Banks clam up on sensitive info under RTI

PSBs will also not entertain demands for information on competitive position of third parties.

Public sector banks (PSBs), under the aegis of Indian Banks' Association, have decided not to provide sensitive data under the Right to Information (RTI) Act.

Government-owned banks have resolved to reject requests from individuals for information on matters relating to affairs of customers and particulars relating to tenders or quotations or offers for sale of any goods, computers, machinery or other services of the bank, a banking source said.

PSBs will also not entertain demands for information on competitive position of third parties, they added.

The decision follows the finance ministry's advice to PSBs to seek protection against information seekers from provisions of the act itself till the legislation could be amended to exclude banks from the purview of the act.

During a recent meeting with the finance minister, the source said, chairmen of PSBs were asked to study the act and find out which clause provides protection and then deal with requests for information accordingly.

Individuals wanting information relating to expenses incurred on cars, advertisements and purchase of articles such as computers will be sent cost estimates for obtaining such data.

"The cost estimation will in fact act as a deterrent to individuals seeking such trivial information," the sources said.

IBA has also received a communication from the government stating that denial of disclosure of information is permissible if the same is covered under any of the provisions of the act. IBA feels that certain provisions of the act are adequate to protect the interest of bank customers.