Whispers Forum

I would like to know on WHAT basis their performance is being reviewed?? Is it on the basis of complaint received or their performance on the basis of ACR. Having worked in government ,I know that no reporting officer would ever give a bad or adverse remarks as they have to substantiate it with evidence. So to avoid this every one gives GOOD rating !!! Similarly in most corruption complaints, there is lack of documentary evidence to substantiate it.
S Gopal
Date with RTI
If the government issues an OM, who is responsible for implementing it ? If it is not implemented, who is required to punish for not implementing it ? The OM must be implemented or it would create an impression that the government is not serious about implementing it. Let there be actual enforcement of the words of the OM and not mere lip service. RTI Act is already being put on the back bench by those in power and it is time that the issues of not implementation be brought before the public. The people and the officials must realise that RTI act is a weapon for their own benefit.
Sulekha Soni

I think the Indian exporters were too lethargic to notice the opportunities knocking at their doors. You have to admit that Bangladesh and Vietnam were smart and made good use of the lull in the negotiations between China and the US. I am sure these two countries may even get repeat orders from their US exporters as long as they are satisfied with the the quality of their products. I have nothing more to add than what I have published. I will only blame the Indian exporters and the various export promotion houses. It is a wake up call for the Indian exporters. Hope the Ministry of Commerce does some damage control instead of shifting the blame to trivial issues.
Sitharam Gurumurthi
INDIANSING INDIA BUREAUCRACY/CIVIL SERVICES
Civil Services Examinations are in existence of British period in the 18th Century onward and Lord Cornwallis is called the Father of Indian Civil Service (ICS). Between 1848-1947 i.e. the division of India, the ICS Officers ruled more than 300 million people of the country having 250 districts at that point of time. At the time of partition, the ICS were divided between India and Pakistan as per the choice of the officers.
Satyendranath Tagore was the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS) who retired in 1894 and took the examination in London. From 1922 the examinations started to be held in Delhi. Now there are 2000 examination centers in 60 cities with thousands of coaching centers flourishing in the country.
The average age for appearing in the exam during British period time was intentionally kept as low as 22 years keeping in view of fact the persons of Indian Origin may nor find age eligibility because of late academic graduation. The post of district magistrate also called the District Collector was created in 1772 under Warren Hastings, the Governor of Bengal, the idea was to remove Indians from revenue administrations and make the British the soul controller of resources.
The ostentations attached to the post of District Collectorate still amuse the aspirants though the posting for such coveted job is not more than 4-5 years. This bureaucracy which is truly the weaving of national tapestry now was developed as devilish, diabolical, the wanton desire, the servility to absolutely unchanged desire to implement slavery into the loath some bestiality of passion to rule the country i.e. India was/is the mindset of British people.
The subjects listed in the civil services examination are of colonial period and the syllabus of the various subjects were mostly suitable to the British regime to make in depth study and research to deal with ongoing encounter with the various sections of the human race at different geographical zones.
Let us take the example of the anthropology it deals with the race, racism and morphological changes and possible mutations with variations and it was kept intentionally by Britishers, as to how could that study be used, while encountering hundreds of races and aborigines of lands of different areas conquered by the whites as they were on winning spree under the very apt philosophy of divide and rule and the want wits of the various areas fell prey to their rhetoric’s.
Similarly, the subject psychology, the syllabus consists of many outdated theories and does not find the place for Patanjali, Yoga, Neuro Science etc., which are the true contributor in running the country in contemporary manner.
In political theory and Indian Politics, all western theories are placed which do not contribute in running of the system in our country. All the syllabus of UPSC is inclined towards western ideas and left wing theories with the propounders who do not want forward growth of our country and its subjects.
Furthermore, the bureaucrats in British period, not mostly, but all were given silent mandate for not mixing with Indian population so that sentimental attachment may not play any role and independence may be preponed. The Britishers went away but the secret code of the ethics of bureaucrats still pervade in the minds of these mandarins without merit, causing a heavy loss on account of alienations with the society as a consequence of which they never understand the first hand problem. (may kindly not be generalized or accusation but food for thought)
