Whispers Forum

The union government’s decision to regularise 1728 unauthorised colonies in the national capital, benefiting 50 lakh Delhites, is highly disturbing. The mercies have been bestowed on ghetto-dwellers, the depressed and chronically poor people who have been living in slums for decades. Another shocker. The regularized slums are devoid of bulk municipal services like pucca roads, houses, potable water, sewer lines etc. Political gimmicks before the impending elections in NCT, Delhi. Unfair for the ruling dispensation to take credit by simply issuing ownership certificates ? No substantive works. Ours is, perhaps, the only country in the world that brought in a new legislation, as a tribute to bad planning.
Conferring land rights to property owners in 1,728 unauthorised colonies at a nominal charge. Nothing unusual. The move comes in the wake of a series of populist measures, freebies announced by Kejriwal sarkar.
DDA is to start conferring ownership rights after 90 days at throwaway rates of 0. 5% of local circle rate for properties measuring less than 100 sq mtrs and @ 2.5 % of areas measuring larger than 250 sq mtrs.
No Government decision is perfect. These always have loopholes, black holes for exploitation by sly, manipulative forces. The unquestioned authority of the elected Executive on the pliable appointed Executive (bureaucracy) and the latter’s propensity to oblige the corrupt politicians for getting undeserved promotion and juicy postings on quid pro quo basis. A favour for a favour.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)
Govt should provide platform to common people
Government should launch a website on which common people should be able to easily load pictures & movies of atrocities being committed by the Policemen and Government officials (especially misusing office perks & facilities for personal purposes) on regular basis. This step will keep them on check.
BBS

The CIC has not shown the crusader type of work which it was supposed to do. Cases such as this should have brought out the mercenary zeal in the Information Commission but alas ! it has gone into stupor. The Information Commission must come out of its somnambulism and take a decisive step in such cases to clean its own house. Otherwise, it would be bereft of all the dignity associated with the office and reduced to any ordinary government office.
Swami Periyar
Can RTI applicant get copy ?
Can a copy of inquiry report submitted to Government for final decision, be issued to RTI applicant ? Kindly advise us.
Sudhakar G

Most unfortunate state of affairs in D/o Revenue. The service conditions for appointment of Chairman and Members are being changed very frequently during the last decade. Sometimes it is 1 year, other time it is 6 months for these appintments. Service conditions for these appointments are being subjected to change very frequently leading to having one or two Members in each Board for months together. Most of the time incompetent and corrupt make to these posts then the honest and capable. All DOPT rules are being flouted in both Boards and DOPT consultaton has been minimal as it doesnt suits them. In field more than 50 % of the posts at the level of Chief Commissioners, Commissioners etc. are unfilled and then we cry for that revenue realisation under GST is not being met. Some hard honest decisions are required and honest officers need to be given priority then manipulators.
Ravi

Political upheavals against Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) notwithstanding, more worrisome is the increasing number of students hitting the streets across states, to express solidarity with the students of the Jamia Milia Islamia and AMU protesting against the amended Citizenship Act. If students from IIT Kanpur and IIT Bombay have protested against the police violence, those from the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) and the University of Mumbai have denounced the central government over CAA and also the proposed National Register of Citizen (NRC).
S Sharma
Elected Lawyers Questioning Non-Elected Judges?
The Congress Party leaders are questioning the wisdom of the framers of the constitution of India by asking this silly question while raising political din about the CAB. Let them answer this simple question: were the constitution makers so foolish as not to know that elected representatives in independent India would be brilliant to intimidate the same “unelected judges” by their knowledge of law, even when they are on bail? They too had the privilege of having the legal luminaries to contribute to the making of the constitution. If they gave the power to the courts to declare a law null & void, they were more than well aware of the situation prevailing and likely to crop up in future as the country was going for a cabinet form of government in a democracy founded on popular vote for the first time. They were, by any standard, wiser than those politicians who grudge the unelected judges who send the elected leaders to jail under the constitution and Rule of law. Was the Constitution of India “communal” that some puny brains decided to introduce “secular” in the preamble? Was it not questioning the framers of the constitution? Was the Indian constitution “capitalist” that the word “socialist” was fastened to the preamble? Did it not amount to an insult to the makers of the Indian constitution? On CAB, “political reasons” are being debated. Carry on without forgetting local monopolist traders on the borders selling/buying hilsa, beef, rasogulla, fresh vegetables, cheap labour, trafficking, crime syndicates, fake Indian currency, modern slavery, rigging elections and organized crime. Those seeking reasons never raised their voice when atrocities were being perpetrated on those being sought to be protected. Not aware if the community in whose name opposition carries on the debate are being persecuted in Pakistan, Bangladesh etc.? For the sake of India, please stop indulging in dirty communal politics now or fear the wrath of the voters. Politicians are responsible for dividing the country and society. What do they want now ? ISIS to come to India and take it over without any resistance ?
M L Gupta

