Whispers Forum

No reply was provided to the Complainant by the Assam University within the stipulated time frame and hence, a show-cause notice was issued to the PIO to explain in writing as to why action should not be initiated against him under Section 20(1) and 20(2) of the RTI Act. An explanation was provided that the CPIO is the nodal officer of the University for transmitting required information to the applicant. The CPIO acquires information from different wings of the University as supplied by the concerned officer. In the instant case, the matter processed and communicated by CPIO as obtained from other wings of the University and there was no intentional delay or dilatory tactics on the part of CPIO. The said information has already been obtained and communicated to the applicant. The CIC accepted the explanation tendered by the then PIO and found no reason to disbelieve him. The CIC observed that there is nothing on record to suggest that the PIO acted malafidely or failed to exercise due diligence.
Comments
If there is a delay by the deemed PIO, penalty may be imposed on him/her. Hence, it is the duty of the deemed PIO to ensure that the information is provided as per the provisions of the RTI Act.
Citation: Nirupam Deb v. Assam University, CIC/ASUVR/C/2021/643616; Date of Decision: 10.11.2022
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

In a move to increase private sector participation in key regulatory appointments, the Centre, as per media reports (IE dated Sept 12,2023) is contemplating amendment of the TRAI Act, 1997. The essential and desirable qualifications will now be suitably tailor-made to suite senior corporate executives to become Chairperson of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).
The purported decision would be unjust and unfair due to involvement of Conflict of interests and consequent biases in decision making in a sensitive organisation like the TRAI. Are the government / public sector deprived of professional experts from telecom sector to locate a competent successor to the present incumbent ?
The suspicion of loyalty of the new incumbent towards their former employers in the corporate sector, bypassing public interests, cannot be soft-pedalled. Selections cannot be arbitrary, based on pick and choose.
A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

I now beg to differ with Mr Harish Kumar, whom I have always termed as an anti-Modi person and takes anti-Govt stand always, is in for a big shock next year as BJP will trounce and come back to power for a record third time at the Centre. The opposition always has a negative narrative and they have not come out with "What they wish to do for the country". Mere anti-establishment never stands in the long run as development is there everywhere. As a citizen of India, we should see the progress and development and the well being of everyone. Just for the sake of opposing, we should not oppose. Give constructive criticism which will help one and all. Let us wait for the D-day in 2024. Jai Bharat
Ramesh

Over a period of time, the Information Commission is emerging as a body which is denying the information rather than facilitating it. In such a simple case where some degrees are the prerequisites and essential for appointment, there is no reason to deny the information. At least, the public information officer should issue a notice to the third party. The third party obviously has no qualms about disclosing the details of the degree. In fact, in academic circles, everyone wants to flaunt the degrees and achievements.
C M Nimje

Home Minister Amit Shah has reportedly said that the Prime Minister had not made a single speech in parliament in English. It is very interesting. It sums up the grand success of Prime Minister Narendra Modi for 10 full years running smoothly making India the 5th largest economy in the world and many other accomplishments. He has used the power of words to the maximum to register success after success, as he understands the “shabd shakti”. Well, that is the intellectual heritage of India, flowing from Sanskrit and converging into the tributaries called Modern Indian Languages (122: Census 2011). Narendra Modi has spoken for 10 years the language of the masses connecting to them instantly. Interestingly, again his rivals have suffered losses after losses by using English only or uttering Hindi/MIL as if they are the children of the Gora Sahibs! They have committed the sin of using English maliciously, opting for the hate glossary wantonly, employing vulgar and evil words for aggravating the vicious vitriol against Narendra Modi under the delusion that the Indian people can be easily fooled. The Indian masses are so learned in wise stories (Panchatantra is one) orally narrated that they know thousands of idioms which convey wisdom in a few words. Narendra Modi has intelligently used them in all these 10 years so skillfully that his opponents don’t yet know how to match him. Frustrated, they only abuse him daily in the country & in foreign countries, annoying the voters every day unabated.
M L Gupta

I beg to disagree with Gautam Nigam, if there were sufficient cases against Congress party or Rahul, what is stopping system to take action against them, more than one year elapsed since raid etc were conducted. Rahul Gandhi whom whole nation was terming as pappu has walked a long political journey by walking on foot etc in India so long, meeting NRIs in USA & EU. If dispensation decides to hold elections early or as scheduled, certainly, in for many many big surprises. Of course Indian voter has consciousness & is fond of giving surprises each time. All analysis of TV & media etc miserably fails finally as VOTER is the king in India.
Harish Kumar

