Whispers Forum

This is truly praiseworthy and Yeoman service but let it become a usual habit to come and meet the public like subservient and not confining in their offices with many impervious layers that was worthwhile in pre independence but as constituents of same society , rather many have come from the smaller strata( though we should never say that) . Our society is very receptive and this benevolence and social connect will evolve our country to a greater heights . Salutations for such magnanimity and will make indelible Mark in the annals of memory of billions of people
Mahendra Goel
For a change
In earlier times people used to wear masks while dancing. In Bollywood actors used masks. Masquerading was known. In modern time Corona scared use masks. All couples who were fighting now are trying to be friendly in the lockdown. There is no other option. All helpers are wandering like zombies. Earlier in Bhopal, medics were using masks and long sleaves and full face dupattas to beat the heat. People are cooking washing and cleaning for a change. If this can save Humanity why not ?
Rekha Bhargava
CBDT denies NFU once again
CBDT once again denied NFU to some 1999 batch officers though no charge sheet is pending against them. How CBDT is able to violate DoPT norms blatantly? Is IRS association sleeping? God knows.
Kumar
UN bodies need restructuring
Endorse A.K. Saxena’s view on WHO's failure to warn world on Corona Virus. Not only WHO, most of the UN bodies need restructuring to meet the present day world. Hope India takes a lead in this matter.
S Gopal

Apropos WIC’s claim, “Our prediction came true”, dated March 28,2020.
It is becoming increasingly clear that spreading Coronavirus across the globe has been China's conspiracy to hit World economy in ‘collusion’ with WHO ( that earned the sobriquet "Wuhan Help Organisation”) by waging a biological war against humanity.
The charge was proved beyond doubt after inside details were confirmed by a Wuhan doctor, who worked on virus project .Not knowing China’s ulterior motive, he chose to become the whistleblower. He reportedly died of the same Corona virus. Some claim he was possibly finished for failing to suppress the truth. Worse still, a lady officer in China jolted by her conscience, could not keep her mouth sealed . She was never seen thereafter . A normal thing to happen in a totalitarian state like China.
India's initiative in creating G-20 corpus of fund, manifests the approach of a soft State. Every country has self-interests, which are permanent and supreme as per Chanakya niti. But, it would be meaningless unless participants decide to identify the villain behind Wuhan virus and fix the accountability. The US was ab initio, opposed to holding the G-20 summit.Let us await further development. China brazenly participated in G-20 virtual summit convened at the behest of PM Modi. The world opinion, especially the US and allies, have been condemning China first for creating the virus and then feigning innocence, ignorance about it. Another one, called Hunta virus, is reportedly on its way. A deadlier biological weapon.
Never trust China is the lesson for all. The doctrine of “Vaasudev Kutumbhakam”, cannot apply to a sinister scenario of total trust-deficit among countries. China’s game plan is loud and clear. First to destabilize economies of inimical countries through biological warfare, then, launch military strikes. As per media reports, while the virus- affected countries are struggling against all odds in combating the virus, China is busy spying against them. China’s warships and submarines have been noticed carrying out surveillance around Andaman &Nicobar islands. It is hellbent on becoming the topmost super power bypassing the US.
Strangely, even though, China kept the issue of virus leakage under its wrap for two months, no country at G-20, condemned it. Not, even India. WHO's role has been dubious. It took pride in applauding China instead of forewarning the world of the impending international disaster.
This is bound to trigger a War. The US is not the one to take it lying down. It must not.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)
Police be firm with humanity
Bad name of Police will travel very fast so Police be restrained and be directed to behave properly . Instead of canning they should use Mikes, Public Announcement Systems , Barricades and should help the poor people, people are already in extreme mental , Psychological distress . It is totally unprofessional, inhuman, the Deptt is also painted in poor light. How they will behave if their father, brother or their sons met this type of treatment . Be firm but in human limits . Immediately it should be communicated to the Hon. HM to give the directions to all the DGPs of the states .
Ram Niwas - Former DGP, Chattisgarh
Gujarat IAS officers resolve to donate a day’s salary to CM Relief Fund
It is indeed as usual the great magnanimity shown by the steel frame of Gujrat and their benevolence will stand as big example for other section of society to come forward and do the donation as per their capacity ( though business people are already hard pressed but small donation may look minuscule but indicate enormously the feeling of commitment and sense of belongingness towards nation . This is the most appropriate time , though looks pinching that the corrupt people as per their conscience, in the society come forward and donate the money accumulated by them by coercion and by force which they were never entitled for all good of the nation for salvation of their souls and the nation will be immensely benefited by its own money looted by few .
Mahendra Goel
Unaware office bearers of most RWAs
I fully endorse these views. Office bearers of most RWAs are not aware of what they can and cannot do but act in a very highhanded manner. It is about time the Government Authority concerned with clear and unambiguous guideline governing these issues.
R Subramanian

