Background
1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.27.1.10 with the PIO, IGNOU seeking information against 20 points including information on action taken on his letter dated 18.8.09 and various information about courses in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering . The PIO, DEC, IGNOU replied on 2.3.10 furnishing point wise information. The Applicant however filed an appeal dt.8.3.10 with the Appellate Authority stating that no information has been received by him till date. On not receiving any reply, he filed a second appeal dt.31.5.10 before CIC. Decision
2. During the hearing, the Appellant submitted that he was undergoing a course in Aircraft Maintenance Engineering at a study centre affiliated to JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth and that the course was abruptly stopped by the study centre and that in this connection he had sought information about the technical collaboration between the JRN University and the Study Centre. The Respondent submitted that DEC does not accord any approval to the study centres of any University separately and also that DEC does also does not allow any franchising for offering programmes through distance mode. According to the Respondent any University which is approved by the DEC for certain programmes can open its own study centres as per its Acts and Statutes within the jurisdiction as decided by the DEC and as per UGC guidelines. The Respondent also explained that the Appellants letter was referred to the Expert Committee constituted for the purpose of recognition of JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth deemed University and that the Joint Committee of UGCAICTEDEC has not accorded any approval to the B.Tech (AME) programme of JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth deemed university. He further added that DEC has not received any proposal either from the Indian Institute of Aeronautics or JRN Rajasthan Vidyapeeth deemed University seeking approval of the collaboration between the University and the Institute for offering the programme through distance mode.
3. The Commission after hearing the submissions of both sides directs the PIO to provide a copy of the guidelines/rules/norms relating to the recognition of deemed Universities by DEC. The information should reach the Complainant by 22.1.11 and the Complainant to submit a compliance report to the Commission by 29.1.11.
4. The complaint is disposed of with the above directions. (Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy (G.Subramanian) Deputy Registrar
1. Shri Deepesh Kumar Nirala C/o B.B. Agrawak Lecturer, V+P Sonartoli Dimdega 835 22 Jharkhand
2. The Public Information Officer Indira Gandhi National Open University Distance Education Council Maidan Garhi New Delhi
3. The Appellate Authority Indira Gandhi National Open University Distance Education Council Maidan Garhi New Delhi
4. Officer Incharge, NIC