PSC fails to specify qualifications of exam evaluators; RTI Commission demands disclosure

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Right to Information Commission has sought an explanation from the PSC Secretary for not publishing the qualifications of the evaluators of the examinations on the website. The show-cause notice is a prelude to taking action against the PSC information officer, Dr Sandhya, a native of Pathanamthitta Kalanjoor for denying the information despite an application under the Right to Information Act.

The teachers who are to be evaluated for the post of Commerce Assistant Professor in the Department of Higher Education were asked about the qualifications set by the PSC and seven related questions. The response received stated that the requested information was personal and could not be provided. An appeal was made to the PSC Joint Secretary but no information was received. Subsequently, the matter was brought before the Right to Information Commission.

State Information Commissioner A Abdul Hakim stated that since the information is not personal, it cannot be denied under Section 8(1). Additionally, as it pertains to general norms, the PSC should publish this information on its website in advance under Section 4(1, 2, 3, 4). The commissioner ordered that the requested information should be made available to the applicant free of charge by April 4. Furthermore, similar public information requested by the complainant should be published on the website by April 12.

By concealing this information, the PSC has denied the right of eligible people to apply for inclusion in the list and to verify the eligibility of the assessors. RTI Commission referenced the orders of the Supreme Court and the Calcutta High Court, highlighting that the PSC had violated the directives of the Supreme Court. The Secretary's explanation and the Information Officer's reply to the show-cause notice must be submitted by the 30th of this month.