CIC appointments: Govt data refutes Rahul Gandhi's diversity exclusion allegations

• Rahul Gandhi dissented on CIC appointments, alleging systematic exclusion of SC/ST/OBC/EBC/minority candidates.
• Government data challenged Gandhi's claims, highlighting increased diversity in CIC appointments under the current administration.
• Government stated no SC/ST individuals were appointed to the CIC from 2005-2014 (UPA tenure).
• NDA government appointed Suresh Chandra (ST) in 2018 and Heeralal Samariya (SC) in 2020, with Samariya becoming the first SC Chief Information Commissioner in 2023.
• Recent recommendations for 8 CIC vacancies included 5 individuals from disadvantaged sections (SC, ST, OBC, minority, woman).

Why It Matters: Government data challenges claims of exclusion in Central Information Commission appointments.