Overview

This page documents our RTI application that we filed to learn more about the use (and possible misuse) of "Special quota" in Anna University.

Application

This application is filed to learn about what the quota is, how it is advertised, how candidates should applied and how they have utilized it in the past. We have tried to make this application as comprehensive as possible, by requesting information about the number of seats alloted, how students gain admission, the authority that decides on each application. We have also requested information about all candidates who have applied for this quota, and their scores/ranks in the various qualifying examinations, and the reason for allotting/denying them a seat. Scanned versions of the application forms can be seen on the left part of this page.

Response

We received an initial letter requesting more time to answer the application, since the request was filed during the time when Anna University was busy with its admissions process for 2007-08. We received a response with answers after some time. The scanned responses can be seen here. We found that, outside of the single window system of admissions, there were provisions for admissions to be made by

• The Government of Tamil Nadu
• Founder's family of Madras Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Donor's family of Alagappa College of Technology (ACT)

These three categories of admissions were canceled by an order of the Honorable High Court of Madras, dated 11/Sep/2007, in response to Writ Petition 28680/2006. The copy of the order obtained from Madras high court's Judgement information system is available below. In addition, to the above three methods outside the single window system, admissions can be made through

• Consortium of industries category
• NRI/Foreign National/PIO/Children of Indian workers in Gulf countries category

The answers to the other questions on how these quotas are advertised, how one should apply, and the selection criteria did not satisfy us. For instance, answers to these questions:

5. What is the criterion for a student to gain admission through such a quota/recommendation?
Reply: Students were admitted on the basis of nomination made by the Government / MIT Founder's family / ACT Donor's Family. The nominated candidates should satisfy the minimum requisite eligibility qualification.
6. How should a student apply for such seats?
Reply: Students were admitted on the basis of nomination made by the Government / MIT Founder's family / ACT Donor's Family.

We requested detailed information about each student who applied for these quotas and the response was

The information sought under this Question are not readily available. It needs manpower and time to collect these information and time is required to furnish this information.

We have not decided if we should pursue this application, in light of the high court ruling.

Soft copies of the response is available here

Some lessons

• Our impression of how the government functions changed after this application. The government works better than we gave it credit for when there is oversight. We received a acknowledge within five days that the Department of Higher Education, Government of Tamil Nadu was transferring the application to the respective office in Anna University.
• It is very easy to file an RTI application once you know how to file one. We plan to eliminate the minor hassle of filing an application through this website, and hope more people feel encouraged to get involved in looking over how the government operates.
• The Supreme Court of India and the various High courts provide all their judgments online. While the interface to find this information is a bit clunky, it still works. The judgments are available at the Judgments information system.

Copy of High Court of Madras' judgment related to this issue