Central Information Commission (CIC)

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Why in News?

The high-level selection panel comprising the Prime Minister, Union Home Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition met to finalise appointments to the CIC.

Description:

About CIC:

  • Independent statutory body under the RTI Act, 2005 (not constitutional).
  • Ensures transparency and accountability across Central Government ministries, departments, Public Sector Units, financial institutions, and Union Territories.
  • Decides second appeals and complaints related to denial or improper handling of RTI requests.

Composition:

  • 1 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
  • Up to 10 Information Commissioners (ICs)
  • Current CIC (2024): Heeralal Samariya.

Appointment Mechanism:

Appointed by the President on the recommendation of a three-member committee:

  1. Prime Minister (Chairperson)
  2. Leader of Opposition (Lok Sabha)
  3. Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM

Qualifications:

  • Must be persons of eminence in public life with expertise in: law, science & tech, social service, journalism, mass media, governance, management, etc.
  • Restrictions: Cannot be MPs/MLAs, hold office of profit, have political ties, or pursue business/profession while in office.

Tenure & Service Conditions:

The 2019 Amendment removed fixed statutory protections and vested power in the Central Government to decide:

  1. Tenure of CIC and ICs:
    1. Now notified by the Central Government (currently fixed at 3 years).
  2. Salaries, allowances, and service conditions:
    1. No longer linked to CEC/EC.
    1. Determined through executive rules notified by the Centre.
  3. Service conditions on reappointment:
    1. Clarified by rules: CIC and ICs are not eligible for reappointment.
    1. IC can become CIC, but total tenure is restricted (currently to 5 years combined).

Removal:

Removed by the President on grounds including:

  • insolvency, conviction involving moral turpitude, paid employment, infirmity, conflict of interest.
  • For proved misbehavior or incapacity, President must refer matter to Supreme Court.

Powers:

  • Holds powers of a civil court, initiating, suo motu investigations, preparing Annual Reports tabled in Parliament

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