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2019 340 posts · page 18 of 29

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Monday, 27 May 2019
Forum

Ten Next steps……making India beautiful

GST was first aid after demonetization slow down , now more good things for making India rich
1. Speedy launch of e-cars for saving foreign reserves & stabilizing dollar
2. Building Industrial infrastructure for global giants as they should bring only the technology along with plant & machinery
3. Each state of USA has developed multiple world class universities and it’s a huge business for the country should be done here. Those already operating should majorly expand & experts should startup with govt. support.
4. Banks to limit cash withdrawal & deposits
5. NRI investors should get more incentives & the concern state/city should connect with them especially for property matters for buying with buyback/lease out offers as & when the project planned.
6. Rich Indian temples can come up with parallel businesses / charities in Education, Hospitals, and Agriculture etc verticals.
7. If lottery & betting is unstoppable then give them license to run & take your taxes
8. Real estate market has to come up for immediate recovery of the economy. Government has to clear the hurdles for easy finance on landed property
9. Agriculture sector has to be monitored very closely as we can do wonders if facilities provided to our farmers all over the country. If done maximum jobs can be created in this sector. It can be a parallel share market
10. Branding India in a bigger & better way required thru our high commissions worldwide. They should be highly business oriented offices.
Vivek Dhawan
Repolling in West Bengal by Election Commission
On the Conflicting Reports from West Bengal alleging that in many Polling Booths in West Bengal, a large number of voters were reportedly not allowed to cast their votes even after indelible ink was applied on their fingers, will the Election Commission of India hold repoll in the entire State by deputing enough forces to ensure fair voting for which it has been constituted ?
Hura
RTI

Routine denial of information by CBI under section 24

The Complainant sought information regarding the details of criminal case registered against certain officers by Anti-Corruption wing of Central Bureau of Investigation. The representative of PIO regretted the exemption of Section 24 of RTI Act invoked by the PIO but went on to justify the denial under Section 8(1)(h) of RTI Act by claiming that although the investigation was completed and chargesheet was filed, the prosecution is still pending. The CIC admonished the representative of PIO for tendering feeble explanation without understanding the scope and ambit of Section 8(1)(h) of RTI Act. The CIC also reprimanded the PIO to have failed to gauge his conscience regarding the clear allegation of corruption referred in the RTI Application while taking the refuge of Section 24 of RTI Act. The PIO was warned to ensure that each RTI Application is assessed carefully for the applicability of Section 24 of RTI Act and to steer clear from using cyclostyled replies for all cases alike in future. The CIC noted that the PIO does not mention his name in the replies which further reflects on the prima-facie evasive and callous approach of the PIO in owning up to his acts of omission and commission. The PIO was directed to ensure in future that all correspondences sent under RTI Act by him should bear his name. A copy of the order was marked to the FAA to take note of the adverse remarks of the CIC and to look into the manner in which the PIO appears to be dodging request for information under the garb of Section 24 of RTI Act.
Comments
The CIC observed that the conduct of the PIO is reflective of his gross non-application of mind and irrational approach towards the letter and spirit of RTI Act. It is a wakeup call for the PIO’s to take a notice and not resort to cyclostyled replies to RTI queires.
Citation: B Bharathi v. CPIO, Head of Branch Central Bureau of Investigation in File No : CIC/CBRUI/C/2017/175974/SD, Date of Decision: 06/02/2019
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/
Saturday, 25 May 2019
Forum

“Savdhaan Pradhan Mantri ji”

Congratulations to PM Modi,the one-man army, for powering the BJP-led NDA to unprecedented victory. His responsibilities will grow manifold in the new term.
Regrettably, absence of effective Opposition in a democracy is worrisome. Opposition's behaviour in last Lok Sabha, was most reprehensible, irresponsible. Let us hope, there are no more walkouts, dharnas this time, instigated by the Congis- led UPA though with truncated presence.
There are differences galore with him on many issues. But, I would continue to be upfront, as always.
One trusts, Modi ji learns from his indiscretions in the past and make amends. No playing into the hands of his chaatukaars. Rein in BJP's loose cannons in maintaining communal harmony, he must speak up instead of keeping mum.
He may re-fix his priorities as follows
(a) Sack non-performing assets of ministers;
(b)Right-sizing bureaucracy;
( c) Seek support of Judiciary to fast-track punishing the corrupt;
(d ) Bring in transparency in governance;
(e ) Improve public delivery mechanism of services;
(f) Do not be a control freak. Decentralise and delegate powers and fix the accountability of the Executive for not meeting the targets;
The above issues have always remained neglected, crying for immediate attention.
National Security
PM Modi will be required to handle very serious security issues( internal and external) including potential threats from China-Pak nexus in his second term.Could be full-scale wars on multiple fronts, anytime ,too soon. India has reposed confidence in him to lead the country as its best war-time Prime minister
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)
Friday, 24 May 2019
Forum

Prime Minister for Life ?

