Nearly half of central funds for border bunkers in J&K lie unused, reveals RTI

The Hindu: Jammu: Monday, June 30, 2025.
While 7,298 bunkers were sanctioned for the population along the LoC in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, 7,162 underground bunkers got approved for villages along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts.

Workers construct bunkers near the India-Pakistan border, in
Samba district, J&K. File.

The Jammu and Kashmir administration has not utilised nearly half of the central funds allocated for building underground bunkers for border residents over the last five years, according to information obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application.
The revelation comes amid heightened calls for civilian safety, following last month's Operation Sindoor and the intense cross-border shelling.
Responding to the Right To Information application filed by Jammu-based activist Raman Kumar, the Jammu and Kashmir Home Department said, an amount of ₹242.77 crore was given to the Union Territory administration headed by the Lt Governor between 2020-21 and 2024-25. However, 46.58% of the money remains unspent.
It said Rajouri district accounted for the highest utilisation of funds to the tune of ₹78.05 crore followed by Poonch (₹44.56 crore), Samba (₹42.09 crore), Kathua (₹37.20 crore), Jammu (₹17.51 crore), Kupwara (₹14.85 crore), Bandipora (₹4.33 crore) and Baramulla (₹4.15 crore).
India shares a 3,323-km border with Pakistan, of which 221 km of the International Border (IB) and 744 km of the Line of Control (LoC) fall in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Centre initially sanctioned the construction of 14,460 individual and community bunkers for ₹415.73 crore for border residents facing Pakistani shelling along the LoC and the IB in 2018-19.
While 7,298 bunkers were sanctioned for the population along the LoC in the twin districts of Poonch and Rajouri, 7,162 underground bunkers got approved for villages along the IB in Jammu, Kathua and Samba districts.
Later, the government sanctioned more than 4,000 bunkers to cover a more vulnerable population, including the areas falling in the north Kashmir districts of Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara.
According to Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, so far, 9,500 bunkers have been set up along the India-Pakistan border in the Union Territory.
The bunkers proved to be a lifesaver for the border residents during the intense Pakistani shelling  last month, minimising human loss, even as massive damage was caused to residential houses, besides the loss of livestock.
Sharing the reply of the Home Department with PTI here, Mr. Kumar expressed surprise over the non-utilisation of funds during the relatively peaceful years along the borders.
"Only 53.42% of the funds were utilised between 2020-21 and 2024-25," he said.
The Home Department said, "Total funds amounting to ₹24,277.85 lakh (₹242.778 crore) have been given by the government of India to the government of Jammu and Kashmir through the Finance Department, J&K during the financial year 2020-21 till date for construction of bunkers for civilians in border districts of Jammu and Kashmir." It said, an amount of ₹6,918.31 was released for 2020-21, ₹4,170 for 2021-22, ₹8,189.54 for 2022-23 and ₹2,500 each for 2023-24 and 2024-25.
However, the reply said that the J&K administration has only spent ₹12,967.869 lakh (₹129.678 crore) for the construction of bunkers for civilians -- ₹4,881.108 lakh in 2020-21, ₹3,318.548 lakh in 2021-22, ₹2,275.313 lakh in 2022-23, ₹846.64 lakh in 2023-24, and ₹1,646.26 lakh in 2024-25.
A total of 27 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives and 70 were injured in intense Pakistani shelling and drone attacks on forward villages in Jammu and Kashmir after Indian armed forces launched missile strikes on terror infrastructure across the border during the intervening night of May 6 and 7 under Operation Sindoor to avenge the April 22 Pahalgam attack that left 25 tourists and a local service provider dead.
Poonch and Rajouri accounted for most of the civilian casualties, prompting requests for the construction of more safety bunkers along the borders.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the shelling-hit areas in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions within two days after India and Pakistan reached an understanding to halt military actions with immediate effect on May 10. He asserted that his government will formulate a policy to build individual bunkers for the people.
"Community bunkers had been built, but they were not used for so long. No new bunker has come up in many years. Wherever I went, people said we should build individual bunkers," he said.
"The government will frame a policy on that, and a scheme will be formulated for the people in these areas which are closer to the LoC and the border, and that would then be taken up with the central government," he added.
He said the community bunkers are a lifeline during moments of crisis.
"We will ensure the construction of more such safer spaces to protect and support our people living in border areas," he said.

RTI reply : Curchorem sewage treatment plant bypassed green test, shows

Times of India: Margao: Monday, June 30, 2025.
A Right to Information (RTI) reply shows regulatory deficiencies in the construction of a sewage treatment plant at Curchorem, as the Goa State Pollution Control Board (GSPCB) said that no environmental impact assessment (EIA) was conducted before the commencement of the project.

The RTI response, dated June 25, said that the GSPCB has no records of the EIA being conducted for the STP being constructed at survey No. 505, Cacora, within the jurisdiction of Curchorem Cacora Municipal Council (CCMC). Activists said that the GSPCB’s statement that “EIA report not available with the board” directly contradicts mandatory requirements under the EIA notification 2006 and an NGT judgment (application no. 124 of 2013), which mandates prior environmental clearance for STP construction.
In its judgment, the NGT, referring to the guidance manual dealing with EIA clearance of effluent treatment plants, issued by the environment ministry said, “The bare reading of the (guidance manual) shows that establishment, expansion and even modernisation of combined effluent treatment plants require environment clearance. Any treatment plant that deals with such effluents having more than 10% of industrial contributions by volume has to be treated as a combined effluent treatment plant.”
Activist Aditya Dessai said that “as the same sewage line passes through the Cacora Industrial Estate, and would also carry all types of effluents, it is plainly evident that the project requires environment clearance”.
The board confirmed that while No Objection Certificates from the town and country planning department and the local municipality were issued, these clearances were granted without any environmental assessment. Water quality data before construction, public consultation records, and mangrove destruction estimates are also missing from official records, the RTI reply said.
Dessai said, “The STP’s location on the Zuari bank has resulted in large-scale destruction of mangroves through filling of the riverbed within the high tide line, thereby violating provisions of Section 24(1)(b) of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974.”
Dessai said that Rajasthan high court order of Oct 24, 2024, prohibits illegal constructions and encroachments on riverbeds, floodplains and river catchments. The court had directed state chief secretaries and the jal shakti ministry to ensure compliance with anti-encroachment measures.

