Whispers Forum

DEBATE(1)
On the face of it politicians use bureaucrat. However, beneath the surface, it is the other way round.
Arvind Singh
DEBATE(2)
The politicians have power over bureaucrats in implementation of government schemes and other works. But politicians abusing their power is very common occurrence and bureaucrats also try to ensure they have the favour and patronage of powerful politicians as this helps them to get promotions and postings of their choice. So in such instances we see both using and benefitting from each other. The relationship between politicians and bureaucrats is often complementary. The politicians have to present a good image if they want to boost their popularity. And for this they often use bureaucrats. They have to please the people of their area/constituency as they want their votes to win elections. Bureaucrats have no such compulsion but due to political intervention they can’t act freely. So politicians use bureaucrats for their benefit.
Sarita Joshi, Housewife
EVM is not good in India only for loosers
Dear Harish Kumar, EVM is not good in India only for the loosers who loose election. They don't doubt it when they win election based on EVM. Western world continues with the ballot system because they have less population/voters. If they also had population/voters of the same number as in India they would have also run for the EVM. EVMs are managed by government officials, who are mostly non technical people, who could play with the EVM. The entire exercise of election in the country is done in the most transparent manner in front of the participating candidates representatives. the office of Election Commissioner, which performs an un-parallel exercise in the whole amounts stooping to the level of dust.
Anurag Srivastava

DEBATE(1)
Political interference in the bureaucratic functioning in India is a very old phenomenon and politicians use bureaucrats for their benefit. We see this daily even at local level for example when a legislator asks a bureaucrat to ensure illegally built structures of an area are not razed. Politicians and bureaucrats are indispensable to each other. But this indispensability leads to undue interference in bureaucratic works. The intervention should only be for people’s benefit and is uncalled for when the politician’s vested interests are involved. We come across many cases of upright bureaucrats getting frequently shunted or harassed when they refuse to toe the line. And more often than not the politicians dump the bureaucrats when their purposes are served.
Alok Pawar, software engineer, Bhopal
Caution is the need of hour
Telengana government’s decision to totally unlock is not a wise decision. The country is still having 60k cases per day. Caution is the need of the hour. Lock down from 6 pm to 5am was a balanced approach and the same should have been continued for some more time.
Kumar

DEBATE(1)
Mostly politicians use bureaucract. Bureaucrats teach them tricks how to prosper and then nexus is formed.
D P Devgan
DEBATE(2)
While politicians come to power through the electoral process, the civil servants come through a selection process. While the advice of civil servants is based on constitutional and legal provisions, the politicians in power take key decisions for the welfare of the people. The advice has to be unbiased. In an ideal world, the two work together for the common good. But unfortunately, over a period of time some among these, from both sides, have come to use each other. It is an unwritten understanding where both use the other. One plays along while the other offers to protect. Of course, the offer of protection cannot be absolute. The promise is to provide maximum protection in one's power, as absolute protection is not possible.
Some share the loot. Some play ball in the hope of good postings and post-retirement sinecures. There is no question of only one party exploiting the other. Both sides are guilty and culpable. It is an unholy nexus and a matter of conscious choice. Even in a post-retirement constitutional position, one's freedom of action is limited in the view of the threat from political power to make one's past sins visit the civil servants. This is an instance of politicians having the upper hand in exploiting. Otherwise, exploitation is generally mutual.
KS Ramasubban
Retd. Secretary, CVC
Comments on EVM tampering ridiculous
I totally disagree with Mr. Harish Kumar who is always a man with a negative attitude and always sides with the opposition ranks and criticizes the ruling establishment just for the sake of opposition without any tangible proof. His comments on EVM tampering is ridiculous and unsubstantiated. India is a role model for other countries and has conducted the elections, with such a huge population, tremendously. Mr. Harish, if given a chance and eligible, has to sit in one polling booth and see the overall functioning of the elections. If that is the case, why there was a complete silence after the recently held elections where TMC, CPM and DMK won. Only one full state went to BJP (Assam). It means the opposition is satisfied with the outcome and on expected lines. If BJP had won, there would have been again an outcry. Allegations can be levelled by anyone but has to be substantiated. Kudos to the Election Commission to conduct such a mammoth exercise within their limited resources. I appeal to everyone not to take Mr. Harish seriously, not only in this episode, but overall. His mannerism is questionable.
Ramesh

