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Dinesh Likhi

Aaj Ki Aawaz

The entire Karuna clan reached Delhi... more of a pressure ploy!!!! Seems the meeting between Karuna and Sonia some time back, which lasted for 10 minutes in 10 Janpath's porch, was as follows....... exchange of pleasantries.... Karuna asked Sonia to order CBI not to oppose Kani's Bail... Sonia assured him that CBI would not oppose her Bail application.... Sonia asked him if DMK would fill the empty berths in the Cabinet and Karuna responded with a 'let us see'... Sonia wished him adieu and a glum looking Karuna left 10 Janpath!! After refusing Bail the Judge informed 2 G accused that trial will commence on November 11!!!! Now please await Law Minister to respond...... let us see what advice he gives the Court!!!! Maybe he'll say Court refusing Bail is making India look like Libya..... because under Gaddafi bail was unheard of!!! Ramu (Jethmalani) is already spitting brimstone and fire on CBI Court disallowing bail... if only he realized that CBI Court Judge is just going be the book... problem is Ramu feels when he appears in Court the Judge should 'follow his (Ramu's) orders'!!!

Kani is desperate to get out....now will apply for parole.... she has to meet her beta!!!
And she'll tell the Court she's a Mom first and then a Neta!!

Prior to departure seems Mohna politely ordered Montek ' I'm taking you as my interlocutor so be conservative with your attire and statements'!! At Davos Montek literally went berserk..... he was seen wearing a 'duppata' scarf..... and you found him flitting from one group to another..... diplomatic behaviour be damned!! Whenever and wherever he saw a camera he poked his face in and issued a statements!!! Chalo his being at the 2 G summit is a blessing also... because he's not going to lecture us on inflation and predict its ebbing.... inflation has touched 12+%... this is the Sakraari figure... actual inflation is 20%!!!! Past Deputy Chairmen of Planning Commission ' behaved themselves' and did not behave like reps of the Government!!! After WikiLeak on him Montek's FM dream is not 'chakna choor'!!! And now the revelation that he was literally a Rajat Gupta flunky has put a question mark on his 'intentions'!!

Montek jhoot matt boll Khuda ke paas jaana hai!!!
Waha laal batti car aur security nahi jaathi... waha paidal jaana hai!!!

There is so much that is 'un-investigated' about Radiia's 'wheeling and dealing'!!!! Like her arranging loans.... deals.......info.....even appointments.... she was literally 'one stop shop' for 'dealing in Delhi'!!!! Mukesh and Rattan have been able to get investigation Agencies off her trail!! CBI Officers do not even take her name!!! She has a Brit Passport so her flying away to UK is only logical!!! In fact this is what is irking Karuna..... he feels if Congress can protect Radiia why not Kani?????

They say Radiia has treasure trove of information!!!
Such information that if info is released it will rock the Nation!!

PS.... Amar's got bail..... joke was that if Court wanted Security (that he would return) it should have impounded Jaya's passport!!!! Now Congress is in fire fighting mode to quell DMK's anger..... and as Mohna is out and Sonia's 'out of order', placating is being done by Pranab Da... will Congress's ole fire fighter douse DMK's 'anger'.......he should use carrot and stick method.... carrot... how Centre can help DMK to fend off Jaya's attacks......and stick..... info about what Jaya has in the works for DMK???? Why has Raja not applied for bail... because he knows what happened to Sadiq Batcha.... in Jail he feels he's safer than outside!!! Manu Sharma has applied for parole... if he's given parole the Government should take out ads informing Parents in Delhi and Chandigarh that Manu will be out on parole (period of parole).... so that they can ban their kids from going to any Disco or Lounge during Manu's parole!!!

Bharat Kumar
aaj_ki_aawaz@yahoo.com

Cabinet reshuffle in Tamil Nadu likely
As the grapevine has it, there may be a Cabinet reshuffle in Tamil Nadu.

Move in the Congress to get Priyanka Gandhi badra?
It is heard that plans are afoot in the Congress party to get Ms. Priyanka Gandhi badra into active politics. It is hoped that by doing so the sagging fortunes of the party will go up and will also act as a good election ploy to revive the party that is crestfallen.

