Overview
The Central Information Commission (CIC) has instructed the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) to submit an affidavit confirming that information regarding government funding extended to COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers during the pandemic is "not available" with the department. This directive follows an appeal filed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, raising questions about transparency in government funding.
Key Developments
RTI Application and DPIIT's Response
Mahavir Singh Sharma filed an RTI application seeking details of the funds, specifically ₹4,500 crore, released by the Union government to the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech for the production of COVID-19 vaccines in 2020 and 2021.
In response, DPIIT stated that the information was not held by its logistics division, effectively stating that the information was "NIL". The First Appellate Authority upheld this response.
CIC's Intervention
Information Commissioner Khushwant Singh Sethi acknowledged DPIIT's initial response but directed the department to formally affirm its position through an affidavit. This was deemed necessary to place the department's claim of non-availability on record before the appeal could be disposed of.
DPIIT was given 15 days to submit the affidavit to the commission, both by post and via the CIC's compliance portal, with a copy also to be provided to the appellant, Mr. Sharma.
Details of the RTI Application
Mr. Sharma's RTI application sought the following information:
- Confirmation on whether the ₹4,500 crore released to Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech had been returned to the government with interest, or if vaccine doses were delivered in lieu of the amount.
- Information showing that the Government of India had received all the doses of the vaccines taken from Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech to fight the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Details of vaccines sent abroad with the permission of the Government of India.
- Complete details of the amount received by both institutes in exchange for the vaccines from abroad.
- Whether all Indian citizens were administered Covishield and Covaxin vaccines or if some were left out.
- The total amount spent by the Government of India on the purchase of Covaxin and Covishield.
- Whether any other COVID-19 vaccines were purchased for Indian citizens.
DPIIT's Stance During the Hearing
During the hearing, DPIIT officials reiterated that the information was not held by their division and that the RTI application had originally been filed with the Department of Biotechnology before being transferred to them.
Exam Relevance
GS2: Governance, Transparency, and Accountability
This case highlights the importance of transparency and accountability in government spending, especially during times of crisis. The RTI Act is a crucial tool for citizens to access information and hold the government accountable. The CIC's directive underscores the need for government departments to maintain accurate records and provide information when requested.
GS3: Economy and Science & Technology
The funding of vaccine manufacturers like Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech is relevant to discussions on government support for the pharmaceutical industry and the development of indigenous technologies. The financial aspects of vaccine procurement and distribution are also important for understanding the economic impact of the pandemic.
Important Facts
- Central Information Commission (CIC): An apex body under the RTI Act, 2005.
- Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT): Responsible for industrial development and internal trade policies.
- Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech: Key vaccine manufacturers in India.
- ₹4,500 crore: Amount mentioned in the RTI application as released to vaccine manufacturers.
- RTI Act: Empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities.