What is the Central Information Commission?

The Central Information Commission of India is an independent, non-constitutional authority. CIC was established in 2005. It assesses if the nation’s democratic values are effectively being maintained. The Commission investigates and files complaints on behalf of individuals who, when questioned, neglected to provide information to the government. The primary goals of this council are to empower citizens with knowledge and promote a sense of accountability and transparency throughout the nation.

It’s funded by the annual budget of the Indian government. Despite being a significant and worthwhile organization, the CIC has occasionally been criticized for its slowness and inefficiency. According to some, the Commission sometimes makes decisions without following the correct process, which causes many appeals to be delayed or even rejected. But the CIC is essential to raising the level of accountability and openness in government, even in the face of these critiques.

Central Information Commission Headquarters

The Central Information Commission is headquartered in New Delhi’s Bhikaji Cama Place and has regional offices in all major Indian cities.

Central Information Commission Members

The CIC is headed by the Chief Information Commissioner and has up to ten Information Commissioners working with it. The Chief Information Commissioner holds office for five years. There are currently 10 Information Commissioners on the Commission in addition to the Chief Information Commissioner.  Currently (2023), Shri Heeralal Samariya is the Chief Information Commissioner of the Central Information Commission (CIC) appointed by President Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

Central Information Commission (CIC) – Appointment, Tenure, Powers and Functions

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body responsible for directing the execution of the Right to Information Act of 2005. When citizens file appeals after being refused access to information by government agencies, the CIC is in the role of reviewing and making a decision. Also, the CIC has the authority to mandate that government agencies release information.

The CIC has been important in ensuring that India’s citizens have access to the information to which they are legally entitled and has contributed to an increase in government accountability and transparency. In this article, we will look into the various aspects of the Central Information Commission (CIC) in detail.

Table of Content

  • What is the Central Information Commission?
  • Appointment and Tenure of the Chief Information Commissioner Members
  • Removal of the Central Information Commission (CIC) Members
  • Powers and Functions of the Central Information Commission (CIC)
  • Challenges and Issues Associated with the Central Information Commission
  • Central Information Commission and the RTI Act
  • Draft Rules of the Central Information Commission
  • Bhagat Singh vs Central Information Commission
  • Significance of Central Information Commission
  • Central Information Commission UPSC

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What is the Central Information Commission?

The Central Information Commission of India is an independent, non-constitutional authority. CIC was established in 2005. It assesses if the nation’s democratic values are effectively being maintained. The Commission investigates and files complaints on behalf of individuals who, when questioned, neglected to provide information to the government. The primary goals of this council are to empower citizens with knowledge and promote a sense of accountability and transparency throughout the nation....

Appointment and Tenure of the Chief Information Commissioner Members

Chief Information Commissioners (CICs) and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President to their respective positions for a period determined by the Central Government, or until they turn 65, whichever comes first....

Removal of the Central Information Commission (CIC) Members

The President has the authority to remove members for many different kinds of reasons, including insolvency, mental illness, physical or mental impairment, serving a jail sentence for a criminal offense, or holding a paid job....

Powers and Functions of the Central Information Commission (CIC)

The following describes the powers and functions of the Central Information Commission:...

Challenges and Issues Associated with the Central Information Commission

The following are some issues associated with CIC:...

Central Information Commission and the RTI Act

India has used the Right to Information Act as a tool and implemented structural reforms to fight corruption. Files have been transferred with accountability and transparency in the open and transparent operation of government. More than any other prior effort, the Right to Information Act of 2005 has been important in promoting transparency....

Draft Rules of the Central Information Commission

The Department of Personnel and Training recently announced draft regulations that outline the authority, benefits, and other details of the Chief Information Commissioner of India and Information Commissioner. These include:...

Bhagat Singh vs Central Information Commission

In Bhagat Singh v. CIC, 2007 SCC OnLine Del 1607, the court decided that while information about specifics could hamper the course of the inquiry, a person is entitled to know the status of the investigation into their Tax Evasion Petition (TEP) application. The CPIO/FAA supplied extra material, showing that the investigation was ongoing, in response to the appellant’s request for information regarding his 2013 TEP application and the investigation report. The Delhi HC ruled that Section 8(1)(j) does not address recovery; rather, it exclusively addresses investigation and prosecution. Referring to earlier rulings in Ved Prakash Doda v. ITO, Shri Virag R. Dhulia v. Income Tax Department, Kolkata, and Ved Prakash Doda v. ITO, the Commission declared that the appellant had to be informed of the investigation’s general findings upon its completion without disclosing any details....

Significance of Central Information Commission

Central Information Commission is important because of the following reasons:...

Central Information Commission UPSC

The Central Information Commission, or CIC, is an extremely important topic in Indian Polity. This is an important topic that could come up in the UPSC Mains GS or Prelims examination. Students who are preparing for UPSC exam can refer to this article for comprehensive understanding of the topic. It is required to be supplemented with current affairs....

FAQs on Central Information Commission

1. Is Central Information Commission a Statutory Body?...

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