Whispers Forum

The appellant had worked on deputation for three years with CONCOR and sought information about the Foreign Service Contribution (FSC) due to which payment of his gratuity had been stopped. The PIO replied that the applicant may seek the information from the concerned Railway Administration and the detailed response can be obtained by the applicant from the concerned East Central Railway. The CIC observed that the denial of information by the PIO on both the points of RTI Application in one liner without substantiating the same under any relevant exemption clause of Section 8 (1) of the RTI Act depicts that this case has been handled badly which is contrary to the spirit of the RTI Act. Observing that the PIO is expected to have applied her mind and should have facilitated relevant information as sought by the appellant by invoking Section 5(4) or Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, the CIC commented that “This reply is as bad as possible”. The CIC held that inaction on the part of then CPIO and the present CPIO is prima facie established. As the then PIO had superannuated, the CIC issued a show cause notice to the present PIO for imposing penalty. Further, the Respondent was directed to re-examine the contents of RTI Application and provide a point-wise revised updated reply against all the points.
Comments
It is observed that some PIO’s try to wash their hands off by giving vague or terse reply. Such casual conduct of the PIO causes unwarranted obstruction to the free flow of information and is a violation of the provisions of the RTI Act which may lead to punitive action against them.
Citation:Vijay Kumar Verma v. Container Corporation of India Ltd, File No: CIC/CCOFI/A/2024/105017; Date of Decision: 11.07.2025
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

Layoff is a global drift nowadays. The termination of employees by a company, often for economic reasons and not due to employee performance is irritating. Layoffs are mostly seen in private sectors or foreign economies. With globalization, economic downturns and start-up culture, layoffs became more frequent. Market competition, automation and cost-cutting have normalized the concept.
The syndrome of layoff is not a formal medical or psychological term, but it can be used informally to describe the emotional, psychological and social consequences that people experience after being laid off from their jobs. Layoff syndrome might involve mental, emotional and behavioural responses experienced by individuals who have lost their jobs due to layoffs often leading to anxiety, loss of identity, stress and uncertainty about the future.
The effects of layoff syndrome include initial disbelief that it happened and difficulty processing the loss. Many tie their identity to their profession and losing a job may feel like losing a part of oneself. Then there are the financial anxieties such as worry over bills, loans, family support and future income. Persistent sadness, helplessness or nervousness sometimes leads to clinical depression. The motivational decline leads to reduced interest in job hunting or upskilling and feeling defeated or burnt out often leading to suicidal thoughts. The long-term consequences of this include reduced employability due to low confidence, relationship strains and physical issues due to stress.
Coping with a layoff can be emotionally and practically challenging, but it is also a chance for renewal and redirection if handled with awareness and resilience. The strategies to cope with such syndrome include acceptance, that is acknowledge that layoffs are often not personal, but economic. Secondly, upskill and adapt viz., using the time to learn new skills or switching career paths. Thirdly, structure your day, by job search, skill-building, networking and self-care. Also maintain a daily schedule, eat well and sleep properly. Stay physically and mentally healthy by not neglecting sleep or physical activity, practice mindfulness, journaling or meditation to manage stress and more importantly, avoid turning to alcohol, smoking or binge-eating as coping mechanisms. Fourthly, positive framing, that is, see it as a chance for redirection or growth by putting to use one’s hobby. Lastly, reflect and reevaluate by asking yourself, Was I truly happy in my previous role? What do I want next – a similar job, a career shift or freelancing? Use this break as an opportunity to align your work with your values and follow your passion. Many people come back stronger, happier and more fulfilled after a layoff, bidding adieu to the Boss (Burden on Subordinate Staff)-culture and whether with like or dislike, bending before the Boss, say goodbye to the traffic snarls, enjoy all day as Sunday, be your own and better with financial independence. Be like, FIRE – Financial Independence, Retire Early or FILE – Financial Independence, Leave Early. A final thought is that a layoff is an event, not a definition of your worth. No being can decide another person’s worth, rather it is a pity that proper use is not made of a worthful and skillful being and is made a victim of layoff, be it owing to emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) or lack of Human Intelligence (HI) of the so-called employer. Use layoff as a pause, not a full stop.
Subbiah Sridhar

