whispers in the corridors
After three phases of Lok Sabha polls Home Minister Amit Shah claims 190 seats !
The BJP seems quite hopeful of reaching target of 400 seats.This is evident from the fact that Home Minister Amit Shah has claimed 190 seats after the three phases of the Lok Sabha polls.
Kya POK me kuch hone wala hai ?
The sudden statements of Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Foreign Minister Jaishankar about POK has fuelled speculations that something is cooking up .One can wait and watch.
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- Will Dr BK Das be next Chairman, DRDO?
- K Sanjay Murthy is also Secretary, School Education for a while
- Vimal Anand relieved to join as Joint Secretary, Commerce
- Interviews for CMD, BLC today
- Abhishek Kumar Singh goes on study leave
- Ms Agrawal appointed Chief Manager (Fin.), CRIS
- Rajesh Kulhari sent as CELE, Western Railway
- Vinod Pal appointed CVO, RCF
- Monumental task: BRO Building World’s Highest Tunnel at Shinkun La
- Nominations invited for IG Security, DAE
- Vacancy for Secretary, Spices Board, Kochi advertised
- Faculty posts in ISTM to be filled on deputation
- Biswajit Sahu appointed Member Secy, RRB, Bhubaneswar
- Prekshit Prashant appointed as Director, Defence (UPDATED)
- Ms R Menaka appointed as Deputy Secretary, Commerce (UPDATED)
- Brajendra Kumar appointed PS, Law in Rajasthan (UPDATED)
- Rajesh Gupta appointed Secretary, Law in Rajasthan (UPDATED)
- HPCL’s outstanding financial results for year 2023-24 (UPDATED)
- Services of Avinash Purushottam placed at disposal of GoI (UPDATED)
- BSE records highest-ever financial performance (UPDATED)
- Rahul Raj returns to parent cadre (UPDATED)
- Adhipnath Palchaudhuri selected as CMD, BLC (UPDATED)
- Dr Reddy re-appointed Chairman, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Ltd
- SC Kondapally re-appointed Whole-Time Director, Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Ltd
- Ms Solanki appointed Addl. Director, Mahip Industries Ltd
- Tarun Bajaj appointed Addl. Director, Tata Power Company Ltd
- Asheet Mehta appointed Addl. Director, Piramal Enterprises Ltd
- KM Abraham re-appointed Ind. Director, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd
- Dr Sarin re-appointed Ind. Director, Kirloskar Oil Engines Ltd
- Satwalekar re-appointed NE Director, Home First Finance Company India Ltd
- DN Dave appointed Addl. Director, Jay Ushin Ltd
- Dr Malhotra appointed Addl. Director, Jay Ushin Ltd
- Anirudh Minda appointed Addl. Director, Jay Ushin Ltd
- VR Seth quits as NE Director, Graviss Hospitality Ltd
- HK Varma steps down as NE Director, Graviss Hospitality Ltd
The Central Government is busy in finding a suitable candidate for the post of Chairman, Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) as Dr Samir V Kamath, the current Chairman, is superannuating on May 31 after close to three years in office. Dr BK Das, Director General (Electronics & Communication System) in DRDO itself is said to be the frontrunner. He is the senior-most scientist among those in the race. The Screening Committee has reportedly suggested two more names - Suma Varughese, Director General (Micro Electronic Devices, Computational Systems and Cyber Systems), and Ummalaneni Raja Babu, Director General (Missiles and Strategic Systems). But if sources are to be believed, Dr Das has a brighter chance to occupy the plum post. Dr Das, Distinguished Scientist was appointed as Director General (Electronics & Communication System) on 29th April 2022. Prior to this, he was Director, ITR from 2015 to 2020 followed by Director, IRDE. In-between he was Director, DEAL as additional responsibility. He was an integral part of the Indian Missile Program for 33 years and worked relentlessly towards Test and Evaluation of various state of the art Missiles and other airborne Weapon Systems.
K Sanjay Murthy, Secretary, Higher Education, has been assigned an additional charge of Secretary, Department of School Education & Literacy till May 19, 2024. He is a 1989 batch IAS officer of HP cadre.
Vimal Anand has been relieved to join as Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce Delhi on deputation. He is an IRS-IT officer.
The Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) is holding interviews for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Limited (BLC) on May 9, 2024.
Abhishek Kumar Singh, JCIT, Mumbai, has been granted study leave. He is an IRS-IT officer.
Ms. Megha Agrawal, Senior Divisional Finance Manager (Sr. DFM), Raipur, South East Central Railway (SECR), has been selected for deputation to Centre for Railway Information Systems (CRIS) as Chief Manager (Finance) at New Delhi for a period of five years. She is an Indian Railway Accounts Service (IRAS) officer.
Rajesh Kulhari has been transferred from Central Organisation for Railway Electrification (CORE) to Western Railway (WR) and posted as Chief Electrical Loco Engineer (CELE). He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.
Vinod Pal has been transferred from Northern Railway (NR) to Rail Coach Factory (RCF) and posted as Chief Vigilance Officer (CVO). He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.
The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is embarking on a monumental task – commencing the construction of the Shinkun La Tunnel. Once completed, this engineering marvel will stand as the world’s highest tunnel, surpassing the Mila Tunnel in China. The project was announced by Director General, Border Roads Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan, on the occasion of the BRO’s 65th Raising Day, marking a significant milestone in infrastructure development. The Shinku La Tunnel, a 4.1 km long motorable tunnel, will bridge the gap between the Lahaul Valley in Himachal Pradesh and the Zanskar Valley in Ladakh. As part of Project Yojak, a Border Roads Organisation (BRO) initiative, it will transform the Manali-Leh route into an all-year accessible pathway. The tunnel, expected to be completed by 2025, will not only be a testament to human engineering but also a gateway to enhanced connectivity and development.
Department of Personnel & Training has proposed to fill up the vacant post of Inspector General (Security) (JS level) in the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE), Mumbai on deputation basis from among IPS officers empanelled to hold Joint Secretary/equivalent posts at the Centre. Nominations of eligible IPS officers have been invited by June 30, 2024.
It is proposed to fill up the post of Secretary (JS level), Spices Board, Kochi, Kerala under the Department of Commerce on deputation basis and nominations have been invited by June 5.
The Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM) New Delhi, a Central Training Institute, proposes to fill up faculty posts including Deputy Director (Economics & Planning) and Assistant Director (Accounts) on deputation basis.
Biswajit Sahu, who is presently posted in East Coast Railway (ECoR), has been posted as Member Secretary, Railway Recruitment Board (RRB), Bhubaneswar. He is an Indian Railway Stores Service (IRSS) officer.
Prekshit Prashant has been appointed as Director in the Department of Defence. He is a 2009 batch IInspS officer.
Ms R Menaka has been appointed as Deputy Secretary in the Department of Commerce. She is a 2011 batch IAS officer of AGMUT cadre.
Brajendra Kumar, Registrar-cum-PS, Chief Justice, Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur, has been appointed as PS, Law Department-cum-Legal Remembrancer, Jaipur. The services of Gyan Prakash Gupta, currently posted as PS, as PS, Law Department-cum-Legal Remembrancer, Jaipur, are returned to the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur.
Rajesh Gupta, Judge, Vehicle Accident Claims Tribunal, Dausa, has been appointed as Secretary Law & Joint Secretary, Law Department-cum-Legal Remembrancer, Jaipur. The services of Mrs Anupama Rajiv Bijlani, currently posted as Secretary Law & Joint Secretary, Law Department-cum-Legal Remembrancer, Jaipur, are returned to the Rajasthan High Court, Jodhpur.
