Ranchi, June 10: The Governor of Jharkhand, Santosh Kumar Gangwar, has approved the appointment of four new Information Commissioners to the Jharkhand State Information Commission. This decision follows a proposal submitted by the state government. The newly appointed commissioners are Anuj Kumar Sinha, Tanuj Khatri, Amulya Neeraj Khalkho, and Shivpujan Pathak.
In a statement released by the Raj Bhavan on Wednesday, it was noted that the Governor has approved these appointments with certain conditions. He has instructed the state government to ensure a prompt appointment for the vacant position of Chief Information Commissioner, which is crucial for the effective functioning of the commission.
All positions for Information Commissioners in Jharkhand had been vacant for over five years. This prolonged absence has resulted in thousands of cases pending for hearings within the state information commission. Concerns regarding these vacancies have been raised repeatedly, and the Jharkhand High Court had previously directed the state government to address the issue.
The Governor’s letter to the state government also emphasized that if any procedural errors arise in the appointment process or if disputes regarding compliance with Supreme Court directives emerge, the state government will bear full responsibility. This remark from the Raj Bhavan is significant, as it highlights ongoing legal questions about transparency and the selection process for appointments within the information commission.
The Governor has stressed the importance of ensuring that the appointment process adheres strictly to legal provisions and court directives. With the addition of four new Information Commissioners, there is hope for enhanced efficiency within the commission. This development is expected to expedite the resolution of pending cases related to the Right to Information, providing relief to the general public.
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