The Central Information Commission (CIC) has suggested a surprise audit of CBSE-affiliated schools to investigate alleged dummy admissions and ensure compliance with mandatory attendance requirements. As reported by PTI, the recommendations follow representations alleging that students were being issued dummy certificates despite not attending classes. In a latest order, Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi advised the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) carry out unannounced inspections of its affiliated schools to forestall breaches of affiliation conditions. The CIC, an independent body addressing complaints and appeals under the RTI Act, 2005, invoked Section 25(5) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act and said it deemed it fit to recommend surprise inspections to ensure checks and balances in affiliated schools, according to the news agency. "The Commission, considering the gravity of the issue flagged by the complainant seeking information regarding issuance of dummy certificates by schools to students not attending classes, deems it fit to recommend the CBSE under Section 25 (5) of the RTI Act, 2005 to exercise the power of conducting a surprise inspection," the order said. The complaint was submitted by an RTI applicant asking for details on attendance requirements in private missionary schools in Bhopal, including CBSE’s provisions on subject selection and specified textbooks. The complainant told the Commission that he had filed the complaint to bring to light the issue of dummy admissions wherein students allegedly received test results without attending classes. The Board’s public information officer (CPIO) had initially sent back the application, pointing to an error in the Indian Postal Order submitted as the application fee. The complainant was directed to submit a valid payment instrument payable to the CBSE Secretary in Bhopal. During the hearing, the CIC noted that turning down an application on technical grounds was not in accordance with the spirit of the RTI Act. "Denial of information on technicality is not in the spirit of the RTI Act, 2005," it noted, adding that the CPIO was expected to facilitate a point-wise reply. The CPIO expressed regret and agreed to provide the information. The CBSE subsequently submitted a point-wise response, which was taken on record. Deepali Samaniya has been covering education for the past 2 years with a passion for SEO and a knack for crafting engaging stories. She specialises in... View More