Telangana Government Medical colleges face 62% faculty shortage, RTI reveals

Hyderabad Mail: Hyderabad: Friday, 6^th March 2026.
A Right to Information (RTI) response from the Office of the Director of Medical Education (DME), Telangana, has revealed a critical faculty shortage in the state’s 35 government medical colleges. Of 6,999 sanctioned teaching posts, 4,383 remain vacant, resulting in a vacancy rate exceeding 62 percent.

The information was provided on January 21, 2026, in response to an RTI application filed by Hyderabad-based activist Sashi Kumar. According to the DME data of the 6,999 sanctioned teaching positions, 4,383 are vacant, resulting in a 62.6% vacancy rate. The shortage is most acute among Tutors, with only 30 of 473 positions filled, reflecting a 93.7% vacancy rate. Associate Professors have a 71.7% vacancy rate, with 1,119 of 1,560 posts unfilled. Assistant Professors face a 63.4% vacancy rate, while Professors have 484 of 1,280 positions vacant, or 37.8%.
The DME office confirmed that a request for direct recruitment of Assistant Professors was submitted to the Medical and Health Services Recruitment Board, leading to Notification No. 03/2025 on June 28, 2025. The recruitment process is ongoing, with no timeline for completion. The RTI reply shows that many teachers were promoted in the last two academic years under the Promotion Quota. In 2023–24, 106 Associate Professors became Professors and 248 Assistant Professors became Associate Professors, with no one promoted to Additional Director of Medical Education. In 2024–25, 281 Associate Professors became Professors and 44 Professors moved up to Additional Director of Medical Education, but only 65 Assistant Professors were promoted to Associate Professor.
Despite the increase in promotions during 2024–25, these measures do not address the significant backlog, especially at the Assistant Professor and Tutor levels, where new hires are required.
The staffing situation is projected to worsen over the next year due to upcoming retirements. Thirty-five faculty members, including senior leadership and 27 Professors, are set to retire, further reducing the already limited senior faculty and worsening shortages across cadres.
With more than 62% of teaching jobs empty in 35 government medical colleges, the teachers who are still there are under a lot of pressure. This shortage puts the quality of medical education and healthcare at risk. The lack of Tutors, who are needed for hands-on teaching and showing students how to care for patients, is especially worrying.

गोपनीय रहेंगी जनगणना की जानकारियां, आरटीआई के दायरे से भी होंगी बाहर, जानिये वजह

ETV Bharat: Dehradun: Friday, 6^th March 2026.
जनगणना की रिपोर्ट जारी की जाती है तो उस दौरान एग्रीगेटर लेवल पर ही जानकारी डिस्क्लोज की जाती हैं.

उत्तराखंड में 25 अप्रैल से शुरू होने जा रहे जनगणना के पहले चरण के तहत मकान सूचीकरण एवं गणना की जानकारी को पूरी तरह से गोपनीय रखा जाएगा. खास बात यह है कि इस पूरी जनगणना की जानकारी कोई भी व्यक्ति आरटीआई के जरिए नहीं ले सकेगा. इसके अलावा, जनगणना से संबंधित जानकारियां पुलिस और न्यायालय में बतौर साक्ष्य नहीं दिया जा सकता है. ये जनगणना पूरी तरह से डिजिटल तरीके से होनी है. जिसके चलते इसकी सिक्योरिटी पर विशेष जोर दिया गया है.
उत्तराखंड सरकार ने राज्य में जनगणना के पहले चरण के तहत मकान सूचीकरण एवं गणना के कार्य की अधिसूचना जारी कर दी है. अधिसूचना के तहत, प्रदेश में 25 अप्रैल से 24 मई 2026 तक मकान सूचीकरण एवं गणना का कार्य संपन्न कराया जाएगा. उससे 15 दिन पहले यानी 9 अप्रैल से 24 अप्रैल तक जनता को स्वागणना की सुविधा भी उपलब्ध कराई जाएगी. जिसके मद्देनजर जनगणना कार्य निदेशालय की ओर से तैयारी तेज कर दी गई है. जनगणना के दौरान एक बड़ा सवाल यही उठ रहा है कि जनगणना की जानकारियां सार्वजनिक हो जाएगी, क्योंकि जातिगत जनगणना किया जाना है.

