Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 passed by Lok Sabha

The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019 has been passed by the Lower House of the Parliament Lok Sabha on Monday, according to news agency ANI.

Lok Sabha passes The Right to Information (Amendment) Bill, 2019. pic.twitter.com/2aTYUMogxa

— ANI (@ANI) July 22, 2019

The bill was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister of State for Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Mr. Jitendra Singh, on July 19, 2019. It seeks to amend the Right to Information Act, 2005. The Act states that the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and Information Commissioners (ICs) (appointed at the central and state level) will hold office for a term of five years. The Bill removes this provision and states that the central government will notify the term of office for the CIC and the ICs.

The Bill also seeks to amend the salary provisions of the Act and states that the salaries, allowances, and other terms and conditions of service of the central and state CIC and ICs will be determined by the central government.