Requested land documents not given; Information Commission fines Land Revenue Department

Kerala Kaumudi: Thiruvananthapuram: Monday, June 30, 2025.

The Kerala State Information Commission has imposed a fine on the Land Revenue Department. This was after assessing the loss caused due to the applicant not receiving the RTI documents on time. This is the first time in history that the RTI Commission has imposed a fine on a government department. Information Commissioner Dr A Abdul Hakeem directed the Land Revenue Commissioner to transfer Rs 50,000 to the complainant within a month. The order also states that the amount will be recovered from those responsible for the lapse.
The action was taken on the complaint of Douglas E. Years ago, Douglas had applied to the Kollam East Village Office and the Taluk Office, requesting documents related to the mutation of a piece of land in Kollam Taluk. However, the authorities under the Right to Information Act did not grant these. The reply was that the files of the requested documents were lost. A complaint was filed with the Human Rights Commission in this regard. The investigation revealed the negligence of the officials concerned, but no action was taken. Subsequently, the applicant approached the High Court and the court ordered compensation.

RTI : Centre gave Rs 242.77 Cr for bunker constructions since 2021; J&K spent Rs 129.67 Cr only

Greater Kashmir: Jammu: Monday, June 30, 2025.
This startling revelation has been provided by the J&K Home Department in reply to an application filed under the Right to information (RTI) Act by an RTI activist Raman Sharma

The Government of India has provided total funds amounting to Rs 242.77 crore since 2021 till date to the Jammu and Kashmir government for construction of bunkers for civilians in border areas yet the latter has only spent Rs 129.67 crore.
As per reply, the Centre has given Rs 24277.85 lakhs to the J&K Government through the Finance Department of the Union Territory during the financial year 2020-2021 till May, 2025 for construction of bunkers for civilians in eight border districts of Jammu and Kashmir. These districts include five districts in Jammu division and three in Kashmir division.
However, the J&K government has spent so far only Rs 12967.869 lakh out of this amount, which forms around 53 percent of the total amount received. In 2020-21, the Centre released Rs 6918.31 lakhs while J&K could utilise only 4881.106 lakhs. UT government was provided Rs 4170 lakhs in 2021-22; Rs 8189.54 lakhs in 2022-23; Rs 2500 lakhs in 2023-2024; again Rs 2500 lakhs in 2024-25 and nil in 2025-26. However, J&K used 3318.548 lakhs in 2021-22; Rs 2275.313 lakhs in 2022-23; Rs 846.64 lakhs (lowest) in 2023-2024 and Rs 1646.26 lakhs in 2024-25. As per year-wise funds released in border districts, in 2020-21, Jammu district got Rs 1158.99 lakhs. It received Rs 368.20 lakhs in 2021-22; Rs 167.95 lakhs in 2022-23; Rs 25.92 lakhs in 2023-24 and Rs 30.11 lakhs in 2024-25.
Samba district was provided Rs 621.45 lakhs in 2020-21; Rs 483.40 lakhs in 2021-22; Rs 1896.93 lakhs in 2022-23; Rs 294.32 lakhs in 2023-24 and Rs 913.58 lakhs in 2024-25. Kathua district got Rs 196.42 lakhs in 2020-21; Rs 338.20 lakhs in 2021-22; Rs 1900 lakhs in 2022-23; Rs 795 lakhs in 2023-24 and Rs 491.37 lakhs in 2024-25. Rajouri district received Rs 1994.16 lakhs in 2020-21; Rs 1308 lakhs in 2021-22; Rs 3020.08 lakhs in 2022-23; Rs 857.76 lakhs in 2023-24 and Rs 625.57 lakhs in 2024-25. Poonch district was released Rs 1208.40 lakhs in 2020-21; Rs 1202.20 lakhs in 2021-22; Rs 1204.58 lakhs in 2022-23; Rs 527 lakhs in 2023-24 and Rs 314.54 lakhs in 2024-25. Kupwara district was given Rs 1138.89 lakhs in 2020-21; Rs 290 lakhs in 2021-22 and Rs 56.50 lakhs in 2024-25. Baramulla district received Rs 200 lakhs in 2020-21; Rs 150 lakhs in 2021-22 and Rs 65.23 lakhs in 2024-25. Bandipora district was given Rs 400 lakhs in 2020-21; Rs 30 lakhs in 2021-22 and Rs 3 lakhs in 2024-25.

Haryana: RTI activist, YouTuber held for extortion in Gurugram

Hindustan Times: Chandigarh: Sunday, June 29, 2025.
The accused have been identified as Sukhbir Tanwar, a self-proclaimed RTI activist, and MK Maurya, a YouTuber

An RTI activist and a YouTuber were arrested on Friday for allegedly blackmailing and extorting money from the chairman of a private school by misusing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, police said on Saturday.
The accused have been identified as Sukhbir Tanwar, a self-proclaimed RTI activist, and MK Maurya, a YouTuber. Both were produced before a city court and have been sent to judicial custody.
An FIR has been registered against them at Sector 37 police station based on a complaint filed by Pradeep Kaushik, chairman of GAV International School.
According to Kaushik’s complaint, Tanwar filed an RTI against his school in the education department in October 2022 and allegedly began using the information to blackmail him. Kaushik claimed that Tanwar filed a court case to pressure him and later demanded ₹10 lakh for withdrawing it.
Kaushik stated that he paid ₹2.5 lakh to Tanwar at the court premises on December 5, 2024, to safeguard the school’s reputation. Although Tanwar withdrew the case on April 8, the alleged blackmailing continued.
Kaushik said new RTIs were filed in other departments, including the income tax department, on April 15.
In his complaint, Kaushik said Tanwar demanded ₹5 lakh more, this time contacting him through YouTuber Maurya. On May 8, Kaushik met the duo at his school in Sector 37 and handed over ₹25,000 as part of the demanded sum. The meeting was captured on CCTV, which was later submitted to the police as evidence.
Following the complaint, police arrested both accused and confirmed that a detailed investigation is underway. “The accused were sent to jail after being produced in court. Further probe is ongoing,” said a senior police officer.

NMC’s ethics board rejects 162 patients’ complaints on medical negligence, RTI

New Indian Express: New Delhi: Sunday, June 29, 2025.
This is despite NMC's landmark decision earlier this year, when it overturned its earlier verdict of rejecting patients' and their relatives' appeals to approach its EMRB.

