Central Information Commission (CIC) commemorates 18th anniversary

Why is in news? Central Information Commission (CIC) commemorates 18th anniversary of enactment of the RTI Act

The Central Information Commission has been constituted with effect from 12-10-2005 under the Right to Information Act, 2005.

The jurisdiction of the Commission extends over all Central Public Authorities.

The decisions of the Commission are final and binding.

Main objectives:

To exercise the powers conferred on them under the RTI Act, 2005.

To receive and inquire into complaints from any citizen (Section 18 of the RTI Act, 2005).

To receive and decide upon the second appeal from any citizen (Section 19 of the RTI Act, 2005).

To perform the duty of "Monitoring and Reporting " (Section 25 of the RTI Act, 2005).

Composition:

CIC consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners.

They are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.

The members shall hold office for such term as prescribed by the Central Government or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.

Chief Information Commissioner is not eligible for reappointment.

Each IC shall on vacating his office be eligible for appointment as the CIC. Further, His/her term of office shall not be more than five years in aggregate as the IC and the CIC.

Removal:

The President can remove the members of CIC, under the following circumstances:

If the member is adjudged as an insolvent

If the Central government holds him responsible for an offense involving moral turpitude/ or he is convicted for such an offense.

If he engages during his term of office in any paid employment outside the duties of his office

If he is declared unfit by reason of infirmity of mind or body, by the President (for CIC)/Governor (for SIC).

The President/Governor can also remove the members on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.

In such cases, the President has to refer the matter to the Supreme Court for an enquiry.

After the enquiry, if the Supreme Court upholds the cause of removal and advises so, then the President can remove him.