Four Telangana rapists killed in police encounter.Country in euphoria, celebratory –dancing mood. Hyderabad Police hailed for ‘ timely action’
Unfortunately, the Unnao gang rape victim died of 90% burns in a Delhi hospital last night. Country is sullen and depressed. A police cop was allegedly caught in a sting operation by Republic TV while destroying real evidences and fabricating fake evidences before filing report. The Public is hugely outraged .
The incredible was yet to come . A five year old girl has been reportedly raped in Bihar’s Darbhanga . Keep counting . Another inhuman act in Uttar Pradesh. A 14-year-old minor teenager was held hostage in a farm, and was gangraped in UP’s Bulandshehr . Rapists reportedly arrested.
Hyderabad’s Good Police V/s Bad police of UP, Bihar, controversy. Rapes have become a national curse. Politicians have no time to visit the aggrieved. Chief ministers have no time to spare as they are busy politicking, wooing voters, wasting tax payers funds.
Strangely, no one accuses the Judiciary for delaying the prosecution of the accused by granting frequent adjournments on flimsy grounds. All Lords to themselves, not accountable to higher courts or the public.
No one blames the political and administrative Executive in Union Home Ministry for delaying processing of mercy petitions. All must be identified and prosecuted for non-performance. In the Nirbhaya case, MHA officers and successive union home ministers should be held accountable and punished for dereliction of duties. Conduct a case study in the Nirbhaya case and analyse the results.
Police, across the country is usually corrupt, inefficient and unprofessional . It is rarely effective and co-operative. Always interested in out-of-court settlements and extracting money from both parties.
Change Laws
Law makers in consultation with top Judiciary ,must change the laws relating to outraging the modesty of women by covering the following aspects :--
(a) All criminal proceeding must be completed within three months by the fast-track courts on day-to-day basis without adjournments. Delay must attract appropriate punishments. With no faith in the Rule of Law, the outraged public demands time-bound executions ;
(b) Death penalty must be the Rule rather than the Exception.Life sentence is a liability on public exchequer.They all emerge as hardened criminals. Punishment like physical and chemical castrations do not eliminate the menace of rapes;
(c) The juveniles and adults must be treated at par for applying the Laws ; No distinction, based on age criteria. Instant gratification is the common factor ;
(d) Level of Inquiry Officers (IO) must be upgraded from Sub-inspectors to SHOs (Inspectors). Normally, hawaldaars are sent to crime sites for inquiries
(e ) Laws on granting bails must be made extremely stringent in cases of rapes,molestations and other acts of outraging the modesty of women;
(f ) Duty officers in all police stations who dilly dally in filing FIRs,complaints to fudge records to show low crime rates or even refusing to give a patient hearing to the victims and their kins,must be identified and sacked straightaway.They do not deserve milk of human kindness by applying the Principle of Equity and Natural Justice. Instal Audeo and CCTVs at all police stations for factual recordings.
(g) Surprise checks of thanas’ functionings by senior officers and usually absent beat constables. They are more interested in collecting haftasThe senior police officers are usually more crazy about appearing on TV channels for briefings,sometimes irrelevant. Let such jobs be left to SHOs with Questions and Answers by the media and public .
(h) Quantum of punishment like life imprisonments and/or death penalties, must be finalized and executed within three months.
The public is feeling hugely outraged by incidents of rapes from Telangana’s Hyderabad to UP’s Unnao to Bulandshehr and Bihar’s Darbhanga. All in quick succession.
The rage is not impotent, this time. The Public must keep up the pressure on Law makers,Judiciary , political and the administrative Executive must take the call.Media will ,no doubt continue to play its role,as always.
A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)
Vaidya to be IOC Chairman
He is most competent and knowledgeable person to lead the company in this crucial stage of the country
Manoj

The Appellant sought copy of order of the Central Information Commission vide File No. CIC/WB/A/2006/00566 dated 19.04.2007 alongwith certified copy of the documents etc. He stated that he is not satisfied with the reply of the CPIO that the relevant file records have been weeded out because under the Evidence Act, the Public Authority does not have the power to weed out such records. The CPIO submitted that records pertaining to the relevant Second Appeal have been weeded out and the Appellant informed accordingly. The CIC held that it is not in a position to order any relief in the matter because the records sought are not available.
Comments
It is surprising to note that the CIC has not looked the question whether it had the power to destroy the records and if not so, who was responsible for directing the destruction of the file.
Citation: Vijay Pal Singh v. CPIO, Central Information Commission in File No: CIC/CICOM/A/2018/135290, Date of Decision: 05/12/2019
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: - Right to Information Act 2005- RTI Foundation of India.

