DEC 16 : President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday administered the oath of office to Shri Raj Kumar Goyal as the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) at a formal ceremony held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.
The swearing-in ceremony was attended by Vice President Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh, senior officials, and other dignitaries, reflecting the significance of the appointment to one of India’s key transparency institutions.
Distinguished Administrative Career
Shri Raj Kumar Goyal is a 1990-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the AGMUT cadre. He superannuated on August 31 after serving as Secretary in the Department of Justice, where he played an important role in strengthening institutional governance and judicial administration.
Over the course of his career, Shri Goyal has held several key administrative and policy-making positions at both the Centre and in the erstwhile State of Jammu and Kashmir. His extensive experience spans governance, internal security, border management, and administrative reforms.
Key Roles at the Centre
Prior to his tenure in the Department of Justice, Shri Goyal served as Secretary (Border Management) in the Ministry of Home Affairs, where he was involved in overseeing policies related to border infrastructure, security coordination, and management of India’s international borders.
His work in sensitive and strategic departments has earned him a reputation for administrative acumen, policy clarity, and effective coordination across ministries and state governments.
Strengthening Transparency Framework
The appointment of Shri Raj Kumar Goyal as Chief Information Commissioner comes at a crucial time when transparency, accountability, and citizen-centric governance remain central to democratic functioning. The Central Information Commission plays a vital role in upholding the Right to Information (RTI) Act, ensuring access to information and promoting openness in public administration.
With his long administrative experience and understanding of governance systems, Shri Goyal is expected to contribute significantly to strengthening the functioning of the Commission and enhancing public trust in institutional transparency.
Commitment to Democratic Values
The presence of top constitutional authorities at the ceremony underscored the importance of the CIC’s role in safeguarding democratic values and empowering citizens through access to information.
Shri Goyal’s appointment reflects the Government’s continued emphasis on placing experienced and capable administrators in institutions critical to transparency and accountability.