Over the years, immunity has spread in every section of employees. (As per fourth report of second Administrate reforms committees it has been noted). This has created a climate of excessive security without fear of penalty for incompetence or wrongdoings. In practice discipline of bureaucrats is even more lax. The Ministry of Personnel is apparently slow in investigating and prosecuting members of IAS and IPS and any other service who have been charged with crime.
This has become a story of Indian Bureaucracy:- responsibility without accountability inevitably, the consequence has been that the responsibility has come to be treated in cavalier fashion. No one should be surprised (as per newspapers report that India has come to be treated as having the worst bureaucracy in Asia and) that the best and brightest of India’s youth avoid Government services. The supposed iron cage is eaten through with rust. India is still suffering from civil services though designed like Iron frames (though rusting rapidly) and monarchial political parties adequately, has resulted in the growing decline of citizen’s trust in them. Perversity is parading as Morality.
Suggestions that may transform this antediluvian practices and become one amongst designed for common citizen of the country.
1) The syllabus, so far defined by the UPSC is Orivilian in nature and should be replaced by the theories and the thoughts pertaining to our country with small reference to cotemporary international study so that the selected lot of IAS may understand the area which is to be served by them in true sense.
2) The subjects should be so chosen that the comprehensive knowledge and holistic acumen is obtained by every selected candidate about the country and the section of society they are posted in.
3) The syllabus should be changed every two years with the latest happenings in the nation and the world, are incorporated so that solutions to tackle the same is designed in the mind of the new entrants in bureaucracy. This will obliterate the common cramming of the subjects in repeated attempts by the students who fail in the given chance.
4) The eligibility age should be increased from minimum 22 years to 30 years with the retirement age extended up to 65 years and every aspirant should have worked for 5 years in private segment so as to perceive the tough life and the flavor of siting on other side of table and the tribulations the private sector undergoes through the Government set up. It will shed the vanity from the mind of the aspirant that he attains if he becomes Collectorate at the age of 27 without the rigmarole of true public life and sensation of the society in true sense. This way, the selected lot will have the true connect of the society which they are generally insensitive to and will innovate better for the growth of society.
The next step towards correcting this is to increase manifolds, the public interface with this bureaucratic mandarins so that they are exposed to the truthfulness of the issues and corrective measures can be taken in a better way. Secondary, the present disciplinary process, to ensure that the bureaucrats under investigation, are neither promoted not given any job.
The bureaucrats do (before joining the services) work very hard to come out with flying colours and really wish to contribute a lot but the fear of launch of any enquiry, dissuades them to render in the desired manner. They should, at all levels, be in the office or in public life, make public appearances and interface which can pre-empt a lot of corruption practices because now the lower base of staff is pretty sure that the higher boss is never going to inspect and the world belongs to them.
There should be proper learning that the officers cannot take decision with proclivity and holistically if they are confined to their cushy office and the culture of green sheets prevail with the witness of wisdom of Assistant Grade as they are the one who draft the reply firstly for any issue with others to either toe in line or make small correction. We need to create an inclusive and just society. All the best to Government functioning.
Mahendra Kumar Goel
Retirement age to be raised to 62 ?
It appears to be tight rope, especially when so much unemployment is prevailing in the country. Instead, Govt should try to fill in vacancies by recruitment drives, which will achieve both issues of unemployment and also vacancies. Currently, most vacancies are managed by contractual appointments which are not the solution. A person is employed for one year on contract can not deliver to the nation with loyalty. Instead of increasing the retirement age for all i.e. performer and non-performers must choose performers based on their past record and re-employ them without referring to their mighty connections.
Vishnu Agrawal