Rahul Gandhi, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, has been actively campaigning in Bihar ahead of the upcoming state elections. He's leading the "Voter Adhikar Yatra" alongside RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, aiming to raise awareness about alleged irregularities in voter lists, which opposition leaders claim is a case of "vote chori" or vote theft.
Key Points from Rahul Gandhi's Campaign:
- Allegations against BJP: Rahul Gandhi accuses the BJP of stealing votes, citing instances in Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Haryana, and vows to provide proof of these allegations.
- Support for the poor: He emphasizes that the INDIA bloc will protect the rights of the poor and underprivileged, while the BJP seeks to suppress their voices.
- Constitutional rights: Gandhi stresses the importance of safeguarding constitutional rights, particularly the right to vote, and warns that the BJP's actions could undermine the Constitution.
- Bihar's preparedness: He expresses confidence that the people of Bihar are smart and cautious, and will not let the BJP and Election Commission steal their votes.
The "Voter Adhikar Yatra" has covered over 1,300 km across 20 districts and is set to conclude in Patna on September 1. The elections in Bihar are expected to take place later this year, with the NDA and INDIA bloc vying for power.
Sunidhi Jha

The impact of Trump's tariffs on the Indian economy could be significant, affecting various sectors and aspects of trade.
Increased Costs for Indian Exports: Higher tariffs imposed by the US could make Indian goods more expensive and less competitive in the American market. This might lead to reduced demand and negatively impact Indian exporters, particularly in sectors like:
Textiles: Indian garments could become less competitive compared to those from countries like Vietnam and Bangladesh, which enjoy better trade agreements.
Pharmaceuticals: Indian pharma exports might face higher duties, reducing their competitiveness in the US market.
Steel and Aluminium: Indian steel and aluminium exports could become more expensive, leading to declining orders and revenue.
Trade Deficit and Currency Impact: The tariffs could widen the trade deficit and put pressure on the Indian rupee, making imports more expensive and potentially leading to higher inflation.
Job Losses and Manufacturing Slowdown: Higher tariffs could lead to job losses in export-oriented industries, particularly in sectors like textiles, steel, and electronics.
Reduced Investments: Uncertainty in trade policies might discourage investment in export-oriented industries, potentially slowing down manufacturing growth and economic development.
Government Response: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has signaled its readiness to support the economy by reducing repo rates and injecting liquidity into the banking sector.
Sunil Jain

The Indian Parliament has passed the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, 2025, which bans real-money gaming while promoting e-sports and social gaming.
- *Key Provisions*:
- *Ban on Real-Money Gaming*: The bill prohibits online money games, including fantasy sports like Dream11, online betting, and gambling activities.
- *Promotion of E-Sports*: The bill aims to boost e-sports and casual gaming, with a focus on developing infrastructure and nurturing talent.
- *Regulator for E-Sports*: The bill recommends establishing a regulator for e-sports, educational platforms, and social games.
- *Impact on Indian Gaming Industry*:
- *Companies Affected*: Several Indian gaming companies, including Dream Sports, Mobile Premier League (MPL), Gameskraft, Probo, and Zupee, have suspended or shut down their real-money gaming operations.
- *Job Losses*: Employees of these startups have begun looking for new jobs, and some companies may cut staff to maintain their business and satisfy investors.
- *Government's Reasoning*:
- *Addiction and Financial Harm*: The government aims to curb addiction and financial harm caused by online money gaming.
- *Money Laundering and Terrorism Financing*: The minister cited concerns about money laundering, financing terrorism, and security threats associated with online money gaming.
Shiv Singh

India needs to keep the following factors in view before taking a stand in the fast-changing geo-political scenario especially the weakening Indo-US ties :-
As a transactional leader and an astute dealmaker, the unpredictable President Trump has initiated tariff war to ‘Make America Great Again’. The US expects India to import arms ,crude oil, agricultural /dairy,fisheries and genetically modified products from it. This will adversely impact Indian farmers and fishermen; (b) Both the US and China are trying to balance India against Pakistan to have dominance in the region.China is also suspicious about Pakistan’s growing proximity with the US; (c) Both Russia and China are upset with India for joining the QUAD; (d) China has illegally grabbed large chunks of India’s territory.It has allegedly set up villages inside Arunachal Pradesh and relocated its citizens from the mainland. Its latest misadventure is laying of the railway track to improve connectivity between the mainland and Tibet. This would threaten India’s territorial integrity. Both countries need to work for permanent delineation of boundary; (e) A thaw in US-Russia relations especially after Trump-Putin meeting in Alaska,may not ease tension between the US-India.There is, no hope of reduction in-tariff imposed by the US which has not penalized China for importing oil from Russia. The US Treasury Secretary threatened additional ‘secondary tariff’ on India, if the outcome of the Alaska summit is not favourable. The talks between Trump and Putin, have remained inconclusive. A matter of concern for India.
ow should India handle the dilemma?
All things considered, India needs to play its card cautiously and firmly by strengthening the BRICS for creating a new currency for trade, despite US’s opposition, terming it ‘de-dollarisation’. PM Modi’s meeting with President Jinping on the sidelines of SCO would be important.
India should put its best foot forward in the multi-polar world order. Let India continue to remain a member of the QUAD. More importantly, India needs to support Russia’s proposal of forming the Russia-India-China troika (RIC troika) as a trilateral grouping to counter western dominance.
A K Saxena (Former civil servant)