DEBATE(1)
Simplicity & humble Dimple Yadav
Talented Priyanka Chaturvedi
Ground worker with Talent Smriti Malhotra
Vivek Dhawan
DEBATE(2)
I would like to consider National General Secretary, Rajya Sabha MP respected Saroj Pandey as a most talented India women politician. She has a very strong personality and she is the main leader in Mahila Morcha to support and empowered Indian women. I pray to God you reached the peak of a new heights in your politician career.
Payal Sharma
CAB debate handled in an impressive manner
While one may not have any view for or against Citizen Amendment Bill one could not but be impressed the way Amit Shah handled the entire debate both in the LOK Sabha and Rajya Sabha. Watching him in Rajya Sabha one could not but be full of admiration for his superb defence of the bill. He had done so much of home work and answered each and every member who raised some or the other misgivings on this contentious bill.His superb floor management ,his articulation with factual details carried the day for the ruling party. He has shown all these skills even as party president. The way he manages elections and built up the party organisation leaves one dumbfounded. We may not agree with some of the policies propounded by this Government but one thing we can not deny that after a long time we have a very able and pro-active Home minister .
Aarti Khosla

DEBATE (1)
Smriti Irani is best. Her performance has been superb. She is also a good orator.
G S Mathur
DEBATE (2)
Smriti Irani has command over Hindi and English. She is good orator.
Dr S K Bansal
DEBATE(3)
Our elder sister Saroj Pandey with a simple personality. If sister is with us, there will be development. My vote goes to Saroj Pandey.
Mini Rawat
DEBATE(4)
I would like to express my appreciation for the amazing work done by Saroj. The important work of the city which has been completed in accordance with the aspiration of all durg city, I express gratitude to respected National General Secretary Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ms. Saroj Pandey.
Ashish Pandey
Indignities suffered by JS and AS level officers immense
The indignities suffered by Joint Secy and Addl Secy level officers working in Deptt. headed by officer of a department ally controlled service officer are immense. Neither the officer suffering at the hands of the Secretary can voice his grievance to the minister who will see the matter through the erring Secretary only nor can he seek a transfer out of the Deptt nor the Secretary will ever be changed till he retires. PMO would have done a great service to the cause of good governance if this issue is solved and duly notified for the guidance of all concerned.
Surendra
“Whither PM Modi’s Good governance ?
No Government decision can be perfect. These usually have loopholes for exploitation by sly, manipulative forces.
Influence of elected on the appointed executive and latters' pliability to political masters shape the final decision.
On economic front, top industrial houses operate through mafia, in the guise of stake-holders.
Rampant quid pro quo deals between top business houses and the politico- bureaucratic Executive. Open secret for gullible masses.
No place for Ethics and morality in Governance.
Uninformed public is expected to fall in line and remain callous,insensitive .Top Judiciary is helpless in preventing the subordinate courts from indulging in corrupt practices in granting bails, long adjournments etc.
With fast growing economic slowdown, GDP growth rate slips to 4.5 %, in second quarter of current fiscal , lowest ever during the past 6 years.
Where is India heading for,one does not know?
God is clueless. It has failed again.
And, so has PM Modi.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

DEBATE(1)
The residents of the fort city are very much hopeful from you even today, Didi give a leader soon in the image of the former mayor, the people of the fort will be thankful.
You are the pride of the fort, the fort can never forget your contribution. Everybody's company will help in everybody's growth
Alia Khanna
DEBATE(2)
Sister Saroj ji, somebody wanna see you as Central Minister to serve people. Certainty you're a big hearted lady.
My favourite leader Saroj Pandey
Amrit Paliwal
DEBATE (3)
Express my gratitude to the respected National General Secretary, Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Ms. Sarojji Pandey Didi ji. The work of public sentiment was completed by the excellent efforts of her.
Ravi Pandey
DEBATE(5)
Nusrat Jahan is the rising star in Indian Politics.
M K Jain
I totally disagree !
I totally disagree with ML Gupta. Just because DDA was not performing its duties properly, it does not give individuals right to occupy land(S) and build houses without any sanction from MCD etc. The roads/lanes are narrow and the same thing will happen as happened in Anaj Mandi fire yesterday-Fire Engines will not be able to reach, if need be !!! By making it Legal, we are sending a message that Indulge in illegal acts, Government would bail you out later for votes.
S Gopal

