Ilapuram Raja assumes office as Information Commissioner

Amaravati: Ilapuram Raja took oath as Information Commissioner at the Secretariat at Velagapudi on Wednesday.

He was administered the oath of office by Chief Secretary L V Subramanyam. Raja was appointed as Information Commissioner by Governor ESL Narasimhan following the recommendation of a three-member committee headed by Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. The other members of the committee were Minister for Legislative Affairs Yanamala Ramakrishnudu and Leader of Opposition Y S Jaganmohan Reddy.

Though Jagan did not attend the selection committee meeting, Raja's name was finalised as per the rules governing the appointment of Commissioners under the RTI Act.

The Chief Secretary suggested to Raja to conduct interactive sessions with officials of various departments to create awareness among them on the importance and usage of RTI Act and also hold meetings with people.

The CS also enquired about the pending complaints under the RTI Act in the State.

The State government had earlier appointed three members as Commissioners and now Raja has been appointed as the fourth Commissioner. He will continue in office for the next five years.