Key Objectives of Central Information Commission

1. Transparency and Accountability: The primary objective of the Central Information Commission (CIC) is to promote transparency and ensure accountability in the working of public authorities under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
2. Adjudication of RTI Appeals: The CIC is responsible for adjudicating on RTI appeals and complaints filed against central government departments and public authorities in case information is denied or not adequately provided.
3. Promotion of RTI Awareness: Another key objective is to promote awareness about the RTI Act and empower citizens to exercise their right to access information from public authorities.
4. Monitoring RTI Implementation: The CIC monitors the implementation of the RTI Act by public authorities and ensures compliance with its provisions.

Recent Examples

1. Landmark Judgments: The CIC has delivered several landmark judgments directing public authorities to disclose information in the public interest. For example, in a recent case, the CIC directed a government department to disclose details of a project affecting public safety.
2. Promoting Proactive Disclosure: The CIC has been actively pushing for proactive disclosure of information by public authorities to reduce the number of RTI applications. This helps in enhancing transparency and reducing the burden on the commission.
3. Addressing Backlogs: In recent times, the CIC has focused on addressing the backlog of pending RTI appeals and complaints to ensure timely disposal of cases and uphold the right to information of citizens.

By fulfilling these key objectives, the Central Information Commission plays a crucial role in upholding transparency, accountability, and the right to information in India’s governance system.