State Information Commission and its powers and functions

The Right to Information Act 2005 also provides for the establishment of a State Information Commission at the state level. Accordingly, all the states through a notification in the official gazette made the State Information Commission has established.

The State Information Commission is an independent body with high authority that investigates and resolves complaints lodged in it. This Commission consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and other Information Commissioners whose number should not exceed 10. All these are appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of a committee.

Functions and powers

(1) It is the responsibility of the Commission to redress the following information and grievances received from any person - (i) It has been unable to present any information due to the non-appointment of Public Information Officer.

(ii) he has been denied the information he wants, (iii) he has not been given the information he wants within the stipulated time, (iv) if he thinks so. That the information sought by him is false or misleading. (v) and

Other related matters.

(2) If a case is received on a sound basis, the Commission may order an inquiry into the matter.

(3) During the inquiry, the Commission enjoys civil powers that (i) it can issue summons to be presented to a person. (ii) seeking public documents from any court or office

e.t.c .

(4) The Commission is also empowered to ensure compliance of its decisions with the public authority such as- (1) To obtain an annual report from the public authority. (ii) Public for compensation to the applicant.

Ordering compensation to the authority. (iii) To impose a penalty which is maximum Rs. 25000. Can be up to (Rs 250 per day)

(5) The Commission presents its annual report to the State Government, which puts it on the table of the Legislature.

(6) The Commission may take other necessary steps to ensure compliance with the Right to Information Act.

Hence, the State Information Commission is an important statutory body committed to investigate and resolve complaints.