Even panel of probables not prepared till date
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Aug 9: Contrary to the oft-repeated statements about ensuring transparency in its functioning, the PDP-BJP Coalition Government is not showing any seriousness in strengthening Jammu and Kashmir State Information Commission by filling posts of two Information Commissi-oners which have been lying vacant during the past quite long time. This is not withstanding the fact that Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department had, earlier this year, assured the State Accountability Commission that new incumbents will be appointed shortly.
The Accountability Commission had prepared the suo-moto case on the basis of revelations made by EXCELSIOR highlighting the dilly-dallying approach of the Government is infusing new lease of life in the State Information Commission, which is also called as transparency watchdog.
Considering the slackness in making appointments as an attempt to create obstacles in ensuring transparency in the functioning of different wings of the Government, the Accountability Commission comprising of Justice B A Khan (Chairperson), Justice J P Singh and Justice B A Kirmani (Members) had in the month of January this year issued notice to the Commissioner/Secretary General Administration Department with the direction to furnish information on the steps initiated to make the SIC functional.
During the period granted by the Accountability Commission for furnishing information, the Government on the recommendations of the Selection Committee constituted in terms of Sub-Section 3 of Section 12 of J&K Right to Information Act, 2009, appointed retired IAS officer Khurshid Ahmed Ganai as Chief Information Commissioner.
Accordingly, Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department informed the Accountability Commission about this decision in writing and it was mentioned that selection of two Information Commissioners will be made by the Selection Committee shortly as to make the State Information Commission fully functional.
After going through the response of the GAD Secretary, the Accountability Commission closed the matter for time being. “Chief Information Commissioner has been appointed. Awaited appointment of other Commissioners”, read the last order of the Accountability Commission in the suo-moto case. Though the SAC had directed for listing the matter in April this year yet the same has not been taken up till date despite lapse of several months because of unknown reasons.
“By taking advantage of non-listing of case before the SAC the Government is soft-paddling on the appointment of two Information Commissioners despite being aware of the fact that it is very difficult for one person (CIC) to handle entire work of the Commission, which is considered as a major tool to compel the bureaucrats for maintaining transparency in the functioning of their respective departments”, sources said.
“The intensity of non-serious approach towards strengthening transparency mechanism can be gauged from the fact that even panel of probables for appointment as Information Commissioners has not been prepared till date”, they said, adding “in the absence of panel of probables it is not possible to convene meeting of Selection Committee”.
A senior officer in the Government told EXCELSIOR on the condition of anonymity that no urgency was being shown towards filling the vacant posts in the Information Commission for unknown reasons. He admitted that such a stand was totally contrary to the claims about strengthening transparency mechanism in the State.
According to the sources, Accountability Commission is likely to take up the matter especially in the light of the fact that Government has failed to fulfill the assurances extended to the SAC. “The SAC can make interim recommendations to the Government for appointment of two Information Commissioners as it enjoys sufficient powers in this regard under J&K State Accountability Commission Act”, sources said and hoped that SAC will play its role in getting transparency watchdog strengthened.
It is pertinent to mention here that one post of Information Commissioner had fallen vacant on October 31, 2015 while as another Information Commissioner completed his tenure on November 17, 2016. “Had there been seriousness in strengthening transparency mechanism the Government would have not delayed the appointment of new Information Commissioners for such a long time”, sources remarked.
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