Tag: Manoj Kumar Parida | Chief Information Commissioner
Category: Polity & Governance | For: OPSC Odisha Civil Services Examination
By: Brajabandhu Mahanta | Objective IAS
In a significant step toward strengthening transparency and accountability in public governance, the Odisha Government has appointed retired IAS officer Manoj Kumar Parida as the new Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of the State Information Commission.
This appointment comes at a crucial time when public demand for transparency and timely dissemination of information is rising across administrative spheres.
🏛️ A Strengthened Commission with New Leadership
Along with Parida, the State Government has appointed three new Information Commissioners, thereby bolstering the functioning of the Odisha Information Commission:
1. Pranabindu Acharya – Retired IPS Officer
Acharya brings a wealth of experience from his disciplined tenure in the Indian Police Service. His background in law enforcement and public service is expected to improve the Commission’s oversight, especially in ensuring timely responses and effective grievance redressal under the Right to Information Act, 2005.
“I am grateful to the Odisha government for assigning me the role. My responsibility will be to ensure proper service and implementation of the RTI in the state,” Acharya said in a statement to OTV.
2. Kalpana Pattnaik – Senior Advocate, Orissa High Court
Pattnaik’s appointment adds strong legal expertise to the Commission. Her extensive knowledge in constitutional and civil law will aid in handling complex RTI appeals and ensuring that the rights of information seekers are upheld effectively.
3. Pabitra Mandal – Newly Appointed Information Commissioner
Also joining the Commission is Pabitra Mandal, whose inclusion is expected to further diversify the team and enhance the administrative bandwidth of the Commission.
📜 Role of the State Information Commission
The Odisha Information Commission is a quasi-judicial authority established under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Its key roles include:
- Hearing appeals and complaints from citizens denied access to public information
- Ensuring compliance with RTI mandates by public authorities
- Promoting awareness about citizens’ rights to access information
With the new team in place, the Commission is now better positioned to tackle backlogs, improve efficiency, and facilitate a citizen-centric governance system.
💡 Why This Appointment Matters
The RTI framework is one of the strongest tools available to Indian citizens for holding the government accountable. However, over the years, several Information Commissions across the country have faced criticism for delayed hearings and pendency of cases.
The latest appointments are expected to:
- Reduce pendency in appeal and complaint cases
- Enhance institutional capacity to deliver timely decisions
- Reinforce transparency and citizen trust in the government machinery
✅ Conclusion
The Odisha Government’s decision to appoint a dynamic and experienced team to the Information Commission marks a positive shift toward good governance and administrative transparency. With Manoj Kumar Parida at the helm as Chief Information Commissioner, and supported by Pranabindu Acharya, Kalpana Pattnaik, and Pabitra Mandal, the Commission is poised to reinvigorate the RTI regime in the state.