The Central Information Commission has mandated IIT‑Madras to provide a project‑wise breakdown of grant‑in‑aid utilisation for FY 2023‑24. The order follows an RTI petition filed by Ananya Dubey seeking detailed financial disclosures.

Key Takeaways

  • IIT‑Madras must disclose project‑wise utilisation of FY 2023‑24 grant‑in‑aid funds
  • CPIO initially rejected the request citing volume and resource diversion
  • Information Commissioner ordered a revised, categorical response

Central Information Commission (CIC) directed the Indian Institute of Technology‑Madras (IIT‑Madras) to furnish a detailed, project‑wise account of grant‑in‑aid fund utilisation for the financial year 2023‑24 under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. The directive stems from an RTI petition filed by Ananya Dubey, who requested data on grants received over the past three fiscal years, project‑wise spend, utilisation certificates, and names of collaborative partners.

Background and Initial Rejection

Initially, the Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) declined the request, arguing that collating three years’ worth of data would be voluminous and would disproportionately divert the institute’s resources. The petitioner was therefore asked to narrow the scope, ultimately restricting the request to FY 2023‑24 only.

Financial Figures and Limitations

The CPIO informed that IIT‑Madras had received ₹537 crore for sponsored research projects and ₹241 crore for industry‑driven research during the period. The response noted that funds were utilised in line with the sanction orders or agreements of sponsoring agencies. However, the CPIO stated that utilisation certificates could not be released without the sponsors’ concurrence, and information on collaborations was not readily available.

Commission’s Intervention and Revised Order

Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi observed that the institute had not adequately addressed the request for grant‑in‑aid utilisation details. She recorded the CPIO’s willingness to revisit the matter and directed the officer to issue a revised, categorical reply specifically covering the FY 2023‑24 utilisation details.

Implications for the Future

Following the order, IIT‑Madras will need to compile comprehensive reports on all active projects, utilisation certificates, and collaborative agreements for FY 2023‑24. This move not only strengthens the institute’s accountability but also sets a precedent for other public research institutions, signalling a shift toward greater financial transparency in Indian academia.