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Central Information Commission (CIC)
The Central Information Commission (CIC) is an independent body established under the Right to Information Act, 2005. The CIC ensures transparency in governance and facilitates the effective implementation of the Right to Information (RTI) Act by addressing grievances and promoting accountability within public authorities.
Establishment
- The CIC was constituted in 2005 following the enactment of the RTI Act, aimed at empowering citizens to seek information from public authorities and ensuring their right to access government information.
Composition
1. Chief Information Commissioner (CIC):
- The head of the commission, appointed by the President of India.
2. Information Commissioners:
- The CIC can have up to ten Information Commissioners. The number may vary based on administrative needs.
3. Appointment Process:
- Information Commissioners are appointed based on the recommendations of a committee consisting of:
- The Prime Minister (Chairperson).
- The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha.
- A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
- Candidates for the position should have a background in law, public administration, or social activism and must be persons of eminence.
- Information Commissioners are appointed based on the recommendations of a committee consisting of:
Tenure and Removal
Term of Office:
- The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners hold office for a term of five years or until the age of 65 years, whichever comes first. They are eligible for reappointment.
Removal Process:
- The President can remove the Chief Information Commissioner or any Information Commissioner on grounds similar to those for the removal of a Supreme Court judge. This includes:
- Insolvency, criminal conviction, engaging in paid employment outside their official duties, unfitness due to infirmity, or proved misbehaviour.
- The President must refer cases of removal based on misbehaviour or incapacity to the Supreme Court for an inquiry.
- The President can remove the Chief Information Commissioner or any Information Commissioner on grounds similar to those for the removal of a Supreme Court judge. This includes:
Powers and Functions
The CIC has significant powers and functions designed to ensure the effective implementation of the RTI Act:
1. Addressing Complaints:
- The Commission can receive and investigate complaints from individuals unable to submit information requests due to non-appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs) or who have been denied information.
2. Suo Motu Inquiries:
- It can initiate inquiries based on reasonable grounds, regardless of whether a complaint has been formally made.
3. Civil Court Powers:
- The CIC possesses powers similar to a civil court, including:
- Summoning and enforcing attendance, requiring production of documents, receiving evidence on affidavits, and issuing summons for witness examination.
- The CIC possesses powers similar to a civil court, including:
4. Access to Public Records:
- During inquiries, the CIC can access any public records relevant to the case and must not be denied such access.
5. Securing Compliance:
- The Commission can direct public authorities to:
- Provide information in a specified format.
- Appoint PIOs if not already in place.
- Publish specific information.
- Change practices related to record management.
- The Commission can direct public authorities to:
6. Annual Report:
- The CIC submits an annual report to the Central Government detailing the implementation of the RTI Act, which is placed before each House of Parliament.
7. Recommendations for Conformity:
- The Commission can recommend steps to public authorities to promote adherence to the provisions of the RTI Act when non-compliance is noted.
The Central Information Commission serves as a vital institution in promoting transparency and accountability in governance through the enforcement of the Right to Information Act. By addressing grievances and ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI provisions, the CIC plays a crucial role in empowering citizens and enhancing their participation in the democratic process. Its authority to investigate, recommend, and enforce compliance underscores its significance in India’s governance framework.
National Commissions / Central Bodies and Related Ministries
Below is a list of various national commissions and central bodies in India, along with their respective ministries responsible for their functioning:
Sl. No. | Commission / Body | Falls Under |
1 | Central Information Commission | Ministry of Personnel |
2 | Finance Commission | Ministry of Finance |
3 | Union Public Service Commission | Ministry of Personnel |
4 | Inter-State Council | Ministry of Home Affairs |
5 | Staff Selection Commission | Ministry of Personnel |
6 | National Commission for Scheduled Castes (SCs) | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
7 | National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (STs) | Ministry of Tribal Affairs |
8 | Central Vigilance Commission | Ministry of Personnel |
9 | Zonal Councils | Ministry of Home Affairs |
10 | Central Bureau of Investigation | Ministry of Personnel |
11 | National Investigation Agency | Ministry of Home Affairs |
12 | Commissioner for Linguistic Minorities | Ministry of Minority Affairs |
13 | National Commission for Protection of Child Rights | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
14 | National Commission for Backward Classes | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
15 | Central Commissioner for Disabled Persons | Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment |
16 | Central Social Welfare Board | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
17 | North Eastern Council | Ministry of Development of the North Eastern Region |
18 | Central Administrative Tribunal | Ministry of Personnel |
19 | National Commission for Minorities | Ministry of Minority Affairs |
20 | National Human Rights Commission | Ministry of Home Affairs |
21 | National Commission for Women | Ministry of Women and Child Development |
22 | Goods and Services Tax Council | Ministry of Finance |
23 | Lokpal | Ministry of Personnel |
24 | National Investigation Agency | Ministry of Home Affairs |
25 | National Disaster Management Authority | Ministry of Home Affairs |
26 | Attorney General of India | Ministry of Law and Justice |
27 | Solicitor General of India | Ministry of Law and Justice |
28 | Law Commission of India | Ministry of Law and Justice |
29 | Election Commission of India | Ministry of Law and Justice |
30 | Delimitation Commission of India | Ministry of Law and Justice |
The listed national commissions and bodies play essential roles in various aspects of governance, public administration, and human rights protection in India. They function under different ministries, reflecting the diverse areas of focus and responsibilities within the Indian governmental framework. This structure ensures that various interests, rights, and administrative functions are represented and managed effectively.
