Raj Kumar Goyal Sworn in as Chief Information Commissioner

Why in News

• Former IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal was sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) on 15 December 2025 by President Droupadi Murmu.

Appointment and Selection

• His name was recommended by a three-member selection panel headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
• The panel also recommended eight Information Commissioners (ICs) for the Central Information Commission (CIC).
• With these appointments, the Commission will reach its full sanctioned strength after over nine years, according to transparency activists.

Profile of Raj Kumar Goyal

• 1990-batch (retired) IAS officer of the AGMUT cadre (Arunachal Pradesh–Goa–Mizoram–Union Territories).
• Superannuated on 31 August 2025 as Secretary, Department of Justice, Ministry of Law and Justice.

About the Central Information Commission

• Constituted under Section 12 of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
• A statutory body established by notification in the Official Gazette.
• Composition:
  • Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
  • Up to 10 Information Commissioners.

Selection Committee (Section 12, RTI Act)

• Prime Minister – Chairperson
• Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
• Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister

Tenure and Conditions (Section 12(6), RTI Act, 2005)

• The CIC and Information Commissioners:
  • Shall not be Members of Parliament or State Legislatures.
  • Shall not hold any office of profit.
  • Shall not be connected with any political party.
  • Shall not carry on any business or pursue any profession.
• Tenure:
  • Hold office for three years from the date of assumption of charge.

Significance

• Restores the full functional strength of the transparency watchdog.
• Strengthens implementation of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
• Enhances institutional capacity for accountability and transparency in governance.