जनगणना कार्य निदेशालय की निदेशक इवा आशीष श्रीवास्तव ने कहा जनगणना एक्ट के तहत जनगणना के दौरान जो भी जानकारियां एकत्र की जाती हैं उसको पुलिस या न्यायालय में साक्ष्य के रूप में नहीं दिया जा सकता है. इसके साथ ही जनगणना की जानकारियां आरटीआई के अंतर्गत भी नहीं आती हैं. इसके अलावा, जनगणना के दौरान गणना कार्य में लगे कर्मचारी यानी इन्यूमेरेटर्स, किसी भी तरह की जानकारी को डिस्क्लोज नहीं कर सकते हैं. लिहाजा जनगणना के दौरान जो भी जानकारियां एकत्र की जाती हैं उन सभी को गुप्त रखा जाता है. उन्होंने बताया जब जनगणना की रिपोर्ट जारी की जाती है तो उस दौरान एग्रीगेटर लेवल पर ही जानकारी डिस्क्लोज की जाती है. यानी किसी भी वार्ड में किस-किस नाम के व्यक्ति रह रहे हैं इसकी जानकारी नहीं मिलेगी, बल्कि यह जानकारी मिलेगी कि संबंधित वार्ड में कितने व्यक्ति निवास करते हैं. इसी तरह किसी भी वार्ड में कितने बच्चे हैं, किस उम्र के हैं, स्कूल जा रहे हैं या नहीं जा रहे हैं, इसकी जानकारी मिल सकती है, लेकिन किसी बच्चे के पेरेंट्स कौन हैं? वो बच्चा किस स्कूल में जा रहा है? इस तरह की जानकारियां उपलब्ध नहीं होंगी.
ईवा आशीष श्रीवास्तव ने कहा जनगणना का काम पूरी तरह से डिजिटल तरीके से होना है. ऐसे में डेटा सुरक्षित रखने के लिए एंड टू एंड इंक्रिप्शन की प्रक्रिया अपनाई गई है. साल 2021 में जब जनगणना शुरू होने की संभावना जताई गई थी उस दौरान से ही डेटा को पूरी तरह से सुरक्षित रखने की कार्रवाई चल रही थी. जनगणना कार्य देरी से शुरू होने के पीछे एक मुख्य वजह ये भी है.

Archaeological Authority: ‘No documents on temple pre-existing the Sambhal mosque’ : By Nirmala Carvalho

Asia News: Sambhal: Friday, 6^th March 2026.
Built around 1526, the protected structure is at the center of a legal dispute that has caused violence: Hindu petitioners claim it was built on top of a Shiva temple. The Archaeological Survey of India states that it has no documents on the state of the site prior to construction. The Central Information Commission has rejected the appeal.

The Shahi Jama Masjid mosque in Sambhal - built around 1526, the oldest of the Mughal era in South Asia - is at the center of a legal dispute following claims by some Hindu petitioners that it was built on top of a Shiva temple. However, the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) - the government agency that protects the site - has stated that it has no documentation indicating that the mosque was built after the demolition of a previous structure, nor any documents identifying the owner of the land during its construction.
An ASI investigation in November 2024 ordered by the court sparked violent clashes between local residents and police, in which four people died from gunshot wounds, while several others remain in prison in connection with the violence. The court had examined a claim by Hindus who argued that the mosque had been built by demolishing a Shiva temple during the reign of Emperor Aurangzeb. There had been friction, with some members of the investigation team irritating the area's Muslim minority population with chants.
A commission appointed by the Sambhal District Court reportedly stated in a 2024 report that symbols associated with Hinduism had been found in the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque, which has been protected by the ASI since 1920. In addition, Satya Prakash Yadav, a resident of Sambhal, had filed a request under the Right to Information Act of 2005 to find out whether the Mughal-era mosque had been built by demolishing ruins or on vacant land, along with the name of the landowner at the time and documents certifying his property rights.
In its response, the ASI stated that “no such information is available in this office.” Regarding questions about the buildings on the site at the time the mosque was placed under ASI protection, any subsequent construction, and past disputes associated with the site, the ASI explicitly stated to the Central Information Commission (CIC) that its archives contain “no such information” regarding the facts.
However, during the first appeal proceedings before the Central Information Commission, the ASI had stated that although no new construction is permitted within a protected monument, an “illegal” steel railing had been erected at the Shahi Jama Masjid mosque site in 2018, and that the department had issued an order to stop the work.
The petitioner had also requested information about the period of construction of the mosque. The ASI replied that, according to its records, “the Jama Masjid Sambhal was built in the year 1526.” When asked whether the structure was previously known by another name, the department replied that the mosque was protected by the ASI without changing the previous name of the site.
During the hearing before the Central Information Commission, the petitioner argued that some key information had been wrongfully denied on the grounds of unavailability. The ASI argued that it had provided all the information available in its archives and was not obliged to create or collect information not in its possession.
Confirming ASI's position, the Commission noted that the RTI Act requires public authorities to disclose only existing documents and does not require them to generate new information. Finding no grounds for further action, the Commission therefore dismissed the appeal, considering that ASI's responses including its statement that it had no documents indicating whether the mosque had been built on ruins or on vacant land were in accordance with the law.

RTI not a tool for vengeance: HC

Hindustan Times: Mumbai: Friday, 6^th March 2026.
“We must express that the provisions of RTI Act 2005 cannot be used for settling any personal scores and definitely, not as a tool of vengeance,” a division bench of justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande observed

