The Central Information Commission (CIC) in India is a statutory body established under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- Composition:
- The CIC consists of a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and up to ten Information Commissioners (ICs).
- The Chief Information Commissioner is appointed by the President of India, while the Information Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
- The CIC and ICs should be persons of eminence in public life with knowledge and experience in fields such as law, science, technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media, or administration and governance.
- Functions:
- The CIC is responsible for enforcing the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, which mandates transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities in India.
- Its primary function is to adjudicate on appeals and complaints filed by individuals who are aggrieved by the response or lack of response from public authorities regarding their requests for information under the RTI Act.
- The CIC has the power to order the disclosure of information held by public authorities, including government departments, ministries, and public sector organizations.
- It can impose penalties on public information officers for failure to provide information within the stipulated time frame or for providing incorrect, incomplete, or misleading information.
- The CIC also monitors the implementation of the RTI Act by public authorities, including conducting inspections and reviewing the records of public authorities to ensure compliance with the transparency provisions of the Act.
- Additionally, the CIC is empowered to issue guidelines, recommendations, and directives to public authorities for the effective implementation of the RTI Act.
- Working:
- The CIC receives appeals and complaints from individuals who are dissatisfied with the response or non-response from public authorities to their RTI requests.
- It conducts hearings and adjudicates on these appeals and complaints, ensuring that the principles of natural justice are followed.
- The CIC may summon public information officers, conduct inquiries, and examine documents during the adjudication process.
- It issues orders, decisions, and rulings on appeals and complaints, including directives for the disclosure of information and imposition of penalties, if necessary.
- The CIC also engages in outreach activities to raise awareness about the RTI Act and promote transparency and accountability in governance.
Overall, the Central Information Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the right to information and ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities in India.
