Central Information Commissioner (CIC) has declared Indian Banks’ Association (IBA) as Public Authority under RTI Act, 2005. IBA has been asked to appoint CPIO under the act within 30 days. Indian Banks' Association is public authority under RTI, rules Full Bench of CIC.
In a landmark decision, a Full Bench of the Central Information Commission (CIC) has declared Indian Banks' Association (IBA) as public authority under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Asking the IBA to appoint a public information officer (PIO), the CIC has directed the Association to provide desired information to the applicant within 30 days.
The Commission was hearing case of RK Jain and Ita Bose against IBA, an association of Indian banks and financial institutions. Citing Section 2(h) of the RTI Act, the IBA had refused to provide information stating that it is not a public authority. Earlier on 20 October 2017, M Sridhar Acharyulu, Central Information Commissioner, had declared IBA as public authority.
The CIC observed that IBA performs important role in decision making process of banking industry.
It is a very good decision that will provide rights to citizens to get information from IBA under the RTI Act.
- Keshav Ram Singhal
