A unique campaign has been started by RTI activists to promote a lesser-known law, which says that even an 'aam aadmi' can occupy the big chair
A unique campaign has been started by RTI activists to promote a lesser-known law, which says that even an 'aam aadmi' can occupy the big chair
All big things start small. This is the thought behind the movement started by a forum of RTI activists across the country.
Their mission? Rouse the common man to take up the big chair in the information commission.
They are calling on the aam admi to become information commissioners by guiding them through the steps involved in the appointment process.
The campaign
Evoking section 12(5) of the RTI Act 2005 (see box), the team is calling for effective public participation in the process of appointment as information commissioners to Central Information Commissions and State Information Commissions.
"Few people know about the provision," said Krishna Rao, an RTI activist from Mumbai. "There is a strong misconception that only bureaucrats are eligible; any eminent citizen can apply for the post," he added.
The forum
The team, through an exclusive platform, will create awareness, and guide aspirants on aspects like vacancies, the appointment procedure, and tips on how to apply and follow up.
One has to submit their details through the given links (see box) so that the forum will pursue it with concerned authorities, carrying out the appointment process.
Three point agenda
The team has a three point agenda: First, to pressurise the system to appoint eligible candidates from the society. Second, to compel the government to introduce a proper procedure to filter out candidates.
The last, and the most important point if the government ignores applicants and selects its own people without a transparent procedure move courts and argue that the appointments were void.
"Though eminent persons may or may not directly apply themselves, civic groups and responsible citizens should recognise them, and recommend their names for the commission," said JSD Pani, RTI activist and president, Mahiti Hakku Jagruti Vedike.
Meanwhile, KA Thippeswamy, Information Commissioner, Karnataka, said, "I'm aware of the campaign. As per the Act, any eminent citizen can apply.
"Though it is a positive change, only deserving citizens should apply. However it's the selection committee's call, which is final, he added.
Where to apply
> Central Information Commissioner
https://tinyurl.com/applyforcicu00a0
> Maharashtra SIC
https://tinyurl.com/applyforMahasicu00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0u00a0
> Punjab SIC
https://tinyurl.com/applyforPunjabsic
> Orissa SIC
https://tinyurl.com/applyforOrissasic
> Tamil Nadu SICu00a0
u00a0https://tinyurl.com/applyforTNsic
| The Law Says |
| Any person of eminence in public life with wide know-how and experience in the fields of law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance can be a part of information commission. |
Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!
