Marandi urges CM Hemant Soren to appoint Chief Information Commissioner
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK Ranchi, Sept 18: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging him…
THE JHARKHAND STORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Sept 18: Leader of the Opposition Babulal Marandi has written to Chief Minister Hemant Soren, urging him to immediately convene a meeting of the relevant committee for the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner and ensure that the Jharkhand State Information Commission becomes fully functional.
Marandi expressed concern over the continued delay in appointing the Chief Information Commissioner despite the appointment of Information Commissioners. He said the delay has prevented the Commission from commencing hearings on appeals and complaints, leaving citizens awaiting decisions on their cases.
Recalling a meeting held under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Hemant Soren regarding the appointment of Information Commissioners, Marandi said he had specifically raised the issue of appointing the Chief Information Commissioner and was assured that the appointment would be made soon.
“However, even after the appointment of Information Commissioners, the Chief Information Commissioner has not yet been appointed, and the Commission has not been able to begin hearing cases. In such a situation, how will the citizens who are awaiting hearings on their appeals and complaints benefit from these appointments?” Marandi asked.
Marandi said he had consented to and signed the recommendations regarding the appointment of Information Commissioners because he trusted the Chief Minister’s assurance that the Chief Information Commissioner would also be appointed shortly.
“Had I known beforehand that the appointment of the Chief Information Commissioner would be kept pending in this manner and that the Commission’s work would not commence, I would not have signed it at that time,” he said.
He questioned whether a public representative should not be able to rely on the assurance of the Chief Minister and asked what answer he could give to citizens who are waiting for their appeals and complaints to be heard.
Refers to High Court proceedings
Marandi also referred to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the matter that was disposed of by the High Court after the government assured the court that the appointment process would be completed.
He said that following the government’s assurance, it was the government’s responsibility to ensure that the Commission became fully functional.
“If a citizen is now forced to approach the court again and undergo a protracted judicial process, who will be held accountable for this additional delay?” Marandi asked.
He also questioned why citizens should have to repeatedly approach the court for a task that the government itself can complete on time.
Says delay affects RTI rights
The Leader of the Opposition said the Right to Information empowers citizens to seek information about government functioning and receive answers. However, he said the absence of hearings by the Commission was undermining the effective exercise of this right.
“In many instances, the very purpose of seeking information is defeated if it is not received on time. Allowing this situation to persist indefinitely amounts to an injustice against the public,” Marandi said.
He urged Chief Minister Hemant Soren to immediately convene a meeting of the relevant committee, select and appoint the Chief Information Commissioner, and ensure the commencement of regular hearings on appeals and complaints at the State Information Commission.
Marandi also sought a clear timeline for completing the appointment process and making the Commission fully operational.
“It is expected that, this time, action will be taken within a definite timeframe in accordance with your assurance, and the public will not have to wait any longer to exercise their rights,” he said.
