Raj Kumar Goyal Takes Charge as Chief Information Commissioner

Former IAS Officer Appointed CIC to Lead Transparency Framework

Retired IAS officer Raj Kumar Goyal has been sworn in as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of the Central Information Commission , marking an important development in India’s transparency and information governance system.

Oath Ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan
The oath of office was administered by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan . Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan was present at the ceremony. The President’s Secretariat confirmed the appointment through an official communication, formally marking Goyal’s assumption of charge as the head of the country’s apex transparency body.

Administrative and Professional Background
Raj Kumar Goyal is a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer . Before retirement, he served as Secretary in the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice . He has also held the post of Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs , where he was involved in issues related to governance, legal administration, and internal security. His extensive experience in public administration and law is expected to strengthen the functioning of the Central Information Commission.

Appointment under the RTI Act
The appointment was made by the President on the recommendation of the selection committee constituted under Section 12(3) of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 . Raj Kumar Goyal’s tenure as Chief Information Commissioner took effect from December 15 , and he has succeeded Heeralal Samariya , who previously held the position.

Role and Importance of the CIC
The Central Information Commission is the highest authority for adjudicating appeals and complaints filed under the RTI Act. It plays a vital role in ensuring transparency, accountability, and citizens’ access to information held by public authorities. The leadership of the CIC is crucial for the effective enforcement of the RTI framework and for upholding democratic governance in India.

Exam-Focused Points

• The Chief Information Commissioner heads the Central Information Commission .

• Appointments are made under the Right to Information Act, 2005 .

• Raj Kumar Goyal is a 1990-batch IAS officer .

• He succeeded Heeralal Samariya as Chief Information Commissioner.