Cautioning against the misuse of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Bombay High Court recently ruled that the legislation cannot be used for personal vendetta.
“We must express that the provisions of RTI Act 2005 cannot be used for settling any personal scores and definitely, not as a tool of vengeance,” a division bench of justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande observed on February 23, dismissing four petitions filed by city resident Chandrakant Shah. The order was made available online on Wednesday.
Shah had approached the court in 2023 after his RTI application seeking information about bad or doubtful debts and write-offs by the State Bank of India (SBI) to Essar Steel (ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel India Limited), Essar Power, Essar Power MP, Essar Power Gujarat and Essar Constructions between 2012 to 2020 was denied, first by the bank’s public information officer, then the appellate authority, followed by the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
Shah had sought similar information under the RTI Act from the Bank of Baroda and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) as well.
Before the CIC, Shah contended that the denial of information under RTI was unsustainable as “the information is sought in good faith and out of genuine and serious concern that hard earned money of taxpayers is being splurged by state run banks upon large and powerful corporate borrowers in close nexus between the borrowers, bankers and government officials.”
While the disclosure would not affect the bank’s business interests, the denial of information was “absurd, misplaced and ill-conceived”, Shah told the CIC.
The CIC, however, rejected Shah’s claim, saying providing such information would entail invasion of privacy of third parties which would be covered by section 8 of the RTI Act that refers to exemption from disclosure of information. The CIC held that the information sought was exempted from disclosure since it was in fiduciary capacity.
The high court, in its order dated February 23, said the information sought by Shah was held in confidence by the bank, with its customer. The judges said that personal information, the disclosure of which has no relationship to any public activity or interest, or is unwarranted invasion of privacy, can be withheld under section 8 of the RTI Act unless there is a larger public interest in its disclosure.
Dismissing four petitions filed by Shah, the court said, “In absence of any such public interest being presented before the authorities including the Central Information Commission, in our view, the applications have been rightly rejected and we see no reason for granting any indulgence.”
The court also noted that Shah had cited his prior dealings with the group of companies as the specific reason for seeking information about its bad debts and write-offs.

Centre’s funds for TN Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare slashed by 90%, reveals RTI reply

The Hindu: Madurai: Thursday, 5^Th March 2026.

A recent Right to Information (RTI) Act reply data has exposed a severe and systematic reduction in the Union Government’s funding for the Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare Department. The figures revealed a blatant disparity, with annual allocations plummeting from a peak of ₹1,553 crore to a mere ₹288 crore in recent years.
While the Union government maintained that it prioritises the uplift of marginalised communities, the financial trail tells a different story, said S. Karthik, an activist based in Madurai.
“Over an 11-year period (2014-2025), a total of ₹6,998.82 crore was allocated,” he added.
The RTI report highlighted a disturbing trend that has left State welfare projects in limbo. “At a high point (2018-2019), the Centre allocated ₹1,553.48 crore, making a period of robust support for development schemes. In the 2022-2023 period, the funding was slashed to just ₹159.78 crore, a staggering 90% reduction compared to the 2018 peak,” he added.
Meanwhile, the latest allocation (2024-2025) stood at ₹288.84 crore, failing to recover even to half of the previous decade’s average, he noted.
Mr. Karthik stated that the drastic budgetary squeeze was not just a matter of accounting. “It represents a wholesale marginalisation of the Adi Dravidar and Tribal populations,” he alleged.
While it has stagnated the educational progress by Interrupting of post-matric scholarships and hostel infrastructure upgrades, it has also made a halt in specialised entrepreneurship and skill-training programmes designed for tribal youth, he pointed out.
“Significant delays in housing and community development projects that have been the backbone of social justice in Tamil Nadu for decades will be also be severely be affected by the reduce in fund allocation,” Mr. Karthik said.
As the RTI findings have sparked immediate demands for accountability, measures like the Union government ensuring a minimum annual allocation of ₹1,500 crore to sustain basic welfare and growth targets, should be taken.
“We also urge Chief Minister M.K. Stalin to take special notice of this fiscal discrimination and exert high-level pressure on the Union Government to secure the state’s rightful share. As the gap between the 2018 peak and current figures is huge, the future of several key welfare schemes remains uncertain, sparking fears of a permanent setback in the socio-economic development of these communities,” he noted.

Who builds Nagaland? RTI shows 2,351 registered PWD contractors : By Thejoto Nienu

Eastern Mirror: Kohima: Thursday, 5^Th March 2026.
A Right to Information query reveals Nagaland has 2,351 registered Public Works Department contractors, including 2,115 in Class-I category.

Nagaland has a total of 2,351 registered contractors with the engineer-in-chief, Public Works department (PWD).
According to information furnished by the public information officer (PIO) of the engineer-in-chief, PWD office to Eastern Mirror under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the registered contractors comprise 2,115 Class-I contractors, 159 Class-II contractors and 77 Class-III contractors, taking the total to 2,351.
Meanwhile, the Works and Housing department (Works Branch), Nagaland, Kohima, approved 19 new Class-I contractor registrations on June 16, 2025, in accordance with Rule 4(b) of the Nagaland PWD Registration of Contractors Rules, 1966.
For Class-I registration, an amount of INR 500 is required as Treasury Challan under the Head of PWD 0059, along with a refundable security deposit of INR 50,000 in favour of the engineer-in-chief, PWD.
According to a notification dated March 26, 1990, issued by the engineer-in-chief, PWD Nagaland, the Nagaland PWD Registration of Contractors Rules, 1966, were amended.
Under the amended rules, the tender value for Class-I contractors remains without limit. For Class-II contractors, the tender value was enhanced from INR 2 lakh to INR 4 lakh, and for Class-III contractors from INR 1 lakh to INR 3 lakh.
The tender values for Class-IV and Class-V contractors were enhanced from INR 50,000 to INR 1 lakh and remain INR 5,000 respectively.
The enhanced application fee is INR 500 for Class-I, INR 300 for Class-II, INR 200 for Class-III, and INR 100 for Class-IV.
Similarly, the fixed earnest money for Class-I (local) contractors was enhanced from INR 20,000 to INR 50,000, while for non-local contractors it was enhanced from INR 30,000 to INR 75,000.
For Class-II contractors, the amount was enhanced from INR 10,000 to INR 20,000 for locals and from INR 15,000 to INR 30,000 for non-locals.
For Class-III contractors, it was enhanced from INR 5,000 to INR 10,000, while for Class-IV and Class-V contractors it stands at INR 5,000 and INR 3,000 respectively.
According to the RTI records, the list of enlisted contractors includes both locals and non-locals, with locals forming a majority.
The records also include registrations held in the names of incumbent legislators and government officials, or under their proprietorships.