As many as 162 patients, who had approached the National Medical Commission (NMC) ethics board against the decision of the State Medical Councils (SMC) regarding complaints of medical negligence and misconduct against doctors, have been rejected in the past four-and-a-half years, an RTI has revealed.
This is despite NMC's landmark decision earlier this year, when it overturned its earlier verdict of rejecting patients' and their relatives' appeals to approach its Ethics and Medical Registration Board (EMRB), which regulates professional conduct and promotes medical ethics in the country, for redressal of their complaints.
In an RTI reply, the NMC to a query from activist Dr K.V. Babu on the number of appeals of patients returned by EMRB from September 25, 2020, to the present, responded that it was 162.
To another query, on appeals filed by Registered Medical Practitioners (RMPs) against SMC decisions to EMRB during the same period, the number was 156.
However, to another question on the number of appeals filed by RMPs that EMRB rejected during the same period, the RTI reply, dated June 19, got the answer “nil.”
According to Kerala-based ophthalmologist Dr Babu, rejecting the appeals by EMRB against the SMC decisions from patients is a clear violation of the NMC Act 2019, and hence, it is illegal.
“The EMRB of the NMC has been continuing this illegal activity for over four years, and it is high time that they stopped it. It is time for the Union Health Ministry to step in and stop this illegality,” he told TNIE.
The approval to hear patients' appeals came in the NMC’s meeting on September 23, 2024. The NMC an apex body that regulates medical education, medical professionals, and institutes U-turn came after a year, as on August 23, 2023, notification permitted families and relatives to appeal against an erring medical professional. But it was not implemented.
According to the NMC Act 2019, medical professionals can appeal against SMC decisions under Section 30 (3) if they are found guilty of medical negligence. If the EMRB finds their act punishable, medical practitioners can make a second appeal under Section 30 (4) of the NMC Act.
But patients don't have that right despite clause 8.8 in the NMC Act, which was added on May 27, 2004, following the Supreme Court directions.
As per clause 8.8, any person aggrieved by the decision of the SMC on any complaint against a delinquent physician shall have the right to file an appeal to the MCI within 60 days from receipt of the order passed by the MCI.
However, the clause was removed when MCI was dissolved and NMC came into being. To rectify these lacunae, the Union Health Ministry decided to amend the NMC Act 2019 by inserting sections allowing patients to appeal. The proposal was published for comment on December 29, 2022, but it was not enacted in clear violation of the patient's right.

Rebel with a cause: A long journey on right route to empowerment

New Indian Express: Tamil Nadu: Sunday, June 29, 2025.
With over 1,200 RTI petitions to his name and more than 1,200 youngsters trained in using the Act, Mohan has become a formidable figure in Tamil Nadu’s grassroots activism landscape.

After retiring in 2010, NG Mohan dedicated himself  fully to
RTI work, guided by insights from Sivaraj,a retired deputy
collector from Vellore, and  renowned RTI activist
A Ramakrishnan.Photo | Express / K K Sundar

In an age where transparency in governance often feels elusive, one man from Madurai district has quietly yet powerfully made the system more accountable armed with nothing more than a pen and the Right to Information (RTI) Act. NG Mohan, the 73-year-old retired transport conductor from Mannadimangalam in Vadipatti Taluk, has spent the last 15 years exposing fraud, correcting administrative lapses, and empowering citizens through RTI. With over 1,200 RTI petitions to his name and more than 1,200 youngsters trained in using the Act, Mohan has become a formidable figure in Tamil Nadu’s grassroots activism landscape.
Reflecting on the inspiration behind his activism, Mohan gives credit to his father, N Gurusamy Pillai, a farmer who was deeply influenced by socialist and communist ideologies. “During my school days, many top communist leaders, including P Ramamurthy stayed in our house during their political campaigns,” he recalled. This early exposure laid the foundation for his political and social consciousness. After schooling in Mannadimangalam, he pursued a BA in political science.
However, Mohan’s straightforward attitude often clashed with political realities. “When the youths’ voice and opinions are neglected, they feel marginalised and disengage from politics. That’s what happened with me,” he said. Despite stepping away from active politics, his commitment to social welfare continued. In 1978, he joined the erstwhile Pallavan Transport Corporation (now TNSTC) as a conductor and became involved with the Labour Progressive Federation, which advocates for transport workers’ rights.

Mohan holds up an RTI application.
hoto | Express / K K Sundar

A turning point came in 2007 when T Nagasundaram, then Legal Manager at TNSTC, introduced Mohan to the RTI Act. “This tool is a strong weapon for social activism,” he said. After retiring in 2010, Mohan dedicated himself fully to RTI work, guided by insights from Sivaraj, a retired deputy collector from Vellore, and renowned RTI activist A Ramakrishnan.
One of his most notable interventions came in 2013-14 when he uncovered a case of fake educational degrees among Madurai City Corporation engineers. “Some Junior Engineers who had only diplomas submitted fake civil engineering degrees to get promotions,” he said. Through RTI applications, Mohan exposed the fraud, leading to the demotion of 13 engineers.
In another instance from the 2010s, a Tasmac shop was set up in Mannadimangalam, sparking protests due to its proximity to a school, bus stand, and bank. Despite a Grama Sabha resolution, the shop remained. “Authorities did not act until we submitted RTI replies proving the shop’s violation of the rule that bans liquor outlets within 100 metres of public utilities,” he explained.
In 2017, he highlighted unsafe electric poles installed by Tangedco in Madurai without proper procedures. “A large electric pole was left in the middle of the road in Palanganatham. Despite complaints, nothing changed,” he said. An RTI application forced the authorities to act, resulting in the removal over 20 dangerous poles in the area.
Farmers in Madurai who had availed a housing loan of Rs 4 lakh from a cooperative society were denied their property certificates even after loan repayment. “After complaint petitions supported with RTI replies, the sale deeds were finally handed over,” he noted.
So far, Mohan has filed over 1,200 RTI applications. But his focus isn’t just on filing complaints he is passionate about training the next generation. “We need more youngsters as RTI warriors,” he emphasised. When he first planned to hold RTI workshops, venues were hard to find. “Thankfully, Basheer, a social activist, offered a space near the Masjid in Surveyor Colony, Madurai,” he said.
“With friends’ support, we have trained over 1,200 youngsters in the last 10 years. But that’s still not enough,” he said with resolve.
NG Mohan’s story is one of perseverance, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to justice through information. As he continues to train more youth and file crucial RTIs, his impact on governance and civic empowerment in Tamil Nadu only grows stronger.
(Edited by Meghna Murali)

झारखंड हाईकोर्ट का आदेश, RTI के तहत संत जोसेफ कॉलेज तोरपा को देनी होगी अनुदान से जुड़ी जानकारी

Lagatar: Jharkhand: Saturday, June 28, 2025.

