Karnataka Appoints Veteran Journalist B. Venkat Singh as State Information Commissioner
Raichur journalist joins retired IAS officer Vincent D’Souza and Mahesh Walwekar in State Information Commission
Bengaluru: In a key move to strengthen transparency and public accountability, the Karnataka government has appointed three new State Information Commissioners to the Karnataka State Information Commission (KSIC). Among the appointees is B. Venkat Singh, a senior journalist from Raichur with nearly four decades of experience in print and broadcast journalism.
The other two appointees are retired IAS officer Vincent D’Souza and Mahesh Walwekar, who previously served as Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chairman of the Karnataka Legislative Council.
Veteran Journalist from Raichur Brings Media Perspective to RTI Commission
Representing the Kalyana Karnataka region, B. Venkat Singh has spent 36 years in active journalism, working with Doordarshan and All India Radio. He has served twice as a member of the Karnataka Media Academy and the Press Accreditation Committee, and is a recipient of the Karnataka Media Academy Award.
Throughout his career, Venkat Singh has played a vital role in highlighting civic and administrative issues in Raichur district, often prompting government action. He has also held multiple leadership positions in journalist bodies — including Secretary and President of the District Working Journalists’ Association, President of the Reporters’ Guild, and Member of the Indian Federation of Working Journalists (IFWJ).
Administrative and Legislative Experience Strengthens Panel
Retired IAS officer Vincent D’Souza brings extensive bureaucratic experience to the Commission, having served in various key departments of the Karnataka government. Mahesh Walwekar, meanwhile, adds a strong legislative and policy background from his tenure as OSD to the Legislative Council Chairman.
Their appointments are expected to further enhance the efficiency of the RTI mechanism in Karnataka by balancing media insight, bureaucratic discipline, and legislative experience.
RTI Reforms and Transparency Push
Officials say the new team will focus on clearing pending RTI appeals, modernizing record management, and ensuring citizens receive timely access to information from government departments. The appointments also underscore the state’s commitment to strengthening the Right to Information framework and ensuring accountability in public service.
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