The Odisha Soochana Adhikar Abhijan has demanded modification in the advertisement published recently for selection of the new State Information Commissioner and batted for inclusion of provision to provide scope for general public to recommend the name of any other person than himself or herself for the post in the line of Goa. Abhijan convenor Pradip Pradhan said that on February 13, the Government has released an advertisement in the I&PR website seeking applications from the interested members of the public for appointment to the post of two Information Commissioner by March 16.

“In fact, this advertisement may deprive many sensible and experienced people from applying for the post of the Information Commissioner who out of sense of self esteem may not like to apply for the post,” said Pradhan. Pradhan said the advertisement should provide the scope to any member of the public to recommend the name of any other person than himself or herself for the post. This provision should be there in addition to the existing provision for any interested persons to apply for the said post in his or her favour, added Pradhan.

Submitting a memorandum to the Governor, the rights activist urged him to direct the Chief Minister who happens to be the Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Information Commission to ensure inclusion of the provision. The rights activist said this provision will ensure more transparency in the selection of the Information Commissioners. He has also submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister to this effect.