CPCB imposes ₹48-cr environmental compensation on polluting industries: RTI

Hindustan Times: New Delhi: Tuesday, 9^th June 2026.
The information supplied by the CPCB following an RTI application file by advocate Kamal Anand from Punjab, reveals that since 2018 the penalties were imposed across various sectors, including chemical industry.

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has imposed environmental compensation of nearly ₹48 crore on industries for various environmental violations across the country as ₹15.72 crore have been imposed on 51 industries located in the Ganga Basin in various states. (HT File)

The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has imposed environmental compensation of nearly ₹48 crore on industries for various environmental violations across the country as ₹15.72 crore have been imposed on 51 industries located in the Ganga Basin in various states.
The information supplied by the CPCB following an RTI application file by advocate Kamal Anand from Punjab, reveals that since 2018 the penalties were imposed across various sectors, including chemical industry, amounting to ₹10.76 crore, the plastic industry amounting to ₹8.82 crore, and the sugar and distilleries sector amounting to ₹6.04 crore. In addition, 46 healthcare facilities were penalised for biomedical waste violations totalling ₹3.03 crore, while 13 hazardous waste facilities were fined nearly ₹2 crore.
Among the biggest violators, is a Rampur (Uttar Pradesh) based distillery and chemical company was imposed the highest penalty of ₹7.29 crore, making it the single-largest environmental compensation levied on an industrial unit in the records disclosed by the CPCB, reveals the information furnished by the CPCB after intervention by the first appellate authority.
However, the reply indicates that a majority of the violations in the Ganga Basin were linked to the liquor and sugar industries in Uttar Pradesh, sectors that have frequently come under the scanner for pollution-related violations.
According to the sector-wise details, the chemical industry attracted the highest compensation of ₹10.76 crore, with major public sector units figuring among the units penalised for non-compliance with environmental regulations, as two key natural gas processing units of GAIL India’s Pata Petrochemical located in Auraiya in Uttar Pradesh ( ₹37.12 lakh) and GAIL Complex Vijaipur in Guna of Madhya Pradesh ( ₹8.70 lakh) IOCL’s Gujarat Refinery in Vadodara ( ₹21.60 lakh), Madras Fertilizers Limited ( ₹1.93 crore) , Chennai Petroleum Corporation limited in Manali of Tiruvallur Tamil Nadu ( ₹74.70 lakh) and HPCL Biofuels Limited Sugauli of East Champaran Bihar ( ₹7.71 lakh) and HPCL Mumbai Refinery ( ₹25.20 lakh) and six cooperative sugarmills of Uttar Pradesh faced the penalties of ₹71.10 lakh.
The plastic industry followed with environmental compensation of ₹8.82 crore, including penalties imposed on the major pan masala manufacturers while the sugar and distillery sector accounted for another ₹6.04 crore in compensation.
The records further reveal instances where industries continued operations despite regulatory action as some industries were even found operating despite closure directions issued by the CPCB for failing to install online continuous effluent monitoring systems (OCEMS).
Another major challenge has come to fore in this in total 46 healthcare facilities were fined more than ₹3.03 crore for violations of Bio-Medical Waste Management Rules and for failing to comply with mandatory Covid-era waste tracking requirements.
Similarly, leading cement manufacturers were penalised for violating prescribed emission norms. In another category, 13 hazardous waste treatment and disposal facilities were fined nearly ₹2 crore for failing to comply with CPCB directives regarding infrastructure upgrades and environmental safeguards.
While welcoming the disclosure of compensation figures, Anand raised concerns over the utilisation of the funds collected from polluting industries. According to him, the CPCB did not provide details regarding the expenditure of approximately ₹48.42 crore collected as environmental compensation.
“The amount collected from industries in the name of environmental restoration should be in the public domain. Since the CPCB did not provide the information regarding the utilisation of the EC for the restoration of the environment, now we have filed a second appeal before the Central Information Commission for this information,” Anand added.
In figures

• Total environmental compensation imposed: ₹48.02 crore
• Ganga Basin industries: ₹15.72 crore across 51 units
• Chemical industry: ₹10.76 crore
• Plastic industry: ₹8.82 crore
• Sugar and distilleries: ₹6.04 crore
• Biomedical waste violations: 46 units fined ₹3.03 crore
• Hazardous waste facilities: 13 units fined ₹2 crore

CIC asks UGC to address promotion concerns for non-teaching staff

News Arena: New Delhi: Tuesday, 9^th June 2026.
The appellant alleged that despite the UGC framing Model Cadre Recruitment Rules (CRR), some universities were extending the benefits only to the newly appointed employees, and sought information on the steps taken to ensure their implementation.

