CIC Directs SCTIMST to Disclose Information Under RTI

Swift Summary

• CIC Directive: The Central Details Commission (CIC) has instructed the Sree Chitra Tirunal institute of Medical Sciences and Technology (SCTIMST) to disclose minutes and agenda of its Governing Body (GB) and Institute Body (IB) meetings on their website. This is in compliance with Section 4 of the Right to Information Act.
• RTI Appeal: An SCTIMST employee filed multiple Right to Information requests since December 2023 for meeting minutes dating back to July 2020, but faced resistance from the institute’s administration.
• Administration’s Position: SCTIMST’s CPIO cited “political problems” as a reason for delay and requested time until October 2025 to make this information publicly accessible.
• CIC Decision: Despite delays, CIC permitted SCTIMST until October 2025 to ensure maximum disclosure of these records in public interest.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The CIC’s directive reflects an essential push toward clarity within public institutions under RTI provisions. Allowing access to records such as governing Body minutes coudl be pivotal for accountability, enabling public scrutiny on institutional decisions since July 2020. Yet, the delay until October 2025 raises questions about possible operational or systemic hurdles impeding timely compliance.

it is noteworthy that SCTIMST cited “political problems” without elaborating further during appeal hearings-a point that may warrant closer examination regarding governance challenges within institutional frameworks. While granting additional time respects administrative limitations, it underscores a need for reforms ensuring adherence to RTI timelines across India.

This progress also signals a broader trend of strengthening information-sharing mechanisms at prominent institutions, reiterating CIC’s proactive stance on expanding public access in line with democratic principles.

Read more: Published – august 20,2025 / IST