The Times of India: Karnataka: Saturday, 8th
August 2026.
In a significant ruling,
the Kalaburagi Bench of Karnataka Information Commission has declared the
Kalaburagi-Yadgir District Central Cooperative Bank (DCCB) a public authority
under Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
The ruling is expected to have wider implications for other DCCBs across Karnataka, as it clarifies that cooperative banks functioning under substantial govt control can be treated as public authorities under RTI Act.
Information Commissioner B Venkat Singh passed the order while disposing of a second appeal filed by one Rajkumar Aland, who had sought information on the action taken over a letter submitted to the bank’s Aland branch on Jan 25, 2022.
The bank had refused to furnish the information, arguing that it did not receive substantial financial assistance from govt and therefore did not fall within the ambit of RTI Act.
Unhappy with the response, Aland filed a second appeal before Karnataka Information Commission’s Kalaburagi Bench.
In its July 30, 2026 order, the commission held that the bank functions under govt rules, directions and regulatory oversight, and therefore qualifies as a public authority even though it does not receive substantial direct financial assistance from govt.
The order observed that govt has contributed share capital to the bank and appointed its CEO and managing director. It further noted that the cooperation department has the authority to investigate irregularities and that govt can supersede the bank’s management if the charges are established.
It also pointed out that govt nominates members to the bank’s board, subsidises interest on loans extended to farmers through the bank and reimburses banks whenever farm loan waiver schemes are implemented. Recruitment is also carried out with govt approval and includes govt representatives in the selection process.
The commission directed the bank to comply with Sections 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(b) of RTI Act by proactively disclosing information and appointing public information officers and first appellate authorities. It also instructed the principal secretary of the cooperation department, the registrar of cooperative societies and other authorities in the department to ensure compliance with the order.
The ruling is expected to have wider implications for other DCCBs across Karnataka, as it clarifies that cooperative banks functioning under substantial govt control can be treated as public authorities under RTI Act.
Information Commissioner B Venkat Singh passed the order while disposing of a second appeal filed by one Rajkumar Aland, who had sought information on the action taken over a letter submitted to the bank’s Aland branch on Jan 25, 2022.
The bank had refused to furnish the information, arguing that it did not receive substantial financial assistance from govt and therefore did not fall within the ambit of RTI Act.
Unhappy with the response, Aland filed a second appeal before Karnataka Information Commission’s Kalaburagi Bench.
In its July 30, 2026 order, the commission held that the bank functions under govt rules, directions and regulatory oversight, and therefore qualifies as a public authority even though it does not receive substantial direct financial assistance from govt.
The order observed that govt has contributed share capital to the bank and appointed its CEO and managing director. It further noted that the cooperation department has the authority to investigate irregularities and that govt can supersede the bank’s management if the charges are established.
It also pointed out that govt nominates members to the bank’s board, subsidises interest on loans extended to farmers through the bank and reimburses banks whenever farm loan waiver schemes are implemented. Recruitment is also carried out with govt approval and includes govt representatives in the selection process.
The commission directed the bank to comply with Sections 4(1)(a) and 4(1)(b) of RTI Act by proactively disclosing information and appointing public information officers and first appellate authorities. It also instructed the principal secretary of the cooperation department, the registrar of cooperative societies and other authorities in the department to ensure compliance with the order.
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