Pioneer News Service
Ranchi
Controversy has erupted after Dr. Tanuj Khatri, the newly appointed State Information Commissioner ignoring protocols during their recent meetings. Khatri sat on the Vice-Chancellor’s official chair, during his visit to Ranchi University on Thursday. He visited Ranchi University headquarters for a pre-scheduled review meeting on the implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
Khatri, sat on the Vice-Chancellor’s official chair. The Registrar sat beside him, while the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Saroj Sharma, relinquished her chair to sit at the edge of the table alongside other officials. She departed the meeting shortly thereafter. The incident sparked widespread discussion, with staff noting that the university administration should have briefed the Information Commissioner on appropriate protocol.
On the other hand, Information Commissioner Shivpujan Pathak was also criticised in social media for recently chairing a meeting in Ramgarh and directing officials.
A city based RTI activist requesting anonymity said, “Section 18 of RTI Act, does not authorize commissioners to conduct administrative review meetings in person at institutions. It only grants the Commission powers akin to a civil court to issue summonses, demand responses, or inspect documents.”
The RTI expert also stated that under section 25 of RTI Act, inspecting universities or overriding administrative norms falls outside this purview, it only mandates preparing an annual report on the implementation of the Act for the state government.
Despite repeated calls Khatri did not respond to calls made by the Pioneer correspondent.
Last month, Anuj Kumar Sinha, Tanuj Khatri, Amulya Neeraj Khalkho and Shivpujan Pathak were appointed as new Information Commissioners in the Jharkhand State Information Commission.
While Anuj Kumar Sinha is retired journalist and former editor, Tanuj Khatri was spokesperson of JMM, Pathak was state media in-charge of BJP and Khalko was from the Congress party.
A Civil Court lawyer said that appointing individuals with political backgrounds to independent constitutional posts leads to such overreach, calling the occupation of the Vice-Chancellor’s chair an unnecessary display of authority and a breach of protocol.
Sources said that on earlier occasions too these information commissioners are unaware of administrative protocol. However, during his visit Khatri issued several directives such as that university and affiliated colleges must upload details regarding Public Information Officers (PIOs), First Appellate Authorities, fee structures, application processes, and mailing addresses to their websites within seven days. All RTI applications must be resolved within 30 days. Institutions were directed to develop a tracking system for monitoring among others.
