### Raj Kumar Goyal's Appointment as Chief Information Commissioner: A New Era for Transparency in India Raj Kumar Goyal has been appointed as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) of India, effective December 15, 2025. This appointment aligns with the provisions of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005, and comes at a crucial time when the Central Information Commission (CIC) is looking to enhance its operational efficiency and transparency. Goyal, a retired IAS officer from the 1990 batch, previously served as Secretary in the Department of Justice under the Ministry of Law and Justice, and his selection was recommended by a three-member panel led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi [https://apacnewsnetwork.com/2025/12/raj-kumar-goyal-appointed-as-chief-information-commissioner-at-cic]. ### Structure of the Appointment and Its Implications 1. **Background of the Appointment** - Raj Kumar Goyal was sworn in by President Droupadi Murmu during a ceremony at Rashtrapati Bhavan, attended by notable dignitaries including Vice President C P Radhakrishnan and Union Minister of State for Personnel Jitendra Singh [https://ddindia.co.in/2025/12/president-murmu-administers-oath-to-raj-kumar-goyal-as-chief-information-commissioner]. - His appointment fills a significant vacancy in the CIC, which has been under-resourced for over nine years [https://www.outlookindia.com/national/raj-kumar-goyal-to-take-oath-as-chief-information-commissioner-on-monday]. 2. **Role and Responsibilities** - As the Chief Information Commissioner, Goyal will oversee the implementation of the RTI Act, ensuring that citizens have timely access to information and that appeals regarding information requests are handled efficiently [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3731446-raj-kumar-goyal-assumes-charge-as-chief-information-commissioner-8-new-ics-sworn-in]. - His leadership is expected to strengthen the accountability framework within the Indian government, promoting transparency in governance [https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2025/dec/15/ex-ias-officer-raj-kumar-goyal-sworn-in-as-chief-information-commissioner-2]. 3. **Significance of the Appointment** - Goyal's extensive experience in bureaucratic roles, particularly in the Department of Justice, positions him well to address the challenges faced by the CIC [https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/former-bureaucrat-raj-kumar-goyal-sworn-in-as-chief-information-commissioner/article70398049.ece]. - His appointment is seen as a renewed commitment by the government to uphold the principles of transparency and accountability in public administration [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/rk-goyal-takes-oath-as-chief-information-commissioner]. ### Evidence Supporting the Appointment's Impact - **Operational Efficiency**: Goyal's leadership is anticipated to lead to a more streamlined process for handling RTI applications, which have seen delays in the past [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3731446-raj-kumar-goyal-assumes-charge-as-chief-information-commissioner-8-new-ics-sworn-in]. - **Public Trust**: By filling the CIC position with a qualified individual, the government aims to restore public confidence in the RTI framework, which is crucial for democratic engagement [https://www.greaterkashmir.com/latest-news/ex-bureaucrat-raj-kumar-goyal-sworn-in-as-chief-information-commissioner]. ### Conclusion: A Step Forward for RTI in India In summary, **Raj Kumar Goyal's appointment as Chief Information Commissioner marks a pivotal moment for the Central Information Commission and the implementation of the RTI Act in India**. His extensive bureaucratic experience and the government's commitment to transparency are expected to enhance the effectiveness of the CIC. 1. Goyal's swearing-in ceremony was attended by key government officials, highlighting the importance of this role [https://ddindia.co.in/2025/12/president-murmu-administers-oath-to-raj-kumar-goyal-as-chief-information-commissioner]. 2. His leadership is anticipated to improve the efficiency of information requests and appeals, addressing long-standing issues within the CIC [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/law-order/3731446-raj-kumar-goyal-assumes-charge-as-chief-information-commissioner-8-new-ics-sworn-in]. 3. The appointment is a strategic move to restore public trust in the RTI system, reinforcing the government's dedication to transparency [https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/rk-goyal-takes-oath-as-chief-information-commissioner].