New Delhi
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has instructed the defense ministry to reevaluate its decision to withhold records pertaining to the Agnipath military recruitment scheme under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, asserting that the files were labeled as secret. In response to an RTI application from activist Vihar Durve, who sought deliberation records on the Agnipath scheme, the defense ministry cited Section 8(1)(a) of the RTI Act, classifying the files as secret and thus not subject to disclosure.
Durve contested the ministry’s reliance on the term secret, arguing that it was not explicitly mentioned in the exemption clause allowing information withholding. He emphasized that mere labeling as “secret” was insufficient to justify denial under Section 8(1)(a) of the Act. Additionally, Section 22 of the RTI Act mandates its precedence over laws like the Official Secrets Act, 1923.
Information Commissioner Vinod Kumar Tiwari noted that the defense ministry failed to explain the applicability of claimed exemptions, directing them to reassess the RTI application. He urged the ministry to provide revised information or respond based on applicable RTI Act exemptions.
The Agnipath scheme permits individuals aged 17.5 to 21 to serve in the armed forces for four years, with the top 25% selected for a regular cadre based on transparent and merit-based assessment. Upon completion, participants receive a one-time ‘Seva Nidhi’ package, including their contribution and government matching funds.
