New Delhi: A high-level committee chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has finalized the names for India’s next Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and eight Information Commissioners. The meeting, held on Wednesday at the Prime Minister’s residence, was attended by Home Minister Amit Shah and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi.
Sources said the panel approved the appointments for the top posts in the Central Information Commission, which has been functioning without a Chief Information Commissioner since September 13. Out of 10 sanctioned posts for Information Commissioners, eight are currently vacant.
Rahul Gandhi Records Written Dissent
During the meeting, Rahul Gandhi reportedly objected to some of the names proposed for appointment. He is said to have sought more details about the shortlisted candidates and questioned the criteria used to select the CIC and Information Commissioners. Gandhi formally recorded his dissent in writing, expressing dissatisfaction with the transparency of the selection process.
Backlog of Over 3,000 Cases
According to the CIC website, 3,083 cases remain pending before the commission. This is the seventh time since 2014 that the post of Chief Information Commissioner has remained vacant. The previous CIC, Heeralal Samariya, demitted office on September 13 this year upon turning 65.
Opposition Targets NDA in Parliament
Earlier in the day, the issue of vacant positions was raised in the Rajya Sabha. TMC MP Mohammad Nadimul Haque criticized the government, saying the delays in appointments were causing appeals to remain unresolved for two to three years. By the time information is provided, he argued, it often loses its relevance. Haque also referred to the NDA as the “No Data Available” government, alleging that it is reluctant to share information with citizens.