If retirement age is increased to 62, it will only affect the efficiency of working in the Government. Better give chance for persons who have graduated. Their willingness and sincererity is worth watching when they work and their knowledge and getting quickly used to the work is much more than he persons who are already working. So, therefore increasing from 60 years to 62 years is something stupid. Even now, in some offices, you can find atleast considerable employees simply mark their attendance and do personal work during time outside office. Atleast the present generation youngsters will not do that. Not only they will remain in office, if required they will also stay late for completing the work. They will work and will not supervise as tge SR.PPS and PPS are doing
Rahul
All round fitness must for IAS
If IAS has to be continued it cannot have middle aged probationers who cannot walk 5 km. They should have better discipline and mental and physical fitness than any other service including the armed forces. I flew the mirage 2000 fighter when I was 51 years, meeting all physical standards required and did all combat manouvres including a 8.5 g force combat turn which the wing commander put me through .
Shiv Raman IAS (RETD)
Keeping MLAs in 5 star hotels
Whenever defection is suspected political parties take their MsL A to 5starHotels and spend lavishly on them . From where do they get funds. Does any Govt agency audit or look into it. Do the parties submit accounts for such expenditure .
S C Agrawal

There is an urgent need to consider favourably the extension of Retirement Age from 60 yrs to 62 yrs for Central Government as well as State Government Officials. It is imperative to consider the extension due to longevity and better health facilities and also to reduce the Government's burden for payment of Pensionary Benefits such as Gratuity / GPF / Encashment of Earned and Medical Leave /Pension etc on superannuation . In most of the countries viz USA / Canada / Europe etc people are working beyond 60 yrs due to better health facilities/longevity .The aggregate longevity in most of the people now is 80 yrs . If considered favourably it will reduce the payment of Pensionary Benefits for two yrs . This has aso been recommended by the Economic Survey released / presented in the Budget Session of Parliament recently . Strongly recommend the extension of Retirement Age from 60 yrs to 62 yrs .
Ms Surat Mishra
How political standards in our country have fallen !
The mass exodus from one party to another in power denotes how political standards in our country have fallen These party hoppers seem to be totally unscruplous and immoral persons. They get elected on the ticket of one party and then jump over to the party they fought against during elections as they see green pastures on that side. In Telengana 12 of the Congress MLAs switched over and merged with TRS to avoid being disqualified under anti-defection law. What is happening in Karnatka is disgusting. These 16 legislators want to resign from Legislative assembly. The reason is obvious. They would be gaining a lot by doing so than sticking around as MLAs for the balance period of the life of the assembly. In Goa how these 10 Congress-wallahs suddenly became BJP-wallahas. Is it democracy to use money power to make members of the opposition parties to switch over to the ruling party and to oust Governments ruled by other parties and put your own party in power. The game is going on from municipalities to legislative assemblies. Today it is Karnatka and Goa. Tomorrow it will be Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. The intention appears to be opposition-mukt India or one party one Nation. That is not Democracy but autocracy and this sends trouble signals for the future of this country.
Aarti Khosla
Subsidiary Director never appointed as Chairman CIL
Never in the history of CIL a Subsidiary Director appointed as Chairman CIL without being the Subsidiary CMD or being the Director CIL.
Rishi

DEBATE (1)
This system is totally personality based .It will be vote for Modi which is agreeable.
Girja
DEBATE (20)
If US pattern is implemented then there will be no democracy in India.
M Maheshwari
“Bahi Khataa General Budget 2019- 20"
Budget documents wrapped in a red cloth ( An affront to saffron ?) with national emblem, did not inspire any one. Thumping desks by ruling party with a “ thumping majority” in Lok sabha polls , shlokaas, urdu shayris quoted in FM’s maiden budget speech typifies Congress perversity. No break from the past tradition. The ruling dispensation continues to follow the beaten path. Politicians have similar genetic code. Political ideologies are irrelevant.
Confidence is bad; over-confidence is self deception. Excessive reliance on assumptions to sustain 8% GDP growth with 4% inflation to raise a 5 Trillion dollar economy by 2025, has left most Indians confounded. At least, so it seems.
Why did the budget rely on revised estimates when the figures of actuals were available ? Economic Survey wants retirement age to be raised to 75. Not a word about wasteful expenditure on political hypocrisy, austerity measures etc. What about the growing economic disparity between the filthy rich and the down-trodden?
Pardon my ignorance of basic Economics. I leave budgetary micro details and their far-reaching implications for discussions by the specialists.
All things considered ,one has to admit that on the analogy of the practice in the past, this is an over-confident budget, high on rhetorical promises with no immediate reliefs for the downtrodden and senior citizens. No major structural reforms announced. Massive discrepancy in GDP figures indicated in the Economic survey and the Budget documents.
Outcomes in the form of concrete results are in the womb of the future. Time will prove their worth or otherwise. Time is a great leveller.
Use of complicated economic jargon in the budget speech, as always, has been baffling the common man year-after-year. Apparently, the budget is meant primarily for academic discussions among financial analysts.
All beyond the masochistic common man’s comprehension ,who is always available to be fooled by the sadistic governments.
Lastly, invocation of Lord Basaveshwara’s teachings in FM's budget speech, was something pleasant. I never knew, such a Lord existed.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

