Whispers Forum

The appellant had filed an application in respect of rebate on House Building advance to him which was kept in abeyance since July 2017. He sought to know why the rebate was not granted by respected Regional Director of Education and the current status of his case. The PIO informed that the file regarding House Building Advance was returned to the Office of DDE (HQ). The CIC noted that information sought was not provided by the respondent till the date of hearing. The CIC observed that the custodian of information i.e. PIO, Directorate of Education (HQ), did not appear before the Commission despite knowing the fact that the matter pertained to them and notices were issued to them. Thus, prima facie it appears that the information sought was deliberately withhold by the PIO, Directorate of Education (HQ), New Delhi. The CIC issued show caused to Shri Rajesh Joshi (DDE), HQ, /present PIO and Shri Devender Mohan, PIO (Zone-18), District West -B, to explain as to why maximum penalty under section 20 (1) of the RTI Act should not be imposed upon each of them for not providing the information to the appellant and also why compensation equal to the amount involved in the case should be awarded to the appellant. Both the PIOs were directed to submit their written explanations and also appear on the next date of hearing.
Comments
All PIO’s should keep a special track of files under submission if the information sought pertains to such files as it might be difficult to pinpoint as to who is the holder of information. Whenever a case is coming up for hearing, the PIO should invariably attend the hearing or seek specific exemption citing the reasons.
Citation: Yatendra Pal v. Directorate of Education, CIC/DIRED/A/2023/650684; Date of Decision: 20.02.2025
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Vishakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books PIO’s Guide to RTI and Right to Information – Law and Practice. Her weekly article is being published since 2008 on this site. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and third party audit to individuals / organisations. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation at the link https://www.rtifoundationofindia.com

The unethical practice of cash-for-driving licences prevails across the country including the national capital. The applicants are forced to run from pillar to post by the “non-cooperative” officials. The touts have a free run. They can be spotted roaming around the Road transport offices (RTO) searching for hapless victims. They promise to get the job done in lieu of "facilitation charges". The touts are obviously, hand in glove with the RTO officials. The vigilance squads turn a Nelson’s eye to the collusive corruption! Will the transport authorities take the call? It will be useful to have CCTVs installed at every nook and corner of RTO offices for surveillance by vigilance personnel. The offenders must be arrested red-handed, then convicted by the fast-track courts for giving/ taking bribe.
A K Saxena (Former civil servant)

The new Income Tax Bill presented by Nirmala Sitharaman in the Lok Sabha recently appears to be an important part of a larger effort to streamline the country's income tax system and increase revenue along with transparency. In the last 10 years, there has been a sharp increase in the number of people filing income tax returns and income tax collection. Still, a large number of rich people, many of them associated with the industry-business sector, either try not to pay income tax or pay very little. The income tax collected in many small economies of the world contributes significantly to their GDP. The complex words used in the old law have been simplified. Now 'assessment year' will be replaced by 'tax year'. The tax year will be from 1 April to 31 March. Certainly, the rights and powers of income tax officers have been increased in the new Bill. Along with this, efforts should also be made to increase the scope of income tax payers.
Anubhuti Mathur

The Maha Kumbh 2025 represents the spirit of “social cohesion” of the people of India that exists as an innate part of their culture, which goes beyond even national boundaries to profess the whole Earth as one family. The event is not for tourism in modern terms, no business opportunity but complementarity effort of the different sections of the community to lend a helping hand to make it a grand success free of any charge. This is the strength of Bharat, the real Bharat distinct from India. This was the norm till only 5 decades ago and is even now functional in the interior, Tier-II & III cities- visible on the occasion of marriage, when neighbours, friends and relatives “volunteer” to shoulder and share responsibilities and even financial help to some extent. This cooperative spirit had dwindled but not forgotten and the Maha Kumbh has proved it in the form of visitors exceeding 66 Cr. Ordinary people came forward to the aid of the government to ensure that the visitors are looked after well including their food (even free food).
M L Gupta

The allegation in the WIC Forum(Feb 22,2025) titled “Corruption by UPSC- recruited officers is alarming”, seems motivated. An impression is sought to be created that UPSC-recruited officers in various organized services are corrupt. This is a misplaced perception without being familiar with the internal functioning of UPSC. The accusation carries the risk of de-motivating lakhs of civil services aspirants who appear in the three-stage examination held by the premier body of the country, year-after-year. Baseless allegation amounts to serious indictment of a constitutional body whose practices have stood the test of time spread over several decades. The written parts of exams(Mains and Prelims) are conducted in total anonymity. The interviews ( personality tests) for written-qualified aspirants, are conducted by retired civil servants and specialists who have vast experience in scanning human traits and the best qualities of head and heart. The system is fair. Qualities like honesty and sincerity are appreciated. It will thus, be unfair, in these circumstances, to blame the UPSC for selecting corrupt civil servants. Trouble starts after training and appointments. It is difficult to predict how and when a civil servant could turn into a crook. The ground reality is that abuse and misuse of power starts soon after taking charge of the job. Authority and corruption go hand in hand. It is at this stage that civil servants are exposed to evils like pressures from corrupt politicians and seniors, kickbacks, administrative delays, speed money, lack of accountability etc. Corruption is a universal phenomenon: individual-centric and job-related. Honest civil servants, more often than not, avoid lucrative postings. Absence of effective vigilance administration also contributes to corruption. The ruling dispensation would be well-advised to expedite prosecution sanctions sought by the CVC and CBI in respect of a large number of civil servants. This would enhance good governance besides sending a message to all, down the line! No wonder, India was ranked 85 among 180 countries in the corruption perception index.
A K Saxena (former civil servant)