The State Information Commission (SIC) in India is a statutory body established under the Right to Information Act, 2005, at the state level.
- Composition:
- The State Information Commission consists of a State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and up to ten State Information Commissioners (SICs).
- The State Chief Information Commissioner is appointed by the Governor of the state, while the State Information Commissioners are appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Chief Minister (Chairperson), the Leader of the Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.
- The SCIC and SICs 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 primary function of the State Information Commission is to enforce the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, at the state level.
- It adjudicates on appeals and complaints filed by individuals who are aggrieved by the response or non-response from public authorities regarding their requests for information under the RTI Act.
- The SIC has the power to order the disclosure of information held by public authorities at the state level, including state 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 SIC also monitors the implementation of the RTI Act by public authorities in the state, conducts inspections, and reviews the records of public authorities to ensure compliance with the transparency provisions of the Act.
- Additionally, the SIC issues guidelines, recommendations, and directives to public authorities at the state level for the effective implementation of the RTI Act.
- Working:
- The State Information Commission receives appeals and complaints from individuals dissatisfied with the response or non-response from public authorities in the state to their RTI requests.
- It conducts hearings and adjudicates on these appeals and complaints, ensuring adherence to the principles of natural justice.
- The SIC 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 SIC also engages in outreach activities to raise awareness about the RTI Act and promote transparency and accountability in governance at the state level.
Overall, the State Information Commission plays a crucial role in upholding the right to information and ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities at the state level in India.
