Speedy CIC appointment sought in Mizoram

The Aizawl-based anti-corruption watchdog People’s Right to Information and Development in Mizoram (PRISM) today said it has sent a memorandum to president Pratibha Patil seeking quick appointment of a chief information commissioner for the State Information Commission.

Copies of the memorandum were also sent to prime minister Manmohan Singh and UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi, PRISM said in a statement here.

The State Information Commission has been functioning without the CIC since the retirement of Robert Hrangdawla in early February, the statement said, adding that it had urged the state government to appoint a CIC immediately but without any success.

The committee set up to appoint the CIC was yet to meet to make the appointment till date, the statement claimed.

The committee comprised of chief minister Lal Thanhawla, information minister Zodintluanga and opposition Mizo National Front (MNF) legislature party leader and former information minister Dr R Lalthangliana.

PRISM alleged that many government departments refused to honour the applications seeking information by journalists and common people under the Right to Information Act.