RTI activists flag bureaucratic bias as state sets eligibility norms for info commissioners

Pune: RTI activists have raised fresh concerns over bureaucratic appointments to key transparency posts after the state govt introduced new eligibility criteria for information commissioners.A govt resolution (GR) issued on Monday laid down age, education and experience norms for the posts of state chief information commissioner (SCIC) and state information commissioners (SICs), marking a shift from the earlier system where no such formal criteria existed.Officials said the move followed a high-level committee meeting on April 24 to finalise terms for advertisements for the posts. "We used to have even 12th pass candidates and 19-year-olds applying. The new norms will help streamline recruitment and ensure suitable candidates are selected," a senior official said.A senior official said that the criteria will definitely be better, but it is possible that more retired bureaucrats will be considered.However, activists argued that the revised rules could tilt the selection process in favour of retired bureaucrats, diluting the spirit of the Right to Information framework.RTI activist Vijay Kumbhar said, "The RTI Act is already on its deathbed, and these rules will deal another blow. The new conditions are not part of the original law and appear to favour bureaucratic appointments, even though the Act envisages eminent persons from public life."Under the new norms, applicants must be "persons of eminence in public life" with knowledge of law, governance, journalism, social service, science and technology, or management as provided under the RTI Act, 2005.The GR mandates a minimum of 20 years' experience for the SCIC post and 15 years for SICs. It also states that preference will be given to candidates with senior-level experience in govt, semi-govt bodies, PSUs, autonomous institutions, reputed private sector organisations, or social/charitable entities — a clause that has triggered concern among transparency advocates.Applicants must be between 45 and 63 years of age, hold a graduate degree, and demonstrate knowledge of the RTI Act, quasi-judicial procedures, and governance principles such as transparency and accountability. They must also submit affidavits declaring no criminal cases or pending disciplinary proceedings.Appointments to these posts are made by a selection committee headed by the chief minister, typically drawing from individuals with diverse professional backgrounds.While the govt maintains that the norms will bring clarity and improve the quality of appointments, activists said the criteria could narrow the pool and sideline independent voices, reinforcing long-standing concerns over bureaucratic dominance in information commissions."This risks turning independent oversight bodies into extensions of the administration," another activist said, calling for wider consultations before implementing such changes.
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