State on look out for SICs
TEAM HERALD
[email protected]
PANJIM: Four months after scrapping posts of two State Information Commissioners (SIC) appointments following a legal controversy, State government once again invited applications for filling up the two vacancies Tuesday. The last day for submitting applications is January 15, 2014.
“The SICs shall be persons of eminence in public life with wide knowledge and experience in law, science and technology, social service, management, journalism, mass medic or administration and governance,” the advertisement issued by the Department of Information and Publicity, reads.
The applicants have been directed to produce facts and
related documents relating to his/her eminence in public life and knowledge in the particular fields as mentioned. SICs will hold office for five years or till the person attains the age of 65, whichever is earlier, and will not be eligible for re-appointment.
The posts are open for Members of Parliament, Legislative members or members associated with any political parties. However, on being appointed as SICs, the applicant shall be discontinued from being MP, MLA and lose posts connected with political parties.
Government had on August 14, scrapped two posts of SICs after it was challenged in the High Court. Though government had advertised for only one post of SIC in May, journalist Sandesh Prabhudesai and former senior administrative and quasi-judicial functionary of the Union defence ministry Stanley Coutinho were selected as SICs in July.
The selection of Prabhudesai was challenged in the High Court for violating recruitment rules to favour him. The Court had then issued notice to Government as well as Prabhudesai seeking their response within seven days.
Along with SICs, retired IAS officer and former Maharashtra additional chief secretary Leena Mehendale was selected as Chief Information Commissioner, who took office in October.
