Central Information Commission

Why is in news? New Delhi: LS Speaker Om Birla to inaugurate annual Convention of Central Information Commission 9^th November

The title of the convention is Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Citizen-centric Governance through RTI

The Convention will discuss critical issues related to transparency, governance, right to information, and other related issues.

It will contribute significantly towards the broadening and deepening of the RTI regime.

Central Information Commission:

The Central Information Commission was constituted in 2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005. It is not a constitutional body.

The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.

The Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and several Central Information Commissioners not exceeding 10 as may be deemed necessary.

The Right to Information (Amendment) Act, 2019 amended the Right to Information Act, of 2005.

The RTI Act, 2005 specified the tenure, terms of service, and salaries of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) at the central and state levels, in the parent law.

The RTI (Amendment) Act, 2019 removed these provisions and stated that the central government will notify the term and quantum of salary through rules.

The CIC are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

The Chief Information Commissioner and an Information Commissioner shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

They are not eligible for reappointment.

Powers and Functions:

To receive and inquire into a complaint from any person regarding information requested under RTI, 2005.

It can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power).

While inquiring, the Commission has the powers of a civil court in respect of summoning, requiring documents etc.

State Information Commission:

It is constituted by the State Government.

It has one State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC) and not more than 10 State Information Commissioners (SIC) to be appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Appointments Committee headed by the Chief Minister.