RTI activist will be Central Info chief

In what could prove to be a boost for the common man, Right to Information (RTI) activist Shailesh Gandhi was recently appointed as one of the four Central Information Commissioners (CIC).

Known to be the face of RTI activism in the city, Gandhi consistently fought for the act while trying to create awareness about it by organising lectures and classes. He also unearthed various bureaucratic lacunas in the system.

While outlining his plan of action, Gandhi told DNA, “I categorically state that no file will remain with me for more than 90 days. I want to ensure that there is correct interpretation of the right to information and the laws related to it so that there are fewer disputes. Also, I want to bring about more transparency in the disbursal system.”

Gandhi said that he was also approved for the post by president Pratibha Patil. “I saw this as a good challenge and accepted it. Normally we just keep criticising the information commissioners for delays in clearing files and giving judgements. Now that I am in the hot seat, I will either prove that the work can be done efficiently or completely fail,” he added.

Gandhi has taken the endeavour of serving the office at a salary of Re1.

Apart from Gandhi, the other appointments include M Sharma, A Dixit and Satendra Mishra.