Central Information Commission Faces Workforce Challenges Amidst Reforms

The Central Information Commission currently operates with a Chief Information Commissioner and two Information Commissioners, despite having a maximum capacity for 10. The Commission faces workforce challenges, with 14 vacancies among the 160 sanctioned posts, attributed to retirement, promotion, and other factors. Efforts to fill these vacancies continue.

A Chief Information Commissioner and two Information Commissioners are currently serving in the central transparency watchdog, the Rajya Sabha was informed on Thursday.

The Commission, mandated to handle appeals and complaints under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, can have up to 10 Information Commissioners.

Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh, in a written reply, stated that with the recent appointments on November 6, 2023, the Commission now includes a Chief Information Commissioner and two Information Commissioners.

He added that out of 160 sanctioned posts, as of July 13, 2024, 146 are occupied, leaving 14 vacancies due to retirement, promotions, and other reasons.

The Commission is continually striving to fill these gaps by submitting vacancy indents to the Staff Selection Commission and issuing advertisement circulars.

Singh emphasized that filling up posts is an ongoing process, with no specific timeframe for completing the appointments.

(With inputs from agencies.)