RTI activist Vivek Velankar claims three provisions in the amended ordinance contravene SC verdict and RTI Act
The University of Pune (UoP) has finally scrapped Ordinance 182, which pertains to giving students access to photocopies of their answer sheets. The move comes after the varsity received a legal notice from RTI activist Vivek Velankar eight months ago. However, the modified new ordinance is also receiving criticism for a few provisions that are not in the spirit of the RTI Act.
Velankar, in a detailed mail sent to UoP and the media, has claimed that even though the university has rectified most of the ‘illegal’ provisions in Ordinance 182, it still has three major flaws. “The UoP circular number 239, which notifies the new ordinance, states that students can seek photocopies of answer book within 10 days of declaration of results.
As per the RTI Act and the judgment delivered by the Supreme Court in the matter of issuing photocopies to students, educational institutions are duty-bound to receive applications for photocopies under the RTI Act till the answer books are preserved. UoP holds the booklets for three months and therefore introducing a time limit of 10 days is illegal,” said Velankar.
He also objected to the provision made in the modified ordinance, which states that the examinee shall be the sole custodian of the photocopies and shall not transfer the same to anybody for any purpose. The ordinance further adds that the examinee shall refrain from putting such photocopies to any misuse that might jeopardise the reputation of the university.
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UoP vice-chancellor Dr W N Gade said, “The statutory committee deliberated for almost three months over what could be the provisions of the new ordinance in the light of the laws. We have to tried to fulfil almost all issues.”
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