A critical leadership void has plagued the Andhra Pradesh State Information Commission (APSIC) since September 25, 2025, leaving the vital institution without a Chief Information Commissioner.
This absence of leadership has contributed to a monumental backlog. A recent annual report card, published by the esteemed citizens’ group Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS) to mark the 20th anniversary of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, painted a concerning picture. Between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025, the APSIC received 7,691 new appeals and complaints. While 4,078 of these were resolved, a daunting 13,591 cases were still awaiting resolution as of June 30, 2025, highlighting a severe bottleneck in the system.
The report further revealed a disheartening reality for citizens seeking information: the average waiting period for an appeal or complaint currently stretches to over three years and four months, given the commission’s present rate of case disposal.
Adding to these concerns, the APSIC has shown a disturbing lack of transparency. It has failed to disclose crucial data regarding show-cause notices issued or penalties levied under Section 20 of the RTI Act. This places Andhra Pradesh in the unfortunate company of states that either refused or simply did not respond to such vital transparency queries. Even more critically, the APSIC has not released a single annual report since its establishment in 2017, after the reorganization of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh. This prolonged silence raises serious questions about the commission’s accountability and the overall integrity of the state’s RTI framework.
The Right to Information (RTI) Act, originally enacted in 2005, was envisioned as a powerful tool to empower citizens, allowing them to exercise their fundamental right to access government information. For two decades, this landmark law has empowered millions across India, fostering greater participation in democracy and holding public bodies accountable. Annually, between 4 and 6 million RTI applications are submitted nationwide. These requests have been instrumental in uncovering instances of corruption, exposing failures in public service delivery, and helping citizens secure their basic rights. The RTI Act has also proven invaluable in challenging the decisions and conduct of even the highest authorities, underscoring its pivotal role in a healthy democracy.