झारखंड हाईकोर्ट ने अपने एक फैसले में कहा कि संत जोसेफ कॉलेज, तोरपा को राज्य सरकार से प्राप्त अनुदान से संबंधित सभी जानकारी सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम (RTI) 2005 के तहत देनी होगी.  कोर्ट ने स्पष्ट किया कि जब कोई संस्था सरकार से आर्थिक सहायता प्राप्त करती है, तो वह सार्वजनिक प्राधिकरण की श्रेणी में आती है  ऐसी स्थिति में उस पर RTI के प्रावधान लागू होंगे और उससे  कॉलेज से जुड़ी जानकारियां मांगी जा सकती है.
कॉलेज ने आयोग के आदेश को हाईकोर्ट में दी थी चुनौती
दरअसल याचिकाकर्ता अमित कुमार राय ने कॉलेज से यह जानकारी मांगी थी कि राज्य सरकार से प्राप्त अनुदान की राशि से कॉलेज ने शिक्षकों और गैर-शिक्षकीय कर्मचारियों को कितनी सैलरी दी. लेकिन कॉलेज प्रशासन ने यह जानकारी देने से इनकार कर दिया. इसके बाद याचिकाकर्ता ने राज्य सूचना आयोग में शिकायत दर्ज कराई. तो आयोग ने आदेश दिया कि कॉलेज को RTI के तहत मांगी गई जानकारी प्रदान करनी होगी. इस आदेश को कॉलेज ने झारखंड हाईकोर्ट में चुनौती दी, लेकिन हाईकोर्ट की डिवीजन बेंच (दो न्यायाधीशों की पीठ) ने कॉलेज की याचिका खारिज करते हुए आयोग के आदेश को सही ठहराया.
कोर्ट का स्पष्ट रुख
हाईकोर्ट ने अपने आदेश में कहा कि 2016 में कॉलेज को राज्य सरकार से 40 लाख रुपये का अनुदान मिला था, जो यह दर्शाता है कि वह सरकार द्वारा वित्तपोषित संस्था है. इसलिए RTI अधिनियम की धारा 2(h) के तहत वह सार्वजनिक प्राधिकरण की श्रेणी में आता है और उसे संबंधित जानकारी उपलब्ध करानी होगी.
कॉलेज की दलील खारिज, याचिकाकर्ता ने रखा पक्ष
कॉलेज ने यह तर्क दिया कि वह RTI के दायरे में नहीं आता, लेकिन कोर्ट ने 20 जून 2025 को हुई अंतिम सुनवाई में इस दलील को अस्वीकार करते हुए कहा कि सरकारी पैसे के उपयोग पर जनता को जानकारी मांगने का अधिकार है और संस्थान को इसका जवाब देना अनिवार्य है. इस मामले में याचिकाकर्ता अमित कुमार राय की ओर से वकील विशाल कुमार राय ने अदालत में प्रभावी रूप से पक्ष रखा.  हाईकोर्ट के आदेश के बाद अब कॉलेज को यह बताना होगा कि सरकार से मिले अनुदान का उपयोग कैसे और कहां हुआ, किन कर्मचारियों को कितना भुगतान किया गया,.

RTI से हुआ जालसाजी का पर्दाफाश, दूसरे महिला की डिग्री पर मौज काट रही थी टीचर, अब 7 साल की सजा

Navbharat Times: Khargone MP: Saturday, June 28, 2025.
दूसरी महिला के अंकपत्र और एवं खुद का फर्जी जाति प्रमाण पत्र लगाकर नौकरी करने वाली महिला टीचर को 7-7 वर्ष की सश्रम कारावास की सजा से दण्डित किया गया है। अपर जिला एवं सत्र न्यायालय बड़वाह ने आरोपी रुक्मणी उर्फ बेबी (फर्जी अंजुबाला) पति विक्रम सिंह चौहान निवासी बड़वाह को दोषी मानते हुए 7 साल की सजा से दंडित किया है।

यह सजा धारा-420 भादवि व धारा-468 भादवि में 7-7 वर्ष का सश्रम कारावास व धारा-419 भादवि में 3 वर्ष एवं धारा-471 भादवि में 2 वर्ष का सश्रम कारावास तथा कुल 8000 रू. के अर्थदण्ड से दण्डित किया गया है। अभियोजन कार्यालय बड़वाह से विशेष लोक अभियोजक चंपालाल मुजाल्दे ने बताया कि आर.टी.आई. कार्यकर्ता प्रेमलाल गुर्जर ने धोखाधड़ी का पता लगाया था। उन्हें 2017 में पता चला कि विक्रम सिंह चौहान की पत्नी रुक्मणी उर्फ बेबी ने दूसरी महिला की अंकसूची का उपयोग कर नौकरी पा ली थी। उसने अंजू बाला राठौर निवासी बड़वाह हाल मुकाम पेटलावद जिला झाबुआ की दसवीं व बारहवीं की अंकसूची व स्वयं का फर्जी जाति प्रमाण पत्र का उपयोग किया था और वह शासकीय प्राथमिक विद्यालय क्रमांक 6 बड़वाह में शिक्षिका की नौकरी करने लगी थी।
RTI कार्यकर्ता ने खोला राज
आर.टी.आई. कार्यकर्ता प्रेमलाल गुर्जर ने आर.टी.आई. के तहत शिक्षा विभाग से अंजुबाला ऊर्फ रूक्‍मणी उर्फ बेबी के सेवा अभिलेख से दसवीं व बारहवीं की अंकसूची व जाति प्रमाण पत्र की सत्यापित प्रति प्राप्त की गई। उक्त सत्‍यापित प्रति अंजू बाला को दिखायी गयी तो उसने उसकी मूल अंकसूचियों से मिलान किया तो यह हूबहू मिल गई।
पुलिस ने शिकायत पर दर्ज किया मामला
अंजू बाला राठौर ने शिक्षा विभाग खरगोन और थाना बड़वाह पर रूक्‍मणी ऊर्फ बेबी के विरूद्ध प्रतिरूपण कर जालसाजी व धोखाधड़ी से नौकरी प्राप्त करने की शिकायत की। थाना बड़वाह ने जांच कर रूक्‍मणी उर्फ बेबी (फर्जी अंजुबाला ) एवं उसके पति विक्रमसिंह चौहान के विरुद्ध अपराध पंजीबद्ध किया।

RTI reveals misuse, violation of mineral reclamation funds

Shillong Times: Meghalaya: Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Documents obtained through RTI applications have unearthed serious anomalies, misuse, and guideline violations in the utilisation of the Meghalaya Minor Mineral Reclamation Fund (MMMRF).

