State Information Commission UPSC Notes
State Information Commission
The Right to Information Act, 2005, besides the Central Information Commission, also provides for the State Information Commission.
It has been mandated to act upon the complaints and appeals under the act against public information officers in offices, financial institutions, and Public sector undertakings under the concerned state government.
Besides, the Commission is also entrusted with the duty of monitoring the public authorities and sending reports to the state legislature about the implementation of the provisions of the act. It also has the authority to provide recommendations about the efficient working of the act.
Constitution and Composition of the State Information Commission
- Section 15 (1) of the Right to Information Act, 2005 provides for the constitution of the state information commission.
- The state information commissioner consists of :
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- The State Chief Information Commissioner;
- Not more than 10 state information commissioners.
Qualification of Members of State Information Commission
- The State Chief Information Commissioner and state information commissioners should be a person of eminence in public life, possessing extensive knowledge and expertise in fields such as law, social service, science and technology, management, journalism, mass media, or administration and governance.
- Further, they should not be an MP or MLA of any state or union territory or, hold any other office of profit or related to any political party or carry out any business or profession.
Appointment of State Information Commissioner’s
The Governor appoints the state chief information commissioner and other state information commissioner on the recommendation of a selection committee consisting of:
- The Chief Minister (Chairperson of the selection committee);
- The leader of the opposition (LoP) of the legislative assembly; and
- A state cabinet Minister (nominated by the CM)
Note: Where the leader of the opposition is not recognised as such, the leader of the single largest party in the legislative assembly will be deemed as the leader of the opposition in the legislative assembly.
Related FAQs of State Information Commission
The State Information Commission ensures that citizens can access information from state government bodies by hearing appeals and complaints against state public information officers (PIOs) under the RTI Act, 2005.
The Governor of the state appoints the State Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners, based on the recommendation of a committee led by the Chief Minister, Leader of Opposition, and a nominated Cabinet Minister.
After the 2019 RTI Amendment, State CICs and ICs serve for 3 years. Their salaries are fixed by the central government; currently, it’s ₹2.5 lakh/month for the CIC and ICs, with no change allowed during their service.
Yes, but only by the Governor, and only after a Supreme Court inquiry confirms misbehaviour or incapacity. Grounds like insolvency, criminal conviction, or conflict of interest also apply.
Absolutely. State CICs and ICs enjoy the same powers as their central counterparts, including conducting inquiries, ordering disclosure, imposing penalties, and submitting annual reports to the state legislature.
