Constitution of the Telangana State Information Commission

The Right to Information Act casts an important responsibility on the newly formed State of Telangana - constitution of the State Information Commission.

Enactment of the Right to Information Act was hailed as a milestone of great importance in the evolution of Indian democracy. Right to Information is a fundamental human right, crucial to human development, and a prerequisite for the realization of other human rights.

State Information Commissions play key role in implementation of the RTI Act. They are an essential part of the practical regime of right to information envisaged by the RTI Act, to promote transparency and accountability in the working of every public authority.

Under the RTI Act, it is mandatory, not optional, for any State Government to constitute a State Information Commission. The Right to Information Act, 2005, sub-section (1) of Section 15 reads as follows:

“15. Constitution of State Information Commission:–

(1) Every State Government shall, by notification in the Official Gazette, constitute a body to be known as the......... (name of the State) Information Commission to exercise the powers conferred on, and to perform the functions assigned to, it under this Act.” (emphasis added)

Besides, the RTI Act does not provide for establishment of a joint State Information Commission for two or more states to exercise the jurisdiction, powers and authority conferred on the State Information Commissions for those states.

Hence, the present AP Information Commission (APIC) does not enjoy jurisdiction over the public authorities in the state of Telangana. As in the case of State Public Service Commission, immediate constitution of the Telangana State Information Commission is essential.

Barring very few regular employees, most of the employees are working on contract basis in the present APIC. In addition, some outsourced employees are serving the present APIC. Among the contract and outsourced employees, persons from Telangana may be considered for recruitment into the Telangana State Information Commission. This measure would make the new State Information Commission efficient by deriving benefit from their experience in handling Appeals filed under the RTI Act and thereby avoid any teething problems.

RTI has become a friend in need, making life easier and honorable for common people and empowers them to request and access public services successfully. Transparency benefits the poor greatly by protecting their rights and dignity. Any step to strengthen the RTI regime will ultimately make our democracy more people-friendly.