MCQs Based On Political Science- (118)

Correct Option: 2. 2005.
Explanation: The Central Information Commission was established in 2005 by the Central Government following the enactment of the Right to Information Act (2005). It was notified in the Official Gazette and is a statutory body, not a constitutional one.
Central Information Commission (CIC)
📌 Introduction
-Established: 2005
-Legal Basis: Formed under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005
-Type: Statutory body, not a Constitutional body
-Notification: Through Official Gazette by the Central Government
🧾 Purpose & Role
The CIC is a high-powered independent body that:
-Hears complaints and appeals under the RTI Act
-Ensures transparency and accountability in the functioning of public authorities
-Deals with departments under Central Government and Union Territories
👥 Composition
-Chief Information Commissioner (CIC)
-Up to 10 Information Commissioners
📌 Appointment Process
Appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee:
-Prime Minister (Chairperson)
-Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha
-A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the PM
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Eminent persons with knowledge in fields such as:
-Law
-Science and Technology
-Social Service
-Journalism, Media
-Administration or Governance
-Cannot be:
-MP or MLA
-Member of any political party
-Engaged in any business or profession
⏳ Tenure & Service Conditions
-Term: As prescribed by the Central Government or until 65 years of age (whichever is earlier)
-No reappointment allowed
📌 Removal Grounds
-By the President, for reasons such as:
-Insolvency
-Conviction for offence involving moral turpitude
-Paid employment during term
-Mental or physical infirmity
-Financial interests that affect duties
👉 For proved misbehavior or incapacity, the matter is referred to the Supreme Court for inquiry.
⚖️ Powers of the Commission
-The CIC has powers of a civil court while inquiring:
-Summoning witnesses and documents
-Receiving evidence on affidavit
-Requisitioning records from public authorities
-Issuing orders and directions
🛠 Functions
-Inquire into complaints related to RTI:
-No PIO appointed
-Refusal of information
-Delays or high fees
-Incomplete or false information
-Suo motu inquiries (on its own initiative)
-Access to all public records during inquiry
-Ensure compliance of RTI decisions:
-Direct release of information
-Compensate applicant
-Penalize PIOs
-Recommend reforms and training
📊 Reporting
-Submits an Annual Report to the Central Government
-Report is laid before both Houses of Parliament
🗂 Administrative Ministry
-Falls under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions

Correct Option: 3. The President, on recommendation of a committee.
Explanation: The President of India appoints the Chief Information Commissioner and the Information Commissioners based on the recommendation of a committee consisting of:
-The Prime Minister (Chairperson)
-The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha
-A Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister

Correct Option: 1. 65 years.
Explanation: The Chief Information Commissioner and the Information Commissioners can hold office until they attain the age of 65 years, or for the term prescribed by the Central Government, whichever is earlier. Reappointment is not allowed.

Correct Option: 3. Punishing a public authority with imprisonment.
Explanation: The CIC has powers similar to those of a civil court, such as summoning persons, receiving affidavits, and requisitioning records. However, it cannot punish with imprisonment. It can impose penalties, but criminal punishment like imprisonment is not within its purview.

Correct Option: 4. Ministry of Personnel.
Explanation: The Central Information Commission falls under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. This ministry also oversees bodies like the UPSC, CVC, and CBI.