It is an independent, statutory committee formed under the RTI Act to ensure freedom of information to citizens. It has jurisdiction over central government bodies, PSU and authorities.
It has chief information commissioner and up
to 10 information
commissioners. All are appointed by the president on
recommendation of prime
minister, union minister nominated by him and leader of
opposition in Lok Sabha.
Qualification for membership to commission are People should person of eminence in public life with experience in field of law, science and technology, governance, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration. They should not be MP / MLA’s or connected to any political party, doing some business or holding office of profit.
They hold office till age of 65 or 5 years. The information commissioner is eligible for post of chief information commissioner but can be in office for maximum 5 years including his tenure of information commissioner.
Removal
is done by president on grounds of bankruptcy, unsound
mind, infirmity of body
or mind, sentenced to imprisonment for a crime, or engages
in paid employment.
He can also be removed for proved misbehavior or incapacity if SC inquiry finds him guilty. They can resign by writing to president.
1. Acts as second appellate authority for RTI applications.
2. Inquires into complaints under RTI Act
3. Have powers of a civil court. No public record can be withheld from it during inquiry of complaints.
4. Can secure compliance of its orders from a public authority
5. Submits annual reports to the central govt which are tabled before the house.
6. Commission can recommend steps to be taken by an authority to become complaint under RTI.
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