The irregularities in the utilisation of MMMRF came to light following RTI applications filed on March 28 and May 6, with the office of Conservator of Forest (HQ)-cum-Public Information Office by the Hynniewtrep Youth Council (HYC).
The state government had notified the guidelines for the management and use of MMMRF on April 8, 2022, following a judgment of the High Court of Meghalaya on June 30, 2015.
HYC president Roy Kupar Synrem stated that a massive case of misuse of MMMRF funds was detected in the proposals received from JHADC and GHADC for the purchase of vehicles for official use and anti-illegal mining duties.
Questioning the roles played by the ADCs in checking illegal mining, he said the RTI replies revealed that the JHADC and GHADC submitted proposals on January 29, 2025, to the CEO of MMMRFMA for procurement of Scorpio S11 BS 6.2 vehicles “for official duties and attending various meeting in Shillong and prevention of illegal mining” at a total cost of Rs 38.34 lakh.
The MMMRFMA justified that the proposals were accepted during the general body meeting held on March 6 chaired by Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma.
The HYC president said the proposals were presented and accepted by the governing body under the heading “prevention of illegal mining” and the same were recommended in the 5th Executive Committee Meeting of the agency held on January 22.
Synrem stated that the RTI revealed that the proposals were sent on January 29, while the 5th Executive Committee meeting was held on January 22.
“How did the general body accept the proposals based on the recommendations of the 5th Executive Committee meeting when the proposals were submitted several days after the meeting,” the HYC president said.
He also pointed out that the 2nd meeting of the Executive Committee held on October 27, 2022, had rejected the proposal by the ADCs for the purchase of vehicles and held that “the proposal was found to be not tenable as per the existing MMMRF Guidelines 2022”.
As per the RTI replies, the proposals were accepted under paragraph 7(5)(h) of the guidelines which provides for “acquisition, operation and maintenance of patrol vehicles and mobile squads to detect and prevent illegal raising and transportation of minerals”.
“Are the ADCs empowered by law to check illegal mining? Is it not the state government that is empowered by law to check illegal mining?” he said, questioning the need to purchase high-end SUVs for patrolling purposes.
Synrem also stated that the RTI revealed that an amount of Rs 17.09 lakh was sanctioned for the procurement of laptops, desktops, all-in-one PCs, scanners, colour printers, photostat machines and workstations, without any tender process.
“Although a considerable amount of funds was utilised, the MMMRFMA did not find it important to call for tender to ensure fairness, transparency, and cost-effectiveness in the procurement of the materials,” Synrem said, claiming that this action of MMMRFMA reeks of clear manipulation and systematic efforts to favour some particular firm or entrepreneur.
He further stated that the Eco-Development Society (EDS), Meghalaya submitted proposals for “Eco-Tourism works in and around Nongkhyllem Wildlife Sanctuary” to the MMMRFMA on December 6, 2022 for a project cost of Rs 21.02 crore, which included consultancy charges of 4% of the project cost i.e. Rs 80.29 lakh and 18% GST charges on consultancy fee of Rs 14.45 lakh.
“At the very first meeting of the general body held on December 7, 2022, the proposal of EDS was accepted for an amount of Rs 20.09 crore which included the agency charge of EDS at 1% of the project cost,” Synrem said, adding that the EDS wrote to the MMMRFMA on December 20, 2022, to release the fund for the project amounting to Rs 21.23 crore — including project cost of Rs 20.09 crore, consultancy fees of Rs 80.36 (4%), EDS charge of Rs 20.09 lakh (1%) and GST of Rs 14.46 lakh.
“In a very suspicious way, the authorised signatories of the fund concerned issued a cheque of Rs 21.23 crore to EDS on December 23, 2022, without verifying the facts and figures. When the general body had accorded approval to the project in its first meeting, the total estimate of Rs 20.09 crore had included all the charges and taxes,” the HYC president said.
Synrem said it was a clear case of manipulation and criminal misappropriation of funds by EDS, TCIL and officials of MMMRFMA, besides officials from the Forest and Environment Department.
“The project itself is in contravention of the guidelines which provides for utilisation of the funds meant for the reclamation purposes,” he said.
Calling the project a violation of the reclamation-focused mandate of the fund, the HYC president urged the Chief Minister to take swift action against those responsible and ensure strict adherence to the 2022 guidelines.
“Since the MMMRF was created in compliance with a High Court judgment, we also urge the court to take serious note of these lapses and misappropriation of funds and issue appropriate directions to the state government on the use of the funds,” Synrem added.

Dibrugarh administration defers forwarding of RTI application to individuals concerned

The Sentinel: Dibrugarh: Saturday, June 28, 2025.
Dibrugarh admin deferred forwarding enquiry details after The Sentinel filed RTIs seeking related information from individuals or organizations.

The Dibrugarh district administration has deferred the forwarding of enquiry to the concerned individuals or organization after The Sentinel newspaper filed RTIs seeking information.
The RTI is a tool given to the citizens by the government to seek information from the administration. But it seems that the Dibrugarh district administration has made a mockery of the same.
On February 27, the newspaper filed an RTI on Dr John Berry White Medical Museum seeking its present status but the administration is yet to give any reply. When this correspondent went to the district administration office seeking information regarding the RTI, the officials gave an unsatisfactory reply.
The administration has not yet forwarded the RTI letter to the concerned individuals. It is not clear why such lackadaisical attitude is being shown by the district administration towards the RTIs filed. The RTI Act is a reminder of the obligations of transparency and accountability of public institutions in a democracy.

Why India's Data Protection Act Is Triggering Press Freedom Fears : By - Hera Rizwan

BOOM Fact Check: Delhi: Saturday, June 28, 2025.
In a joint memorandum to the I&B Ministry, journalists warned the law could undermine press freedom by restricting investigations, source protection, and access to public data.