DEBATE (1)
Presidential form of Government will be virtual dictatorship.
R Kackar
DEBATE (2)
In a democratic country like India, people do not like dictatorship.
R K Dar
New Employment should be increased
As on date Govt. of India is employing retired Judges, IAS, IFS, IPS, IRS etc. as Chairmen, Chief Election Commissioner, Election Commissioner, Chief Information Commissioner, Information Commissioner, Chairmen NCLT, NCALT, Human Rights Commission, Consumer Courts, Arbitration Courts etc.
Why not GOI and State Govts. should employ on the above posts from the working Judges and Officers so that new appointments are made and thus more employment avenue is created.
I am reading the news items that Hon'ble CJ of The Supreme Court writing to the Govt. and Prime Minister to increase the age of the High Courts and Supreme Court judges but why not the new appointments which may bring more talented people in the Judiciary. And, Accordingly, the same for bureaucracy, more selection of better talent persons.
The Govt. of India and the Hon'ble Prime Minister should think twice to increase the age and should stop forthwith appointing retired Judges and Bureaucrats in the Govt. departments or on posts as stated above.
Further, long summer and winter vacations be curtailed as there are other so many holidays (including Saturday and Sundays) which gives them ample time to relax. Office timings be increased to 10 hours a day as Saturdays and Sundays are being utilized by all of them to enjoy.
Hope Govt. of India and The Hon'ble Prime Minister will look into this and take some constructive action for Rising India. India is still a progressive country and not fully developed to take care of the huge population of 130 Crores. Thanks
Ram Kumar Garg
DPSU's need to be reorganised
The DPSU's in the Ministry of Defence need to be reorganised and put under a separate Minister ( independant charge) reporting to PM. This portfolio is crucial to the well being of the National Security Imperatives of India. Make in India ( Defence ) needs a hands on approach now under a Minister to meet the Strategic needs of the Navy IAF & Army. A minister with a military background and member of the ruling party , BJP, is required. This should be implemented forthwith considering the two adversaries facing us daily on our borders and maritime Sea Lines of Control.
Devindra Sethi
New BHEL’ CMD
Era of hope commences.

DEBATE (1)
Much has been said about switch over from present to Presidential form of government, many have spoken for and against it. To me it seems it may be any form of government in India, there would be no constructive improvement in the lot of poo, jawans, farmers and under privileged, because no political party has any vision document for India as a whole. Most of the political goons have self interest above national interest, looting the exchequer is their real motto. Poor voters are inaccessible to the elected representatives. Till money power plays a vital role in politics, no form of Government is worth it. India is in the hands of God which runs this poor nation called largest democracy on papers.
Harish Kumar
No need for so many Regulators/Tribunals
Yes there is no need for so many Regulators/Tribunals which only provide jobs to retired bureaucrats/judges. Government should recruit more staff particularly at junior/middle level so that decision taking becomes easy for Senior officers.Hold all of them for delays and impose heavy monetary fines on them for delay/deliberate wrong decision. This will reduce the need for tribunals etc.
S Gopal

