Central Information Commission

CIC/AD/A/09/00154 Dated March 20, 2009

Name of the Applicant : Mr.Firtraj Ram

Name of the Public Authority : M/o Health & Family Welfare

Background 1. The Applicant filed an RTI application dt.20.3.08 with the CPIO, M/o Health & Family Welfare. He requested for information against 7 points with regard to status of Electrohomeopathy including whether the this form of is recognized or not and whether the Degree/Diploma holder can practice or not. The CPIO replied on 21.4.08 stating that a Standing Committee of Experts was constituted under the Chairmanship of DG, ICMR to consider and give its recommendations on the efficiency/merits of various streams of alternative medicines including electrohomeopathy and also examine feasibility of making legislation as suggested by Hon’ble High Court of Delhi. The Committee developed essential and desirable criteria for grant of recognition of new different streams of alternative medicines within the criteria. The Committee after detailed deliberation did not recommend for recognition of any of these alternative medicines except already recognized traditional systems of medicine viz. , Sidha, Unani, , Yoga and . The Committee, however, recommended that certain practices such as Acupuncture and could be allowed to be practiced by registered practitioners or appropriately trained personnel. He also added that recommendations of the Committee were brought to the notice of all the State Govts/UTs for compliance vide letter dt.25.11.03, a copy of which was also enclosed to the Applicant. The CPIO also replied on 4.9.08 stating that the Central Govt. has not recognized the Electrohomeopathy alternative medicine except recognized traditional system of medicines like Ayurveda, Siddha, Unani, Homeopathy, Yoga and . He also stated that the Ministry has no records of school/boards/universities functioning under WHO or on their own. In a third reply dated 5.11.08 the Under Secretary to the Government of India, MH&FW wrote to the Appellant stating that the Govt. of India has not recognized the system of Electrohomeopathy and therefore, the Ministry has not approved any institution, university or board for training in Electrohomeopathy Not satisfied with the reply, the Applicant filed an appeal dt.21.7.08 with the Appellate Authority reiterating his request for the information. On not receiving any reply, he filed a second appeal dt.22.12.08 before the CIC.

2. The Bench of Mrs. Annapurna Dixit, Information Commissioner, scheduled the hearing for March 20, 2009.

3. Mr. Mohd. Saleem, U.S. and Mr. G.C. Labra, S.O. represented the Public Authority.

4. The Applicant was not present during the hearing.

Decision 5. The Commission is of the opinion that all available information has been provided to the Appellant and accordingly, disposes off the appeal.

(Annapurna Dixit) Information Commissioner Authenticated true copy:

(K.G.Nair) Designated Officer

Cc: 1. Mr.Firtraj Ram Village Mustafabad Post Gunjer Par Mubarkpur 276 404

2. The CPIO & Deputy Secretary Department of Health Research M/o Health & Family Welfare Nirman Bhavan New Delhi

3. The Appellate Authority & Joint Secretary Department of Health Research M/o Health & Family Welfare Nirman Bhavan New Delhi

4. Officer in charge, NIC

5. Press E Group, CIC