The appellant sought information about the date, month, year and time on which a particular order was passed, uploaded and further related information. Regarding the contention of the Appellant that information as furnished by the PIO is not a certified copy and same is without rounded seal & stamp in violation of the guidelines mentioned in OM No.10/1/2O13- IR dated 06.10.2015, the CIC observed that the PIO is supposed to furnish a reply which is duly signed by the PIO and same should essentially contain name and designation of the PIO as well as necessary details of FAA. The aforementioned essential details have been duly provided by the PIO in their reply and the OM No.10/1/2O13-IR dated 06.10.2015 does not require that the certified copy of the reply with a rounded seal should be provided to the RTI Applicant. In the instant RTI Application the Appellant has sought certified copy of the document only at point No. 3 of the RTI Application in response to which it has been clearly mentioned by the PIO that no such document exists in their record. The CIC upheld the reply provided by the PIO.
Comments
If “certified” copies of certain documents are sought by the applicant, the PIO should be careful as such documents might be presented to a court of law as evidence.
Citation: Ms. Neha Chawla v. Supreme Court of India, CIC/SCOFI/A/2024/117161; Date of Decision: 21.05.2025
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

Prime Minister Modi’s Red Fort address powerfully highlighted how transformative reforms can shape India’s future. More than just policy shifts, reform has become a national movement, driving self-reliance, resilience, and renewal.
Over the years, the Governments have given me reform assignments and I have explored this journey in depth. The link below leads to a curated and abridged compilation of articles I’ve published on Academia (including articles on other sites like EPW), reflecting my long-standing engagement with reform processes in India and globally (latest abridged version):
https://independent.academia.edu/PradipBaijal
Reform is never easy. As Machiavelli observed in the 1500s, those who drive change often face the greatest opposition. The strategies behind successful reform are complex and often misunderstood. ( May be seen on YouTube search for Machiavelli)
Having participated in this evolution, mostly at Government expense through various roles, policy assignments, academic courses, seminars, books, and digital platforms like YouTube, I feel a deep responsibility to share the insights I’ve gathered. I invite you to explore the material and, if you find it valuable, share it with others who may benefit.
Your thoughts and feedback are most welcome. Let’s continue the conversation on how reform can shape a stronger, more self-reliant India.
Pradip Baijal, IAS (retired)
Former Chairman, TRAI and Secretary, Disinvestment.

It is absurd to say that a senior IAS officer will eradicate corruption in this agency yet to be formed. Central Revenue Secretary as well as joint secretaries admn in both CBIC and CBDT are senior IAS and have not yet eradicated corruption in revenue department. Same is true of land revenue departments in states where this department is headed by IAS from the district level onwards, where nothing moves when not on silver wheels. So let the agency remain with them who have domain knowledge. In fact, these senior IAS are there to channelize and manage corruption and not eradicate it.
Jatinder Sai

Heartiest congratulations to Mr. Suresh Mehrotra, Editor-in-Chief of Whispers in the Corridors and the entire Team, on completion of 25 glorious years of free, fair and excellent journalism!
Dharam Vir Singh
School children want to understand content of Modi’s ID’s address
School children want to understand the contents The PM’s ID address to the nation on 15/8/25, among others addresses inter alia school learners of Classes 8,9,10, 11 &12 also. But most students will look askance if you asked what did the PM speak about. It will yield valuable results if a video is made covering each point to benefit crores of children suffering from poor schooling(not their fault but a crude reality). They are the Indians who will actualise the dreams of Vikisit Bharat. They also want to know what “big” people (bade log) sochte hain, kaise sapne dekhte hain, kinko dikhate hai, kya boh bhi aise sapne dekh sakte hain? It is in this context I suggest that each issue covered by the PM needs to be explained in detail graphically in a video specially made for this purpose. Without such dissemination of information(EV, semi -conductor, renewable energy, hydrogen energy etc) they will miss the opportunities in life. In Indian schools history/geography is taught without maps with the result children learn only so much “history-geography bewafa, raat ko padhi subah safa”.This product will show whether we care for quality, opportunities for students and excite their quest for knowledge.
M L Gupta