Explaining the meaning of the term “Relevant Trades”

The Appellant contended that in recruitment for WCS post, the selection criteria followed by Rajasthan and other states are controversial in nature since every CITS course has its own importance, yet instead of following uniform selection process, some states are making rules according to their choice which creates confusion. To clarify this controversy, he sought the eligibility criteria for CTS trades, which has not been clarified in the reply by the Directorate General of Training. As the word “relevant trades” used in the eligibility criteria is not explained in clear words, the Appellant prayed to the CIC to direct the Respondent to give clear cut clarification regarding the term used “Relevant Trades” in the eligibility criteria. The CIC observed that the requisite information should have been disclosed upfront or atleast through FAQs with the concerned piece of information. An Advisory under Section 25(5) of the RTI Act was issued to the Respondent Public Authority to firstly, disclose the meaning of “Relevant Trade” upfront on their website and secondly, to create a FAQ section on their website and also keep it updated so as to make it easy for a layperson to get frequently sought information and relevant orders/circulars.

Comments

Proactive disclosure by the public authority relieves the burden of RTI Applications, which are filed merely seeking clarifications and not any specific record. It is also in tune with the requirements of Section 4 of the RTI Act.

Citation: Vidya Sagar Prajapat v. Directorate General of Training, File No: CIC/DGTRG/A/2023/623500; Date of Decision : 31.07.2024

Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com