Bhopal: In consonance with the objective of ensuring transparency in governance and administration – one of the cherished ideals of a welfare state – a penalty of Rs 25,000 has been imposed on a school principal in Madhya Pradesh for declining an RTI application despatched by registered post.
The order was passed recently by State Information Commissioner Rahul Singh who said, “Public Information Officers think that if they refuse to accept the entreaty then they not only can deny the details but also cannot be held accountable for such denial.”
The punitive action was taken against Ramniwas Kushwah who is Principal of the Government Higher Secondary School in Satna district’s Kharam Seda. Aggrieved applicant Munnalal Patel initially approached the District Education Officer but in vain. His second appeal was to the Information Commission. Mr Singh ruled that the matter be taken up as a complaint. During the hearing, Kushwah submitted that he was unaware of who refused to accept the post on his behalf. However, the inquiry brought to light evidence against the Principal.
