New Delhi: Central Information Commission (CIC) has criticized University Grants Commission (UGC) regarding the deemed university controversy, on the matters of lack of transparency in information related to deemed universities. As per sources, ruling that UGC appeared to act as if the RTI Act did not apply to it, Central Information Commission has awarded a compensation of Rs 2,000 to an applicant and issued a notice to UGC, as it has not responded within the specified 30-day time alotted.
Shailesh Gandhi, Commissioner of CIC has ruled that UGC had no reasons for refusing the information. In his order, he said that it is a very sad state of affairs that UGC appears to be operating without any understanding of what is happening. Further he added that UGC appears to be operating with no respect for the rule of law and it is behaving as if the RTI Act does not apply to it. The commission takes a very dim view of such behavior by UGC and recommends the chairman to ensure that its officers are trained in the RTI Act and learn how to respect the law.
