Ranchi: Jharkhand Governor Santosh Gangwar on Wednesday approved a panel of four names for the post of information commissioners, ending a months-long stand-off. However, he attached a rider that the JMM-led state government would be responsible for any procedural errors arising in their appointments.
Governor's Conditions
In an official statement, Lok Bhavan said, “The Governor has granted approval for these appointments subject to certain conditions. He has directed the state government to ensure the early appointment of a Chief Information Commissioner for the Jharkhand State Information Commission so that the Commission’s work can be conducted smoothly and effectively.” The statement added, “The Governor also clarified that if any procedural error is found in the appointment process, or if any question arises regarding compliance with Supreme Court orders in this matter, the state government will bear full responsibility.”
Background of the Stand-off
The development comes after Lok Bhavan had earlier returned the file containing the same names due to objections raised against a few candidates. The posts of Information Commissioners had been vacant for nearly five years, leading to the accumulation of thousands of cases related to the Right to Information (RTI) Act. The high court had previously reprimanded the state government for the delay in reviving the state information commission by filling the pending posts.
Names Cleared
The names cleared by Lok Bhavan include:
- Anuj Kumar Sinha – a retired journalist and editor, a profession specifically mentioned in the RTI Act as a source for Information Commissioners.
- Tanuj Khatri – formerly served as spokesperson of the Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM).
- Amulya Neeraj Khalkho – reportedly from the Congress party.
- Shivpujan Pathak – formerly served as BJP media cell in-charge.
Next Steps
Sources in Lok Bhavan indicated that after the governor’s nod, the Department of Personnel, Administrative Reforms and Rajbhasha will now notify the appointments. “Formal orders regarding the appointment will be issued once the departmental formalities are completed,” said an official in the state personnel department.
About the Author: ASRP Mukesh holds over 15 years of journalistic experience. He covers government, politics, and human interest stories from Jharkhand.