DEBATE (1)
When US can have strong President why India should lag behind.System will be good for the country.
A G Qureshi
DEBATE (2)
Presidential form of Government will be like autocracy in democratic country like India.
B C Maheshwari
No officer from three Railway services empanelled for AS
While five officers each from IFOS and from IAAS, three officers from IRS and two officers from IPOS were empanelled as Additional Secretary vide order dated March 2019, not a single officer from the three Railway services was empaneled for AS. Any reason for the same ?
vox populi
Salute to the PM and HM
Salute to the PM and HM, who gave the legitimate right to the thousands of CAPFs officer's by granting OGAS and NFFU. Justice can be delayed but not denied.
Mahesh Nath
Does it not call for stronger action ?
The OM which you have mentioned in the case is more than 12 years old. However, it is still not implemented and most CPIOs are not even aware of the existence of the OM. Further, the government seems to be distantly interested in implementing the OM while the CIC ends the order with an "advice".
Samarth
Dr. Purshotam will prove his mettle
Heartiest Congratulation to Dr. Purshotam on his joining as P S to Minister for Human Resources. He will prove himself a dynamic and as an intelligent Officer in his field. I personally knew his capability and ability as a bold Officer.
Arya B R

DEBATE (1)
Yes. this system should be implemented in India and Narendra Modi should be the President for country’s prosperity.
A Singh
“Controlling ministry for defence PSUs may change”
The selective decision to transfer Nine PSUs from Defence ministry to M/Heavy Industries & PE, seems bizarre. Why single out MOD, especially when status of about 250 other central utilities remain unchanged. Is there any trust deficit with Raksha Mantri ? Is new RM, like his illustrious predecessors, not competent enough to manage PSUs under his charge? Was there prior consultation with him , one wonders?
There is surely something more to it than meets the eye.
Recall the “ alleged leakage “ of MOD’s file notings related to Rafael deal. PM must surely be upset with it .Was any internal or external inquiry carried out? If,so,with what results? How did the leaked information reach the Congress President to embarrass the ruling government ? ? Was there any Corporate rivalry? Whatever may be the reasons, a repeat of leakage has to be prevented as it has a bearing on the national security?
No doubt, it is PM's prerogative to change orders on Allocation/Transaction of Business rules ,re-structuring of ministries etc or even fix the inter se seniority among ministers. But, arguments should be buttressed by logic .
Justification given by the “ think-tank committee” for recommending transfer of nine defence PSUs from MOD ( Nodal ministry) to M/Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises, does not stand to reason.
The Department of Heavy Industry seeks to achieve its vision by providing necessary support to the Auto, Heavy Engineering, Heavy Electricals and Capital Goods Sectors. Every ministry is responsible for bolstering profit making Public Sector Enterprises as well as restructure and revive sick and loss making Public Sector Enterprises under its administrative control .
M/Heavy industry has about 25 PSUs under its controle.A majority of these are loss-making. Against this background, what is the logic behind transferring additional Nine defence PSUs which are engaged in manufacturing sensitive defence-related equipment. All profit making.
There has to be some connect between the functions of a nodal ministry and the core competence of PSUs under its charge.
Going by government logic, why not shift the administrative control of all Oil and Power utilities from the Petroleum and Power ministries respectively to Heavy Industries ?
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)
CAPF officers get ‘Organised Group 'A' Service’
It’s a fair decision. But officers should give up other perks and privileges like two orderlies, two drivers etc who are many times sent informally to officers home town to do menial work. It’s reliably learnt that many retired IPS officers retain drivers/orderlies of CAPS which they got when in service.
Keshav

DEBATE (1)
There is stagnation. One should get a change in the form of Presidential system of Government.
Sudha Singh
Ministries can easily handle matters
I do not recall TT Krishnamachari but distinctly remember that Morarji Desai always used to carry just a file to cart his budget documents- no dispatch box!! And I would stand corrected but Sachindra Chaudhari just had a file in his solitary budget presentation. And I do remember clearly Jaswant Singh also just carried a file! I would stay corrected but the first Finance Minister to carry his budget speech in a dispatch box was Yeshwantrao Chavan! I do not understand what the fuss is all about !! Hope Govt abolishes all Regulators and Tribunals. They are only costing money without tangible results. Ministries can easily handle matters.
Kamlesh Dixit