The Board of Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) recommended bonus equity issue and final dividend, highest ever annual consolidated profit of ₹ 16,015 crores, 4QFY24 PAT jumps by 437% over 3QFY24 PAT as below : Exceptional Financial Performance: HPCL has achieved an unprecedented Consolidated Profit after Tax (PAT) of ₹16,015 crore during FY 2023-24. Similarly, the standalone PAT for FY 2023-24 reached an all-time high of ₹14,694 crore. Quarterly PAT Surge: In the Jan-Mar 2024 quarter, HPCL witnessed an extraordinary surge in Standalone PAT, reaching ₹2,843 crore, reflecting a phenomenal 437% increase over the previous quarter. Bonus Equity Issue and Final Dividend: The Board of Directors has recommended a bonus issue in the ratio of 1:2, subject to approval by the company's members. Additionally, a Final Dividend of ₹16.50 per equity share (pre-bonus) has been proposed for FY 2023-24, translating to ₹11.00 per equity share (post-bonus), in addition to the interim dividend. Total Dividend for FY 23-24 : ₹31.50 per equity share (pre-bonus) which translates to 315% per share of face-value ₹10. Revenue Growth: HPCL reported robust revenue from operations of ₹1,21,532 crore for the quarter Jan-Mar 2024, representing a substantial 6.2% increase compared to the corresponding quarter of the previous year. Operational Achievements: HPCL has achieved significant milestones in its operational performance. Our refineries processed the highest-ever crude throughput, achieving 103.3% of installed capacity. On the marketing front, we achieved the *highest-ever total sales volume and market share gains across various products. Infrastructure Investments and New Ventures: Significant investments were made in infrastructure projects, including refinery modernization and grassroot refinery cum petrochemical projects. We expanded our presence in the CGD business, won bids for new geographical areas, and continued global expansion in the lubricants business.
Services of Avinash Purushottam Das Joshi, ACS to Govt of Assam, Home & Political Dept and Additional Principal Resident Commissioner, Assam Bhawan, New Delhi, are placed at the disposal of Government of India for appointment as Additional Secretary, Dept of Personnel & Training, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. He is a 1994 batch IAS officer of Assam cadre.
BSE Ltd. announced its audited consolidated and standalone financial results for the year ended March 31, 2024. BSE declared a final dividend of Rs 15 per equity share having face value of Rs 2 each for FY 2023-24. BSE delivered a record year in terms of revenues, achieving total revenues of Rs. 1,618 crores, registering a growth of 70% for FY2024. Consolidated Net profit attributable to the shareholders excluding CDSL Stake sale for the year ended March 31, 2024, stands at Rs. 410.9 crores. Consolidated Operating EBITDA for March 31, 2024, up by 103% to Rs. 399.9 crores from Rs. 197.4 crores in previous year, with EBITDA margin expanding to 29% from 24%. For FY24, BSE traded 11.3 billion contracts in the Equity Derivatives segment, since its relaunch on 15th May 2023, generating a total revenue of Rs. 176 crores. Total number of transactions in BSE StAR MF grew by 55% to reach 41.1 crores transactions during FY 2024 from 26.5 crores last year, with BSE continuing a market share of 89%.
Adhipnath Palchaudhuri, Director (Services Business), Balmer Lawrie & Co. Limited, has been selected for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Balmer Lawrie & Co. Limited at a Public Enterprises Selection Board (PESB) meeting held on May 9, 2024. As many as nine persons were interviewed for the same.
(We said this on Sept 12 & 15 & Nov 23, 2023)
Dr. Sura Surendranath Reddy has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director and Chairman of Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Limited with effect from October 1, 2024.
Sunil Chandra Kondapally has been re-appointed as Whole-time Director of Vijaya Diagnostic Centre Limited with effect from October 1, 2024
Ms. Dhwani Jaspalsinh Solanki has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Mahip Industries Limited.
Tarun Bajaj has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of Tata Power Company Limited.
Asheet Mehta has been appointed as Additional Independent Director of Piramal Enterprises Limited with effect from June 1, 2024.
Kandathil Mathew Abraham has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited with effect from August 10, 2024.
Dr. Shalini Sarin has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited with effect from 25th October 2024.
Deepak Satwalekar has been re-appointed as Non-Executive Independent Director of Home First Finance Company India Limited with effect from October 23, 2024.
Dineshchandra Narendrakumar Dave has been appointed as Additional Director (Independent) of Jay Ushin Limited.
Dr. Ravinder Kumar Malhotra has been appointed as Additional Director (Independent) of Jay Ushin Limited.
Anirudh Minda has been appointed as Additional Director (Non-Executive) of Jay Ushin Limited.
Vikram Rajendra Seth has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Director of Graviss Hospitality Limited.
Harsh Kumar Varma has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Director of Graviss Hospitality Limited.
