Central Information Commission

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The Central Information Commission (CIC) is an independent statutory body established by the Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) to provide a mechanism for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities. The CIC is headed by a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and two Information Commissioners (ICs). The CIC has jurisdiction over all Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

The CIC has the power to order disclosure of information, impose penalties for non-compliance, and recommend disciplinary action against public officials. The CIC has also been empowered to issue guidelines and directions to public authorities on matters relating to implementation of the RTI Act.

The CIC has been instrumental in promoting transparency and accountability in the working of the government. The CIC has received over 1.5 million applications since its inception in 2005. The CIC has disposed of over 1.2 million applications and has ordered disclosure of information in over 90% of the cases. The CIC has also imposed penalties of over Rs. 10 crore on public authorities for non-compliance with the RTI Act.

The CIC has played a significant role in making the government more transparent and accountable to the citizens. The CIC has also helped to empower citizens by giving them the right to access information under the RTI Act. The CIC has been a pioneer in promoting transparency and accountability in the government and has set a benchmark for other countries to follow.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. What is the Right to Information Act?

The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) is an Act of the Parliament of India to provide for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities, in order to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the Government.

  1. What is the Central Information Commission?

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is an independent statutory body established by the RTI Act to provide a mechanism for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities. The CIC is headed by a Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and two Information Commissioners (ICs). The CIC has jurisdiction over all Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs).

  1. What are the powers of the CIC?

The CIC has the power to order disclosure of information, impose penalties for non-compliance, and recommend disciplinary action against public officials. The CIC has also been empowered to issue guidelines and directions to public authorities on matters relating to implementation of the RTI Act.

  1. How can I file an RTI application?

An RTI application can be filed in writing or electronically. The application must be addressed to the Public Information Officer (PIO) of the public authority concerned. The application must specify the information sought and the reasons for seeking the information.

  1. What is the time limit for responding to an RTI application?

The PIO must respond to an RTI application within 30 days of the receipt of the application. The PIO can extend the time limit by another 30 days, if necessary.

  1. What are the penalties for non-compliance with the RTI Act?

A public authority that fails to comply with the RTI Act can be penalized with a fine of up to Rs. 25,000. A public official who fails to comply with the RTI Act can be penalized with a fine of up to Rs. 2,500.

  1. How can I appeal against a decision of the CIC?

An appeal against a decision of the CIC can be filed with the Central Information Appellate Tribunal (CIAT). The CIAT is a quasi-judicial body established by the RTI Act to hear appeals against decisions of the CIC.

MCQs

  1. The Right to Information Act was passed in the year:
    (a) 2000
    (b) 2002
    (c) 2005
    (d) 2008

  2. The Central Information Commission is headed by:
    (a) A Chief Information Commissioner
    (b) Two Information Commissioners
    (c) A Chief Information Commissioner and two Information Commissioners
    (d) A Chief Information Commissioner and three Information Commissioners

  3. The Central Information Commission has jurisdiction over:
    (a) All Central Government Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
    (b) All State Government Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
    (c) All Central and State Government Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs)
    (d) All Central and State Government Ministries, Departments, and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs),

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