Answer: 

Introduction:

The Right to Information (RTI) Act was enacted in India in 2005 to promote transparency and accountability in the functioning of the government. The Information Commission, an independent institution, plays a crucial role in adjudicating on complaints and appeals filed under the RTI Act.

Body:

The recent amendments to the RTI Act have been seen as potentially affecting the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission in several ways:

• Tenure and salary: Previously, the CIC and ICs had a fixed tenure of five years, and their salaries were on par with those of election commissioners. The amendments, however, empower the central government to determine the tenure and salaries, raising concerns that this could be used to undermine the independence and autonomy of the Information Commission by making it more susceptible to government influence.
• Removal process: By allowing the central government more control over the tenure and salaries of CIC and ICs, the amendments could potentially make it easier for the government to remove commissioners who make unfavorable decisions, thereby compromising the independence of the Information Commission.
• Appointment process: The amendments do not directly change the appointment process for Information Commissioners, but the increased control over tenure and salaries may have indirect implications. For instance, potential candidates may be discouraged from applying for the position due to fears of political interference, or the government may be able to exert more influence over the selection process.
• Erosion of trust: The perceived threat to the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission could lead to an erosion of public trust in the institution. This, in turn, might affect the effectiveness of the RTI Act as a tool for promoting transparency and accountability in the government.

Conclusion:

However, it is important to note that the impact of the amendments will depend on how they are implemented in practice. If the government exercises its new powers in a fair and transparent manner, the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission could still be maintained.

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