RTI: Commitment to Transparency and Accountability

The Right to Information (RTI) Cell at Karnataka State Open University is established in strict accordance with the Right to Information Act, 2005, passed by the Parliament of India. As a state-funded institution, KSOU is committed to the principles of transparency and good governance. This department serves as a vital link between the university administration and the public, ensuring that all citizens have the legal right to access information regarding the university’s functioning, decision-making processes, and administrative policies, thereby fostering a culture of trust and openness.

In compliance with Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act, KSOU maintains a comprehensive proactive disclosure framework. This ensures that essential information regarding the university’s organization, functions, duties of its officers, and the procedures followed in its decision-making channels is readily available in the public domain. By systematically publishing these details on our official portal, we aim to minimize the need for individual RTI applications, allowing students and stakeholders to find the information they need through a transparent, self-service digital environment.

To facilitate the smooth processing of information requests, the university has designated specific officers for the roles of Public Information Officer (PIO) and Assistant Public Information Officer (APIO). These officers are responsible for receiving applications, coordinating with various academic and administrative departments to gather the requested data, and ensuring that responses are provided within the statutory timeframe of 30 days. Their role is to assist citizens in framing their requests correctly and to ensure that the information shared is accurate, complete, and legally compliant.

KSOU also maintains a structured Appellate Authority to handle cases where an applicant is not satisfied with the information provided by the PIO or if a response is not received within the stipulated time. The First Appellate Authority (FAA), usually a senior-level officer of the university, reviews such appeals independently to ensure justice and transparency. This two-tier system of accountability ensures that the university remains responsive to the queries of its students and the general public, upholding the democratic spirit of the RTI Act.

The scope of information available under the RTI at KSOU covers a wide range of administrative and financial aspects, excluding information that is exempt under Section 8 of the Act (such as personal data of third parties or matters of intellectual property). Citizens can seek information regarding university statutes, recruitment rules, budgetary allocations, and expenditure reports. For students, this cell provides a formal channel to understand the university’s regulatory compliance and the official standing of various academic programs, ensuring their educational journey is backed by verified institutional data.

We have streamlined the RTI Application Process to make it as user-friendly as possible. Applications can be submitted in writing or through electronic means, accompanied by the prescribed nominal fee. Our RTI cell provides clear guidelines on how to format an inquiry and where to direct the payment. By maintaining an organized record management system, KSOU ensures that requested documents are retrieved and dispatched efficiently. We view the RTI not as a mere legal obligation, but as an opportunity to demonstrate our integrity and our unwavering commitment to serving the public interest with honesty.