Appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)

Recently, Shri Heeralal Samariya was appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner.

About Central Information Commission (CIC)

Established under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
Jurisdiction is over all Central Public Authorities.
Functions: Adjudication in second appeals, directing record-keeping, suo-motu disclosures, complaints handling, imposing penalties, monitoring, and annual reporting.
Decision Authority: Final and binding.
Composition: Headed by the Chief Information Commissioner, with up to 10 Information Commissioners.

Right to Information Act, 2005

· About: It mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information.

· Objective: Promote transparency and accountability in public authorities.

· Applicability: All government levels and recipients of government grants.

· Limitations: Information must pre-exist and be held by the public authority.

· Rights: Equates citizen’s right to information with that of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures.

Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)

Appointment: By the President based on a recommendation by a committee including the Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union cabinet minister.
Eligibility: Eminent person with knowledge and experience in relevant fields; not an MP, MLA, or person connected with any office of profit, political party, business, or profession.
Term: Three years from the date of assuming office.
Removal: By the President for proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

Powers and Functions of Information Commissions

Comparable to civil courts for certain functions like summoning, evidence collection, document requisition, and witness examination under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908.
Authority to inspect documents, receive affidavits, and any other prescribed matters.

AMIGOS IAS