Gadkari buys sugar mill in Praful Patel's constituency
BJP President Nitin Gadkari has bought a sick sugar mill in the Gondia area of Maharashtra which is the stronghold of NCP leader and Indian Minister for Heavy Indusries, Prafull Patel. Gadkari is looking to enter active politics and will contest Lok Sabha elections in 2014. Is reviving the troubled sugar mill a commercial decision or a way of doing vote bank politics, is what needs to be seen.

This is the state of affairs in CPI (M)
Since the day the Red Flag's government is gone, Marxists have become busy holidaying. Sitaram Yechury is away abroad, while Ms. Vrinda Karat is in South Africa , Prakash Karat is on a vacation tour in Uttarakhand.

BUREAUCRACY

Will Army Chief move to the court?
Grapevine has it that Army Chief Gen V K Singh is moving to the court of law this month against the decision of the Government on his age issue.

V.N. Rai Appointed Director, SVP National Police Academy
V.N. Rai, IPS (HY:77), Special DG BSF, has been appointed as Director, SVP National Police Academy (NPA), Hyderabad with effect from the date of his taking over charge of the post and till his superannuation on Dec 31, 2012 or till further orders, whichever is early.
(We said this on October 15)

K. Durga Prasad appointed SPG chief
K. Durga Prasad Additional DGP(P&L)PHQ Hyderabad has been appointed as Director (SPG) Special Protection Force, New Delhi. The order for his joining has been issued and MHA has directed the State Government to relieve him. He is an IPS officer of 1981 batch who belongs to the Andhra Pradesh cadre.
(We said this on October 31)

IAS officer Gairaj granted inter cadre transfer to Haryana
Nikhil Gairaj on marriage grounds has been granted inter cadre transfer from Chhatisgarh to Haryana. He is an IAS officer of 2008 batch who belongs to the Chhatisgarh cadre.

K Ashok Vardhan Shetty's deputation in a limbo
The central deputation of K Ashok Vardhan Shetty as Joint Secretary is in a limbo as the State Government did not give cadre clearance. He is an IAS officer of 1983 batch who belongs to the Tamil Nadu cadre.

6 member team of Arunachal to attend WTM, London
A six member delegation from Arunachal Pradesh will be going to London for attending the World Tourism Market (WTM) slated to be held from November 7 to 10, 2011. It will be led by Jomde Kena MLA & EX Parliamentary Secretary, Principal Secretary Tourism G.N.Sinha, Principal Resident Commissioner (PRC) Delhi-Dr. (Ms) Satbir Silas Bedi, Gedo Eshi Assistant Director Tourism,David Sangtam & Komkar Riba-both Tour operators.The delegation will be wooing travel & tour operators so that immense tourism potential of Arunachal Pradesh could be tapped through a holistic approach.

J.P Meena poised to be Joint Secretary, Agriculture
J.P Meena who on central deputation is Joint Secretary, NHRC, is laterally to be shifted to Agriculture Ministry. The DoPT has asked MHA for cadre clearance. He is an IAS officer of the 1983 batch who belongs to the Assam -Meghalaya cadre.

PMO dithers Railway GM's proposal
The proposal relating to postings of General Managers (GMs) in Railways has been lying in the PMO for the last one week.

Varma appointed Ambassador to Republic of Nicaragua
Yogeshwar Varma, presently Ambassador of India to Panama has been concurrently accredited as the Ambassador of India to the Republic of Nicaragua, with residence in Panama.

Bhattacharya gets extension
Additional Secretary and FA in the Department of IT has been granted extension in deputation tenure for six months beginning November 1. He is 1978 batch IAS officer of Andhra Pradesh cadre.

Sharda Prasad gets extension in deputation tenure
D G Employment and Training in the Government of India Sharda Prasad has been granted extension in deputation period for six months beginning November 1. He is 1981 batch IAS officer of Uttar Pradesh cadre.

T.J. Long Kumeer granted inter cadre transfer to Nagaland
T.J. Long Kumeer has been granted inter cadre deputation from Chhatisgarh to Nagaland. He is an IPS officer of 1991 batch who belongs to the Chhatisgarh cadre.

Ms. Juhi Mukherjee joins as Director, Estt. & Vig-NDMC
Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, SDM, Hauz Khas, Delhi, has joined as Director, Estt. & Vig.-NDMC, New Delhi. She is an IAS officer of the 2007 batch who belongs to the AGMU cadre.

ICFRE to hold maiden Forestry Congress in Delhi
ICFRE, Dehradun of which Director General (DG) is Dr V. K. Bahuguna is going to host maiden forestry Congress in Delhi commencing on November 22,2011.It will conclude on November 25, 2011. Dr Bahuguna said that the mega event will be inaugurated by Indian Minister for Forests & Environment Ms. Jayanti Natrajan. It will see participation by 1000 experts and Indian Forest Service (IFS) officers including 400 delegates. They will dwell on the theme of "Forest & people for the future". Dr. Bahuguna is an IFS officer of 1979 batch who belongs to the Tripura cadre.

Ms. B Radhika goes on 1 year long leave
Ms. B Radhika who on central deputation is Joint Director National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) has gone on 1year long leave for child care leave (CCL). She is an IPS officer of 1989 batch who belongs to the Orissa cadre.

Zaki Ahmed's central deputation is likely to be extended
Zaki Ahmed's who on central deputation is Deputy Director National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) is likely to get an extension. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in the Government of India (GOI) has asked for cadre clearance from the Uttar Pradesh (UP) Government. He is an IPS officer of 1993 batch who belongs to the UP cadre.

Justice Madan Lokur appointed CJ, AP High Court
Grapevine has it that Chief Justice of the Guwahati High Court Justice Madan Bhimrao Lokur has been appointed Chief Justice of the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
(We said this on August 10)

Rare gesture by Tripura Govt on Salim Ali
While Salim Ali, prior to becoming the Special Director, CBI, left as DGP, Tripura; he was accorded a warm farewell by the State Government and whole cabinet, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar was present. He is the first IPS officer to be treated in this manner. He was gifted with a Raymond's suit and his wife was gifted with a silk sari. Ali an IPS officer of 1978 batch who belongs to the Manipur-Tripura cadre.

CBI's electricity bill is quite high
There are whispers in corridors of the Force Head Quarter (FHQ) that the new building built by Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) consumes maximum electricity in comparison to other FHQs in New Delhi.

Avinash Chandra joins as IG, Frontier (HQ) SSB, Guwahati
Avinash Chandra who on central deputation is DIG Frontier (HQ) Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) Lucknow has joined as IG, Frontier (HQ) SSB, Guwahati. He is an IPS officer of 1990 batch who belongs to the Uttar Pradesh (UP) cadre.

Mehboob Alam deputation likely to get 3 months extension
Mehboob Alam who on central deputation is IG, RAF, CRPF, New Delhi is likely to get 3 months extension. He is an IPS officer of 1981 batch who belongs to the Tamil Nadu cadre.

Anurag Garg appointed DIG, CBI
Anurag Garg who is IG Welfare and Adm (PHQ), Shimla on central deputation has been appointed as DIG, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), He is an IPS officer of the 1993 batch who belongs to Himachal Pradesh cadre.

Sanjiv Kumar Singhal joins as IGP (Ops & Int.)SSB
Sanjiv Kumar Singhal who so far was IG Frontier (HQ) SSB, Guwahati - Assam, has now joined as IG (Ops & Int), FHQ -SSB, New Delhi. He is an IPS officer of 1988 batch who belongs to the Bihar cadre.

Anil Shukla poised to join at the Centre
As the grapevine has it, Anil Shukla on central deputation is likely to join as DIG. He is an IPS officer of 1996 batch who belongs to the AGMU cadre.

IAS changes on the anvil in Karnataka
As the grapevine has it, there is going to be a bureaucratic reshuffle in Karnataka.

Two IAS officers return to Bihar cadre
As many two IAS officers belonging to 1992 batch have returned to their parent cadre of Bihar from central deputation. They are: Dr. Dipak Kumar Singh and Ms. Harjot Kaur Bamhrah.

Bihar CM invites Nepal's PM for centenary function
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has invited Nepal's Prime Minister Babu Ram Bhattarai to grace a function that would mark 100 years of Bihar. The function is slated to be held in Patna on March 2, 2012.

Aparna Vaish shifted from Mumbai
DDG Marketing Doordarshan in Mumbai, Aparna Vaish has been moved to AIR Headquarters in Delhi.

IAS postings in Bihar
Deepak K Singh has been appointed secretary in the forest and environment department. He is 1992 batch IAS officer.The present incumbent, S Majumdar, has been moved to the mines and geology department as Principal Secretary.

IAS reshuffle in Tamil Nadu
There is major IAS reshuffle in Tamil Nadu.New postings are Mssrs Rajeev Ranjan, CMD Tamilnadu Generation and Distribution Corporation Ltd. and Chairman, Tamilnadu Transmission Corporation Ltd, Hans Raj Verma MD Tamilnadu Small Industries Department Corporation Ltd. vice Mohan Pyare who is transferred and posted as Principal Secretary, Labour and Employment Department, Jasbir Singh Bajaj RC in Delhi, B Anand CMD State Industrial Development Corporation,Veera Shanmugha Moni Commissioner of Treasuries and Accounts, Niranjan Mardi Principal Secretary, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises department, M Jayaraman, formerly Managing Director, Tamilnadu Arasu Cable TV Corporation, swaps post with D Vivekanandan, Secretary, State Human Rights Commission, N Mathivanan Director of Sugar. D Sabitha Chairman and Managing Director, State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamilnadu, M Vallalar Managing Director, Tamilnadu Minerals Ltd, P W C Davidar Chairman and Managing Director, Tamilnadu Cements Corporation Ltd, Sandeep Saxena Agriculture Production Commissioner and Secretary to Government, Agriculture Department, K Arulmozhi Director of Economics and Statistics vice K Dhanavel holding additional charge, K Manivasan Commissioner of Agriculture, Shanthini Kapoor Principal Secretary to Government,Social Reforms Department, T S Sridhar Additional Chief Secretary to Government, School Education Department,Vikram Kapur Project Director, Post Tsunami Sustainable and Livelihood Programme, Dayanand Kataria Commissioner of Survey and Settlement and Rajendra Ratnoo Director of Fisheries and Managing Director, Tamilnadu Fisheries Development Corporation.

5 Gujarat cadre IAS officers to go to Paris
As many as five IAS officers of the Gujarat cadre will be going to ENA Paris for a short term course of corruption. It will commence on November 7 and conclude on November 18, 2011. It is being held at the behest of DoPT.Those officers who will be attending it are: Alok Shukla (1986 batch) Ms. Joyshree Mukherji (1986 batch); Ms Anita Karwal (1988 batch), V. Thirupugazh (1991 batch) & Devesh mukherjee (1993 batch) They will be flying from India on November 6, 2011.

Photo exhibition of Atul Karwal's cycling expedition from Nov 5
Noted billiards player Geet Sethi will be inaugurating a photo exhibition of a 550 km long cycling exhibition that Atul Karwal (IPS, Gujarat cadre, 1988 batch) undertook recently from Manali to Leh to Khardungla in nine days.The exhibition will be inaugurated at Amdavd. He had attained this feat along with seven members of Ahmedabad Cycling club. It may be stated that on May 22, 2008 Atul Karwal had become the first All India Service Officer in the country to scale Mount Everest. He is also the first and only person from Gujarat state to have done so. Then he authored a book titled? Think Everest- Scaling Mountains with the Mind- a narration of the physical and spiritual journey to the top of the world, Its coauthor is Ms.Anita Karwal, IAS officer 1988 batch of the Gujarat cadre. The book was released by His Holiness the Dalai Lama in March 2010.

Pandey to be Director (Finance) NCL (UPDATED)
The name of AK Pandey has been recommended by the Public Enterprises Selection Board for the next Director (Finance), Northern Coalfields Limited.He is presently GM BCCL.

Thakur gets charge of Member (Customs, RI&I, Exports & Safeguards) in CBEC(UPDATED)
M.C. Thakur has been assigned the charge of Member (Customs, RI&I, Exports & Safeguards). The zones and DGs that would fall under his administrative control and supervision would include Chief Commissioner, CX, Bhubaneswar, Chief Commissioner, CX, Kolkata, Chief Commissioner, Customs, Kolkata, Chief Commissioner, CX, Ranchi (HQ. at Patna), Chief Commissioner, Customs (P), Patna, Chief Commissioner, CX, Shillong, DG, DRI. DG (Export Promotion), DG (Valuation), DG (Safeguards) and Directorate of Logistics,CRCL.


Badhan assigned charge of Member (Central Excise) in CBEC (UPDATED)
M.S. Badhan has been assigned the charge of Member (Central Excise) The zones and DGs that would falll under his administgrative control and supervision would include Chief Commissioner, CX, Delhi, Chief Commissioner, Customs, Delhi, Chief Commissioner, Customs (Prev.), Delhi, Chief Commissioner, Customs & CX, Meerut, Chief Commissioner, CX, Lucknow and DGCEI/DGICCE/ DG(Audit)/ CC(TAR).

IPS changes in Haryana (UPDATED)
There is IPS reshuffle in Haryana.Satender Kumar Gupta has been appointed Superintendent of Police, Fatehabad, in place of Vivek Sharma who has been posted as Superintendent of Police Rohtak.B. Satheesh Balan will be the new SP, Bhiwani.Ashwin has been made SP Hisar. Devender Yadav, Additional Superintendent of Police, Ambala, has been posted as Superintendent of Police, Sirsa.

Vigilance Week observed in NSIC (UPDATED)
National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) joins the nation in observing the Vigilance Awareness. Dr.H.P.Kumar,CMD,NSIC inaugurated the Vigilance Awareness week by administering the pledge " to bring about integrity and transparency and eradication of corruption in all spheres of life " alongwith employees
of NSIC.Speaking on the occasion he stated that "NSIC is continuously strengthening its systems and processes for ensuring improved transparency and monitoring " for excellent delivery to the MSME sector. Ravindra Nath, Director (Fin),NSIC & P.Udaya Kumar, Director(P&M),NSIC were amongst the officials present on the occasion

Gujarat CM Narendra Modi going to China (UPDATED)
Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi is leading a high level team of officials & entrepreneurs to China. The delegation will leave India next week.

(DEBATE)
EMPANELMENT IN GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Whether administrative procedure for empanelment of Additional Secretary and Secretary in the Government of India is fair and legally sound?
Mail your views to suresh.mehrotra@yahoo.com or mehrotra.suresh@gmail.com

CORPORATE

S K Shrivastava to join as CMD, Oil India in May
S K Srivastava, DG, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (DGH), who has been selected for the post of Chairman and Managing Director of Oil India Limited, will join in May next year as present, CMD, N M Bora is retiring in April, 2012.

Crompton Greaves hit by slowdown
Despite making acquisition in North America and Europe power equipment major Crompton Greaves is likely to face headwinds in the coming year. The slowing down of western economies which constituted as the major markets for the company is bad news. Besides, there is a trouble in the domestic power sector which is also going to hit the fortunes of the company in immediate future.

Did Rajaratnam offer money to Indian corporates?
Many businessmen who refused to take money from hedge fund manager Raj Rajaratnam are now regretting. "He had offered us money at 24 percent annual return that too through a cheque payment. If we would have taken that sum of money, it had been free at least for 11 years" reason businessmen. Raj Rajaratnam had recently been sentenced to jail for 11 years on charges of insider trading.

Ore prices fall but Indian Steel prices to remain high
Globally due to a slowdown iron ore prices have been corrected by over 26% in the last one month from $178.50 per tonne on September 30 to $131.50 per tonne on October 28, which have helped increase margins of steel companies the world over. However India will not get any benefit of the falling prices due to closure of mines in Bellary. Besides this, market men say huge over capacity in the system, rising scrap availability and falling scrap prices, competition from technologies such as electric arc furnace and decline in demand in key consumption regions will keep the margins of domestic players in check.

Will Auto sector be led by rural India?
Given the subdued trend in the economy due to high interest rates analyst say that going ahead, only rural India is likely to buy vehicles. There is a strong trend of growth in the tractor segment as can be seen in the sales of Mahindra and Mahindra during the last month. The company saw a growth of 30 percent in tractor sales in October. Going ahead the spurt will keep coming from rural India as good crops will boost farm incomes in the year ahead.

Menon resigns as Director, Allsec Technologies Ltd
Shankar Narayanan Madhava Menon, Director, Allsec Technologies Ltd has resigned from the company with effect from October 13, 2011.

Gaur nominated on Board of Allsec Technologies Ltd
M/s First Carlyle Ventures Mauritius has nominated Manish Gaur as a Director on the Board of Allsec Technologies Ltd in place of Shankar Narayanan Madhava Menon.

Sharda resigns as Director, SAARC Net Ltd
Govind Sharda, Director, SAARC Net Ltd has resigned from the company w.e.f. November 1, 2011.

Madhusudan Securities Ltd appoints two new directors
Madhusudan Securities Ltd has appointed following Directors (Independent) on its Board-- T. V. Gopinath and Ms Y. N. Radhika.

Nupur Mitra appointed Dena Bank CMD
The Central Government, after consultation with the Reserve Bank of India has appointed Ms Nupur Mitra, Executive Director of Indian Overseas Bank, as the Chairman and Managing Director of Dena Bank from
November 1, 2011 till December 31, 2012.

Gupta resigns as Director, Pudumjee Pulp and Paper Ltd
O. P. Gupta has resigned as Director of Pudumjee Pulp and Paper Mills.

Murthy appointed Company Secy. Golkonda Engineering Enterprises Ltd
Golkonda Engineering Enterprises Ltd has appointed O. V. N. Murthy as Company Secretary of the company.

Ireland appointed CEO, Dentsu Digital
Dentsu India Group has appointed Glen Ireland as CEO, Dentsu Digital.

Krishna appointed Senior VP, Multi Screen Media
Multi Screen Media has appointed Ms Smriti Krishna as its Senior Vice President and Head of Human Resources.

Kirpal appointed CEO WelcomHeritage Hotel
Sanjay Kirpal has been appointed as Chief Executive Officer of WelcomHeritage Hotel.

Punja resigns as Director, Chowgule Steamships Ltd
M. R. B. Punja has resigned as Director of Chowgule Steamships Ltd w.e.f. October 19, 2011

Kulkarni appointed Addl. Director, Chowgule Steamships Ltd
The Board of Chowgule Steamships Ltd has appointed Ravindra Kulkarni as an Additional Director w.e.f. October 19, 2011.

Fisher resigns as Director, Gujarat Gas Company Ltd
Derek Fisher has resigned as the Director from the Board of Gujarat Gas Company Ltd with effect from November 3, 2011.

Desmond appointed Addl. Director, Gujarat Gas Company Ltd
The Board of Gujarat Gas Company has appointed Ms. Martha Desmond as an Additional Director of the company with effect from November 3, 2011.

Debate (1)

Is the empanelment process in GoI fair and legal?

The present practice is neither objective nor fair nor transparent, susceptible to bureaucratic and political pressures. It suffers from serious lacunae as the assessment relies on Annual performance appraisal reports. The methodology is subjective, arbitrary based on 'pick and choose' and thus legally untenable. This explains why the former Cabinet Secretary refused to disclose the selection criteria treating the process outside the ambit of RTI Act 2005 despite CIC's directions to keep the selection criteria in public domain in response to an RTI application.

Making top level appointments without interviews is meaningless. Associating UPSC with the empanelment process would ensure objectivity. Having served in UPSC as JS, I have faith in its fairness and objectivity. There is no misuse of discretionary powers and extraneous considerations. The PT Board must be headed by Chairman UPSC (who alone enjoys the status equivalent to Cab Sec). Eminent behavioural scientists, Management experts and a senior retired civil servant bereft of fraternal predispositions.

There are complaints galore against the IAS lobby monopolizing their selections and cornering prized postings. Other organized Services remain neglected. My suggestion will surely be opposed by the 'IAS lobby', but it can't be helped. The central staffing scheme's stipulation of "specific suitability" despite the panel being drawn mainly from the 'generalist stream' is being misused by the IAS lobby to favour their favourites. Merit takes the back seat as brilliant officers of other organized services get neglected.

A K Saxena (A retired civil servant)

PESB's proposal's are always processed in a format in various Ministries /Departments. Right from the stage of PESB recommendations, CVC clearance, Minister-in-charge's consent, MOS(PP)'s consent, Cabinet Secretary's consent and the approval of the Prime Minister; should all take place in an electronic format with all offices having connectivity It is then only that we will be able track the black sheep.

A Srivastava

RTI Act has brought revolution in transparency in Governance

There can be no doubt that RTI Act has brought about revolution in the area of transparency in Governance. However it is also true that even in Democracy everything relating to Governance cannot be shared with its citizens. In many cases RTI Act is being misused to settle score with colleagues, bosses etc. in Govt. RTI Act should be amended to ensure that mischievous, frivolous and self serving applications can be rejected.

A K

ACC clearance be given in 3 weeks

I agree with Surendramohan that ACC clearance should be given within 3 weeks, which is more than enough by any standard. It should also be ensured that concerned Ministry gives effect to ACC clearance within 3 days of receipt so that no further politicking can take place.

Kumar

Know the intensity of corruption

Every one should know the intensity of corruption in recruitment by various Public Service Commissions. Recently, in Tamil Nadu, the houses of TNPSC Chairman and other members were raided by the State Police who found incriminating documents such as answer sheets, noting about candidates selection, amount received / to be received. etc. Earlier, the Punjab Service Commission Chairman and others were also nabbed on corruption charges. All these charges have been proved/will be proved. Now one needs to really worry about the other service commissions at the State and Central levels as most of the members and chairmen get these postings mainly because of nepotism. It should be noted that corruption in other such agencies has not been reported as yet.

Sivakuar

"Consultancy Scams in GoI?"

M/Home Affairs and its CPOs have appointed 223 Consultants by deploying their favourite officers immediately after their retirement.

S Raghunathan IRS (Retd)

UPSC and SSC require specialised skills

UPSC and SSC are organisations which require specialised skills and zero-error performance. The retired officers now appointed as Consultants are capable of delivering. Replacements of their ilk are hard to find.

K S Palachandran

Politicians are dividing India

Kaushal is right that politicians are dividing India!!! If congress wanted they could have done this division like reservation to Minorities and procurement from SC enterprises at the time of drafting the constitution itself but they did not - probably thought that the system will take care of it. And the system did not do justice to these groups which necessitates mid course correction - emergence of BSP is one such correction the people forced on us and there will be many more if we dont wake up. The deprived and left outs will join gangsters and will make this place un-livable for all of us. Let us learn to surrender a little for a greater good in future. Had Mr Kaushal belonged to wither of these groups, he would not have commented like this.

Prakash

Aaj ki Awaaz

The problem is not his language or style, but his views. Since the column has bee shifted to the top column Bharat Kumar's extreme nationalistic, luddite and anti-globalisation views are taken to be Suresh Mehrotra's views. this compromises the integrity of the website. If the column had been a part of Forum, there would have been no problem.

M. P. Bauer

Is information related to outsourcing covered under the RTI Act?

The appellant sought certain information about written test including the marks obtained, both sides of O.M.R. answer sheet, answer key of his question booklet and cut-off marks of every category. The CPIO refused the OMR answer sheet and key answer claiming that they do not possess the required information as the examination was held by the another agency which conducted the examination on behalf of Bank. The CIC observed that, if any other body is given the job to conduct examinations it must be in complete control of the Public Authority. The Commission directed the PIO to use the full force of the law and obtain the sought information. In case the examining body refuses to part with the information the Commission recommended that the Bank should consider either changing the examining body or ensuring it is able to access all information with respect to the examination.
Comments
The Government organization cannot deny the information merely on the grounds that they have outsourced for the job and do not possess the information. If any other body is given the job to conduct various functions, it must be in complete control of the Public Authority and the information available with such sources should be made available under RTI.
[Mr. Ashwani Kumar Avasthi v. Vijaya Bank in CIC/SM/A/2011/001455/SG/15158]

- Weekly article by Dr. (Mrs.) Anuradha Verma
(dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in), RTI Consultant to IIM, Indore and Co-author of the book: RIGHT TO INFORMATION - LAW AND PRACTICE by Taxmann. (The views are Personal)