New Delhi: Now, private schools across the city cannot deny the information sought by anyone under the RTI act. The Central Information Commission (CIC) has declared that schools receiving grants from the government come within the definition of "Public Authority" and thus come under the ambit of RTI act. The decision by CIC, according to sources, has given more powers in the hands of citizens, who for a very long time wanted private schools to provide them with the necessary information.

The first private educational institution to come under RTI scrutiny is Sanskriti School. The CIC on Tuesday ordered the school to disclose information under RTI act. The commission took this decision while hearing a petition filed by Ms Manju S. Kumar.

It must be noted that Ms. Kumar in July 2006 had sought details from the school about the contributions made to it by government and NGOs. She also sought details about admissions to class IX between March 15, 2006 and July 2006 and about all those children (of class VII) who secured a transfer during that period. Besides, Ms. Kumar wanted to know the profile of all the parents whose wards were studying in the school. The school, however, refused to divulge any information by saying that it does not come under the jurisdiction of "Public Authority".

The CIC on Tuesday rejected its contention and termed it a "Public Authority"on two grounds. Firstly, it receives grants from government and secondly, the wife of a cabinet secretary is the ex-officio chairperson of the school's board of management.

According to CIC's order, the school has to provide all information to Ms. Kumar sought by her till February 15, 2007.