TVSN Prasad sworn in as Haryana Chief Info Commissioner
However, the fifth SIC named by the Haryana government, Priyanka Dhupar, daughter of BJP's former Bhiwani district president Shankar Dhupar, did not turn up for the event. According to information, Priyanka is involved in two disputes.
The much-delayed appointment of Haryana SICs under the Right to Information Act was challenged in the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday on the ground that the 'appointees are related to the ruling political party' in Haryana.
Citing a violation of the constitutional norms, petitioner advocate Jagmohan Bhatti sought a stay on the appointments. The matter will come up for a hearing on May 28.
While TVSN Prasad is Haryana's former chief secretary, Neeta Khera is a former member of Haryana Public Service Commission, Amarjit Singh is a retired Haryana Civil Services (HCS) officer, Karamvir Saini had quit the Congress and joined the BJP, Sanjay Madan was Haryana Tax Bar Association's vice-president from Karnal, and Priyanka Dhupar's father is BJP's former Bhiwani district president.
Governor Bandaru Dattatraya administered the oath of office and allegiance to the CIC and four SICs in the presence of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini and several ministers, leaders and officers at the Raj Bhavan on Monday.
Haryana Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi conducted the proceedings of the oath-taking ceremony, which was attended by Haryana Education Minister Mahipal Dhanda, Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana, Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur, senior administrative officers, former ministers, former MLAs, heads of various departments and other dignitaries.
The governor described the role of the CIC and SICs as 'important in ensuring transparency and accountability in democracy'. 'I expect from the newly appointed commissioners that they will discharge their duties with fairness, honesty and dedication so that the Right to Information can be further strengthened,' he said.
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