CIDCO Denies Attendance Info Under RTI

News band: Belapur: Thursday, 5^Th March 2026.

A controversy has surfaced within the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) after it allegedly refused to disclose biometric attendance records of its employees under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The issue was highlighted by Sajag Nagarik Manch, which accused the administration of evading transparency and undermining accountability.
The forum alleged that senior officials at CIDCO Bhavan routinely report late despite official working hours beginning at 9:30 AM.
“While official hours begin at 9:30 AM, senior officers comfortably came in between 10:30 AM and 11:00 AM. CIDCO is suppressing biometric data specifically to cover up this tardiness. Furthermore, throwing government norms to the wind, a full one-hour lunch break (1 PM to 2 PM) is observed at the headquarters, which is far beyond the officially permitted duration,” said Vinay More, member, Sajag Nagarik Manch.
Through its RTI application, the forum sought certified copies of CIDCO’s prescribed office hours, biometric attendance records from September 22 to 26, 2025, and details of disciplinary action taken against staff violating office timings between October 1 and 28, 2025, under the fiveday workweek policy. It also requested information on whether salaries were linked to biometric attendance as per State Government directives and the challenges in implementing such linkage.
Initially, CIDCO asked the applicant to pay fees for 199 pages of documents. However, after the applicant agreed, the administration allegedly delayed sending the payment challan, citing technical issues. In response to a fresh application, CIDCO denied the request, claiming biometric attendance constituted “personal information” under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act.
“The attendance during official hours is part of public duty and subject to scrutiny. This is a misuse of the Supreme Court’s Girish Ramchandra Deshpande judgment, which relates to confidential service records, not daily attendance logs,” added More.
Raising concerns over a prevailing “come-and-go” culture, the forum also accused officials of intimidating citizens who attempted to document late attendance. It has now demanded intervention from CIDCO’s Managing Director, warning that failure to disclose the information will prompt complaints to the Urban Development Department and the Chief Minister of Maharashtra.
When contacted CIDCO official refused to comment on the administrative issues.

90% dip in central funds for SC/ST welfare: RTI data

Times of India: Madurai: Thursday, 5^Th March 2026.
There has been a massive 90% decline in Union govt funding for Tamil Nadu Adi Dravidar and Tribal Welfare department in recent years, according to data obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

The figures, disclosed by the department in response to a query by RTI activist S Karthik, says the Centre allocated Rs6,998.82 crore between 2014-15 and 2024-25 fiscal years. The assistance peaked in 2018-2019 with an allocation of Rs1,553.48 crore. However, by 2022-2023 fiscal year, it plummeted to just Rs159.78 crore, a record low. Although there was a slight adjustment in the following year, the allocation for 2024-2025 remains a mere Rs288.84 crore, a staggering drop compared to six years ago.
Karthik told TOI that consistent withdrawal of financial support directly impacted critical sectors such as education, employment, and infrastructure development for adi dravidar and tribal community. Many ongoing projects aimed at their upliftment are stalled due to lack of adequate central grants. He demanded that a finance monitoring committee consisting of social activists, educationists, and an economist be set up to monitor funds from the Centre and ensure their proper utilisation for sector-specific projects. In the light of these findings, he urged the Union govt to prioritise welfare of Tamil Nadu's marginalised communities by ensuring a minimum annual allocation of at least Rs1,500 crore. He called upon chief minister M K Stalin to exert pressure on the Centre in this regard.
Former vice-chairman of Tamil Nadu State Commission for SCs & STs Punitha Pandiyan accused bureaucratic apathy and anti-dalit mentality for the situation. "Bureaucrats should be sensitised to the problems faced by dalits, and how to handle them," he said.
"I was in the commission and saw many officials who did not even know how to produce a report regarding dalit issues before the commission. They use terminology that should not be used. From tahsildar to IAS officers, they should be aware of the core problem dalits face," he added. "Ministers would know about fund allocation and utilisation from their respective departments only if the concerned bureaucrat informs them," Pandiyan added.

Yamsuan upbeat on progress of long-sought Right To Information law : By Ellson Quismorio

Manila Bulletin: Philippines: Wednesday, 4^Th March 2026.
The progress that the House of Representatives has so far made to the proposed Right to Information (RTI) Law--historically, one of the longest-sought measures in the country was not lost on Paranaque City 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan.

Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan (PPAB)

The progress that the House of Representatives has so far made to the proposed Right To Information (RTI) Law--historically, one of the longest-sought measures in the country--wasn't lost on Parañaque City 2nd district Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan.
This, as Yamsuan commended his fellow lawmakers, representatives of government agencies, and other stakeholders for making headway during the meeting of the Technical Working Group (TWG) tasked with finetuning the provisions of the proposed RTI Law.
Yamsuan, who headed the TWG on the RTI bill, said members of the panel have already discussed amendments to more than half of the bill’s sections and agreed to adopt its  non-contentious provisions to help speed up deliberations on the measure.
“As of March 2, which was our second TWG meeting, the panel has already discussed provisions covering 32 of the bill’s proposed 52 sections. We thank our fellow legislators, the officials of government agencies, the representatives from  civil society organizations and other right-to-information advocates who have been providing valuable inputs and recommendations to finetune the provisions of the measure,” said Yamsuan, a vice chairperson of the House Committee on Public Information.
“The pace of the discussions in our TWG meetings reflect our collective goal in pushing the passage of this landmark piece of legislation and our shared commitment to transparency and accountability in government,” he added.
Yamsuan said a key provision discussed during the TWG meeting was the need to strike a balance between access to information and the protection of  personal data in accordance with Republic Act (RA) No.10173 or the Data Privacy Act. 
The members of the panel posed no objections to Section 27 of the bill on the disclosure of the Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth  (SALN) of public officials and employees subject to existing laws, rules and regulations, Yamsuan said.
“We are optimistic that we can submit a committee report soon so that the House would have enough time to deliberate the substitute bill on the floor and have it approved on third and final reading before the sine die adjournment of the first regular session in June,” said the former Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) assistant secretary.
The RTI bill is among the 21 priority measures of the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) that were approved by President Marcos. These are targeted for congressional approval by June 2026. 
The TWG’s working draft, which aims to consolidate more than 20 RTI measures, is lodged in the public information committee chaired by Cagayan de Oro 1st district Rep. Lordan Suan.
Yamsuan thanked Suan and FPJ Panday Bayanihan Party-list Rep. Brian Poe for temporarily presiding over the TWG last Feb. 23.
Yamsuan said up for discussion during the next TWG meeting were the list of exceptions to the grant of access to information, such as cases which directly relates to national security and defense, and sensitive data involving the foreign affairs of the state.

CIC raps DU’s Venkateswara College over ‘baseless’ RTI reply on favouritism allegations

The Print: New Delhi: Wednesday, 4^Th March 2026.

The Central Information Commission (CIC) criticized Delhi University's Sri Venkateswara College for "baseless" denial of RTI information regarding alleged recruitment favouritism and corruption. Despite the college denying wrongdoing, the CIC found its replies deficient and ordered it to provide complete, updated information and relevant links within a week to the appellant.
The Central Information Commission has hauled up Delhi University’s Sri Venkateswara College over what it termed a “baseless” denial of information under the RTI Act in a case pertaining to allegations of recruitment favouritism and corruption.
The college, however, has asserted that there was “no corruption angle” and that appointments were made strictly as per the Delhi University rules.
Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi, in a recent order, observed that the reply of the public information officer (PIO) of the college on certain key queries was “not as per the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005”.
The appellant, Jawahar Singh, had alleged “corrupt practices” in the recruitment process, claiming that ineligible candidates were appointed to posts such as upper division clerk (UDC) and others, and that some staff were removed under a “pick and choose policy.”
He further alleged that the college favoured candidates from a particular state, which he claimed was against the Delhi University norms.
During the hearing, the PIO denied the allegations, stating that “all recruitments of staff are conducted as per the norms and regulations prescribed by the university” and that “there is no corruption angle involved as alleged by the appellant.”
The PIO also tendered an apology for the delayed RTI reply, saying it was unintentional.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) noted that the denial of certain queries in a one-line response stating “Question not defined under Section 2(f)” without citing any exemption clause was “found to be baseless”.
On the query seeking a complete list of newly recruited staff, the CIC observed that such information “should ideally be available in public domain in terms of Section 4(1) of the RTI Act, 2005”, adding that the figures provided “do not adequately answer the query of the appellant”.
Section 4(1) of the RTI Act, 2005, mandates proactive disclosure of information by public authorities to minimise requests.
CIC also said that regarding recruitment rules, the PIO was “supposed to have invited attention of the appellant towards the specific hyperlink from where the rules/regulation of recruitment be accessed, which is missing in the PIO’s reply.”
Allowing the second appeal, the Commission directed the PIO to “revisit the contents” of the relevant queries and provide a “revised updated reply along with copy of relevant information and specific URL path” within one week. PTI MHS PRK
This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

Arappor Iyakkam launches anti-corruption manifesto for Assembly polls

The Hindu: Chennai: Wednesday, 4^Th March 2026.
The main agenda of the manifesto is to get rid of corruption and ensure transparency and as part of this the document demands proactive disclosure of public information under Section 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, including a statewide transparency portal

