,” Galgali said.
Galgali said Pandey emphasised that all public authorities in the state must strictly comply with Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005. “Pandey stated that the Commission is taking necessary steps to ensure that maximum information is made available to citizens through proactive disclosure. Effective implementation of Section 4, he noted, would significantly reduce the number of RTI applications while making governance more transparent and citizen-centric,” Galgali said.

Delhi Fire Service Faces Staff Crunch Of 1,001 Personnel, RTI Shows 523 Firemen Posts Vacant

News18: New Delhi: Thursday, 4^th June 2026.
Delhi has witnessed major fire incidents in recent months, claiming at least 45 lives this year, according to DFS records

A five-storey building collapsed in Delhi’s Saket area on Saturday evening. It is feared that several people are trapped underneath. The Fire Department was alerted at 7:45 AM.
Rescue teams are currently operating at the scene and three individuals have been successfully rescued; however, it is suspected that several others remained trapped, prompting an ongoing rescue operation.
According to the Delhi Fire Service, the five-storey structure which housed various offices, was largely vacant due to it being a Saturday; the few offices that were operational had already closed down by 6:00 PM. “We have sent four fire tenders to the spot and further details are awaited," the DFS officer said.
However, when the five-storey commercial building collapsed, its debris cascaded onto adjacent structures. Specifically, rubble fell into a canteen operating within a neighboring building, where it is feared that some people may be trapped.
The Delhi Police and the Delhi Fire Service are currently on the scene, joined by the NDRF.
Delhi CM Extends Condolences
In a post on X, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta said, “Deeply concerned by the building collapse incident near Saket Metro Station. Teams from NDRF, Delhi Fire Services, “Delhi Police, DDMA, MCD, CATS and Civil Defence are carrying out rescue operations on a war footing. Every possible effort is being made to safely rescue those trapped and provide immediate assistance to the affected families."
“The situation is being closely monitored, and all concerned agencies are working in coordination. The safety and well-being of every citizen remain our highest priority," she added.

6,659 govt offices in Gujarat missing from RTI portal: State Information Commission

The Times of India: Gujarat: Thursday, 4^th June 2026.
Gujarat’s push for digital governance has hit an unexpected roadblock. The State Information Commission has found that 6,659 govt offices are missing from the state’s online RTI portal. Issuing an order, State information commissioner Nikhil Bhatt noted that this “administrative oversight” has created a digital blackout, making it impossible for citizens to select the correct authorities from the portal’s drop-down menu.

Bhatt observed, “The main reason is that nodal officers have not properly mapped the public information officers (PIOs) and first appellate authorities (FAAs) of all public authorities under their control.” This mapping failure forces citizens to misdirect applications to the Chief Minister’s Office or nodal departments, which the commission noted “tarnishes the image of the state govt” and causes “unnecessary burden” and “harassment” to applicants.
The energy and petrochemicals department leads with 1,172 unmapped offices, followed by Narmada and water resources (780), and the revenue department (610). Other major departments failing the transparency test include agriculture and farmers welfare (532), health and family welfare (485), roads and buildings (474), panchayat and rural development (454), labour and employment (393), home (361), and finance (233).
The order was issued by SIC after hearing a complaint filed by a citizen, Dikshitkumar Talpada. He had sought logs and internal movement records of his previous first appeals. He discovered that his applications were disappearing into a digital “no-man’s land”. During the hearing, it was revealed that while the state promotes an “e-Sarkar” (electronic govt) system, the backend integration with the RTI portal was broken.
Refusing to accept technical glitches as an excuse, the commission issued a 90-day ultimatum to all nodal officers to complete the mapping of every office. To modernise the process, the order recommends integrating “modern AI tools” and an “advanced search feature” to track applicant history and prevent redundant queries. The SIC has also demanded that the portal allow a single application to be directed to multiple PIOs simultaneously. Bhatt also directed nodal officers to conduct monthly reviews to ensure no office remains “off the grid”.