In a significant event underscoring Odisha’s commitment to transparent governance, the newly appointed State Chief Information Commissioner and three State Information Commissioners took their oath of office today at the Raj Bhavan’s Abhishek Hall.
The solemn ceremony, presided over by Governor Dr. Hari Babu Kambhampati, saw Manoj Kumar Parida sworn in as the State Chief Information Commissioner, alongside Pranabindu Acharya, Pabitra Mandal, and Smt. Kalpana Pattnaik as State Information Commissioners.
The event commenced with the reading of the appointment orders by Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary of the Information and Public Relations Department, following the Governor’s approval. Governor Kambhampati administered the oath of office and secrecy to the appointees, marking their official induction into roles critical to upholding the Right to Information (RTI) framework in Odisha.
The ceremony was graced by prominent dignitaries, including Odisha Legislative Assembly Speaker Surama Padhy, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari, Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, and Food Supplies, Consumer Welfare, Science, and Technology Minister Krushna Chandra Patra. Other notable attendees included Government Deputy Chief Whip Gobinda Chandra Das, Chairperson of the Odisha Human Rights Commission Justice Shatrughna Pujahari, State Information Commissioner Sushant Kumar Mohanty, Principal Secretary to the Governor N.B.S. Rajput, Director of Information and Public Relations Deb Prasad Dash, and other senior officials.
The appointments come at a pivotal time as Odisha continues to strengthen its mechanisms for transparency and accountability. The State Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners play a vital role in ensuring the effective implementation of the RTI Act, addressing appeals, and fostering public access to information. The diverse backgrounds of the appointees are expected to bring fresh perspectives to these responsibilities, enhancing the state’s governance framework.
Reflecting on the occasion, attendees emphasised the importance of these roles in promoting an informed citizenry. The presence of high-ranking officials and dignitaries underscored the state’s commitment to upholding democratic values through accessible and accountable governance.
This oath-taking ceremony not only marks a new chapter for the Odisha State Information Commission but also reaffirms the state’s dedication to empowering its citizens through the right to information.
