Historic Moment: Heeralal Samariya Assumes Office as Chief Information Commissioner

In a historic moment for India, Heeralal Samariya took office as the country's first Dalit Chief Information Commissioner on November 6. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to him in a ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh.

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In a historic moment for India, Heeralal Samariya took office as the country's first Dalit Chief Information Commissioner on November 6. President Droupadi Murmu administered the oath of office to him in a ceremony attended by prominent dignitaries, including Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh.

Heeralal Samariya, a 63-year-old former IAS officer who had previously served as the Labour and Employment Secretary, hails from the remote village of Pahadi in Rajasthan's Bharatpur district. His appointment comes after the completion of YK Sinha's tenure on October 3, which left the top post at the Central Information Commission (CIC) vacant.

The Supreme Court had emphasized the urgency of filling this position, stating that failure to do so would render the 2005 Right to Information law ineffective. Heeralal Samariya's appointment is a significant step in addressing this issue. However, it is important to note that there are still eight vacancies for Information Commissioners within the Commission.

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The Central Information Commission is headed by the Chief Information Commissioner and can accommodate a maximum of ten Information Commissioners. Samariya's appointment marks a milestone for diversity and inclusivity in India's government, highlighting the nation's commitment to providing equal opportunities for individuals from all backgrounds.

Heeralal Samariya's experience and expertise, gained through years of dedicated public service, make him well-suited for this crucial role in promoting transparency and accountability in government operations. His appointment represents a progressive step toward realizing the principles of equality and justice for all in India's administrative institutions.