The Right to Information Act is a people’s legislation, rather a 'probono publico' legislation, to ensure transparency in governance which politicians in power frown at. After his foiled bid to foist Pandurang Nadkarni as the State Information Commissioner, a visibly infuriated Chief Minister irresponsibly let loose one of his veiled threats. Much as Mr. Manohar Parrikar may wish to 'distance' himself from the selection of the Information Commissioner, the RTI Act will not allow him to do so. Section 15 (3) clearly states that the selection committee shall consist of the CM, Leader of the Opposition and one Cabinet Minister.
Any other route the CM’s takes would be a flouting of the law. In fact, it is this committee that has to select the best qualified and non-partisan person for the position, from among those eligible. This power cannot be even delegated to a screening committee which the law does not provide for. The government should move swiftly to fill the vacant position of Information Commissioner while also initiating steps to select the Chief Information Commissioner as the very distinguished Mr. Mr. Motilal Keny is due to retire next month. Laying to rest the recent sad saga, may the best and the brilliant be appointed with the selection being truly transparent. Not another Nad (bad) _karni (deed) this time around, Mr. Chief Minister. Goa would be watching. Let these vital positions be awarded to the right persons rather than doled out to cronies. Aires Rodrigues T1 - B30, Ribandar Retreat Ribandar - Goa - 403006 Mobile: 9822684372