DEBATE(1)
Politicians and bureaucrats are two sides of the same coin. In fact, they complement each other in a democracy. It would be wrong to say that politicians suck bureaucrats dry and then discard them. It is a painful reality that political leaders exploit bureaucrats for the benefit of their vested interests. But the fact of the matter is that bureaucrats allow politicians to live off their backs for their own selfish interests. In other words, you can’t describe either of them as whiter than white.
Dinesh Shukla, Senior Correspondent, INH News
DEBATE(2)
It is always politicians who use or misuse bureaucrats. Very rarely a bureaucrat can use a politician. Remember the episodes of the English serial Yes Minister.
Kumar
EVM is prone to manipulation
I beg to disagree with Kaivalpesh. EVM is prone to manipulation. Anything which is electronic gadget & which is pre programmed is subject to manipulation to infinite level. If this was a perfect system, why USA and the western world are using paper ballot system.
Harish Kumar

The Complainant submitted that complete and correct information has not been provided to him by the respondent on his RTI applications with a malafide intention. He alleged that the PIO intentionally did not provide documentary information relating to functioning of his Supervisor Officer/FAA to avoid embarrassment to him and obstructed information with malafide intention. The Complainant submitted that the FAA did not disposed of his first appeals within stipulated time and has given decisions where information sought is related to him which is in sheer violation of principal of natural justice. The CIC observed that the then PIO has been very casual in disposing of the RTI applications and previously, strict warning has been issued to him. The CIC further observed that the FAA was upholding the vague replies of the PIO by passing general orders and no directions or guidance was given by the FAA to the PIO to provide the information to the applicant. Rather the FAA has blindly approved the replies of the PIO. Further, there is a delay on the part of the FAA in disposing the first appeals of the complainant and he did not recuse or provide information in RTI matters relating to his conduct as FAA. The CIC held that the PIO is not required to give his own judgments on the issue and terming any information unnecessary is not warranted. The CIC imposed a penalty of Rs. 500/- u/S 20(1) of the RTI Act on the then PIO for his casual and callous approach in responding to the RTI applications.
Comments
A PIO must follow the timeline provided under the RTI Act and should not be judgmental about the queries raised by the Applicant.
Citation: Mr. Varun Krishna v. M/o. Finance Department of Economic Affairs in Complaint Nos. CIC/DOEAF/C/2019/647839, CIC/DOEAF/C/2019/647842, CIC/DOEAF/C/2019/647906 & CIC/DOEAF/C/2019/647907, Date of Decision: 27-05-2021
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. Apart from her weekly article here, her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link: www.rtifoundationofindia.com

