CIC Directs DU and GU to Provide Information on PM Modi’s Degrees

The CIC on 11 April had closed a case relating to an RTI seeking information on Modi’s degrees.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi (Photo: The Quint)

In an unusual move, Central Information Commission on Friday directed Delhi University and Gujarat University to provide information on degrees earned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had earlier demanded that the Central Information Commission (CIC) makes public information pertaining to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s educational qualifications.

The Central Information Commission on 11 April had closed a case relating to an RTI application filed, seeking information from Delhi University (DU) about whether Prime Minister Narendra Modi had in fact graduated from the University in 1978, as his election affidavit had stated.

Information Commissioner, Sridhar Acharyulu also directed the Prime Minister’s Office to provide “specific number and year” of the degrees of Prime Minister to his alma mater–Delhi University and Gujarat University.

Not prescribing the education (degree based) qualification for contesting electoral offices is one of the great features of Indian democracy. What is needed is education and not degrees. However, when a citizen holding the position of Chief Ministership wants to know the degree related information of the Prime Minister, it will be proper to disclose. The Commission directs the CPIOs of Delhi University and Gujarat University to make best possible search for the information regarding degrees in the name of “Mr Narendra Damodar Modi” in the year 1978 (Graduation in DU) and 1983 (Post Graduation in GU) and provide it to the appellant Mr Kejriwal as soon as possible.

Sridhar Acharyulu, Information Commissioner

The genesis of the case is in two previous CIC orders and a scathing letter from Kejriwal to Acharyulu where he demanded that while he was ready to share information sought by RTI applicants, the CIC must also order disclosure of educational qualifications of the Prime Minister.

Acharyulu said said educational qualification related information about public authority or public servant or political leader occupying constitutional position is not hit by any exception under Section 8 of the RTI Act.

It cannot be stated as personal or private information also. In fact, the information about educational degrees of Prime Minister is already in public domain.

Sridhar Acharyulu, Information Commissioner

Citing an interview of Modi with journalist Rajeev Shukla, where he gives details of his educational qualifications, the Information Commissioner said it generated lot of curiosity among the people.

The curiosity cannot be equated with public interest. Just because public is interested in it, it does not mean that it is in public interest. There is no educational qualification prescribed for contesting any electoral position under law.The election to Lok Sabha or Prime Ministership cannot be questioned on the point of educational qualification.

Sridhar Acharyulu, Information Commissioner