The Hindu : National : Rare records missing from National Archives

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Monday, Dec 10, 2007
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Rare records missing from National Archives

New Delhi: Rare government records pertaining to events leading to the abolition of privileges of erstwhile rulers of Indian States appear to be missing from the National Archives here.

Senior BJP leader Jaswant Singh came to know about this through an RTI application, in which he had sought information on these records. The National Archives said that the documents could not be traced and they were looking for it.

Mr. Singh, represented through his Secretary Raghvendra Singh, moved his request before Home Ministry on January 17 this year. He sought an inspection of documents, including Cabinet papers and notings that preceded the abolition of “privileges and privy purses” of rulers of then Indian States.

What followed thereafter was an eight-month-long hiatus wherein the records were searched in the Ministry’s record office, which finally took a stand that documents and files have been transferred to the National Archives.

The Archives could find only two of the total 10 files sought by Mr. Singh, who required those documents for research and study. The NAI, however, said efforts were on to trace the remaining documents.

Appeal allowed

A complaint was thereafter preferred before the Central Information Commission seeking appropriate directions.

While the Ministry did not approach its Appellate Authority in relation to his RTI plea, Chief Information Commissioner Wajahat Habibullah allowed his appeal on the grounds that despite Mr. Singh’s repeated requests, no documents could be provided to him.

Mr. Habibullah has directed the National Archives to make “renewed efforts” to look for the files. The documents would have to be opened to Mr. Singh for inspection within 20 days. — PTI

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