Central Information Commission (CIC) of India, Objective and Functions

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Introduction: The Central Information Commission holds a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of democracy and promoting good governance in India. This article provides comprehensive insights into the CIC, pertinent for those preparing for the IAS exam.

The Chief Information Commission (CIC) serves as the authorized body in India to address complaints lodged by individuals who have encountered difficulties in submitting information requests to Central or State Public Information Officers. These difficulties could arise from either the absence of an appointed officer or the officer’s refusal to process the application under the Right to Information Act (RTI Act).

It’s noteworthy that the Central Information Commission does not hold constitutional status. Established on October 12th, 2005, under the RTI Act 2005, the CIC operates within the framework of the Act. Its mandate encompasses the handling of matters related to central public authorities, thereby playing a significant role in promoting transparency and accountability.

Central Information Commission

The CIC’s composition includes a Chief Information Commissioner and a maximum of ten Information Commissioners, providing support to the CIC. The Chief Information Commissioner’s term spans five years.
Currently (as of 2019), the Commission comprises six Information Commissioners, in addition to the Chief Information Commissioner.
Commissioners in the CIC are appointed by the President based on recommendations from a committee comprising the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
Their tenure of office involves holding the position for a duration specified by the Central Government or until they reach the age of 65, whichever occurs earlier. Reappointment is not permitted.

Objectives of Central Information Commission

The Central Information Commission possesses the authority to initiate inquiries into matters based on reasonable grounds (suo-moto power) exclusively. It ensures the enforcement of its decisions across all public authorities. The commission is entrusted with the responsibility to investigate complaints filed by individuals:

Who has not received a response within the specified time frame after requesting information.
Who find the provided information to be incomplete, false, misleading, or in any other way unsatisfactory, including other matters related to obtaining information.
Who faced hindrances in submitting information requests due to the absence of an appointed officer.
Who considers the charged fees to be unreasonable.
Who was denied the requested information?

Under its jurisdiction, the commission holds the right to scrutinize any record under the control of a public authority. All pertinent records must be furnished to the Commission during the assessment, and no information can be withheld. In the course of investigations, the CIC wields powers similar to those of a civil court. This encompasses the ability to:

Summon individuals and enforce their attendance for oral or written testimony under oath and to produce documents or objects.
Demand the disclosure and inspection of documents.
Accept evidence on affidavits.
Request public records or copies from any office or court.
Issue summons for the examination of documents or witnesses.
Address any other matter prescribed in regulations.

Additionally, the CIC presents an annual report to the Government of India (GOI) concerning the implementation of the Act’s provisions. Subsequently, this report is presented before both Houses of Parliament.

Functions of the Central Information Commission

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body established by the Government of India under the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act). The CIC is the highest appellate authority for RTI matters in India. The CIC has the following functions:

To receive and inquire into complaints from any person who has been denied access to information under the RTI Act.
To order disclosure of information, subject to certain exemptions.
To award compensation to the person who has been denied access to information.
To recommend measures for the improvement of the administration of the RTI Act.
To undertake research and studies on issues related to the right to information.
To promote awareness about the RTI Act.

The CIC is headed by a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), who is assisted by two Information Commissioners (ICs). The CIC and ICs are appointed by the President of India in consultation with the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha. The CIC and ICs hold office for a term of five years and are eligible for reappointment. The CIC has its headquarters in New Delhi and has regional offices in all the states and union territories of India.

The CIC plays an important role in ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act. It has helped to make information more accessible to the public and has promoted transparency and accountability in government. Here are some of the key functions of the CIC:

Receive and inquire into complaints: The CIC can receive and inquire into complaints from any person who has been denied access to information under the RTI Act. The CIC can also inquire suo motu (on its own) into any matter relating to the RTI Act.
Order disclosure of information: The CIC can order disclosure of information, subject to certain exemptions. The exemptions are listed in the RTI Act and are intended to protect national security, privacy, and other important interests.
Award compensation: The CIC can award compensation to the person who has been denied access to information. The compensation can be for any loss or damage suffered by the person as a result of the denial of information.
Recommend measures for improvement: The CIC can recommend measures for the improvement of the administration of the RTI Act. These measures can include changes to the law, training for government officials, and public awareness campaigns.
Undertake research and studies: The CIC can undertake research and studies on issues related to the right to information. This research can help to improve the understanding of the RTI Act and its implementation.
Promote awareness: The CIC can promote awareness about the RTI Act. This can be done through public awareness campaigns, training programs, and other initiatives.

The CIC is an important body for ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act. It has helped to make information more accessible to the public and has promoted transparency and accountability in government.

Central Information Commission Chairman

The current Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India is Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha. He was appointed on November 7, 2020, and is the 11th CIC of India. Sinha is a retired Indian Foreign Service officer with over 35 years of experience. He has served in various capacities in the Ministry of External Affairs, including as Ambassador to the Russian Federation and Ambassador to the People’s Republic of China.
Sinha is a graduate of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and the Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He is also a recipient of the Padma Shri, the fourth-highest civilian award in India.
The CIC is the highest appellate authority for RTI matters in India. It is responsible for ensuring the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, of 2005. The CIC has the power to receive and inquire into complaints from any person who has been denied access to information under the RTI Act. It can also order disclosure of information, award compensation, and recommend measures for the improvement of the administration of the RTI Act.
Sinha is committed to ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act and has taken steps to make the CIC more accessible to the public. He has also initiated a number of measures to promote awareness about the RTI Act.

Salaries of Central Information Commission and ICs Under Right to Information Rules 2019

The RTI Act of 2005 initially outlined the tenure, service terms, and salaries for the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) at central and state levels in the primary law.
The RTI (Amendment) Act of 2019 brought changes by removing these provisions and stating that the central government would notify the tenure and salary through rules.
The amendment established that the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner (for central and state levels) would hold office for a period specified by the Central Government, replacing the previous fixed 5-year term.
The amendment removed provisions for salary deductions for the Chief Information Commissioner, Information Commissioner, State Chief Information Commissioner, and State Information Commissioner based on pension or previous government service retirement benefits.
The amendment clarified that the salary, allowances, and service conditions for the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioner (at both central and state levels) would be determined by regulations set by the Central Government.

Members of the Central Information Commission

Central Information Commission: The current members of the Central Information Commission (CIC) of India:

Chief Information Commissioner: Yashvardhan Kumar Sinha
Information Commissioners:

Suresh Chandra
Heeralal Samariya
Saroj Punhani
Uday Mahurkar

The members of the CIC are appointed from amongst persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media, or administration and governance.

The CIC plays an important role in ensuring the effective implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005. It has helped to make information more accessible to the public and has promoted transparency and accountability in government.