O R D E R

1. The Appellant filed an RTI application dated 27.09.2022 seeking information on the following points:

(i) Is there any circular or guidance by CBSE which mandate to install CCTV cameras inside the classroom of Kendriya Vidyalaya?

(ii) Presently, sexual harassment has been reported in the classroom of class 9 section- C at the recess time in the Kendriya Vidyalaya Bamangachi but no cameras are installed in classroom of KV Bamangachi to ensure the security of children, to what extend is the school authority responsible for not installing CCTV camera in the classroom of KV Bamangachi?

2. The CPIO replied vide letter dated 21.10.2022 and the same is reproduced as under:-

Point 01- Kindly refer circular no. 19/2017 dated 12.09.2017 which is available in the following link http://saras.cbse.gov.in/cbse_aff/frmCircular.aspx.

Point 02- You may approach to the concerned Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan.

3. Dissatisfied with the response received from the CPIO, the Appellant filed a First Appeal dated 21.10.2022 alleging that the information provided was incomplete, false and misleading. The FAA vide order dated 22.11.2022 upheld the reply given by the CPIO.

4. Aggrieved with the FAA’s order, the Appellant approached the Commission with the instant Second Appeal.

5. The appellant was heard over phone and on behalf of the respondent Sajjan Kumar, Under Secretary & CPIO along with Pankaj K Shetty attended the hearing in person and S L Deepankar, Administrative Officer & CPIO, Regional Office, Kolkatta attended the hearing through videoconference.

6. The appellant submitted that the CPIO has provided false information to him. He also submitted that CCTV cameras should be installed in the classrooms so that the school premises can be safe for the students.

7. The respondent reiterated the contents of his reply dated 21.10.2022. He also submitted that the issue of safety and secrecy of the students which is to be followed by the schools, is the subject matter of respective State Governments and Kendriya Vidhyala Sangathan. The CBSE has no role to play in such issues.

8. The CPIO, Regional Office, Kolkatta submitted that on point no. 2, a reply was provided on 26.12.2022.

9. The Commission after adverting to the facts and circumstances of the case, hearing both parties and perusal of records, observed that both the points raised in the RTI application have been appropriately answered. The Commission is unable to find any deficiency in the replies given as under the provisions of the RTI Act only such information can be provided which is already available and existing. Since the available information has been provided to the appellant vide the letters dated 21.10.2022 &

26.12.2022, no further relief can be given.

10. The Appeal is disposed of accordingly.

Copy of the decision be provided free of cost to the parties.

Sd/-

(Anandi Ramalingam) (आनदं ी राम(cid:10)लगं म)

Information Commissioner (सचू ना आय(cid:15)ु )

(cid:21)दनांक/Date: 28.12.2023 Authenticated true copy Suman Bala Dy. Registrar (उप पंजीयक)

011-26180514 Addresses of the parties:

1. The CPIO Central Board of Secondary Education, Nodal CPIO, RTI Branch, Headquarter, 2, Community Centre Preet Vihar, Delhi – 110092

2. Ankit Shaw