Despite four appointments at CIC, govt still lagging behind in transparency

The situation throughout the country is alarming when it comes to right to information and transparency in governance

The Central government deserves appreciation for partially fulfilling the statutory obligation and direction of the Supreme Court by filling four positions in the Central Information Commission. But the term of new commissioners is uncertain, their status doubtful and independence a hope against hope. I welcome four commissioners and hope they will individually uphold the status of the Commission and help promote people’s right to information. Disclosure – and not the closure of information – is their job.

Sudheer Bhargav, a colleague of mine, has been appointed as chief information commissioner (CIC). I welcome his elevation, for restoring the convention of appointing