'CIC officials should also disclose assets'

Himanshi Dhawan, TNN, Sep 28, 2010

NEW DELHI: In a move to bear down pressure on information commissioners, RTI activists have kickstarted an online petition urging the transparency watchdogs to disclose their income assets. Incidentally, chief information commissioner Wajahat Habibullah said he would raise the issue in a meeting with other information commissioners on Tuesday.

So far, the Central Information Commission (CIC) has resisted disclosure of assets and liabilities arguing that the information was disclosable under RTI if an individual asked for it but since it related to third party information, the consent of the IC would be required. It has also referred this case to the Election Commission for advice.

The petition, meanwhile, is gathering steam. Begun by Jharkhand RTI Forum secretary Vishnu Rajgadia, the petition expresses disappointment at the conduct of information commissioners. "We all hope that there are some ICs at states and central level, who do not consider this designation merely as an authority for money, power and honour but they are aware that their designation holds a duty towards democracy and citizens," the petition said.

Signed by activists across the country including those in Delhi, Puducherry and Orissa, the petition asked all central and state information commissioners to "disclose own assets so that the accountability parameters may be strengthened", desist from using beacon lights on cars as a status symbol and stop maintaining personnel security. The activists have demanded "more public oriented and accountable" ICs.

When contacted, Habibullah said he planned to raise the issue in Tuesday's meeting. "There is no problem in disclosure of assets. The commission only feels that third party should be consulted before the information is given under RTI," he said.

He added that beacon light-cars had been given to ICs keeping in view their stature. "We wanted to establish the stature of the ICs and this was felt necessary. But I disagree with the need for security," he said, adding that ICs at the CIC did not have any security cover but those in states might have.