Country's top transparency panel Central Information Commission is facing acute staff crunch with 80 per cent of sanctioned positions lying vacant.



The panel has admitted in an RTI response that out of 160 sanctioned posts, 32 posts of different categories have been filled up leaving 128 vacant positions.



It is using services of 32 consultants against the vacant position, it said even though the data provided shows out of 32 consultants nine have already resigned.



"The post relating to JS and above are through Central Staffing Scheme provided by DoPT. The other posts are filled on deputation/direct recruitment through SSC," it said.



"This is an alarming situation. There are 32 consultants appointed in the CIC against these 128 vacancies. These consultants are hired in highly ad-hoc manner and are given extension every six months or yearly basis. Many of these consultants are above the age of 65 years and their efficiency level is very poor," RTI applicant R K Jain said.



The CIC, which is the adjudicating body on access to information, has 35,723 pending appeals and complaints.