The Appellant sought attested copies of certain Office Memorandum through separate RTI applications. The PIO, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health and Family Welfare, denied the disclosure of information on the ground that the information sought are not readily available in the Office of the PIO and that the OMs were incorporated in the Swamy’s Compilation on Medical Attendance Rules, which could be used as a reference book. During the hearing before the CIC, it was reiterated that in his RTI applications, the Appellant himself had made reference to the Swamy’s Compilation on Medical Attendance wherein all the notifications of the Office Memorandums were already mentioned and that they used the aforementioned compilation for their internal purposes as well. On being queried by the CIC regarding the process for record keeping / compilation of the documents sought in the RTI application at the Ministerial level through a Nodal Officer and its periodic updation with clarifications, no satisfactory response was offered by the Respondents who submitted that being very old records several OMs/ Notifications were not available at this distant date. The CIC felt that there was an urgent need to develop a robust system of record keeping in the Respondent Public Authority and to review its efficaciousness periodically. The CIC further noted that the position of Nodal Officer in a Public Authority is created in order to ensure timely and precise response on the RTI applications where information is scattered and multiple Divisions / Departments are involved. It was felt that there was lack of coordination between Public Authority Officials present during the hearing on the issue of custodian of information which ultimately impedes the implementation of the provisions of the RTI Act, 2005. The CIC also referred to the OM No. 1/32/2007-IR dated 14.11.2007 wherein while prescribing for creation of a nodal authority for dealing with RTI applications. In the larger public interest, the CIC advised the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare to appoint a Nodal Officer for the compilation and collation of all available OMs / Notifications issued in the form of a compendium for ready reference of all concerned and to facilitate expeditious reply to the RTI application.
Comments
OM No. 1/32/2007-IR dated 14.11.2007 calls upon all the public authorities with more than one PIO to create a central point within the organisation where all the RTI applications and the appeals addressed to the First Appellate Authorities may be received. It would aid in quick disposal of the RTI applications.
Citation: Mr. Pradeep Kumar v. Ministry of Health & Family Welfare in Second Appeal No.(s):- CIC/MOHFW/A/2018/623283-BJ+ CIC/MOHFW/A/2018/623300-BJ+ CIC/MOHFW/A/2018/623306-BJ+ CIC/MOHFW/A/2018/623311-BJ+ CIC/MOHFW/A/2018/623315-BJ+ CIC/MOHFW/A/2018/624303-BJ, Date of Decision : 05.07.2019
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is an expert on RTI matters and has co-authored the books RIGHT TO INFORMATION - LAW AND PRACTICE and PIO’s guide to RTI. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link: http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/

PM Modi's histrionic ability has a multiplier effect on his oratorical skill. This triggered Modi Tsunami during election time.
Now, consider the obverse. BJP is a party of morons, doormats chatukaars. Devoid of self-respecting individuals. A majority of newly inducted central ministers are specimens of Himalayan idiocy. Their selections are based on political weightage given to factors like communities, castes, sub-castes, regional representations etc. Merit is irrelevant.“ Yes Prime minister” types get encouraged. Ex-bureaucrats-turned-ministers are not popularly elected. Sab Bhagwaan bharosey chal raha hai, Aagey bhi chalega.
People have started believing that a quiet transformation is taking place from Parliamentary to Presidential form of government. One hopes, the Public does not get swayed by another promise of rising expectations. If, BJP feels secure under new dispensation, So be it.
I do not subscribe to every domestic initiative of PM Modi. He is being Ill-advised by his kitchen cabinet and bunch of ambitious bureaucrats. Growing arrogance of power, is worrisome and a matter of deep concern. Modi’s penchant for flamboyant attire irritates. Conferences reduced to fashion shows. No respect for simplicity and austerity.
As a well-wisher, I wish him all well. But, I do trust, he makes amends. Let him also guard against his detractors within the party.
Conducting foreign affairs has been PM’s favourite. He has surely carved out a niche for himself in world politics. The frequency of foreign visits remain recklessly excessive. As a control freak, he does not seem to trust his ministers. No delegation of powers.
All things considered , with war clouds hovering over India, Modi could hopefully prove to be an effective war-time PM for thwarting foreign attacks and for playing peace-keeping role in international politics. Foreign intelligence agencies are active.
Tough times ahead. Wait and watch.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)