“Do not downsize; fill up vacancies”
The suggestion to downsize the numbers of Information Commissioners (WIC dated May 7) is out of sync with ground realities. It ignores large pendency of complaints and appeals in the Central and States information commissions, which were created as statutory, quasi-judicial, autonomous bodies. For example, as on June 30, 2021, 2.56 lakh appeals/complaints were reportedly pending with 26 information commissions in the country (Source:Google).These could be attributed to non-transparent criteria of appointment of CIC, SICs, leading to inefficient record management systems and procedures to collect information from field offices leading to delays in processing RTI applications. These force the Central and States’ Public Information Officers to part with inadequate information, half-truths/full-truths to the applicants and complainants with which the information seeker is justifiably never satisfied. The complainant is thus left with no option but to seek intervention of CIC and States’ ICs. The backlog of vacancies also attracted the adverse notice of the Apex court. The court directed the Centre and States to fill up vacancies of ICs in CIC and SICs before these become “defunct and render citizens’ right to know under the RTI Act 2005 as dead letters”. It may be pertinent to mention that the Central IC was forced to function for some time without the CIC and six ICs. Positions in the states are more alarming. For instance, the Tripura and Telangana SICs remained defunct since July 2021 and February 2023, respectively. Worse, Jharkhand IC had been lying defunct since May 2020. Furthermore, other SICs, including those in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal, remain perennially crippled due to huge backlog of vacancies. The pendency of appeals/complaints was the highest in Maharashtra. A matter fit for case study by the DOP&T. The centre is constitutionally mandated to ensure full sanctioned strength in the CIC and States’ICs, without vacancies. Some cuts in vacancies due to administrative reasons are, justified. Needless to mention that lack of manpower due to non-filling of vacancies is bound to aggravate the pendency that would adversely impact the citizens’ fundamental right. The RTI Act 2005 has the potential to expose cases of corruption, human rights violations, and other wrongdoings. All these have led to manifold increase in corruption in public sphere. These are also reflected in the poor quality of judgements by the over-burdened information commissioners. With a view to strengthening the institution of CIC and SICs, the recruitment should be made more transparent,less discretionary and less centralized. One last point. The Annual report of CIC and SICs, must, on the analogy of practice by the UPSC, must reveal details of cases where the central and State authorities have refused to part with the information/document to the applicants along with the reasons therefore, despite clear verdicts by the CIC and SICs.
A K Saxena (A former civil servant)
Expecting PIO to compile the information from different zones
In his RTI application, the appellant sought information on 24 points wherein he pointed out which points pertained to which PIOs. The CIC observed that the appellant has indicated 4 PIOs to whom the queries pertained and despite knowing this fact, he has filed single RTI application before Education Department mentioning all the PIOs of different zones with the expectation that PIO of Department of Education would collect the information from all the PIOs concerned and provide it to the appellant. The respondent informed that the appellant is habitual RTI applicant and filed various RTI applications, first appeals and second appeals under the RTI Act just to harass the public authority. It may not be out of place to mention that total 27 second appeals/complaints have been disposed of by the appellant either by his name or his son’s name (Ullas Jain) before the Commission as on date and in most of the cases, he did not appear despite service of hearing notice. The Commission observed that the information as available with the respondent has already been provided to the appellant and no interference from the CIC is warranted. Further, the CIC advised the appellant to exercise his right to information in an informed and judicious manner in the future.
Comments
Many PIO’s have been transferring the RTI application to different zones either out of fear of penalty or under the erroneous belief that they are expected to compile the information and provide to the applicant. It causes unnecessary transfer of RTI application across multiple levels which is not mandated under the RTI Act, 2005.
Citation: V K Jain v. Dy. Director of Education, CIC/DIRED/A/2022/668667; Date of Decision: 22-03-2024
Dr Anuradha Verma (dranuradhaverma@yahoo.co.in) is a RTI Consultant currently working with IIM Visakhapatnam. She has co-authored the books, RTI Right to Information - Law and Practice and PIO’s Guide to RTI. She offers consultancy on RTI matters and Third party audit. Her other articles can be read at the website of RTI Foundation of India at the link www.rtifoundationofindia.com
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