Question Q.19GS2GS2

What steps are required for the constitutionalization of a Commission? Do you think granting constitutional status to the Central Information Commission (CIC) would strengthen the RTI regime in India?

Introduction

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (and ARC) has suggested for a detailed review of existing mechanism before constitutionalization of a body.

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Main Body

The Second Administrative Reforms Commission (and ARC) has suggested for a detailed review of existing mechanism before constitutionalization of a body. Steps required for constitutionalization of a commission: 1) Constitutional amendment to provide constitutional status. 2) Detailed consultation of web stakeholders. 3) High level committee analysis. 4) Public opinion. 5) Cost-benefit analysis. Granting constitutional status to CIC can strengthen RTI regime. Underlying constitutional status to CIC can strengthen RTI regime: 1) Lead to independence of CIC eg: currently tenure, condition of

of employment are determined by governmentconflict of interest. 2) Efficient functioningseparate accelerant and staff. 3) Accountability to the people will ensure eg: 90% RTIs to PMO are sifted. 4) Fewer delaysresponsive grievance redressal can be instituted. But it may not guarantee success: 1) The case of PCIConstitutional body still limited powers eg: cannot disqualify political parties. 2) Inbuilt accountability is required rather than external eg: Provisions like Article 4 of RTI Act (asso-meche disclosure)denied on disclosure. 3) Delays in RTI responsestructural issue eg: Low manpower and infrastructure.

3Delays in RTI response → structural issue eg: Low manpower and infrastructure. (4) Unresponsive and apathetic attitude of officers eg: Section 5(3) not utilized efficiently (assistance to disclose). This calls for measures: → Training of PIOs. → Grievance Redressal strengthening (eg: Conflict, atzen chartes). → Mandatory CIC Audit. RTI is the backbone of accountable and transparent governance in India. Strengthening of CIC must be done after & availed cost benefit analysis of constitutionalization benefits.

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Conclusion

RTI is the backbone of accountable and transparent governance in India. Strengthening of CIC must be done after & availed cost benefit analysis of constitutionalization benefits.

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Open original scan

Page 35

Topper

SURAMYA SHARMA

AIR 3592025

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Statutory, Regulatory and Quasi-judicial Bodies

Quasi-judicial Bodies

Central Information Commission

Writing Stats

302

Total words

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone