Whispers Forum

Why is the Cement Corporation of India still in existence after decades of liberalisation of the economy and India dreaming of becoming a Superpower ? The Cement Corporation of India is the relic of the Raj- the licence raj, when a bag of cement commanded a premium equivalent to its price. People who set up those 200000 or so companies closed down by the present government for being fictitious were the vehicles of minting money under the corrupt regime in those days. The fellows-minister down to the peon in the cement wing of the then ministry of Industry walked the corridors of Udyog Bhavan as real VVIPs till someone honest set things right. There is no justification for retaining the Cement Corporation in the Public sector when even Rafale is going to be manufactured in India- not in the public sector HAL but private sector.
M L Gupta
Seeking kind attention
Seeking your kind attention to the fact that my father Goutam Bhowmick (Shramik, HR No.200003878) attached the Telecom Factory Alipore, Kolkata – 700027, is suffering from Metaslatic LUNG CANCER for the last few years and now it is last stage and he is
medically unfit to discharges his official duties. My father submitted application on 19/01/2018 to the General Manager, Telecom Factory at Alipore, Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, Kolkata (but Prayers were rejected).
He then submitted application on 08/03/2018 to the Chief General Manager, Telecom Factories Circle, 3A, Chowringhee, Kolkata-700013 (but Prayers were rejected) to approve me in his place on compassionate ground (medical invalidation) in accordance with the rule vide LETTER NO.273-18/2013-Estt-IV ESII dt 21-4-2016 issued by the (A.K.Singh) AGM (Estt-IV) BSNL. I got 56 Points in this rules (Dependent's weightage 15 Points, Basic Famliy Pension weightage 18 points, Let out service weightage 9 point, Terminal benefits weightage 9 points, Accommodation weightage 5 point).
Also appealed to Establishment Cell General Manager (SR-II) Bharat Sanchar Bhavan,Harish Chandra Mathur Lane Janapath,New Delhi-110001. First Letter dated 7/4/2018 delivered on 11/4/2018 ( Reminder Letter dated 23/6/2018 delivered on 26/6/2018 but no response.
I earnestly appeal before your honour to provide natural justice in this case.
DEBRAJ BHOWMICK
BSNL COMPLEX P-C
TYPE -2/2/7 PATULI
KOLKATA-700094
Mobile 8961295945

The Appellant who worked in Coal India Limited (CIL) sought certain information, acting as a whistleblower to corroborate his complaints which he has filed to unearth misappropriation. The CIL stated that the matter had been sent for investigation to CVC on 23.07.2013 and no response has been received thereafter despite reminder on October 2013. The CIL submitted that certain information was denied claiming exemption under section 8(1)(h) of the RTI Act while minutes of the meeting had not been received from CVC, hence not available with the Respondent to provide. The CIC noted that the complaint filed by the appellant has been pending since year 2013. The fate of the complaint is yet to be decided by the CVC, despite passage of more than reasonable period of time. It is worrisome and unfortunate to note that such inordinate period of time is taken in completion of investigation of a complaint, even by the CVC. Hence, the CIC directed the PIO, CIL to transfer the RTI application to the concerned PIO, CVC who in turn shall submit before the CIC the report submitted to the CVC by CIL and the current stage of the investigation pending before the CVC alongwith the possible timeline for conclusion of the Investigation. The CIC made it clear that non compliance of the directions shall attract appropriate proceedings, as per law.
Comments
The CIC has so far refrained from asking for a possible timeline for conclusion of the Investigation in cases of delay. The case indicates the possible use of RTI Act for expediting the proceedings in certain cases.
Citation: Shri Ainul H Mazumdar v. Coal India Limited in F. No.CIC/CILTD/A/2017/111036, Date of Decision: 10.08.2018
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is the co-author of 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 http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/

The RTI Act can be used for such disputes to the advantage of public. However, it has not brought a great change in the working of the different government organisations which was expected at the time of rolling out of the Act. There is a need for a greater push to change the style of working of the officials.
Suresh Chand
Giving due weightage to NOTA
Dr. Singh and Verma has very well explained the Pitfall in the present system regarding NOTA. I suggest that if there are 15% NOTA votes and no candidate is getting more than 35% vote, then there should be re election. This will give due weightage to NOTA.
S Gopal

One of the major differences seen today between Manmohan singh V/s Narendra Modi government is flowing of funds as one government made us spendthrift another saver. The results of upcoming election in the five states will have a deep impact on the centre elections. Well the state voters have to understand if they continue to enjoy the benefits of central government or vote against to see the worse.
The next five years will be very crucial for the country , patience & discipline can lead us to become a superpower.
Vivek Dhawan

NOTA - 'None Of The Above' option in the election process, introduced upon the intervention of the Supreme Court in 2013, has demonstrably proven to be ineffective in achieving the ultimate objective of providing clean candidates to the voters to choose from. Thus, it is contrary to the concept, that the best available men should be chosen as people's representatives, for the proper governance of the country. The present form of NOTA in India, considers the vote cast as NOTA, to be invalid votes, except for the purpose that they be categorised as a separate entity. They are not taken into cognizance for calculating the total valid votes, nor are they considered for determining the forfeiture of deposits of the losing candidates.
The essence and spirit of NOTA also entails the right to reject, according to the learned judges of the Supreme Court. But the existing provision in Indian elections, does not accord weightage to that right of rejection. Presently, in case of NOTA getting the majority vote, the candidate polling the next highest votes is elected. Where then is the rejection ? It is like bestowing the oxymoron 'cruel kindness'. When a choice of “none of the above” has been exercised, it follows from logical deduction, that it is an "against all" vote. That is to say, that all those who participated as candidates, do not enjoy the confidence of the voter. So, if NOTA is in majority, all others should be set aside as not fit to provide clean and efficient governance, and ideally, a second round of elections to be held.
The above lacunae calls for a case being made for NOTA, with enough teeth to achieve the desired objective, by putting a proviso of automatic by-election, if NOTA is in majority. This would be in alignment with the democratic tenet, that the majority has given a vote of no-confidence in the candidates. The preamble to the constitution of India states democracy to be the platform for governance, it is only fair for the citizens to expect a robust election system without an Achilles Heel. The chink in the armour, in the present form of NOTA, perpetuates the negativities of a democratic system, without palliating measures to improve the system. Extending the NOTA logic, ad nauseam, it means that if 99 voters out 100 opt for NOTA, (and NOTA being invalid), then the first past the post principle declares the candidate with only one vote to be the winner and set to rule over the others. (And this single vote, would in all probability, be his own vote)
NOTA then becomes "NO OPTION TO AVAIL". It is like two wolves and a sheep, voting democratically, and deciding by majority, on what to have for dinner. The rightful citizen is led, like a lamb to the slaughter. In this scenario of Hobson's choice, the voters are impelled to desist from casting their vote, setting up an atmosphere of alienation. In the absence of a credible NOTA, it is like being asked if you'd like a slap on the cheek or the bottoms. Since the voters don't like to be slapped, they see no reason to participate in the farcical election.
And then democracy becomes, in the words of Thomas Carlyle, "a palpable incredibility and a delirious absurdity".
Abraham Lincoln, considered to be the father of democracy, called it a government of the people, by the people, for the people. But he also said, "Elections belong the the people. It is their decision. If they decide to turn their back on the fire and burn their behinds, then they will just have to sit on their blisters".
So, LET THE PEOPLE DECIDE. Who would clean the Augean Stables?
Footnote: Latest decision by Supreme Court on 25-09-18 leaves the decision to clean the cesspool of corrupt and charged politicians to the Parliament, where 33% of the representatives are tainted.
Dr. D.P. Singh
Ex.Addl.Director, Higher Education, MP &
Narendra Varma
Ex. AGM, BHEL

Building “ Kartarpur corridor ” flanked by barbed wire fence to allow Indian pilgrims to cross over into Pakistan, visit the shrine, return the same day, has been a long-time dream .The corridor will require a bridge to be constructed over river Ravi . Passports , visas could be dispensed with to facilitate free passage to Indian pilgrims.
Whatever may be the position, India's security cannot be compromised under any circumstances. Recall how a gurdwara in London recently distributed posters , leaflets to publicise the so-called “Sikh Referendum 2020” by the Khalistanis. How Ajay Bisaria India's envoy to Pak was humiliated and denied permission to visit the shrine ?
Intentions of Pakistan and its Khalistani sympathizers have always been and will always be suspect. The corridor, once built , could be misused by both the State and non-State actors of Pakistan to infiltrate into India, carry out their nefarious designs by triggering terror attacks across India. Had
Navjot Singh Siddhu has made a joke of himself by first hugging Gen Bajwa on Pak soil and then issue unwarranted statements with no concern for India's security. He merely succeeded in scoring a self goal. All this at the behest of Rahul Gandhi, his chaatukaars, secret contacts in Khalistan and the ISI. Regrettably, Sidhu continues to remain unrepentant and boastful under the misplaced perception as though he had done something enviable by hugging the Pakistan’s killer General Bajwa.
Corridor will be built on Pakistani soil. Will Pak agree to give land to India gratis or at market cost? What will be India’s stand, in case, Pak demands land on Indian soil ,in return? If, so where in India land will be given to the enemy country?
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

So what are the alternatives available to the Central Government to offset the Price rise, control outgo on petroleum products and offset the Savarn unrest and farmers agitations at the same time -
1) Raise the age of retirement by two years. This will do threee things simultaneously. One it will reduce immediate burden of huge retirement benefits as outgo and provide for handy cash that can be used to subsidize farmer related issues. Secondly it will to a great extent give relief to those savarn employees who have been denied promotion due to pending court cases on reservation. Many States and also have stayed all promotions pending decision on reservation cases for last few years and employees are retiring without promotions due to this. Thirdly it will offset the effect on employees of the expenditure control measures suggested in item 5 below.
2) Double pricing should be introduced on petrol for two wheeler and four wheelers. Two wheelers can be given per month subsidized quota on Adhar based identification. This will give huge relief to the middle class and agriculturists using two wheelers.
3) Diesel for agricultural and transport should be subsidized. Double pricing here is also necessary to exclude diesel SUVs and diesel based cars.
4) Control on import and manufacture of general and luxury cars is important. Unabated buying of cars needs to be regulated. One car per family norm or something like that needs to be introduced on Singapore lines.
5) Immediate expenditure cuts of 10% needs to be introduced on all establishment related expenditures in government. Outsourcing also needs to be checked to find out whether it has led to more expenditure than before. It is observed that in name of outsourcing much more expenditure is being done on services like hiring vehicles, stationary, computer operators etc.
Narendra

A loan was obtained by one Mr. R.K. Rohilla for which the appellant purportedly stood surety. A recovery of Rs. 1,64,000/- + interest was effectuated from salary of the appellant upon order of attachment issued from Court of Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Delhi. The Appellant addressed a letter dated 05.07.2016 to the Assistant Registrar mentioning that he has neither took any loan nor stood as Guarantor for Mr. Rohilla. Vide RTI application dated 23.07.2016, the appellant sought action taken upon on his letter. The CIC held that the ends of justice require that the appellant be furnished with copies of complete file of claim application filed by credit society before RCS. The proof of appellant having stood surety towards the loan agreement as submitted by Credit society before RCS shall be made available to the appellant.
Comments
In case of commercial disputes, the RTI Act has emerged as a possible tool to resolve the same in an amicable manner.
Citation: Mr. Raj Kumar Respondent v. Assistant Registrar-(S-III, T&C) O/o the Joint Registrar Registrar Cooperative Societies, GNCTD in No.CIC/RECOS/A/2017/109027, Date of Decision: 01.08.2018
Dr. Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is the co-author of 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 http://www.rtifoundationofindia.com/