GCA directed to furnish information under RTI

PANJIM, OCT 7                                   
The Goa State Chief Information Commissioner, Motilal Keny ruled that Goa Cricket Association (GCA) does come under the ambit of the Right to Information Act, on Thursday.
Pronouncing the verdict on the complaint filed by Adv. Aires Rodrigues, Keny has directed the GCA to furnish within 30 days the information sought by Aires.
The State Chief Information Commissioner has ruled that the Government notification dated July 8, 2010 that all sports organizations and State Sports Associations recognized by SAG would be covered under the RTI Act was binding on GCA.
The Commissioner also declined the request made by the lawyer representing GCA to stay the order to enable the association to move the High Court, Aires stated.
Aires, it may be recalled, had filed the complaint following GCA’s refusal to furnish information under RTI.
The GCA had taken the stand that it did not come under the purview of the RTI Act as it had not received any financial or other assistance from the Goa Government or SAG.
Aires had submitted documentary proof that the GCA had been granted a 99-year lease for land admeasuring 1,30,328 square meters at Tivim for the construction of a cricket stadium at a rent of Rs 50,000 per year and that the SAG had also granted financial assistance of Rs 50 lakh in 2000.
Aires had sought information from GCA on the fees paid to lawyer Subodh Kantak.