Narendra Modi may declare him as Prime Minister for Life and Member of Parliament for Varanasi for life. A Presidential ordinance for this may be issued soon after his swearing in as Prime Minister next week
S Gurumurthi
Thursday, 23 May 2019
Forum

Four IAS officers of 1986 batch still awaiting quick review

Out of 16 IAS officers of 1986 batch empanelled as secretary equivalent, only Ravi Capoor of Assam cadre has been upgraded as full Secretary. There are at least four officers in the list who have more than two years of service , who are awaiting quick review by new government.
Manas
Tuesday, 21 May 2019
Forum

Deconstruction Theorists Losers

The deconstruction theorists failed to deconstruct Modi or reconstruct Rahul. Every success story was torn into pieces- from transparency to demonetisation and from acche din to jobs. They trivialised the achievements and transposed imagined failures. When nothing worked, they hit at his family. Even women politicians having no experience of Grahastha Jivan went over the board. Building a narrative around Rafale fighter jet deal (Logocentrism/deconstruction theory) and (Nirav) Modi (phonocentrism) and illusions of a mahagathbandhan, the deconstruction theorist breached all bounds of decency and descended low to resort to deplorable abuses. They desperately tried to defeat Modi so as to capture power. For the deconstruction community “ power is entirely for its own sake…. We are not interested in the good of others… no one ever seizes power with the intention of relinquishing it. Power is not a means; it is an end.” (George Orwell, 1984) Challenging “reality” is no child’s play but mentors at home and abroad have ruined the young men by instigating them to go vulgar on Modi in order to destroy his image built in the 5 years of his governance. The deconstructionists, the Left anarchists, the faith community failed to dent Modi’s image by any of their attempts to create illusion about their thoughts, ideas and promises. The Maoist doctrine of repeating a lie hundred times to make the masses take it as truth has failed in India. Because of their sustained attack personally on him, Narendra Modi has emerged victorious, more powerful and a stronger leader. Attempts to influence/steal the Lok Sabha Elections 2019 by foreign interests were most reprehensible for being too visible. The Time Magazine has published the most stupid cover page and story in its history. If the press is called ‘‘presstitute’’ today, it is due to such irresponsible journalists, writers, editors and publishers. Number of spurious surveys also failed to dent Modi’s image. Now their slogan is: anybody but Narendra Modi. “It’s a beautiful thing, the destruction of words” but it failed to achieve the results it was deployed for as the Congress Party has lost the election and all their efforts to construct a non-existent Rahul Gandhi have gone vain. For the Congress Party, Rahul Gandhi and the alliance called Mahagathbandhan, I leave them in their midsummer reverie in Lutyens Delhi till the 23rd when results will be declared: “It was a bright cold day in April, and the clocks were striking thirteen.”
Devindra
RTI

Copy of the Techno Economic feasibility report

The appellant sought a copy of the Techno Economic Feasibility Report for two underpasses on Pune Daund railway line by box pushing technology were sought from RITES Ltd.. The PIO informed the appellant that the information sought is exempt from disclosure under Section 8(1)(e) and 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act and disclosure may cause irreparable commercial detriment of intellectual property rights of RITES Ltd. The CIC upheld the denial of information.
Comments
The Techno Economic Feasibility Report and related documents including surveys, materials considered for preparation a conclusion of the report, structural designs, etc may lead to divestment of intellectual property rights of RITES Ltd.. Further, the documents are held by the City Corporation Ltd., Pune in fiduciary capacity. There have been frequent RTI applications seeking information about the tender document and this case law would prove handy to deal with such instances.
Citation: Makarand Narayan Joshi v. The Institute of Chartered Accountant of India in Decision no.: CIC/ICAOI/A/2017/183447/00585, Date of Decision: 06.05.2019
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/
Monday, 20 May 2019
Forum

Bringing private institutions under RTI Act essential

Bringing private institutions under RTI Act is an urgent need of the day.Nothing justifies lack of transparency in pvt institutions.Bring it on!
N Singh
Saturday, 18 May 2019
Forum

All should be under RTI Act

I agree that Private Sector, Public Sector, Engineering and other commercial social federations all be under RTI Act. Also their profits be based on ABC (average business cost) social audit. There should be a mechanism too wherein all these are forced to spend C.S.R. funds are spent for the purpose these are earmarked and are not just donated to political parties. CSR should be under proper audit.
Harish Kumar
Friday, 17 May 2019
Forum

Why are PS not sent back to their cadre ?

