Why is it in the news?
- 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.