Swearing-in of New State Information Commissioners in the Tamil Nadu Information Commission

Introduction

The Right to Information Act, 2005 in India was enacted to ensure transparency and accountability in government administration. Based on this law, a State Information Commission has been established in every state. Recently, two new State Information Commissioners have assumed office in the Tamil Nadu Information Commission.

1. New Information Commissioners

The following officials have been appointed as State Information Commissioners in the Tamil Nadu Information Commission:

• Atulya Misra – Retired IAS officer
• Abhay Kumar Singh – Retired IPS officer

They were administered the oath of office by the Governor of Tamil Nadu, R. N. Ravi at the Raj Bhavan in Guindy, Chennai.

2. Legal Basis (RTI Act Provision)

This appointment has been made under Section 15(3) of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

According to this provision:
• The State Information Commissioners are appointed by the Governor of the state.

3. Structure of the State Information Commission

According to the RTI Act, 2005, the structure of the State Information Commission includes:

• State Chief Information Commissioner (SCIC)
• Up to 10 State Information Commissioners

These officials are responsible for hearing appeals and complaints related to access to information.

4. Major Functions of the State Information Commission

The major functions of the State Information Commission include:

• Hearing appeals when RTI applications are rejected
• Providing directions when government departments fail to provide information
• Imposing penalties on officials who deny information
• Ensuring transparency and accountability in government administration

Conclusion

The appointment of new commissioners in the Tamil Nadu Information Commission will help strengthen the effectiveness of the RTI Act and improve transparency in government administration. It is an important institution that ensures citizens' right to information in a democratic system.