Goa educationist turns down Information Commissioner post

"I have no interest in the appointment and I have decided not to accept the post (of Information commissioner)," Nadkarni said here last evening.

"There is a hue and cry in the media over my suitability for the post. There have been deliberate attempts to malign my image and reputation of last several decades.

"Unfortunately a media trial has been started subjecting me and my to mental torture and harassment," he said in a letter to Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar.

Goa Government had advertised about the job and Nadkarni was selected among three people shortlisted for the post, created under Right to Information Act. A three-member committee headed by the Chief Minister made the selection and Nadkarni's formal appointment by the Governor was pending.

Nadkarni's selection drew criticism from social activist Aires Rodrigues, who questioned his eligibility to handle such a post on ground that he had no knowledge of law.

He also pointed out that Nadkarni had failed in Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination and had to reappear in 70s.

However, the Chief Minister insisted that the entire selection process was transparent and objections raised by Rodrigues were irrelevant.

Defending Nadkarni, he said "No respectable human being would stand such humiliation," referring to Rodrigues allegations which received wide media coverage in the state.

Parrikar said all required procedures were followed in selecting Nadkarni. "Henceforth, I have decided to keep myself away from the selection process of Information Commissioner."