Are the Information Officer appointed independently?

[jeevan]

I wanted to know weather CPIO/ACPIO's appointed independently from outside or are they same department officer.

[kushal]

No. The existing officers working in public authorities by reason of their seniority and experience are designated as public information officers. They are appointed for each division or sub division of the public authority.

So is the case with ACPIO who are also designated as such from among the staff employed by the public authirities. Therefore they are subject to all the service rules and conditions.

Yet, they function as designated officers the duties of which are in addition to their normal work.

As designated officers they have to discharge their functions prescribed for them under the Act.

[crusader]

Then are the CIC and Information commissioner civil servants?

[kushal]

They are appointed directly under statute and paid by the state treasury. They are therefore Civil Servant.

[crusader]

Then why the salary of CIC and other Information commissioners one step below those payable to the Chief Election Commissioner and other Election commissioners. Why this difference when both these bodies are autonomous and are expected to function without being influenced by the Government?

[kushal]

The Election Commission is a constitutional body. While the Information commission is an statutory body.

[crusader]

ok! so that makes a difference. And that makes a difference in salary.

[maneesh]

Originally Posted by kushal

No. The existing officers working in public authorities by reason of their seniority and experience are designated as public information officers. They are appointed for each division or sub division of the public authority.

Apart from above its about dedication to do a job.