Why in news
- The Central Information Commission recommended restoring the practice of publishing detailed paper-wise marks for selected candidates in the Civil Services Main Examination.
- The directive noted that the Department of Personnel and Training had no formal record or written order justifying the discontinuation of detailed score disclosures after 2018.
Key terms
Central Information Commission
Statutory body established under the Right to Information Act, 2005 to adjudicate second appeals and oversee information disclosure.
Section 4 of RTI Act
Provision mandating public authorities to proactively disclose operational details and records to minimize individual RTI requests.
Suo Motu Disclosure
Voluntary release of public records by state authorities without requiring individual formal applications.
Department of Personnel and Training
Nodal central agency for cadre management, administrative reforms, and execution of the RTI Act.
What is the background of the disclosure rule?
- Prior to 2018, the Union Public Service Commission disclosed paper-wise marks break-up for General Studies, optional subjects, and the Personality Test for recommended candidates.
- The practice was halted in 2018 without a documented executive order or statutory amendment under the Right to Information framework.
Key details of the CIC directive
- The CIC directed DoPT to provide cumulative and paper-wise marks data for selected candidates covering Civil Services Examinations from 2018 to 2023.
- It highlighted that public recruiting bodies must maintain proactively disclosed records under Section 4 of the RTI Act, 2005 to promote institutional accountability.
Why it matters
- Reinforces procedural transparency and arbitrary exemption standards in public competitive examinations.
- Establishes institutional precedent that executive practice changes altering RTI accessibility must be backed by documented administrative orders.
Prelims facts
- CIC is a statutory body constituted under Section 12 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
- Proactive disclosure obligations for public authorities are mandated under Section 4(1)(b) of the RTI Act.
Mains discussion
- Role of independent oversight bodies in enforcing administrative transparency in public recruitment.
- Balance between institutional autonomy of constitutional commissions and citizen rights under RTI.
Source: Economic Times India
समान विषय · पिछले पेपर
UPSC ने यह पहले भी पूछा है
ये पिछले वर्षों के प्रश्न उसी विषय पर हैं। अभ्यास के लिए खोलें।
-
2020 · Q2 · GS II · 10 marks
"Recent amendments to the Right to information Act will have profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission". Discuss. -
2024 · Q11 · GS II · 15 marks
What are the aims and objects of recently passed and enforced, The Public Examination (prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024? Whether University/State Education Board examinations, too, are covered under the Act? -
2015 · Q1 · GS I · 12 marks
The ancient civilization in Indian sub continent differed from those of Egypt, Mesopotamia and Greece in that its culture and traditions have been preserved without breakdown to the present day. Comment. -
2024 · Q85 · General Studies · 2 marks
With reference to Union Budget, consider the following statements : 1. The Union Finance Minister on behalf of the Prime Minister lays the Annual Financial Statement before both the Houses of Parliament. 2. At the Union level, no demand for a grant can be made except on the recommendation of the President of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? -
2022 · Q13 · General Studies · 2 marks
Consider the following statements: 1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India. 2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent. 3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting. Which of the statements given above are correct?