Maharashtra Cabinet Approves Three Additional Information Commissioners to Fast-Track RTI Appeals

New Appointments Across Mumbai, Nashik and Amravati Benches Aim to Reduce Backlog and Strengthen Transparency

Mumbai, August 4: In a significant move to expedite the disposal of pending appeals under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, the Maharashtra Cabinet has approved the appointment of three Additional State Information Commissioners for a period of three years. The appointments will be made at the Greater Mumbai, Nashik and Amravati Benches of the State Information Commission. 

The decision is aimed at addressing the growing backlog of second appeals and ensuring faster delivery of justice to citizens seeking information under the RTI Act.

To support the functioning of the additional commissioners, the Cabinet has also approved the creation of 18 supporting positions across the three benches. Each bench will have one Deputy Secretary and one Section Officer on deputation, while one stenographer, one clerk-cum-typist, and one peon will be engaged on a contractual basis through an external agency.

The Cabinet has empowered the State Chief Information Commissioner to redeploy the Additional State Information Commissioners to other benches if the pendency of appeals declines. The Chief Information Commissioner will also have the authority to transfer second appeals between benches to ensure optimal utilisation of resources and balanced workload.

The government has clarified that all contractual appointments through external agencies will be made in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Finance Department.

The initiative is expected to significantly accelerate the disposal of pending second appeals before the Maharashtra State Information Commission, improving the efficiency of the RTI mechanism and enabling citizens to secure timely and effective access to information guaranteed under the Right to Information Act.