The Arappor Iyakkam has released an anti-corruption manifesto for the 2026 Assembly elections to be held in the State, urging political parties to implement systemic reforms to curb corruption, ensure transparency in administration, provide accountability through services, and delegate more power to the local bodies.
Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of Arappor Iyakkam, launching the anti-corruption manifesto at a press meet held in the Chennai Press Club on Tuesday, urged the political parties to adopt them in their election manifesto for a clean and deliverable administration.
Mr. Jayaram said corruption has been identified as the primary cause for the various social and economic ills afflicting the people and the manifesto proposes a model based on increasing transparency, enhancing accountability, ensuring public participation, and reducing monopoly and discretion in awarding of contracts.
The main agenda of the manifesto is to get rid of corruption and ensure transparency and as part of this the document demands proactive disclosure of public information under Section 4 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, including a statewide transparency portal. It advocates for end-to-end online filing of RTI applications and appeals, and the appointment of 10 Information Commissioners to ensure effective functioning. The manifesto, citing the Rajasthan Government’s ‘Jan Soochna’ portal of displaying information with respect to Section 4 for all departments, wants transparency in government recruitment and postings through independent boards, online counselling, and strict adherence to tenure policies.
For accountability, a “Right to Services Act” is proposed to ensure timely delivery of services and penalise officials for delays or bribery. Major amendments to the Tamil Nadu Lokayukta Act 2018 are required to make it an independent agency with investigative and prosecution powers. Furthermore, a Whistleblowers Protection Act is requested to safeguard those reporting corruption.
To eliminate corruption in tenders, the manifesto calls for cancelling single-bid tenders and making all tenders above ₹1 lakh fully electronic. It seeks to prohibit and penalize collusive bidding, bid rigging, and conflicts of interest.
Proposals for public participation include empowering area sabhas as elected bodies for local decision-making and implementing social audits for government projects. For this the Urban local bodies Act needs to be amended. Police reforms are also needed to increase independence from political interference, including forming an independent State Security Commission and establishing a Tamil Nadu Anti-Torture Law.
Finally, the document called for curbing the distribution of cash for votes by prohibiting new schemes and cash transfers six months prior to election.

RTI Cannot Be Weaponised for Personal Disputes: Lessons from Kumawat v. State of Rajasthan : By - Tanvi Dalvi

India Law: National: Wednesday, 4^Th March 2026.

The Right to Information Act, 2005 stands as one of India’s most transformative legislative instruments, empowering citizens to demand accountability and transparency from public authorities. However, this right is not absolute. In a significant order dated February 3, 2026, the High Court of Judicature for Rajasthan at Jodhpur, in Smt. Kanta Kumawat v. State of Rajasthan & Ors. (S.B. Civil Writ Petition No. 7374/2025) reaffirmed that salary-related information of a government employee constitutes “personal information” exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act.
Background of the Dispute
The petitioner, Smt. Kanta Kumawat, filed an RTI application in April 2024 before the Additional Superintendent of Police, Bhilwara, seeking pay slips and salary details of a police department employee named Omprakash notably, her husband for the period of January to March 2024. The application was refused by the Public Information Officer on the ground that the information was personal in nature and pertained to a third party, rendering it exempt from disclosure under the Act.
Exhaustion of Statutory Remedies
Undeterred by the initial refusal, the petitioner pursued the matter through successive appellate forums. Both the first appellate authority and the Rajasthan State Information Commission upheld the denial vide order dated October 23, 2024. Having exhausted all statutory remedies without success, the petitioner invoked the constitutional jurisdiction of the High Court under Article 226, seeking quashing of the Commission’s order and a direction compelling disclosure of the information.
The Legal Question Before the Court
The central issue before the Court was whether salary details and pay slips of an individual government employee sought by a third party qualify as “personal information” exempt from disclosure under the RTI Act. The petitioner’s counsel contended that, as a public servant, the employee’s remuneration details ought to be accessible. The respondents, however, did not enter appearance before the Court.
Court’s Reliance on Supreme Court Precedent
Justice Kuldeep Mathur anchored the Court’s reasoning firmly in the Supreme Court’s authoritative pronouncement in Girish Ramchandra Deshpande v. Central Information Commissioner & Ors., (2013) 1 SCC 212. The Supreme Court in that case had categorically held that information relating to an employee’s performance and service-related matters is primarily a matter between the employee and the employer, governed by applicable service rules. Such information falls squarely within the definition of “personal information” and its disclosure, absent a demonstrable overriding public interest, bears no nexus to any public activity or public purpose.
Court’s Analysis and Findings
Applying this settled legal position, the High Court found neither illegality nor infirmity in the conduct of the respondent authorities. The Court observed that salary details are inherently personal in character and that the RTI framework does not contemplate their disclosure merely upon request by a private individual with no demonstrated public interest at stake. Significantly, the Court implicitly recognised that the RTI mechanism cannot be deployed as an instrument to serve personal or matrimonial interests under the guise of transparency.
The Final Order
Finding no merit in the writ petition, the Court dismissed it along with the accompanying stay petition. The decision effectively validated the consistent position adopted by the Public Information Officer, the First Appellate Authority and the State Information Commission across three tiers of adjudication.
Broader Legal Implications
This judgment serves as an important reminder that the RTI Act, despite its broad mandate, operates within carefully defined boundaries. Public employment does not render every aspect of an employee’s service record accessible to the world at large. The privacy of individual public servants in matters pertaining to their personal emoluments is a legally recognised and judicially protected interest. Practitioners and litigants alike must appreciate that RTI applications seeking third-party personal information must be supported by a clear and demonstrable public interest, failing which such requests are liable to be legitimately refused at every stage of the adjudicatory process.

Power project in Sharavathi Valley: Public hearing sidelines thousands of written objections.

Deccan Herald: Chiranjeevi Kulkarni: Bengaluru: Tuesday, March 03, 2026.

Yet, the proceedings of the two events now made available to the public, give space for only 47 people in Shivamogga and 57 in Uttara Kannada district to speak against the project.

The Karnataka State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) conducted the public hearing in Shivamogga and Uttara Kannada on September 16 and18, respectively, to obtain the views of the people to the 2000-MW pumped storage project in Sharavathi Valley Lion Tailed Macaque Sanctuary.