The corona virus is making people run for life. Life is at a standstill, After Govt. announcements people are on lockdown. No parties no gifts. We are now on a lonely planet, maybe space, the final frontier. In Nainital, we had a cove on the hillside facing Hanumangarhi. I have spent hours there reading books. The Deodars stood tall graceful and stately. The hillside had gladiolis, lilies, daisies cosmos, marigold etc. Peace prevailed away from the din of modern life.
Rekha Bhargava
“Travails of Delhi’s Residents Welfare Societies “
While fully endorsing S. Gopal’s views ( WIC dt March 27,2020),I would like to carry out a reality check. The truth of the matter is that the guidelines laid down by the office of Registrar General of co-operative societies (RG) are seldom followed by the office bearers of Residential Welfare Societies/ Associations .
RG’s office is a den of corruption - both collusive and coercive . And, I say this with all emphasis at my command. Raids conducted by anti-graft agencies vindicate the position. It merely revealed total absence of Accountability. There is no practice of conducting suo moto surprise checks into the accounts of co-operative societies by RG’s office . I am not aware whether rules provide for it. But, the ground realities are alarming. The whole system is flawed. RG’s office runs on the basis of discretionary powers vested in the hands of its officers and staff. Doctrine of Quid pro quo decides grievances of hapless residents. The annual accounts of Societies’ AGMs are audited by private chartered accountants ,who are empanelled by RG’s office. Due diligence is never followed.
Appointment of private security agencies for providing security guards to gated societies, is a matter of grave concern. The credentials of a majority of security guards are never vetted by the local police. The beat constables are kept satisfied. The contractors take their cuts, share it with the local police and the matter is allowed to rest .Govt of NCT, Delhi turns a blind eye to the widespread corruption, despite tall claims by CM Kejriwal. The situation is equally deplorable in all societies of national capital
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

Recently it was reported in News Papers that some RWA office bearers were not allowing Airline crews, Doctors etc to return to their own home. At some places tenants were asked to vacate their flats. Do the RWAs have power to take such decisions? Do they enjoy statutory powers?? In many private colonies (including DDA flats) RWAs have constructed gates on lanes/bylanes (these belong to MCD) and keep them Locked even DURING DAY TIME. This is against the guidelines/rules issued by MCD on the direction of High Court. They also collect money from Fruit/Vegetable moving Vendors for allowing them inside the colony!! Added to this, RWAs collect money from owners/builders while carrying out repair or rebuilding. Who has given them this authority? This is within the purview of MCD.
In multi storied apartments all over the country, as reported in News Papers, the associations prevents owners from letting their apartment on rent to Students, Bachelors, single woman or persons from certain religion/caste. Their plea is that such rules have been incorporated in their byelaws and approved by AGM. But the Basic question is whether such byelaws which are violative of our CONSTITUTION be legal not withstanding the fact that it has been approved by AGM? Unfortunately Registrar of Societies/Cooperative Societies do not scrutinise the bye laws thoroughly.
The recent Lockdown has also brought out the High handedness of RWAs (as reported in Papers).
In view of this I would request Government of India to issue fresh Guidelines for RWAs indicating what they can do and what they can not do immediately.
S Gopal

At the time of this COVID crisis all extraordinary efforts done by Central and State Govts. are highly commendable and any word of praise will be less, Yes I would express my gratitude by expressing that first time in the independent history of India such an expression and resolve of the state for welfare measure has been demonstrated. May i add that this is the situation where today India have more than 2-3 lakh MBBS qualified students are sitting idle at home for furthering their progression for higher studies but are at home without gainful employment and the irony is at this time of crisis their services could have been utilized to tackle this menace. I hope concerned authorities will take notice of this and make use of them.
Arun Sharma

Within the month of March India has transformed as the most livable place amongst mainstream countries in the world. Our habits of indiscipline, selfishness and divisiveness stand over powered by our deep rooted values of universal brotherhood and spiritual balance.
The hope that India is beginning to ignite for the rest- even in the wake of abject poverty and not so great health facilities- shows that love and concern are the best vaccines at least in the early part of the crisis of this kind. We need to maintain this fellow-feeling and self discipline if we have to emerge as an example to the rest of the world.
Ajay Agnihotri
Learn to live within means also means honesty !
Learn to live within means also means learn to live with the amount of money you legitimately earn. Never in the name of the Government exchequer or of the company's exchequer avail any illegitimate benefits. It could be in the matter of use of vehicles, having personal staff, stationaries or any form of any other similar type of benefits for personal purposes over and above the entitlements. The Defence personal of the countries are the worst lot in the country. For example for purchase of cheaper grocery items from the Defence canteens, they do not hesitate in burning petrol at cost of the exchequer. Government vehicles are used by the spouses to attend to kitty parties etc. and for the commuting of their wards from the Residence to Schools/Universities and back. Military Engineering Service (MES) is rated as the most corrupt Department in the Government of India. The other name of MES is 'Money Engineering Service".
BBS

