The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a pivotal statutory body in India’s transparency framework, established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. Here’s a structured overview of its key aspects:
Genesis and Purpose
- Statutory Basis: Created under Section 12 of the RTI Act, 2005.
- Objective: Empower citizens by ensuring access to information held by public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in governance.
Functions
- Adjudicatory Role:
- Hears appeals/complaints against non-compliance by Central Public Authorities.
- Directs disclosure of information, imposes penalties (up to ₹25,000) on Public Information Officers (PIOs) for violations, and recommends disciplinary action.
- Advisory Role: Guides public authorities on RTI implementation.
Composition
- Members:
- 1 Chief Information Commissioner (CIC).
- Up to 10 Information Commissioners (ICs).
- Appointment:
- Appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a 3-member committee:
- Prime Minister (Chairperson).
- Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha.
- Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM.
- Appointed by the President of India based on recommendations from a 3-member committee:
- Tenure:
- 3 years or until age 65 (whichever is earlier).
- No reappointment to prevent conflicts of interest.
Jurisdiction
- Covers Central Government and Union Territory public authorities (e.g., ministries, PSUs).
- State Information Commissions (SICs)Â handle state-level matters.
Powers
- Quasi-judicial authority: Can summon officials, order inquiries, and enforce compliance.
- Penalties: Impose fines on PIOs for delays, denials, or malafide actions.
- Binding Orders: Decisions are legally enforceable.
Challenges
- Vacancies: Delays in appointments hinder efficiency.
- Political Influence: Allegations of bias in commissioner appointments.
- Enforcement Issues: Resistance from authorities in complying with orders.
- Awareness Gaps: Limited public knowledge about RTI mechanisms.
Significance
- Acts as a watchdog for democratic accountability.
- Empowers citizens to question governance, reducing corruption and opacity.
Key Amendments
- RTI Amendment Act, 2019:
- Altered tenure and salary terms (now set by the Central Government, previously aligned with Election Commissioners).
- Critics argue this undermines institutional independence.
Headquarters
- Located in New Delhi, with benches across India for accessibility.
Conclusion
The CIC is integral to India’s transparency ecosystem but faces operational hurdles like vacancies and enforcement challenges. Strengthening its autonomy and raising public awareness are critical for realizing the RTI Act’s full potential.