The Central Information Commission has asked the University Grants Commission to address concerns over the implementation of cadre recruitment rules governing promotions for non-teaching staff in Central universities after noting that the issue raised by an RTI applicant was “a matter of great concern”.
The case stems from an RTI application seeking details of action taken by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education on recommendations relating to promotional avenues for engineers, programmers, system analysts, network analysts, security officers, and other non-teaching personnel in Central universities.
The appellant alleged that despite the UGC framing Model Cadre Recruitment Rules (CRR), some universities were extending the benefits only to the newly appointed employees, and sought information on the steps taken to ensure their implementation.
"The issue raised by the appellant during the hearing regarding non-disclosure of action taken by the Central universities regarding the implementation of Model Cadre Recruitment Rules is a matter of great concern,” Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi said in an order.
Taking what it termed a "liberal view and purposive interpretation of the RTI Act, 2005", the Central Information Commission (CIC) suggested that the UGC write to registrars and other competent authorities of Central universities, highlighting the concerns relating to non-implementation of cadre recruitment rules for non-teaching staff.
The CIC also said that if any such correspondence is issued, a copy should be filed before it and provided to the appellant free of cost.
During the hearing, the appellant argued that although the UGC's cadre recruitment rules for non-teaching staff were intended to benefit the existing employees as well, some Central universities were extending the benefits only to the newly appointed staff.
He also said that information on action taken regarding the implementation of the model rules by the universities had not been disclosed to him.
The UGC submitted that relevant records, including committee-related documents, minutes of its 550th meeting, a letter dated December 7, 2021, and the education ministry's approval dated January 30, 2023, had already been provided to the applicant.
It also told the Commission that Central universities are autonomous institutions created under Acts of Parliament and they are governed by their own statutes and ordinances.
While the UGC does not interfere in their day-to-day functioning, the universities are required to adhere to the model recruitment rules framed by the regulator for the non-teaching staff.
The Commission observed that the reply furnished by the UGC's central public information officer (CPIO) appeared to be in accordance with the RTI Act, noting that a CPIO "can only provide such information as is held in the office record" and is “not obligated to create information”.

RTI reveals Rs 87 crore water-sewer dues pending in Ludhiana MC’s Zone D

The Tribune: Ludhiana: Tuesday, 9^th June 2026.
56,681 consumers listed as defaulters; residents seek transparency in recovery process as data from other civic zones remains awaited

An RTI application filed by city resident Rohit Sabharwal has revealed that water and sewerage dues worth more than Rs 87 crore are pending in the Municipal Corporation’s Zone D, raising questions over the civic body’s recovery mechanism and financial management.
The applicants had sought information under the Right to Information (RTI) Act regarding outstanding water-sewer charges in all four civic zones A, B, C and D for the past five years.
However, the MC has so far provided details only for Zone D.
According to the information furnished by the civic body, as many as 56,681 consumers in Zone D were listed as defaulters as of June 2, 2026. The total outstanding amount pending against these consumers stands at Rs 87.44 crore.
The figures have assumed significance as the MC has frequently cited financial constraints and shortage of funds while discussing civic works and other expenditure, including employee-related liabilities.
Sabharwal said the information highlighted the need for greater transparency regarding the recovery of public dues. He questioned how such a large amount could remain pending for years and whether adequate efforts had been made to recover it.
City resident Arvind Sharma said the figures warranted a detailed review of the corporation’s recovery system. “If such a huge amount remains unrecovered despite repeated claims of financial stress, the authorities should disclose what action has been taken against chronic defaulters and why the arrears continue to mount,” he said.
The residents pointed out that the information currently pertains only to Zone D and that data relating to Zones A, B and C is still awaited. They said the overall outstanding amount across the city could be significantly higher once details from all zones are made available.

CIC exposes transparency deficit in several J&K UT Govt offices

Daily Excelsior: Jammu: Tuesday, 9^th June 2026.
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has exposed what appears to be a disturbing pattern of indifference towards the Right to Information (RTI) Act in Jammu and Kashmir, pulling up officials from four separate departments for withholding information, ignoring statutory appeals, skipping hearings and forcing citizens into prolonged legal battles to access records that should have been disclosed within weeks.

