Central Information Commission (CIC) has asked the NMC (National Medical Commission) to regularly upload Medical college assessment reports to the NMC website. This is done in compliance with Section 4 of the RTI Act and CIC (Central Information Commission) has given a deadline to the apex medical commission regarding the same. These reports should be uploaded after considering the exemptions listed under section 8(1) and section 9 of the RTI Act, within 30 days as order dated 15.07.2024.
The order was given by the Commission, considering an appeal filed by Dr Mohammad Khader Meeran, who had sought infrastructure assessment reports. While NMC has been denying to make reports public, as they contain the personal information of colleges.
When NMC superseded MCI, the NMC website was replaced with MCI along with College assessment reports.
Dr. Meeran had filed an RTI application and sought reports for 2020-2021 and 2021-2022.
It was denied by NMC stating that "the information sought is very voluminous and scattered in various files. It would disproportionately divert the resource of MARB of NMC."
He further filed a complaint and argued that medical college assessment reports are public under Section 4 (1)(b) of the RTI ACT.
CIC ordered last year "The Commission advises the respondent to upload medical college assessment reports for the current academic years on their website. Hence no further action lies."
When NMC didn't follow the order, Dr Meeran cited a violation of CIC orders, NMC claimed no violation as per section 25 of Establishment of Medical Institution, Assessment and Rating Regulations,2023. According to this MARB is liable to upload medical college assessments" in such a manner as to facilitate public consumption."
NMC refused an application by another petitioner who filed an RTI Application regarding Stanley Medical College.
Dr. Meeran had filed a plea in the Madras High Court and sent a representation through the Prime Minister Office Grievance Portal.
In the meeting of NMC, it was decided that Standard Assessment Form (SAF), "need not be in the public domain."
The appellant was not satisfied with the information given to him. He also directed the PIO to give information as sought in the RTI.
NMC, further replied that information sought was exempted from disclosure under section 8(1) (j) (j).SAF submitted which contained personal information was exempted under Section 8(1)(j) of RTI.
CIC ordered NMC to medical college assessment reports should be uploaded on the website considering exemptions under Section 8(1) and 9 of the RTI Act, in compliance with Section 4 of the RTI Act, as these reports are important in revealing the date of inspection, the infrastructure of the college, in- patients and outpatient, faculty members, beds in department etc. This information will be helpful for candidates while selecting medical colleges.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Rutika Mehetre/MSM)