While both the physical meetings saw thousands of people waiting to speak up against the project, documents obtained under the Right to Information Act reflect a much higher participation. Yet, the proceedings of the two events now made available to the public, give space for only 47 people in Shivamogga and 57 in Uttara Kannada district to speak against the project. Also Read: Wildlife board approved power project in Sharavathi valley, documents show Also Read: Wildlife board approved power project in Sharavathi valley, documents show A careful reading of the proceedings show the written submissions being relegated to a list of annexures. There is no information with regard to the nature of these submissions, with activists noting that this effectively undermines the participation of people who took their time to write their suggestions and objections.

When the public hearing notices were issued last year seeking suggestions and objections to the project, people were told to participate via “oral/written/email” but the proceedings of the events sideline the thousands of written submissions, prompting activists to demand officials for an overhaul. 12k pages of written submissions In fact, documents obtained under the Right to information Act show that officials were flooded with written submissions. As per the information provided by the KSPCB’s Karwar regional office, the written submission exceeded a whopping 11,078 pages in Uttara Kannada while the KSPCB Shivamogga regional officer put the number at 948 pages. Wildlife conservationist G Veeresh, who participated in the hearing at Shivamogga, noted that thousands of people who could not get time to speak have submitted written objections and it was deeply concerning to see that only oral objections get space in the minutes of meeting. “The KSPCB has a statutory duty under the EIA Notification to consolidate and record all objections — whether submitted orally, in writing, or through email. Public consultation is not a mere procedural right to know whether every representation was properly acknowledged and considered,” he said. To a question, KSPCB Member Secretary R Gokul said the Board only facilitates the event. “Ultimately, it is the district administration which approves the public hearing proceedings. We facilitate the event as per the EIA notification and forward the documents to the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change,” he said. Against the project An official in Uttara Kannada said most of the written submissions were against the project. “We have not held back any of the submissions. Every page has been forwarded to the department,” he added. Apart from an online petition which had about 15,000 signatures by the end of September 16, activists and conservationists had held a signature campaign to gather support for their opposition to the project. All these materials were printed and submitted to the officials during the public hearing but do not get a mention in the proceedings.

No records on whether Jama Masjid built over ruins or vacant land: ASI.

Siasat: New Delhi: Tuesday, March 03, 2026.

It said the Jama Masjid was taken under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1920.

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has told the Central Information Commission that it does not have any records indicating whether the Jama Masjid in Uttar Pradesh’s Sambhal was constructed after demolishing any earlier structure or on vacant land, nor does it have documents identifying the landowner at the time of its construction.

In a right to information (RTI) application, Satya Prakash Yadav sought to know whether the Mughal-era mosque, Jama Masjid, was built by demolishing any ruins or on vacant land, along with the name of the landowner at the time and the documents granting ownership rights.

The ASI, in its reply, stated that “no such information is available in this office”.

On questions relating to the nature of constructions at the site at the time it was taken under protection, any subsequent new constructions, and past disputes associated with the mosque, the ASI said that such information was not available in its records.

Jama Masjid constructed in the year 1526: ASI

However, during the first appeal proceedings, the Archaeological Survey of India pointed to an incident in 2018, stating that no new construction is permitted within the protected area of a centrally protected monument. It disclosed that an “illegal” steel railing was being erected at the Jama Masjid site that year and that the department had issued orders to stop the work.

The applicant had also asked about the period of construction of the mosque. The ASI replied that, as per its records, “Jama Masjid Sambhal was constructed in the year 1526,” and referred to supporting material. On whether the structure was known by any other name earlier, the department said the mosque has been protected by the ASI under the same name.

In response to a query on the present nature of the structure, the ASI stated, “At present, it exists as a mosque.” It further said the Jama Masjid was taken under the protection of the Archaeological Survey of India in 1920, citing a gazette notification.

During the hearing before the Commission, the appellant argued that key information had been wrongly denied on the ground of non-availability. The ASI maintained that it had provided all information available on record and that it could not be compelled to create or collect information not maintained by it.

Upholding the ASI’s stand, the Commission observed that the RTI Act obliges public authorities to disclose only existing records and does not require them to generate fresh information. It cited judicial precedents to underline that information not held by a public authority cannot be directed to be furnished.

Dispute around Jama Masjid

The Sambhal Jama Masjid has been at the centre of a legal dispute over its history, following a petition claiming that the mosque was built over an ancient Hindu temple. The issue drew wider attention after riots erupted in Sambhal on November 24, 2024, during protests against a court-ordered ASI survey of the structure. The violence led to four deaths and injuries to several people, including police personnel.

Finding no grounds for further intervention, the Commission dismissed the appeal, holding that the ASI’s replies — including its statement of having no records on whether the mosque was built over ruins or vacant land — were in accordance with the law.

RTI filed on former Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee’s performance as MLA.

India News: IANS: Kolkata: Tuesday, March 03, 2026.

An application had been filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, to get details of the performance of former West Bengal Education Minister and ex-Trinamool Congress secretary general as the party legislator from Behala (Paschim) Assembly constituency in South 24 Parganas district during the last five years.

Chatterjee had been a four-time legislator from that constituency since 2006. The last time he was elected from that constituency was in 2021. But almost his entire term as the party legislator was spent behind bars after his arrest in July 2022 in connection with the multi-crore cash-for-school job case.

Although he was released on bail in November 2025, he kept himself aloof from any political activity, including addressing the concerns of voters from his constituency.