Why Journalists Are Sounding The Alarm: On The DPDP Act The Press Club of India and 21 media organisations have submitted a joint memorandum to Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the exclusion of journalistic work from the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
The memorandum is backed by over 1,000 journalists and photojournalists across India, following a nationwide signature campaign launched in May 2025.
Journalists argue that the DPDP Act, as it stands, could severely impact press freedom by criminalising routine reporting, requiring consent for news coverage, and threatening source confidentiality.
Although the DPDP Act was enacted in August 2023, it is not yet in force. Draft implementation rules were released in January 2025, with final rules still pending.
The Press Club of India, along with 21 other media organisations, has submitted a joint memorandum to Union Minister for Electronics and Information and Broadcasting, Ashwini Vaishnaw, requesting that journalistic work be kept outside the scope of the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act.
Backed by over 1,000 signatories including journalists and photojournalists from across India the memorandum raises concerns that the current provisions of the Act could undermine press freedom.
It warns that the law may allow excessive state interference in essential journalistic functions such as investigative reporting, safeguarding sources, and publishing information crucial to the public interest.
On behalf of the media community, Press Club of India president Gautam Lahiri and secretary general Neeraj Thakur formally handed over the memorandum to Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General of the Press Information Bureau.
In May 2025, the Press Club of India launched a signature campaign to build opposition to the contested provision in the DPDP Act. The joint memorandum submitted to the government marks the outcome of that effort, backed by a broad coalition of journalist bodies across the country, including the Indian Women’s Press Corps, Delhi Union of Journalists, Mumbai Press Club, Press Club of Kolkata, Kerala Union of Working Journalists, and several others representing nearly every state and region.
DPDP Act not yet enforced, but contested: Speaking to BOOM, Lahiri said that they consulted legal experts and RTI activists before deciding to submit the memorandum. Based on those discussions, he said, there was a clear concern that once the DPDP Act is fully implemented, it could seriously compromise press freedom.
“This law, in its current form, poses a threat to freedom of expression, especially for working journalists,” Lahiri said. He added that the government must devise a mechanism to exempt bona fide journalists from its purview. “That is the basis of our appeal. We are urging the government to revisit these provisions,” he said.
He also pointed out that journalists were initially exempted in earlier discussions of the legislation. “Even the final Bill was passed with minimal discussion,” Lahiri said, explaining that the Lok Sabha cleared it right after the confidence vote, when most opposition members had walked out, and it passed by voice vote in the Rajya Sabha as well without any serious debate on its provisions.
This lack of deliberation, Lahiri suggested, reflects the urgency with which the press must now seek clarity and protection under the law.
Although the law has been passed, its enforcement still depends on the notification of detailed rules by the government a process currently underway.
India’s Digital Personal Data Protection Act was enacted on August 11, 2023, following its passage by the Lok Sabha on August 7 and the Rajya Sabha on August 9. However, the Act did not become fully operative immediately it requires specific rules to be notified by the Central Government before its provisions take effect.
Drafting on these rules began in late 2024. By January 3, 2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) officially published draft rules and opened them for public consultation, which was meant to close February 18, 2025 but was later extended till March 5, 2025.
These draft rules cover consent mechanisms, data breach reporting, data retention timelines, parental consent for minors, and the setup of the Data Protection Board of India, among other operational details.
The final rules are still pending. Industry groups like telecom firms and trade associations have requested more time to comply and have raised concerns over issues such as potential data localisation requirements that weren’t clearly addressed in the Act itself. Also Read:Biggest Password Leak Ever? 1,600 Cr Logins Stolen From Major Platforms.
Why journalists are concerned about the DPDP Act: Journalists and media bodies fear that the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, could restrict routine newsgathering and reporting. Their concerns are based on specific provisions in the law:
Broad definitions with no journalist exemptions: The Act defines terms like Data Principal, Data Fiduciary, and Personal Data in ways that apply to journalistic work. For instance, a person mentioned in a news article becomes a Data Principal, and the journalist becomes a Data Fiduciary, responsible for handling that data under strict rules. This means even quoting a person’s name or taking a photo could be treated as processing personal data potentially leading to penalties.
Consent requirements for reporting: Sections 5 and 6 of the Act say that a Data Fiduciary must get “informed, clear, and unambiguous” consent before processing personal data. Journalists fear this would require them to get permission before publishing investigative or breaking news such as during a riot, custodial death, or corruption scandal which is neither practical nor in the public interest.
Risk of being labelled ‘Significant Data Fiduciary’: Under Section 10, the government can designate certain data handlers as Significant Data Fiduciaries, based on how much data they collect. Journalists worry that those working with large datasets like electoral rolls or public welfare schemes may fall under this category, facing added compliance and scrutiny.
Threat to source confidentiality: Sections 28 and 36 give the Data Protection Board and the Union Government wide powers to demand any information from journalists and media organisations. This could expose confidential sources or whistleblowers, which are critical to investigative journalism and have “grave consequences for press freedom”.
Dilution of the RTI Act: One of the key concerns is that the Act weakens the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which journalists often use to access public records. The amendment to Section 8(1)(j) removes the earlier safeguard that allowed disclosure of personal information if it served the larger public interest. This change could block access to crucial data such as records on government schemes, public servants, or beneficiaries that has historically helped expose corruption and systemic failures.
What journalists are demanding from the government
To protect press freedom, the memorandum submitted by 21 press bodies and over 1,000 journalists urges the government to make the following changes to the DPDP Act:
Clear exemptions for journalists: They want the law to clearly state that journalists and media organisations are not Data Fiduciaries when performing legitimate newsgathering and reporting in the public interest.
Remove ambiguity from the law: Journalists are asking for revisions to vague terms and definitions that currently leave them open to liability for doing their jobs such as taking a photograph, quoting a source, or publishing a report on public figures.
Protect journalists from arbitrary classification: They demand that media professionals not be classified as Significant Data Fiduciaries, a label that could be misused to impose disproportionate obligations on the press.
Uphold the confidentiality of sources: The memorandum calls for journalists and media outlets to be excluded from the powers under Sections 28 and 36 that allow government agencies to access sensitive or confidential journalistic material.
Restore full RTI protections: Finally, they ask that the original version of Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act be reinstated, so that journalists can continue accessing important public interest information without being blocked by broad privacy claims.
Thus, journalists have raised concerns that several provisions of the DPDP Act could infringe on their constitutional rights under Article 19(1)(a) and (g), which protect freedom of speech and expression, as well as the right to practise their profession.

