In this article we will try to understand the RTI Confidentiality Classification. This needs to be kept in mind by a government employee while disclosing information.
RTI Confidentiality Classification
GOI should amend the Manual of Departmental Security Instructions in the following manner:
Information Deserving Classification
It would be advisable for each Ministry/Department to identify the information which deserves to be given a security classification. Ordinarily, only such information should be given a security classification which would qualify for exemption from disclosure under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
If an information is covered by more than one exemption; in that case the information should be given the classification of the higher category. Also, if it is felt by the competent authority that circumstances of a case demand a higher classification, then the same may be done by an authority, which is empowered to give such a classification.
Provision should be made to include annual confidential reports of officers and examination question papers and related matters in the exemptions under the RTI Act. This may be done by way of removal of difficulties under Section 30.
Upgrading and Downgrading
Documents once classified as “Top Secret” or “Secret”, should remain so classified as long as required but not exceeding 30 years.
Documents classified as confidential and restricted should remain so for a period not exceeding 10 years. However, the competent classifying officer may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, authorize continued classification beyond the period if information, the disclosure of which would cause damage to national security or national interest.
A recipient officer of appropriate rank in a Ministry or Department may upgrade the security classification of a document received from outside. But this raised classification will be limited only to the Ministry or Department. (S)He will, however, have no authority to downgrade the security classification of a document received, without the concurrence of the originator. Within the same Department, an officer superior to the originator would have the authority to downgrade or upgrade the classification.
Officer Authorised to Accord the Grading: RTI Confidentiality Classification
Top Secret: Not below Joint Secretary
Secret: Not below Deputy Secretary
Confidential: Not below Under Secretary
The State Governments may authorise officers of equivalent rank to accord the grading.
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