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12 Dec 2025·Source: The Hindu
2 min
Polity & GovernanceSocial IssuesNEWS

Government Counters Rahul Gandhi's Claims on Marginalized Communities' Exclusion

Government Counters Rahul Gandhi's Claims on Marginalized Communities' Exclusion

Photo by Valdhy Mbemba

The Union government refuted Rahul Gandhi's assertion that only 7% of candidates for Chief Information Commissioner (CIC), Information Commissioners, and Vigilance Commissioner posts were from marginalized communities. Government sources stated that for the eight vacant Information Commissioner posts, they recommended candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, a minority community, and a woman. They also shared data comparing appointments under UPA and NDA regimes to highlight their point.

Key Facts

1.

Rahul Gandhi claimed only 7% of candidates for top posts were from marginalized communities.

2.

Government sources said they recommended candidates from SC, ST, OBC, minority community, and a woman for Information Commissioner posts.

3.

Government sources shared a comparison of appointments under UPA and NDA regimes.

4.

Heeralal Samariya became the first-ever candidate from the Scheduled Castes to be appointed as Chief Information Commissioner in 2023.

UPSC Exam Angles

1.

Constitutional provisions related to reservation

2.

Role and functions of the Central Information Commission

3.

Appointment process of Information Commissioners

4.

Government policies on representation of marginalized communities

Visual Insights

More Information

Background

The Central Information Commission (CIC) is a statutory body established under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005. It is responsible for hearing appeals and complaints from individuals who have been denied information requested under the RTI Act. The composition of the CIC and the appointment process of Information Commissioners are crucial for ensuring transparency and accountability in governance.

Latest Developments

Recent claims by Rahul Gandhi regarding the under-representation of marginalized communities in appointments to the CIC and related positions have been countered by the government. The government has presented data to support its claim that it has adequately represented marginalized communities in these appointments.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Central Information Commission (CIC): 1. The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee. 2. The CIC is empowered to impose penalties on public information officers who fail to provide information within the stipulated time. 3. The decisions of the CIC are binding on all public authorities. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  • A.1 and 2 only
  • B.2 and 3 only
  • C.1 and 3 only
  • D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer

Answer: D

All three statements are correct. The President appoints the CIC members based on recommendations. The CIC can impose penalties. Its decisions are binding.

2. With reference to the appointment of Information Commissioners, which of the following statements is NOT correct?

  • A.The Committee recommending the appointment consists of the Prime Minister, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
  • B.The Information Commissioners must be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass media or administration and governance.
  • C.An Information Commissioner can be removed from office only by an order of the President on the ground of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
  • D.The salary and allowances payable to and other terms and conditions of service of the Information Commissioners are equivalent to those of a Judge of the Supreme Court.
Show Answer

Answer: D

The salary and allowances of Information Commissioners are equivalent to those of the Chief Election Commissioner, not a Judge of the Supreme Court.

3. Assertion (A): Ensuring representation of marginalized communities in statutory bodies like the Central Information Commission is crucial for social justice. Reason (R): It promotes inclusivity and ensures that the perspectives of these communities are considered in decision-making processes. In the context of the above statements, which of the following is correct?

  • A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
  • B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
  • C.A is true but R is false
  • D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer

Answer: A

Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains why representation is important for social justice.

4. Which of the following committees/commissions has NOT specifically addressed the issue of representation of marginalized communities in government institutions?

  • A.Mandal Commission
  • B.Sachar Committee
  • C.Balwant Rai Mehta Committee
  • D.National Commission for Backward Classes
Show Answer

Answer: C

The Balwant Rai Mehta Committee primarily focused on Panchayati Raj institutions and did not specifically address representation in government institutions in the same way as the other options.

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