In a series of orders, the copies of which are available with EXCELSIOR, the Chief Information Commissioner ordered initiation of show-cause proceedings against officials of the Revenue Department in Rajouri, District Fund Office Rajouri, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) and Block Development Offices of BK Pora in Budgam and Kahara in Doda, asking them to explain why penalties should not be imposed for violating provisions of the RTI Act.
The cases reveal a common and troubling trend Public Authorities either failed to respond to RTI applications, furnished information after inordinate delays, ignored orders of appellate authorities or simply chose not to appear before the Commission to defend their actions.
One of the most serious observations came in a case involving a Rajouri resident seeking information about a road, revenue records, maps and alleged encroachment issues in Muradpur village.
The applicant approached the Revenue Department in May 2024 seeking details about the status of a road recorded under specific khasra numbers, its dimensions, alignment, maps and related records. He later informed the Commission that the information was crucial because he was allegedly facing illegal encroachment on his land and that repeated representations to authorities had failed to yield results.
However, according to the Commission’s findings, neither was any information supplied to the applicant nor was the first appeal decided. Matters worsened when no representative from the Revenue Department appeared before the Commission during the hearing and no written explanation was filed.
Taking strong exception to the conduct, the Commission observed that the complete silence of the department amounted to violation of the RTI Act and reflected a casual and indifferent attitude towards transparency obligations. It directed the department to furnish information within two weeks and simultaneously initiated show-cause proceedings against the concerned Public Information Officer (PIO).
Another case highlighted how even retired employees are being compelled to seek intervention from the country’s apex transparency watchdog for access to their own financial records.
A retired Government employee approached the District Fund Office, Rajouri, seeking ledger records of his General Provident Fund account from 1980-81 onwards, claiming there had been miscalculation in settlement of his retirement benefits.
Despite filing an RTI application and subsequent appeal, he received no response and the first appeal remained undecided. During the hearing, it emerged that the information had eventually been supplied and part of the pending amount released.
However, the Commission found that the records were provided only after a delay of more than five months and that the PIO had failed to offer any reasonable explanation for the delay. The official also chose not to attend the hearing.
The Commission further noted that failure of the First Appellate Authority to decide the appeal had rendered the first appellate mechanism ineffective, forcing the applicant to pursue a second appeal before the CIC.
Penalty proceedings have been initiated against the concerned officer.
The Jammu Municipal Corporation also came under severe criticism in a case linked to an alleged unauthorized commercial complex in Channi Kamala area of Jammu.
The RTI applicant had sought copies of demolition notices, enforcement proceedings, violation reports, responses filed by the building owner and follow-up action taken by municipal authorities against the allegedly illegal structure.
The matter became particularly significant because the First Appellate Authority had already directed the concerned officials in August 2024 to provide complete information. Yet, according to the Commission, substantial information remained withheld and was supplied only in February 2026, nearly one-and-a-half years later.
The Commission recorded that information regarding several queries appeared to have been deliberately denied despite clear directions from the appellate authority. It also found fault with the failure to transfer one of the queries to the appropriate Building Section and criticised the absence of the concerned CPIO during the hearing.
In a stern warning, the Commission directed that the pending query be transferred to the competent authority within two weeks and made it clear that non-compliance could invite further penal action. Simultaneously, it ordered issuance of a show-cause notice to Deputy Commissioner South of Jammu Municipal Corporation.
Equally troubling observations emerged in a case involving the BDO office at BK Pora in Budgam district. The applicant had sought extensive details regarding Panchayati Raj Institution funds, MGNREGA works, Swachh Bharat Mission toilets, hand pumps and various development projects executed over several years.
During the hearing, officials claimed that information had been supplied through a communication issued in November 2024. However, when questioned by the Commission, they were unable to establish that the information had actually been delivered to the applicant. Nor could they satisfactorily explain the delay or identify which documents corresponded to specific RTI queries.
The Commission described the conduct of the public authority as irresponsible and unacceptable and ordered a fresh point-wise response to the applicant. It also initiated penalty proceedings against the then Block Development Officer, holding that the RTI application had not been handled in accordance with law.
In another case, the Central Information Commission initiated proceedings against the Block Development Officer (BDO), Kahara in Doda district for violation of the provisions of the RTI Act.
The information sought related to public expenditure and developmental works executed over a decade, records that are central to ensuring transparency in rural governance and utilization of public funds. Yet, according to the case records, neither a response to the RTI application nor a decision on the first appeal was placed on record, forcing the applicant to approach the Commission for relief.
All these cases clearly establish that citizens seeking information about development works, beneficiary lists and public spending are routinely being compelled to undertake lengthy legal battles to secure records that should ordinarily be available under the RTI Act.
The findings raise questions about the functioning of the transparency regime in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the effectiveness of First Appellate Authorities whose intervention is intended to resolve disputes before citizens are compelled to approach the Central Information Commission.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Legal Awareness Programme on RTI Act held at District Jail Bhaderwah

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

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

Police ignore RTI query about RW’s UK visit

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

What is the case about?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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