a State Government has appointed two new State Information Commissioners. According to a gazette notification issued by the General Administration Department on Thursday, the former Registrar of Firms and Societies, Alok Nagar and an All India Radio Officer Rajesh Bhatt have been appointed as State Information Commissioners. Following these appointments, it is expected that the disposal of pending RTI cases within the Commission will accelerate. According to the notification issued by the Government, both appointments have been made under Sub-section (2) of Section 15 of the Right to Information Act, 2005. The tenure of the newly-appointed Information Commissioners will extend for a period of three years from the date they assume office, or until they attain the age of 65 years. ( whichever condition is met first). As the commission is facing with piling up of cases due to shortage of staff, it is expected with these appointments things will become smooth. Although, State Information Commission as per the provision has limited to provide information and cannot take any action. The oath-taking ceremony for both newly-appointed Information Commissioners is expected to be held shortly. The names were decided in a meeting of the selection committee headed by Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and other members, including Leader of Opposition in state assembly Umang Singhar and other members.

 

That has got final approval from honourable the Governor. Currently, the Commission comprises one Chief Information Commissioner and three Information Commissioners. With the addition of two new commissioners, it is anticipated that the resolution of pending cases related to RTI will be expedited. As per the law, any vacancy in the State Information Commission has to be filled within six months from the date of vacancy. Madhya Pradesh Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), Information Commissioner (IC) and State Information Commissioner’s salaries, allowances and other service terms and conditions are equivalent to a Judge of the Supreme Court. Along with Yadav, the State Government on Tuesday also appointed three other Information Commissioners- Umashankar Pachouri (educationist), Vandana Gandhi (social worker) and Omkar Nath (retired judge). Two years ago, there was demand to expedite the process of appointment of Chief Information Commissioner as the post had remained vacant for five months. Subsequently, the State Government made four appointments. Ex-IPS Vijay Yadav was appointed as Chief Information Commissioner while Umashankar Pachouri (educationist), Vandana Gandhi (social worker) and Omkar Nath (retired judge) became Information-Commissioners.