As in the case of SBI merging all its subsidiary banks with itself became the largest bank and other Public Sector Banks are also being merged and restricting the number of 12 banks to 4 big banks. It would be more important to consider after the latest saga Yes Bank in which RBI and Government intervened, though late, at the behest of Government SBI acquired 49% shares at the rate of Rs.10/- and other private lenders also landed financial support. Taking clue from this, Government may think of pruning the number of private sector banks. Now-a-days, it has been observed that there are so many types of banks Smail size banks regional banks rural banks cooperative banks such PMC Bank. It seems that these banks are not functioning efficiently. On the other hand, there are very few banks who have been efficiently managing their affars in this tough time. It is my suggestion that the small private ticket size banks such as South Indian Bank, Dhanlaxmi Bank, Lakshmi Vilas Bank etc. whose performances were not up to mark may suitably be merged with potential big lenders or NBFC who can manage it efficiently. It would, on the one hand, prevent any misuse of funds collected from common man on time and reinforce the faith in our financial system,
V P Sharma
Difficult days ahead, refrain from spreading rumours
We really have difficult days ahead of us. But Every Citizen should refrain from spreading rumours and not indulge in Hoarding of items. Dedicated Public Servants and others are doing their best to Contain the spread of this Virus. We individuals should help the Government and its agencies in containing this epidemic.
S Gopal

When the government of India as well as the states are taking full steps to contain the COVID-19 epidemic, and the DOPT has asked all the central government offices to call only fifty percent staff to office, the irony is that there is one office that has refused to implement these instructions of DOPT, stating that the office deals with essential services. The Chief Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai Zone -II, Rajiv Talwar has refused while his counterparts in Mumbai Zone I and III have already issued necessary instructions in this matter. So, how is the Jawaharlal Nehru Custom House, which caters to imports and exports through the port of Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust, dealing with essential service while the import and export business at old Mumbai port, as well as at Mumbai air cargo complex, and the passenger arrival and departure and customs clearance thereof is not essential. The terror created by the Chief Commissioner Talwar is to such an extent, that his Commissioners are getting angry on the lower staff who dared to post the instructions of the DOPT, and the circulars issued on the basis of these instructions, by other two customs zones of Mumbai, on the whatsapp groups, thinking that it will create a mutiny. Incidentally, Rajiv Talwar has joined this Zone II of Mumbai Customs just a month back, and his predecessor Vivek Johri, Principal Chief Commissioner is not head of Mumbai Customs Zone-I, where he has implemented the instructions of DOPT. Does the Finance Minister allow such double standards? Or the Mumbai customs Zone II has been given an autonomous status ? So far as the preparations for the fight against this epidemic, in JNCH, are concerned, there was no water in the washrooms of this Custom House, today afternoon, on 20.02.2020, and this is also when the footfall in the building has been quite restricted due to this epidemic. Indeed this is the implementation of the day curfew ordered by the prime minister.
Vikas Singh
Equally irresponsible are those who attended Kanika’s party
This girl Kanika Kapoor has acted in a very irresponsible manner but equal guilty are those who hosted these parties of large crowd during these days when they should know that people must avoid such gatherings. Equally irresponsible are those who attended these parties. Do these VIPs not know that they should avoid going where so many people are there. It only shows their carelessness and non-seriousness about such a serious situation with which the whole world is grappling.
Aarti Khosla

The only way to lessen the burden of the Government is stop the misuse of perks & facilities by the Ministers & Bureaucrats. If we do a study on this subject, then we will definitely find that scam in financial terms in this area of operations, will far outreach the financial scam of Yes Bank. One of Modi's Minister has taken Chappal and Hajmola from the office expenses budget of his Ministry. During his official travel his wife and daughter accompanied him. The Principal Private Secretary has claimed from the office the journey cost of his wife and daughter. One former Secretary purchased I Phone for his PS at the cost of exchequer and also footed the mobile bills of his PS at the cost of exchequer. There is CAG para on this subject and the office wants that this paragraph should be dropped. The concerned Chief Vigilance Officer in the Department of Economic Affairs is not taking any action on the complaint. Feudalism in this country has engraved like a Corona Virus. The Feudal Bureaucrats and Ministers need to be brought on to their knees. Only God can do this.
BBS