DEBATE(1)
The question of ‘who is using whom’ within the system has often been raised. Whether bureaucrats use politicians ? Or, is it the other way round ? The plain and simple answer to this question is that both use each other. In a democracy, the political figure (or the political executive) has been placed above the bureaucrats. So, it is far easier for politicians to use bureaucrats to their advantage and then conveniently dump them. But the fact of the matter is that bureaucrats are themselves to blame for the situation.
Knowing well that their service is protected under Sections 309, 310 and 311 of the Constitution, a few public servants are still willing to toe the line of their political masters and assist them in circumventing the system to achieve their dishonest goals. It is often alleged that bureaucrats do so for the sake of lucrative postings in a quid pro quo. But this deals a blow to the concept of a welfare state provided by the Constitution.
Under the provisions laid down by the Constitution of India, civil servants are recruited by an autonomous body. There is a set procedure for their selection involving a written test and followed by an oral interview. Their terms of service are also in writing. Bureaucrats cannot be sacked from service without giving them sufficient reason, and without being given an opportunity to be heard. Public servants can even move the courts for the same.
The idea behind guaranteeing constitutional protection to these services was to ensure that public servants follow the directions issued by the Government to serve the objectives of the Constitution and follow the rules established by law. It was envisaged to be teamwork of political administrators and permanent bureaucracy in which the ultimate responsibility rested with political authorities, who are elected by people. While bureaucrats are not supposed to be responsible for policymaking, they are responsible for implementing the policies framed by Parliament and the Government.
Today, the immoral alliance of politicians and bureaucrats has blurred the lines of policy-making. It has become difficult to determine whether a policy was wrong or bureaucracy itself failed to comply. Consequently, both benefit from this situation as 'No one is responsible.' In a democracy, elected governments can be reined in if the bureaucracy does not buckle under pressure and discharges its responsibilities in a professional manner.
Ajay Singh Gangwar
IAS (Retd)
Income Tax New e-filing portal has many glitches !
Income Tax New e-filing portal Income Tax Department has launched new e-filing portal with many added features but portal has many glitches as reported. A meeting has been planned on 22.06.2021 with Ministry of Finance and Infosys to resolve the issues on priority. Apart from these glitches, there is fundamental issue which should be considered and addressed first by Finance Ministry to make ITR 2 filing on-line like ITR 1 and ITR 4. CBDT commitment to make it on-line is still continuing but little success.It is most important point to be considered by Revenue Secretary, Ministry of Finance to make ITR filing on-line irrespective of Forms whether it is ITR 1,2,3,4. This should be first thing to be considered in the meeting. Tax payers should be able to file returns directly from the portal without downloading of any routines like JSON etc. Let the system provides directly filing of ITRs using new portal 2.0. It will be easy, seamless and painless. At the same time to consider, no point of filing ITR 2 when there is no tax liability on account of STCG and LTCG on transfer of equity or equity oriented MF. It will save time, energy and man power. Please make ITR 2 filing on-line as well as off-line considering best software developers are available in India.
Naveen
ED posts in BHEL galore
As an ex employee of BHEL, I am delighted to learn that 28 executives are likely to be promoted as Executive Directors shortly. I don't think even in our best times we had this many Executive Directors ! During my service time, about two decades ago, there used to be a joke that maximum number of people got promoted in the year that followed the worst performance. I see that it appears to be the true now also although BHEL's current travails are no fault of its executives. Anyway as an ex colleague I wish all the
candidates the very best and hope they will return BHEL to the glory it once enjoyed.
Raghavan

DEBATE(1)
Sawai Singh Sisodia.
DEBATE(2)
Only bureaucrats use politicians because of their intelligence.
Dinesh Gupta
Submission to Finance Minister
The new e-filing portal has been launched to ease the filing process and enhance end-user experience and to make the compliance experience more tax payers friendly. Many features have been added. Govt. of India is taking several steps to enhance the tax compliance and easy, seamless and painless process. It will take sometime to stabilise the whole process. But it is surprising and disappointing to note that ITR 2 filing remains off-line unlike ITR 1 and ITR 4 which are on-line as well as off-line. It is not clear why ITR 2 filing is not being made on-line like ITR 1 and ITR 4. India has best software engineers and can develop necessary tools for the same but tax authorities have to take initiative to get the software developed. It looks there is some problem in making ITR 2 filing on-line. Secondly why force tax payers who can file ITR1 if there is no tax liability on account of STCG or LTCG (less than 1 lakh) but sold some shares or redeemed equity oriented MFs. Many salaried class and pensioners, hose-wives who can easily file ITR 1 if thy do not have tax liability on account of STCG/LTCG on transfer of equity or equity oriented MF. It is submitted to the Finance Minster to look into two following points: 1. Making ITR 2 filing on-line as early as possible. 2. An option can be given to tax payers to file ITR 1 if there is no tax liability on account of STCG or LTCG on transfer of equity or equity oriented MF. As for record purpose all data are now available with Tax Authorities which can easily be verified at the time of scrutiny. The filing option can easily be implemented by issuing FAQ. This will provide a big relief to salaried class, pensioners, house-wives and others who are using ITR 1. Forcing to file ITR 2 in case of no tax liability on account of STCG or LTCG does not give any tax revenue but complex process to file ITR 2. There is increase in workload of tax authorities without any tax revenue and difficulties to tax payers. Finance Minister may consider above two points for easy and painless e-filing process and relief to tax payers during this pandemic.
Naveen

DEBATE (1)
Bureaucrat use politicians more. Though politician is more liable for the public, bureaucrats are not.
Gaurav Tiwari
DEBATE (2)
Politicians, after coming to power, exert all authorities to make the bureaucrats accept and meet their plans and expectations. Bureaucrats abide by the politicians under undue pressure and pay prices for their deeds.
Mukesh Ubanare
Good augury
It is a a good augury that merit is the sole consideration in any appointments in he NDA governments. On the other hand in the govts in the past, a number of outstanding officers have missed the bus due to extraneous considerations.
K Srinivasa Rao

