Indian Express: Goa: Wednesday,
4 September 2024.
The Congress in Goa has
flagged a “conflict of interest” in the appointment of an official from the Goa
Chief Minister’s office as the State Information Commissioner (SIC), alleging
that he was a member of the ruling BJP.
Atmaram Barve, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the office of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, was appointed the State Information Commissioner earlier this week. The post fell vacant in March.
Goa Congress vice president Sunil Kawthankar alleged that Barve is an “active member and grassroots worker of the BJP,” besides serving as OSD to the Chief Minister’s office. Barve declined to comment on the claim.
Kawthankar, at a press conference in Panaji Tuesday, said that the Right to Information Act stipulates that the appointee to the post should not have political affiliations.
“This is a clear case of conflict of interest. His appointment compromises the principles of transparency and accountability, which are the very foundations of the Right to Information Act. If we want to find information on corruption within the chief minister’s office, will we be able to get that?”
Kawthankar urged Sawant to reconsider and withdraw Barve’s appointment and “chose a candidate who is independent, impartial and has a proven track record of upholding transparency and accountability.”
Chief Minister Sawant defended Barve’s appointment, stating it is as per the law.
“The criteria for applying for the post of State Information Commissioner are very clear. The candidate must hold a PG [post graduate] degree and should have worked in public administration. The appointment was made by a three-member committee, including the LoP [Leader of Opposition], as per the criteria,” Sawant told the media.
Barve did not respond to phone calls seeking a comment. On whether his appointment constituted a conflict of interest, if he was affiliated with the BJP and whether he continues to serve as an OSD to the chief minister, Barve said via text message: “No comments at this point in time.”
Reacting to Sawant’s remarks on the criteria for the post, Amarnath Panjikar, chairman of the Congress media cell, said: “It looks like while explaining how Barve fit the eligibility criteria of SIC, Pramod Sawant conveniently forgot to mention sub-clause 6 of chapter IV of RTI Act, 2005. It is clearly stated in the clause that the State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory… or hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession,” he said.
“A few days ago, the BJP [state] President in a congratulatory message posted on Facebook stated that Barve is a grassroot karyakarta of BJP. This shows his association with the BJP,” Panjikar added.
 |
| Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant. (PTI Photo) |
Atmaram Barve, Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the office of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, was appointed the State Information Commissioner earlier this week. The post fell vacant in March.
Goa Congress vice president Sunil Kawthankar alleged that Barve is an “active member and grassroots worker of the BJP,” besides serving as OSD to the Chief Minister’s office. Barve declined to comment on the claim.
Kawthankar, at a press conference in Panaji Tuesday, said that the Right to Information Act stipulates that the appointee to the post should not have political affiliations.
“This is a clear case of conflict of interest. His appointment compromises the principles of transparency and accountability, which are the very foundations of the Right to Information Act. If we want to find information on corruption within the chief minister’s office, will we be able to get that?”
Kawthankar urged Sawant to reconsider and withdraw Barve’s appointment and “chose a candidate who is independent, impartial and has a proven track record of upholding transparency and accountability.”
Chief Minister Sawant defended Barve’s appointment, stating it is as per the law.
“The criteria for applying for the post of State Information Commissioner are very clear. The candidate must hold a PG [post graduate] degree and should have worked in public administration. The appointment was made by a three-member committee, including the LoP [Leader of Opposition], as per the criteria,” Sawant told the media.
Barve did not respond to phone calls seeking a comment. On whether his appointment constituted a conflict of interest, if he was affiliated with the BJP and whether he continues to serve as an OSD to the chief minister, Barve said via text message: “No comments at this point in time.”
Reacting to Sawant’s remarks on the criteria for the post, Amarnath Panjikar, chairman of the Congress media cell, said: “It looks like while explaining how Barve fit the eligibility criteria of SIC, Pramod Sawant conveniently forgot to mention sub-clause 6 of chapter IV of RTI Act, 2005. It is clearly stated in the clause that the State Chief Information Commissioner or a State Information Commissioner shall not be a Member of Parliament or Member of the Legislature of any State or Union Territory… or hold any other office of profit or connected with any political party or carrying on any business or pursuing any profession,” he said.
“A few days ago, the BJP [state] President in a congratulatory message posted on Facebook stated that Barve is a grassroot karyakarta of BJP. This shows his association with the BJP,” Panjikar added.
.JPG)
.JPG)
