MIC instructs MPSC to allow answer script inspection
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, April 30 2023:
In response to an RTI application filed by three appellants who had appeared in the civil service combined competitive (Mains) examination 2016 conducted in 2022, the Manipur Information Commission (MIC) has instructed the Manipur Public Service Commission (MPSC) to allow inspection of the answer sheets within four weeks.
The MIC on Friday heard/discussed the RTI filed by Kh Robindro and two others as appellants with SPIO, deputy secretary (MPSC) and others as the respondents.
In the RTI, the appellants sought information in connection with the combined competitive (Mains) examination 2016 conducted in 2022 under section 6(1) of the RTI Act, 2005.In its reply to the RTI, the SPIO (MPSC) said that it has a policy decision not to furnish any answer scripts mechanically for descriptive type papers under normal circumstances.
Being aggrieved by the response of MPSC, the appellants filed their respective first appeals to the secretary MPSC under section 19 (1) of the RTI Act 2005 .
Finally the appellants filed their respective second appeals to the MIC under section 19 (3) of the RTI Act, 2005.During the hearing conducted at the commission's office, MIC observed that the aim and objective of the RTI Act is to maintain transparency and accountability for bringing good governance in the state.
It also observed that the main issue besetting the MPSC is lack of public trust.
The MPSC is expected to work towards regaining the public trust besides conducting examinations in professional manner and allowing inspection of answer scripts will be a step towards winning public trust.
In a number of instances, the public authority of MPSC has allowed inspection of records or documents as asked by the applicants.
Therefore, the SPIO was directed to allow the three appellants to examine all their respective answer sheets within 4 weeks' time starting from April 28 .