DEBATE(1)
Polticians and bureaucrats, both try to exploit each other but ultimately bureaucrats succeed.
Girja Shankar
(DEBATE 2)
More than two millennia back, the master of statecraft Chanakya aka Kautilya aka Vishnugupta stated “नैकं चक्रं परिभ्रम्यति” which translates as "you cannot move a chariot having a single wheel." The Constitution of India unambiguously reflects the noble objective of the founding fathers who clearly laid down that the legislature, the executive and the judiciary must function like components of a well-oiled machine for the proper functioning of our democracy. However, present-day India is radically different from what it was in the initial decades post-Independence. Idealism plummeted in the political sphere and now almost anyone with deep pockets can don the mantle of a parliamentarian or legislator. Politicians are not "all bad" but it is often observed that they pressurise the bureaucracy to have things done their way. In such a situation, an honest officer's choices are certainly not easy - either ignore, buckle or protest at the cost of transfer or suspension! A babu who acts like a puppet will definitely have the advantage of his or her other mistakes or graft being 'pardoned' but that hardly augurs well for public welfare.
Abhijit C. Chandra

DEBATE(1)
Misusing bureaucracy by the political class is a curse of the system. Who is responsible for this mess? Is the elite Service, a steel frame or a steel cage? None of these. Rather, a battered tin cage where the inmates willingly serve their political masters for getting quid pro quo benefits as rewards.
‘Give-and-take’, is fair play. Nothing like “Give-and-give” and “Take-and-take” relationships.
Politicians are past masters in manipulating bureaucrats to their advantage and after having done with, throw them as used tissue papers.
Sadly, the “maibaap” culture, is not possible without the active connivance of willing bureaucrats. Politicians’ are fair weather friends. They can stab anyone, anytime.
This has been the trend since independence, nurtured by the system that is flawed. People are bad, not democracy.
Things will be alright once the Rule of law is restored in the country and discretionary powers of the political Executive covering powers to transfer, give post-retirement placements to bureaucrats, are scrapped by the Supreme court as ultra vires the Constitutional Right to Equality and Rule of Law.
This has led to autocracy under successive dispensations.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)
Indians in top positions in World for the first time
India under the dynamic leadership of PM Modi and able management of human resources of India by P.K. Mishra has, for the first time, Indians in top positions in World Bank like CFO, Chief Risk Officer, COO MIGA and Vice President in IFC. PMO sustained efforts for strategic human capital placement in International org has been well received and it will boost the demand for quality human capital from India in the International organisations. India is a donor in many organisations like GEF, GCF, CW, UN. GFDRR, IDA, UNIDO. Indian manpower placement will further the country's goals as a donor.
Ram Singh

Information on 15 points was sought from Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment such as the number of persons having Autism Spectrum Disorder, Mental illness, Multiple Disabilities etc. Information about offence committed against persons with disability and data about the against persons with disability like their Marital Status, Employment Status, Education Status was also desired. Further, the appellant sought information about steps taken to encourage employment and equal participation of the differently abled in the field of work and to promote respect, empathy and tolerance towards the differently abled. The PIO submitted the available data of persons with disabilities (PwDs) category wise and State wise was provided. He added that the process of incorporating segregated data on autism and specific learning disabilities is ongoing as a part of the UDID initiative i.e ‘Unique Disability ID’ which is being implemented with a view of creating a National Database for PwDs, and to issue a Unique Disability Identity Card to each person with disabilities. The CIC held that the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment ought to take certain extraordinary steps aimed at data creation entailing the aspects as pointed out by the Appellant in his RTI Application to the extent possible and to facilitate a centralised resource centre i.e the Ministry’s website for the general public. A copy of the order was marked to the Secretary, Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment to expeditiously look into the serious concerns raised by the Appellant and to take note of the advisory of the Commission.
Comments
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 Act was enacted under Article 253 of Constitution of India to give effect to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. The applicant has used the RTI Act successful for creating a huge database for the persons with disability.
Citation: L Muruganantham v. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment in File No: CIC/DEPDD/A/2019/648066, Date of Decision: 31/05/2021
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. Apart from her weekly article here, her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link: www.rtifoundationofindia.com