Withdrawal of Rs. 2000 denomination currency notes from ATMs by SBI and Indian Bank (hopefully by all the other Banks too) is a prudent and wise decision. Withdrawal from ATMs is meant for meeting small expenses and not for paying hotel bills or high value purchases in cash. Those who withdraw such large amounts will surely have credit/debit cards which should be used for high value purchases. I also suggest that Banks limit ATM withdrawal to Rs10, 000 per swipe allow only one swipe per week. This is from safety angle. The loss to an user/Bank in the event of a fraud, theft etc will be restricted to Rs. 10, 000 only and the one week gap will give enough time to the user to get the card blocked, lodge complaint etc. Progressively Banks should withdraw Rs.500 denomination currency also from ATMs and disperse only Rs.100 notes.
Raghavan
CAA protests
Through the whispers, I want to appeal to the Government to collect the information about the participants at the Saheenbagh and other places, and announce that the facilities extended to them by the government will be stopped forthwith. Recover the loans granted. Stop transferring scholarship money, etc.
BBS

The bill related to Vivad se Vishwas is passed by the Parliament and is ready for its implementation. This does not look only scheme but looks vision of Govt. to resolve the disputed cases and build a Brand of Vishwas or Trust between tax payers and tax Administration. This is a step moving from fear to trust but it takes time and hard work to build the Brand TRUST. More than 9 lakhs crores are struck in dispute and success rate is around 35%. Considering other factors also it is worth while to spend money and time to bring the trust between tax payers and Tax officials. It requires change of mind set of tax officials and provide helping hand to tax payers in resolving the cases. Tax officials may take lead and work as a guide to tax payers for right approach. This is very necessary that trust gap between tax payers and tax officials must go. It should be ensured that from now the case should not move from Vishwas to Vivad. To start building trust, Govt. may consider the cases older than five years and income is below taxable limits but notices have been issued and submission has been made by the tax payers to close on the basis of submission. This will be first step not to move to Vivad from Vishwas. Let us understand why only 2% of people paying income tax, it is due to lack of trust or some other reasons? Tax compliance is good in salaried class but in professional and trade categories, it is less. This needs immediate attention. Tax officials to devote more time and energy in developing tools using present day technologies and methodologies to assess the correct income in these categories instead of wasting time with small tax payers. Sr, citizens (pensioners, house wives etc) to be completely exempted from notices and not moving to Vivad from Vishwas. Their submission to be accepted to create Brand trust. It is like building Brand Equity. Once Brand Trust is created between tax payers and tax administration, things may move in positive direction where not only the number of tax payers will increase but revenue will also increase. Let us hope good success in implementation. Good luck !!
Naveen
“Let us practise Aparigreh and learn to live within our means”
Massive shortages of consumer goods are around the corner. This will be followed by scrambles, stampedes, robberies, killing, looting and arsons at malls and big bazaars and supermarkets. All markets will be ordered to be closed, soon.
Total Lockdown of metropolitan cities, is imminent.
Avoid imitating the dirty Chinese, notorious for consuming raw wild animals like snakes, rats, cats, dogs, donkeys, lizards, donkeys , crocs as also delicacies like soups of owls, crows and whatever you can imagine.
Don't forget, hoarding of essential commodities is illegal.
The grim scenario seems like a precursor to WWIII.
Try your best to follow precautions.
Don't be afraid of death. If, it has to come, it will come, unannounced.
This will be the easiest way to attain Moksha without tapasyaa, santhara, voluntary starvation to death.
Worst days are ahead.
No hope for Achhey din as repeatedly promised by PM Modi.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

The Corona fright is an intimation from the Benevolent to seek Kshama for the misdeeds of the human race in the last 200 years which has destroyed the planet and is disturbing the Planetary Order. Benevolence in mercy melts even stones in to water, the elixir of life, but if infuriated (as in the last 200 years) make stones of the same water (we call hailstones). The violent must understand that non-violence is not a sign of weakness of mankind, but violence certainly is an expression of fear of the cowards, who are quick to take to violence. India is the only country which actively practices and promotes the practice of forgiveness or Kshama. To mitigate the severity of the current COVID-19 and to propitiate Benevolence, let us observe the period from now (March 15) up to 30th April as Special World Kshamaparv.
M L Gupta
Fall in oil prices to benefit individuals
Fall in prices of oil is going to benefit individuals who consume oil. It is going to be a huge loss for the Government, which earns a lot through Customs and Excise on oil. Lesser the money with the government would mean lesser amount for the government to spend.
BBS