• UGI USER
  • Jun 07, 2024
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HC RESTRICTS CIC’S COMMENTARY ON MPLADS FUND USAGE

Why in the news?

  • Delhi High Court restricts Central Information Commission (CIC) from commenting on MPLADS fund utilization by legislators.
  • HC stated that the purpose of the Right to Information (RTI) Act is to ensure access to information under public authorities’ control, not to comment on fund usage.

About  Central Information Commission (CIC):

  • Established: in 2005 by the Central Government under the RTI Act.
  • Acts as an appellate authority, possessing powers of a civil court.
  • Objective: Empower citizens, promote transparency, accountability, contain corruption, enhance democratic participation.
  • Comprises Chief Information Commissioner and up to ten Information Commissioners.
  • Appointed by the President based on PM-led committee recommendations.
  • Commissioners must possess eminence in public life and expertise.
  • Tenure: Prescribed by Central Government or age 65, no reappointment eligibility
source:papertaiyari
About  “Members of Parliament Local Area Development”(MPLADS) Scheme:

  • Central Sector Scheme: Initiated in December 1993.
  • Objective: Allows MPs to recommend developmental works in their constituencies, emphasizing community assets in various sectors like education, health, and sanitation.
  • Expansion: Since June 2016, funds can also be used for national schemes like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan and Sansad Aadarsh Gram Yojana.

About the Right to Information (RTI) Act 2005:

  • Legal Foundation: Enshrined in Article 19(1) of the Indian Constitution.
  • Implementation: Passed on June 15, 2005, and implemented on October 12, 2005.
  • Credit: Aruna Roy is credited for the RTI Act.
  • Replaces: Replaced the Freedom of Information Act 2002.
  • Constitutional Provision: Also supported by Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution.
  • Pioneer: First implemented by Sweden.
  • Foundation in Constitution: Derived from Article 19, freedom of speech and expression.
  • Empowerment Objective: Aims to empower citizens, promote transparency, and ensure accountability in government functioning.
  • Format Defined: Specifies requisitioning, time frames, method, charges, and exemptions for information requests.

Key Provisions:

  • Sec. 4 mandates cataloging and indexing of records by public authorities.
  • Sec. 6 allows written requests for information.
  • Sec. 7 sets a 30-day deadline for providing or rejecting information.
  • Sec. 19 allows appeals.

Associated Article:

https://universalinstitutions.com/parliament/