CIC Full Form

CIC full form is the Central Information Commission. This commission was introduced under the provisions of the Right to Information Act 2005. It is an independent body that helps maintain transparency in the systems of the government.  This commission looks into complaints and appeals regarding institutions under the government and union territories.

What is the Full Form of CIC? 

The full form of CIC is the Central Information Commission. The Central Information Commission was established under the Right to Information Act of 2005 on October 12, 2005. The Commission has authority over all Central Public Authorities. The powers and functions of this commission are mentioned in Sections 18,19,20 and 25 of the Right to Information Act,2005. 

These are basically applied to adjudication in a second appeal for information; instruction for record keeping, suo motu disclosures, receiving and investigating a complaint regarding incapacity to submit RTI, etc. enforcement of fines, and monitoring and reporting, including the compilation of an annual report. The Commission's rulings are final and binding.

Vision of CIC 

The vision of CIC is to play a proactive role in enabling the effective and efficient involvement of all stakeholders, as contemplated by the Right to Information Act, by the exercise of powers bestowed on and the performance of responsibilities assigned to the Central Information Commission in an accountable, responsive, and transparent way.

Composition of CIC 

• The CIC is led by the Chief Information Commission. 

• The Chief Information Commissioner serves a five-year term.

• Apart from the Chief Information Commissioner, the Commission now has six Information Commissioners.

• The President with the recommendation of a committee consisting of the  Prime Minister is the Chairperson, the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister that the Prime Minister nominates. 

• The Chief Information Commissioner and all the Information Commissioners must serve for a duration of time that is specified by the Central Government or until they reach the age of 65. 

• The members of CIC are not eligible for re-election. 

Role of the CIC 

• It can order inquiries regarding any matter on reasonable grounds (suo moto power).
• It ensures that any public authority complies with its decisions. 
• Inquiring about the complaints it receives from any  person:

• Who hasn't yet received a response to his information request within the time frame specified?
• Who believes that the information provided to him/her is incomplete, incorrect, or deceptive, and any other problem relating to securing the information.
• Who has been unable to file a request for information because an officer has not been appointed yet?
• Who finds that the fees being charged are unreasonable? 
• Who faced the refusal to receive the information that he requested.  

• The commission has the jurisdiction to investigate any record under the custody of a public authority. During the examination, all such records must be provided to the Commission, and nothing may be concealed.
• The CIC has the powers of a civil court, during inquiries. The powers are : 

• Summon and order people to appear before the court  and provide an oral or written testimony under oath, as well as produce documents or object
• Requiring the discovery and inspection of documents.
• Accept affidavit evidence
• Request copies of public documents or public records from any office or court.
• Send out summons to examine papers or witnesses.
• Anything else that may be recommended. 
• An annual report is submitted by the CIC to the GOI on the implementation of the provisions of the Act. This report is then provided to both the Houses of Parliament.

Documents Required to File a Complaint 

• Duly signed and mailed a complaint to the Commission
• A copy of the RTI application that was submitted to the CPIO or a copy of the RTI application that could not be submitted
• The RTI and the Complaint must be linked.
• The above two papers must be legible.
• The above two documents must be in Hindi/English or offer a translated Hindi/English version.
• A copy of the CPIO's response was obtained.
• A copy of the First Appellate Authority's order. 
• Copies of additional documents relied on and referred to by the Complainant in his Complaint
• An inventory of  all the papers
• The Complainant is required to authenticate and verify all of the papers.

Written By:

Mia Singh