In his application made under Section 6 (1) of the RTI Act, 2005, the applicant Subhrajit Saha, a Calcutta High Court counsel by profession, hasd claimed that he is making the application on behalf of the voters of Behala (Paschim) Assembly constituency, who have the right to know about the performance Chatterjee as their elected legislator for the last five years.

In his application, the applicant had sought the details of Chatterjee’s performance in the West Bengal Assembly since 2021. Such details include his speeches on the floor of the house, zero-hour submissions, calling attention, and motions moved, among others.

In the application, the applicant has also sought the details of Chatterjee’s performance as a member of various standing committees of the Assembly, including his presence in the meetings of the said committee, his proposals there, and arguments among others.

Initially, after being released on bail, Chatterjee expressed his desire to perform as a legislator and even attend the Assembly sessions. He even tried to communicate with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Trinamool Congress general secretary and the party’s Lok Sabha member, Abhishek Banerjee, and the party’s state president, Subrata Bakshi.

However, his communications failed to evoke any response from any one of them. Thereafter, he withdrew from all political activities and has remained home-bound.

Minority concerns mount: RTI reveals govt funded Delhi religious meet in December - By Syed Ali Mujtaba*

Counterview: National: Monday, 02 March 2026.
Indian Muslims have expressed deep concern over what they describe as rising hate speech and hostility against their community under the BJP-led government in India.

A recent flashpoint was the event organised by Sanatan Sanstha titled “Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav” in New Delhi on 13–14 December 2025.
The event reportedly brought together more than 800 organisations with the stated objective of protecting Hindu culture. It was organised to mark the silver jubilee of the organisation and celebrate the 83rd birthday of its founder, Dr. Jayant Athavale. However, critics allege that the platform was used to target the Muslim community, and they question the presence and support of leaders associated with the BJP government.
The Mahotsav saw participation from over 3,000 delegates, largely from Hindu groups. Media reports highlighted controversial speeches in which some speakers allegedly made inflammatory remarks against Muslims.
Union ministers Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shripad Naik and Sanjay Seth, along with Delhi Tourism Minister Kapil Mishra, were among the dignitaries present at the event.
Among the speakers was Suresh Chavhanke, editor-in-chief of Sudarshan TV, who reportedly claimed that “25% Muslims presently living in India are infiltrators” from neighbouring countries and suggested that they should be removed through the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He also reportedly called for capping the Muslim population in India.
Ashwini Upadhyay, a BJP leader, suggested that Muslims should be converted to Hinduism and urged Hindus to actively pursue conversion efforts. He reportedly stated that if every Hindu converted one Muslim, a broader objective could be achieved. He also suggested that Hindu business owners encourage their Muslim employees to convert to Hinduism and that a “government fear” should be instilled among Muslims.
Rahul Dewan of the Hindu Fund reportedly called for an “offensive strategy” to establish what he described as a “constitutional Hindu Rashtra,” and made remarks advocating segregation between Hindus and Muslims.
The event has sparked public debate, raising questions about the background of Sanatan Sanstha, the role of the government in supporting such programmes, and the broader implications for communal harmony in the country.
Founded in 1999 in Goa by Dr. Jayant Athavale, Sanatan Sanstha advocates the establishment of a “Hindu Rashtra.” Over the years, the organisation has faced allegations in connection with several bomb blast cases between 2007 and 2009, including incidents in Vashi and Thane in Maharashtra, and in Panvel in Goa. Members linked to the organisation have also been accused in cases related to the killings of rationalists Narendra Dabholkar, Govind Pansare, M. M. Kalburgi, and journalist Gauri Lankesh. The organisation has denied wrongdoing in various instances, and it has not been banned.
According to an RTI response, the Union Ministry of Culture sanctioned financial assistance of Rs 63 lakh to Sanatan Sanstha, Sanatan Ashram, Ramnathi Village, Ponda, Goa, for organising the Mahotsav. The Ministry reportedly stated that the grant was provided under the head commemorating the 150th year of the national song “Vande Mataram.” The funding decision has drawn criticism from sections of civil society and media.
Aditya Menon, editor of the web portal The Quint, questioned the government’s decision to fund the event, arguing that the issue was not the amount sanctioned but whether public money should support programmes that allegedly run contrary to constitutional principles. He asked whether the government could fund an event where calls for a “Hindu Rashtra” and alleged “cleansing” of Muslims were made.
On its official website, Sanatan Sanstha stated that the Sanatan Rashtra Shankhnad Mahotsav (2025) aimed to unite pro-Hindu organisations for the establishment of a “Hindu Rashtra.” It said the gathering brought together saints, leaders and devotees to resolve to establish an ideal “Sanatan Rashtra,” protect temples and traditions, and defend Hindu culture from perceived threats.
Critics argue that such developments contribute to a sense of insecurity among Muslims, who they say are already facing challenges such as the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and demolition drives popularly referred to as “bulldozer actions.”
Observers have also drawn parallels with the December 17–19, 2021 Dharma Sansad held in Haridwar, Uttarakhand, where controversial speeches calling for violence against Muslims were delivered. While arrests were made following public outcry, many accused later secured bail.
The recent Mahotsav in New Delhi has renewed debate about hate speech, government accountability and the safeguarding of constitutional values. Whether legal or institutional action will follow remains uncertain, but the event has once again brought communal tensions and minority rights into sharp public focus.
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*Journalist based in Chennai