Diverse Representation Recommended for CIC Vacancies

A high-level panel recommended diverse candidates for the Central Information Commission (CIC) vacancies, countering Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi's claims of a lack of representation from disadvantaged communities. Five of the eight recommended names were from SC, ST, OBC, minority, or women's groups.

A high-level panel has recommended candidates from diverse backgrounds to fill vacancies in the Central Information Commission (CIC), rebuffing Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi's claims about a lack of representation from disadvantaged communities. Sources have reported that the panel, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, finalized names from various sections of society, including SC, ST, OBC, and minority groups.

The committee meeting, which also included Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Rahul Gandhi, was convened to appoint the next Chief Information Commissioner and fill eight vacancies in the CIC. Sources in the government emphasized that five out of the eight positions are intended for individuals from disadvantaged sections, aligning with the inclusivity goals set by the committee.

Historical context provided by the sources indicates that there was no representation from SC/ST individuals in the CIC from its founding in 2005 until 2014 during the UPA government. It was only during the NDA government's tenure that Suresh Chandra, a tribal community member, was appointed in 2018, followed by Heeralal Samariya, who went on to become the first CIC from the SC community in 2023.

(With inputs from agencies.)