Raj Kumar Goyal- New CIC

Context:

Raj Kumar Goyal, a 1990-batch IAS officer, has been sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India. He retired in August 2024 as Secretary, Department of Justice.

UPSC Relevance:

Polity

UPSC PYQ:

Q. Consider the following statements: (2017)

1. The Election Commission of India is a five-member body.
2. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs decides the election schedule for the conduct of both general elections and bye-elections.
3. Election Commission resolves the disputes relating to splits/mergers of recognised political parties.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 3 only

About Chief Information Commission:

• Central Information Commission constituted?
  • Under the provision of Section-12 of RTI Act 2005 the Central Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a body to be known as the Central Information Commission.
  • It is not a constitutional body.
• Members: Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding 10 as may be deemed necessary.
• What is the eligibility criteria?
  • Section 12(5) of the RTI Act 2005 provides that the Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners shall 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.
• Process of appointment of CIC?
  • Section 12(3) of the RTI Act 2005 provides as follows. 
    • The Prime Minister, who shall be the Chairperson of the committee;   
    • The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha ; and   
    • A Union Cabinet Minister to be nominated by the Prime Minister.

Section 12(6) of the RTI Act 2005 provides that Chief Information Commissioner or an Information Commissioner shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory as the case may be , or hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession.

• Term of office —The Chief Information Commissioner, or Information Commissioners, as the case may be, shall hold office for a period of three years from the date on which he enters upon his office.

Three years from their date of joining the office, or until they turn 65, whichever is earlier.

• Power and Functions of CIC:
  • It is the duty of the Commission to receive and inquire into a complaint from any person regarding information requested under RTI, 2005.
  • The Commission can order an inquiry into any matter if there are reasonable grounds (suo-moto power).
  • While inquiring, the Commission has the powers of a civil court in respect of summoning, requiring documents etc.