IAS officers get posted as PS and OSD to Ministers when they are in the grade of Dy Secy and Director. IAS as Secretary, the head of the department and as the PS to the Minister -the power is retained and confirmed that Minister does not act against the interests of this service. Why are the PS not sent back to their cadre instead of being adjusted in Delhi.
Mrigank Puneet
Good suggestion
Very good suggestion by Naveen. Unfortunately neither the Politicians nor the vested interested Bureaucrats will allow such transparency. The crux of the problem is in the opaque process of selection/appointment of senior positions in Government/PSU/ Banks and other institutions. In addition there should be clearly laid down accountability at each level of bureaucracy. Strict monetary punishment for failure to do a task/causing unnecessary harassment to an individual should be made part of conduct rules.
S Gopal
Thursday, 16 May 2019
Forum

Salaried class to loose their peace of mind

If Piyush Goel becomes Finance Minister, just like dynamic fare being under implementation in railways affecting the commuters, a special tax system like dynamic tax will be imposed on middle class especially on salaried class apart from the usual tax they are paying and force the middle class and salaried class to loose their peace of mind and keep them in tension.
Raghubir
Why people Abuse?
It is giving vent to uncontrolled anger caused by deep emotion of jealousy. It is the indication of frustration which can lead to brain attack unless released immediately. The frustrated guys feel weak and helpless against their enemy. They are deeply jealous of their enemy. Unable to harm him physically, they resort to abuse to destroy him emotionally and mentally. If the enemy turns out to be mentally stronger than them, the abusers go wild and resort to savagery. However, they are losers all the way since they only denigrate their own parents for poor brought up and poor education. Their mind is filled with uncontrolled negativity. It fouls their vocabulary. They hate to use positive expressions and take others as weak or coward for not responding to their provocation violently. They aim to provoke the target to fall down to the level of their street language, evil or “gunda” expressions. By nature, they are “khal” or malicious ones. Their target ignores their malicious words or speech the same way a graceful mountain bears the severity of the rain drops. When these khal grow into Dusta or demonic, they need to be punished. It is no use trying to persuade the dusta because they can only be vanquished. The entire justice delivery system is meant to punish the dusta. The vilification carried out by the political parties and their leaders in the past two months also betrays their feudal psyche. Before coming into force of the constitution of India, it used to be their normal day to day pattern of behavior. They would go about hitting, abusing or denigrating the poor. Even if they murdered a doctor in a hospital or public servant they would manage to escape the gallows. Feudal lords used to abuse, torture, terrorise, punish, burn alive or subject to various other atrocities the poor citizens whom they denied the idea of a citizen, not to talk of any rights. Till the ugly Emergency of 1975, the people were not fully conscious of their rights. The Emergency jolted them. And the first thing the feudal mind (rather “thought police” in Orwellian speak) thought of was citizens’ “obligations”, which were included in the constitution. Our Netas have no obligation to the voters! The abusers were made to realize the power of the Rule of Law over their feudal conduct after 1950. It created conflict, which though reduced, still continues. The abusers, the gang rapists, the chief ministers making fun of the constitution by proclaiming that they do not recognize Modi as the prime minister, the ministers who behave vulgar and indecent under the misconception that they are above the law, are warts on democracy and Rule of Law and need to be taught a few lessons in decent and civilized democratic behaviour. The Supreme Court of India has done a great service as well as a disservice by its judgement in the S.R.Bommai case and ought to review it on their own to tame such recalcitrant feudal elements, violating the law, and to put the fear of law into their swollen heads in the interest of Rule of Law and democracy. Every single abuser of Narendra Modi is guilty of that feudal mindset, which is currently posing the biggest Challenge to Rule of Law and Threat to Democracy. Every such person needs medication and psychiatric support beside heavy dose of law. None of these abusers is anywhere near the stature of Narendra Modi which he has earned by sheer dint of his hard work. Public service has been made a dhandha or commercial opportunity by these unscrupulous elements in politics, who have revived the culture of might is right by resorting to violence. Narendra Modi is the only hope of the people to retrieve public service from their clutches and put it on the high pedestal our freedom fighter leaders had placed on. They inspired the people to sacrifice their personal interest in the service of the people. Can any of Modi’s detractors claim to be so? Can they say they have not acquired illegally huge assets at the cost of public interest? Even one among the mahagathbandhan?
M L Gupta
Bring private organisations also under the ambit of the RTI Act
The private organisations should also be brought under the ambit of the RTI Act. When a government bank is answerable under RTI, why should a private bank be given the privilege of being out of it ? Are they not working in identical circumstances ? In fact, the PSUs have to face so many committees while the private sector has no such control. A Public Sector electricity distribution company is answerable under RTI, the same norm should be applicable to a private company too.
S Solanki
Wednesday, 15 May 2019
Forum

Are elections really a celebration of democracy ?

At least Elections 2019 cannot be termed as celebration. The word "celebration "is akin to something joyful. You celebrate when you are happy and in festive spirit. What we are going through is not a festival but street fights where abuses of the worst kind are hurled at each other. Truth is a victim of blatant shameless lies as part of strategy to win votes. Even those long dead are not spared. If naming them hurts your rival. Your whole khandan is being invoked with real or imaginary wrongs done by them. The noise is getting on one's nerves and what a prolonged torture it is. One waits for !9th May when one is spared of this onslaught on one's finer senses and this abusive language would stop and we return to decent social behaviour.
Aarti Khosla