DEBATE (1)
My vote goes to Mahua Moitra.
Pranjal
DEBATE (2)
Besides, when talk about the synonym of work and development in Durg region, everyone knows what it stands for - SAROJ PANDEY.
The Women whose work not only helped the society to develop but her continuous efforts to provide her people with better conveyance encourage her to do better, resultantly, several new trains and old trains were extended to Durg.
This calm yet hard working politician doesn't think twice to fight for women's right as well.
Gitanjali Manral
DEBATE(3)
Saroj Didi ji, You are a great leader " behalf of your government The all-round development of the fort
Bharat Bhushan
DEBATE(4)
Saroj Pandey Didi has done very commendable work for the society, Saroj Didi always takes care of the general public. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas Bharatiya Janata Party Zindabad
Yuvraj Paliwal
Crime in Delhi and NCR increases manifold
The crime in Delhi and NCR has increased so much that one is afraid of going out. The bike-borne snatchers are on the prowl almost everywhere snatching bags, chains ,mobile phones from people standing walking or even travelling in cycle rikshaws, autos or even cars. Their modus operandi is very scary. One man drives the scooty or motorcycle, slows it down next to the identified victim and the pillion rider does the snatching. You resist and you may be dragged, stabbed or even fired at. The car drivers are also not safe. You stop since traffic is not moving. They knock at your glass window, you pull it down and they will say your tyre is punctured sir, madam. You get down to see and the other man picks up whatever is lying on your next seat-your laptop, your phone or whatever you have. So far I was reading about all these incidents happening every day in the newspapers .The other day I had the first hand experience of such crime. We(me and the husband) left our usual daytime workplace in Delhi-The India International Centre for home in Noida at 4.30 P.M. After travelling through the Barapullah we had just got on the Delhi-Noida- Delhi (DND) Flyway when one of our tyres got flat. Our Driver stopped the Car to change the tyre. It was quite a surprise for the tubeless tyre of our one year old car to get punctured( we found later on that it was cut with a sharp weapon) .Both of us got down from the car and standing at the back while the tyre was being changed. Suddenly I found a young boy peeping into the car through the driver's window which was open. I moved to that side and the boy moved away and stood at some distance. Meanwhile a scooter rider came and stood near my husband and asking him directions to distract him. This distracted me and i just moved a little bit away from the window. In that split-seconds movement the boy just leaped through the window and pulled out the laptop bag lying on the seat next to the driver's seat and the fellow with the scooter moved to let the boy sit on the pillion with the laptop and drove leaving us stunned and traumatised. For police it was just another FIR. It is really strange to see the apathy on the part of police to these spiralling crime rate in the City. Only last night a cab driver and his passenger whom he was ferrying to the airport were beaten and robbed near a CNG station in the diplomatic enclave of Delhi. On DND Flyway such incidents are happening daily. Why cannot they keep police petrol vehicles to instill some fear. Incidentally the two persons who robbed us of our laptop were not wearing helmets. Why were they not caught ? Even after stringent M.V act this is happening.
Aarti Khosla

(DEBATE 3)
She is a great politician. I like helping nature of Saroj Pandey. She stand for solving poor people problems. So my vote goes to Saroj Pandey.
Govind Maurya
DEBATE(4)
I consider Saroj Pandey as one of the most glamorous and talented politician mainly because of her fine and understated style of carrying the saree in an modern yet elegant way.
Gross violation of DoPT rules and SC Judgements
The ACC is denying promotions to officers in the garb of deferring though no charge sheet is pending. This is in gross violation of DoPT rules and several Supreme Court judgments such as Janaki Raman, Anil Kumar Sarkar. The PMO is not bothered about following its own guidelines then where is rule of law? I am using a pseudonym because I fear persecution. Kindly question PMO on your website.
Kumar

Vide order dated 20.09.2017, the CIC had directed the CPIO, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata to provide certain information to the appellant, within a period of four weeks from the date of receipt of a copy of the order. However, no information was provided and the respondent admitted that, inadvertently, no reply in compliance with the order of the CIC could be furnished to the appellant. The respondent tendered his unconditional apology for this lapse and requested the CIC to condone the same. The CIC took an adverse view of the inaction on the part of the respondent in not responding to its letter dated 08.02.2019 regarding non-compliance of the Commission’s order. This shows that the respondent had deliberately not complied with the Commission’s order. The CIC directed the Director General, Geological Survey of India, Kolkata to take corrective action in the matter. The CIC also recommended disciplinary action against Shri S.C. Bose, the then Assistant Director (Personnel and Administration) and CPIO, RTI Cell, GSI, Kolkata under the service rules applicable to him for not complying with the order of the Commission dated 20.09.2017.
Comments
Under Section 20(2) of the RTI Act, disciplinary action can be taken against a CPIO for malafide denial of information.
Citation: B. K. Bisaria v. CPIO, Geological Survey of India in Appeal No. CIC/YA/A/2016/001876
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: - Right to Information Act 2005- RTI Foundation of India