How is the Central Information Commission constituted?

Constitution of the Central Information Commission

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. It plays a crucial role in ensuring transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities. Here’s a detailed explanation of how the CIC is constituted:

Section 12: Constitution of the Central Information Commission

1. Establishment:

   Section 12(1): The Central Government is empowered to constitute a body known as the Central Information Commission through a notification in the Official Gazette.

2. Composition:

   Section 12(2): The CIC consists of:

   • The Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
   • Such number of Central Information Commissioners, not exceeding ten, as may be deemed necessary.

3. Appointment:

   Section 12(3): The Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee consisting of:

   • The Prime Minister, who is the Chairperson of the committee
   • The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
   • A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

4. Qualifications:

   Section 12(5): The Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners should be 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.

Functions and Powers

The CIC has several functions and powers as outlined in Sections 18, 19, 20, and 25 of the RTI Act. These include:

1. Hearing Complaints and Appeals:

   The CIC addresses complaints from individuals who have been unable to submit information requests to a Central Public Information Officer or State Public Information Officer.

2. Ensuring Compliance:

   The CIC ensures that public authorities comply with the provisions of the RTI Act.

3. Imposing Penalties:

   The CIC has the authority to impose penalties on Public Information Officers who fail to comply with the RTI Act.

Conclusion

The Central Information Commission is a vital institution for upholding the right to information in India. Its constitution and functioning are designed to ensure that public authorities operate transparently and are held accountable to the citizens.

If you have any more questions or need further clarification, feel free to ask!