Education & Career
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CIC orders CBSE to follow RTI photocopy fees
The Indian Express··7 Sept
The Central Information Commission directed CBSE to charge RTI photocopy fees for answer scripts strictly under the RTI Rules, 2012. It also recommended amending a May 19, 2025 circular that blocks verification or revaluation after RTI copies. A Class 10 candidate cited Rs 2,500 photocopy and re-verification fees that could total Rs 10,000 with re-evaluation.
Prism
What It Means For You
- RTI Rules, 2012 set the photocopy rates for answer-sheet copies under RTI.
- CBSE was told not to use other rules to add fees or conditions that conflict with the RTI Act.
- The CIC recommended amending the May 19, 2025 circular under Section 25(5).
What's Happening
- The case began with a Class 10 candidate seeking photocopies of five subjects' answer sheets.
- CBSE's CPIO said copies were emailed after the prescribed fee on July 2, 2025.
- The CIC cited the Supreme Court's April 11, 2019 ICSI vs Paras Jain ruling on RTI remedies.
What The Circular Said
- The May 19, 2025 circular lets candidates get RTI copies but bars verification or revaluation under RTI.
- The CIC said that bar runs contrary to the spirit of the transparency law.
- Section 22 of the RTI Act gives the law overriding effect over inconsistent instruments.
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