It is not appropriate to put that the officers of Railways are under pressure and feeling frustrated. The Railway Ministry is totally controlled by the officers of Railway Services having no interference of any IAS and most other power points except the Railway Minister over it. Moreover, the minister is also from the bureaucracy and he’s supposed to be one who doesn’t believe in status quo which has been plaguing hitherto, there cannot be any extra pressure on any officers, but yes, the reason could be other way around, that the officers are now compelled to work, while they were hitherto not getting the direction adopting, procrastination. There can’t be any office of Govt of India or any state Govt where there is even one fourth of work, the officer is meant for, could be empty hands playing with tools (not an accusation) Let all of us, when the country is shining, take a pledge to double our efficiency, and take the decisions as per rules, but without any delay, so that contribution from all corners and walks of life tickle down and we surge ahead to become The global economy.
Mahendra Goel

The appellant sought information about Dr Amulya K Panda Director, National Institute of Immunology like - the name of the subject in which he obtained master’s degree (with specialization, if any), the subject on which he was awarded PhD degree etc. It was informed that Dr Panda has superannuated on 31.05.2021. It is a personal information exempt under section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, since it has no relation to public activity or interest and is exempted from disclosure to prevent unwarranted invasion of privacy. Relying on the ratio laid down in the matter of Central Public Information Officer, Supreme Court of India v. Subhash Chandra Agarwal in Civil Appeal Nos. 10044, 10045 and 2683 (all of 2010), the CIC denied the request of Appellant for disclosure of the information and upheld the submission of the PIO.
Comments
Information about the educational qualification of scholars is usually available publically, on the website of the organisation. The linked in profile of Dr Amulya K Panda shows his education as PhD - Biotechnology (IIT Delhi), M Tech - Chemical Engineering (IIT Madras) apart from other degrees. It indicates that the individual has no qualms regarding disclosure of his educational degree. The PIO could have issued a third party notice rather than flatly denying the information. If the qualification for a post requires Master’s degree or PhD, it is liable to be disclosed under RTI.
Citation: Dr. D. D. Joshi v. National Institute of Immunology (Ministry of Science & Technology), CIC/NIIMM/A/2022/647852; Date of Decision: 26.07.2023
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com

Request to convey Indian Journalists Union (IJU) hearty congratulations to Hon'ble Chief Minister Sri Shivaraj Singh Chohan ji for his announcements made today on the welfare of working journalists in the state . It is one state on the top in the country in the welfare measures of working journalists. The Indian Journalists Union once again congratulate sri Shivaraj Singh ji.
K.Sreenivas Reddy President
G 20 Summit and India
The G20 summit will be held from September 9-10, 2023 at Bharat Mandapam International Exhibition-Convention Centre, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi and will be attended by the leaders of the G20 countries, as well as invited guests.
The theme of the summit is "Building a Resilient Recovery for a Sustainable Future".
The summit is expected to discuss a wide range of issues, including the global economy, climate change, and digitalization. It is also expected to be a platform for India to showcase its economic and diplomatic prowess.
The G20 is an international forum for the governments of the world's 20 largest economies. It was established in 1999 to promote international economic cooperation and coordination. The G20 countries account for about 80% of the world's GDP, 75% of global trade, and 60% of the world's population.
The G20 summit is the main decision-making body of the G20. It is held every year and is attended by the leaders of the G20 countries. The summit is a chance for the leaders to discuss and agree on global economic and financial issues.
The 2023 G20 India Summit is a significant event for India. It is the first time that India will be hosting the G20 summit. The summit is a chance for India to showcase its economic and diplomatic prowess to the world.
The key issues that are likely to be discussed are:
The global economy: The summit is likely to discuss the recovery of the global economy from the COVID-19 pandemic. The leaders will also discuss ways to address the rising inflation and food insecurity.
Climate change: The summit is likely to discuss ways to address the climate crisis. The leaders will also discuss how to transition to a clean energy economy.
Digitalization: The summit is likely to discuss the opportunities and challenges of digitalization. The leaders will also discuss how to ensure that everyone benefits from the digital revolution.
Poverty and inequality: The summit is likely to discuss ways to reduce poverty and inequality. The leaders will also discuss how to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to prosper.
Hina Khan