MP High Court Quashes Remarks Against Ex-State CIC's Conduct For Delaying RTI Info, Says Decision Was 'Bona Fide' : Jayanti Pahwa

Live Law: Madhya Pradesh: Friday, 27 June 2025.
The Madhya Pradesh High Court recently set aside adverse observations made on the conduct of former State Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) Arvind Kumar Shukla in an order passed by a single judge bench and quashed the direction to recover a penalty of Rs. 40,000.

A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf observed that the order passed by the CIC with respect to information sought by an RTI applicant was passed in bona fide discharge of his duties. It said:
"We have perused the impugned order insofar as it relates to the conduct of the appellant and are satisfied that the orders passed by the appellant were in good faith and in bonafide discharge of the official duties. In view of the above, the impugned order dated 05.03.2025 insofar as it make certain observations with regard to the discharge of duties by the appellant and direction to the department to recover the cost from the appellant, is set aside".
The appellant, Arvind Kumar Shukla, who previously served as the CIC, challenged the order dated May 5 passed by the single judge bench in a writ petition filed by an RTI applicant. Shukla's appeal was confined to certain remarks made against him with regard to his functioning
as the CIC and the direction to recover the cost of Rs. 40,000 imposed on the concerned department, from him.
RTI Applicant, Neeraj Nigam had moved a writ petition before the single judge against rejection of his application seeking information by the former CIC.
Nigam had filed an RTI application on March 26, 2019. He claimed that the law required furnishing of information within 30 days but the Public Information Officer did not do so and failed in discharge of his duties. He thus claimed that information should be provided to him free of cost in terms of Section 7(6) RTI Act.
Meanwhile the department had argued that though RTI application was filed on March 26, 2019 however it was put up before the PIO only on March 27, 2019. PIO wrote to the applicant to deposit sum of Rs. 2,12,664 on April 18, 2019 which was dispatched on April 26, 2019. It was argued that period from date of date of dispatch of letter to the date by when payment is to be made must be excluded from the 30 day period. Hence order passed by CIC is correct.
However the the single judge held that information has to be provided within 30 days of receipt of request and not within 30 days of receipt of placing of request on the table of PIO. The court said that when the fee demand is dispatched after 30 days then that will not empower the authorities to not provide the information free of cost.
It had thereafter remarked, "CIC abdicated its statutory responsibility and acted as an agent of the government in not examining the facts of thecase in minute details".
The bench held that the delayed dispatch of a fee demand does not exclude the authority's obligation under Section 7(6) of the RTI Act.
Accordingly, the single judge had directed the department to provide the requested information free of cost within 15 days and imposed a cost of Rs. 40,000 on the State for forcing the petition into prolonged litigation for non-application of mind on behalf of the former CIC. It also directed that the amount must be recovered from the delinquent officer. Against this Shukla moved the division bench in appeal.
Advocate Praveen Dubey appearing for Shukla, submitted before the division bench that the CIC's orders were passed in good faith and as part of his official responsibilities. He relied on Section 21 of the Right to Information Act, which protects public servants from legal proceedings for actions performed in good faith under the Act. It was argued that, in light of this statutory protection, the court ought not tohave issued adverse findings or recovery directions against Shukla.
The division bench noted that "prior to making the observation with regard to the conduct of the appellant and a direction to recover the cost from the appellant, no notice was issued to the appellant by the writ court".
In light of the above findings, the court set aside the single judge's order but only to the extent it contained observations on Shukla's discharge of duties and direction to recover the penalty amount.
The appeal was accordingly disposed of.
(Click here to read theOrder)

HC directs RTI appeals to state commission

Ahmedabad Mirror: Ahmedabad: Friday, 27 June 2025.

Gujarat High Court has ruled that RTI appeals must be filed before the State Information Commission, not directly in court. This applies even when petitioners claim violations of natural justice. The bench dismissed an appeal while stressing that RTI procedures require strict adherence.
Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal and Justice DN Ray rejected the petition filed by Balubha Ker. He had challenged the government appellate authority’s decision on his RTI application. He claimed he wasn’t heard before the order was passed. According to Ker, his right to natural justice was violated when authorities decided his case without giving him a proper chance to be heard.
A single judge had earlier thrown out his plea.
High Court observation
“We are of the view that such contentions are to be rejected outrightly for the simple reason that the question of whether the information provided to the petitioner was incomplete or the petitioner was not heard ... are the questions to be decided by the State Information Commission within the scope of the Right to Information Act, 2005,” the bench stated. The judges said: “Any violation of a statutory provision can very well be looked into by the reviewing authority ... such as the State Information Commission or Central Information Commission, as the case may be.”
(Please Click here to DownloadOrder)

RTI ruling upholds citizen rights, bars authorities from demanding in-person visits for information

New Indian Express: Ahmedabad: Friday, 27 June 2025.
The decision came in response to a case involving Dr Divyangi Patel, who runs a multi-speciality hospital on Khergam-Bahej Road.

In a landmark ruling, the Gujarat State Information Commission has reinforced that Right to Information (RTI) applicants cannot be compelled to physically visit government offices either to pay fees or collect information, a move seen as a strong push for citizen convenience and transparency.
The decision came in response to a case involving Dr Divyangi Patel, who runs a multi-speciality hospital on Khergam-Bahej Road. She had filed an RTI application with the Khergam Police Station, seeking updates on a complaint she had submitted.
In return, the Public Information Officer (PIO), a Police Sub-Inspector, informed her that she could collect the information only after making the requisite payment.
However, the officer failed to specify the number of pages involved or outline acceptable payment modes, violating the Gujarat RTI Rules 2010. These rules clearly state that citizens can pay fees through postal orders, demand drafts, government chalans, or pay orders, without the need for a physical visit.
Dr Patel reminded the officer of these provisions but received no response. She then filed a first appeal with the Superintendent of Police, who, according to Pankti Jog, convener of Ahmedabad-based NGO Mahiti Adhikar Gujarat Pahel (MAGP), "was unaware of the PIO’s legal obligations under the RTI framework."
Following this, Dr Patel approached the Gujarat State Information Commission. The Chief Information Commissioner upheld her case and emphasised that forcing citizens to visit offices for payment or information was not just a procedural lapse but a violation of their rights under the RTI Act and Gujarat Rules.
The Commission concluded that such non-compliance amounted to deliberate denial of information and imposed a Rs 5,000 penalty on the PIO.
“This order is critical,” said Pankti Jog. “Citizens often report facing intimidation or uncooperative behaviour when they visit police stations for official purposes. It’s important to highlight that the Home Department received the highest number of RTI applications in Gujarat, 40,263 in 2023–24, according to the Commission’s annual report.”
The ruling is expected to act as a precedent and a deterrent against misuse of power by public officials, especially in sensitive departments like the police.

ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટીઓને પણ RTI કાયદો લાગુ પડે, સરકારને જરૂરી આદેશ આપવા માહિતી આયોગનો હુકમ

Gujarat Samachar: Ahmedabad: Thursday, 26 June 2025.

RTI Act: ગુજરાત રાજ્ય માહિતી આયોગ દ્વારા એક ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટી સામે RTI (રાઇટ ટુ ઈન્ફોર્મેશન) હેઠળ માહિતી ન આપવાની ફરિયાદના કેસમાં મહત્ત્વનો હુકમ કરતા નોંધ્યુ છે કે, આરટીઆઈના કાયદા હેઠળ ખાનગી યુનિ.ઓ પણ આવે છે. એટલે કે ખાનગી યુનિ.ઓ પણ જાહેર સત્તામંડળમાં આવી શકે છે, જેથી આરટીઆઈ હેઠળ ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટીઓએ પણ અરજદારને માહિતી આપવી પડે. આયોગે આ સાથે સરકારના વહિવટીતંત્રને પણ જરૂરી આદેશો આપવા ભલામણ કરી છે.
સરકારી સિવાય ખાનગી યુનિ.ને પણ RTI એક્ટ લાગુ પડે
કેન્દ્ર સરકારનો રાઈટ ટુ ઈન્ફોર્મેશન એક્ટ-2005નો કાયદો સરકારી સંસ્થાઓને તો લાગુ પડે જ છે, પરંતુ ખાનગી યુનિ.ઓ કે જેઓ સરકારના કાયદા દ્વારા રચાઈ હોય તેઓને પણ લાગુ પડે છે. આ મહત્ત્વનો હુકમ તાજેતરમાં ગુજરાત માહિતી આયોગ દ્વારા આપવામાં આવ્યો છે. તાજેતરમાં એક ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટી સામે અરજદારે માહિતી ન આપવા મુદ્દે કરેલી ફરિયાદના કેસમાં માહિતી આયોગ દ્વારા સુનાવણી હાથ ધરવામા આવી હતી. જેમાં આયોગે હુકમ કર્યો હતો કે, રાજ્યના શિક્ષણ વિભાગના 2020ના હુકમથી ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટીને સંબંધિત અન્ય પ્રથમ અપીલના ચુકાદા હેઠળ ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટી પણ આરટીઆઈ એક્ટ હેઠળ જાહેર સત્તામંડળ છે. માહિતી અધિકાર અધિનિયમમાં જાહેર સત્તામંડળની કરાયેલી વ્યાખ્યા મુજબ સંવિધાનથી અથવા તે હેઠળ કે સંસદે કરેલા કોઈ બીજા કાયદાથી કે રાજ્ય વિધાનમંડળે કરેલા કોઈ બીજા કાયદાથી અથવા સમુચિત સરકારે બહાર પાડેલ જાહેરનામાંથી રચેયાલા કોઈ સત્તામંડળ અથવા તો સ્વરાજ્યની સંસ્થા છે. મોટા પાયે ધિરાણ મેળવતા બિન સરકારી સંગઠનોનો પણ સમાવેશ થાય છે.
હાઈકોર્ટના ચુકાદાને આધિન રહેશે આયોગનો નિર્ણય
યુજીસી દ્વારા પણ આરટીઆઈ એક્ટના અમલ બાબતે યુનિવર્સિટી-કોલેજો માટે સ્પષ્ટતા કરી છે. જેમાં યુનિ.ઓ-કોલેજોને એક્ટનો અભ્યાસ કરીને વિવિધ પ્રકારની માહિતી જાહેરમાં મૂકવા બાબતે જણાવ્યું છે. ગુજરાત માહિતી આયોગ દ્વારા તાજેતરમાં કરવામા આવેલા હુકમમાં એ પણ નોંધવામાં આવ્યું છે કે, ગુજરાત પ્રાઇવેટ યુનિવર્સિટી એક્ટ 2009ની કલમ-2માં આપવામાં આવેલી જાહેર સત્તામંડળની વ્યાખ્યામાં રાજ્ય વિધાનમંડળે કરેલા કાયદાથી અસ્તિત્ત્વમાં આવેલી સંસ્થાઓ જાહેર સત્તામંડળ બનતી હોવાથી ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટીએ જાહેર સત્તામંડળની વ્યાખ્યમાં આવે છે. જો કે આયોગે સાથે એ પણ સ્પષ્ટતા કરી છે કે, અન્ય એક ખાનગી યુનિવર્સિટી સામેના જાહેર સત્તામંડળ ગણવાના હુકમ સામે યુનિ. દ્વારા ગુજરાત હાઈકોર્ટમાં 2021માં અરજી કરાઈ હતી. જેમાં મનાઈ હુકમ કરેલો છે અને જે 4 ઓગસ્ટ 2025 સુધી લંબાવેલો છે. જેથી આયોગના આ હુકમનો અમલ હાઈકોર્ટના આખરી ચુકાદાને આધીન રહેશે. પરંતુ, આયોગે હાલ તો ખાનગી યુનિ.ને અરજદારને માહિતી આપવા આદેશ કર્યો છે અને સાથે રાજ્ય સરકારના વહિવટી તંત્રને આરટીઆઈ એક્ટનો અમલ કરાવવા માટે જરૂરી આદેશો આપવા ભલામણ કરી છે.
આ ઉપરાંત આયોગના હુકમની નકલ શિક્ષણ વિભાગના અધિક મુખ્ય સચિવને પણ મોકલવામા આવે અને તેઓ દ્વારા ખાનગી યુનિ.ઓને આ બાબતે આદેશ આપવામાં આવે. જેની નકલ પણ આયોગને મોકલવાની રહેશે.