Will Karnataka's Waqf issue affect Maharashtra polls?

In Karnataka, Waqf notices to farmers have raised the political temperature in the state. Experts opine that this issue may affect the poll bound Maharashtra, which is a neighbour of Karnataka.

Who is behind Manipur trouble?

The North Eastern state Manipur is on a boil again. On Monday, Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a high-level security meeting in Delhi to review the law and order situation in the state. Now the big question is- who is behind the trouble? Meanwhile, the Centre has decided to send additional 50 companies of CRPF and BSF to Manipur amid a fresh wave of ethnic violence.

Assam DGP G P Singh is likely to be appointed new DG of the CRPF.He is a  1991 batch IPS officer of Assam-Meghalaya cadre.

As Khilli Ram Meena (IAS: 1993: UT) has been repatriated and speculations are growing that he may be appointed as the next Chief Secretary of Mizoram. If this happens, it would further strengthen the belief that  most Chief Secretaries and the DGPs are appointed by the centre. Earlier three Chief Secretaries, who were working at the centre have been repatriated and posted as CS in different states. Before repatriation, Meena was working as Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Minority Affairs. A day ahead of the retirement of Dr Renu Sharma (IAS: 1988: AGMUT), the incumbent Chief Secretary to the Government of Mizoram, an interim arrangement was made to discharge the duties of CS. H Lalengmawia (IAS: 2005: AGMUT), Commissioner & Secretary to the Govt. of Mizoram was assigned to function as CS.

In the Central government, the salary bill will be cleared only of those officers who have successfully completed the mandatory iGOT courses and are certified by DDO/HoO. As per Office Memorandum dated November 18, 2024, in other cases, where certificates are not provided by the DDO/HoO, salaries may be kept on hold till further orders. iGOT platform comes under Karmyogi training. Earlier, Memorandums were sent to ministries/departments in May and July this year.

The services of Nilesh Kumar Kalbhor, a Junior Administrative Grade (NFSG) officer, who is presently working as Director (M&C), PIB, New Delhi, are placed at the disposal of the Supreme Court of India, New Delhi for his appointment as Deputy Registrar till May 31,2025 or until further orders, whichever is earlier. He is a 2008 batch IIS officer.

Officers have been promoted to the grade of Chief Commissioner/Director General of Customs & Indirect Taxes in the IRS (Customs & Indirect Taxes) for the panel year 2024 (Supplementary Panel) and 2025 (Regular Panel). Rajendra Singh has been promoted for the  panel year 2024 (Supplementary). The 23 officers promoted for the panel year 2025 (Regular Panel) are: Sanjay Mangal, Mahesh Kumar Rustagi, M Mathew Jolly, Ashish Chandan, Vikas Kumar, P K Katiyar, Sanjay Gupta, Sunil Jain, Shaik Khadar Rahman, Amitabh Kumar-II, Anuj Gogia, Kajal Singh, Pradeep Saxena, Naveen Kumar Jain, Rajeev Kapoor, Manas Ranjan Mohanty, Sunil Kumar Mall, Shubhagata Kumar, C P S Bakshi, V Sangeeta, S Thirunavukkarasu and Paul Rajendra Lakra. Besides, R S Naik, M R R Reddy and S M S Puri have been included in the Extended Panel to be operated in lieu of officers included in the main panel who are retiring during the year 2025.

The deputation tenure of Dr Sunil Sharma, presently posted as AIGF in the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, is extended for a period of 02 years beyond January 14, 2025 till January 14, 2027. He is a 2012 batch IFoS officer of Maharashtra cadre.

Four IDAS officers have been shifted. Vivek B Umap has been shifted to IFA HQ MC (AF), Nagpur, while Dilip Kumar moved to IFA HQ SWAC, Gandhinagar and Avra Ghosh is transferred to IFA (EAC), Shillong. Besides, Roopwant Soni will join PCDA (P), Prayagraj.

Sivanand S Talawar, Senior Deputy Director, FSI, Bangalore, has been allocated work of Regional Director, FSI, Regional Office (Central), Nagpur in addition to his existing work due to premature repatriation of C K Sonwane. He is a 2009 batch IFoS officer of Tripura cadre.

The DoT has accepted the VRS application of Ms Anupama Sanghi w e f November 30, 2024 from the ITS. She is presently posted as DDG in AP LSA.

Kanse Dhairyashil Vijay, a 2010 batch IRS (C&IT officer, will join NAFED, under the Department of Agriculture, as Joint MD, Business Development, on deputation basis for a period of five years.

Deputation tenure of Narendra Kumar as Chief General Manager/ Electrical at CO, IRCON International Limited has been extended till January 2026. He is a 2002 batch Indian Revenue Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

Dr Kalyan Sagar Nippani has been given the additional charge of the Director (HR & EB), Mahanagar Telephone Nigam Limited (MTNL). He is also serving the post of Director (HR) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

The tenure of additional charge of Rajiv Kumar as Director (Finance), Bharat Broadband Network Limited (BBNL) has been extended. He is also the Director (Finance) Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL).

Post of Group General Manager-Rail Neer (GGM) has been advertised by Indian Railway Catering And Tourism Corporation Limited (IRCTC). IRSME and IRSEE officers can apply for it and applications must each on or before December 7, 2024.

Railtel Corporation of India Limited (RCIL) has advertised for the post of Senior Manager (Marketing), Delhi (Corporate office).

Ministry of Railways is seeking Coordinators (Admin) and Haj Officers (HO) for the Ministry of Minority Affairs.

Department of Commerce is seeking Executive Director (DS/ Director Level) for Tobacco Board, Guntur on deputation basis. Applications can be emailed on s.deepak@nic.in on or before December 10, 2024.

Last date to send nominations for National Geoscience Awards-2024 has been extended by the Ministry of Mines. The revised date is December 14, 2024.

Four SAG/ IRHS officers have been granted HA grade on Non-Functional basis. These officers are Arvind Kumar Ojha, Rekha Sahu, Sanjay Kumar Gupta and Govind Prasad.

Interviews for two Investigation Experts (Consultant) for Lucknow National Investigation Agency (NIA) Branch Office will be held on December 10, 2024. The interviews will be held from 11 am onwards.

Nominations of IAS & CSS officers have been invited by the Ministry of Defence by November 30 for the 65th NDC Course at National Defence College, New Delhi - scheduled from January 6, 2025 to November 28, 2025.

Narendra Kumar, formerly Senior Divisional Electrical Engineer (Sr. DEE) ,Traction Distribution (TRD), Northern Railway (NR), has been granted extension in his deputation tenure as Chief General Manager (Electrical) at Corporate Officer with IRCON International Limited until January 31, 2026. He is an Indian Railway Service of Electrical Engineers (IRSEE) officer.

Sumit Kumar, who is presently posted in Northern Railway (NR), has been transferred to Railway Board and appointed as Joint Director (Project & Development) of Railway Board. He is an Indian Railway Service of Mechanical Engineers (IRSME) officer.

REC Power Development and Consultancy Limited (RECPDCL), a wholly owned subsidiary of REC Limited, the Maharatna CPSU under the aegis of Ministry of Power, has handed over the project specific SPV (Special Purpose Vehicle) of HVDC Transmission Project under TBCB route viz, Khavda V-A Power Transmission Limited to Power Grid Corporation of India Limited on November 19, 2024 at Gurugram. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) emerged as the Transmission Service Provider (TSP) through Tariff-Based Competitive Bidding (TBCB) process conducted by RECPDCL, the Bid Process Coordinator, for development of the transmission project on Build, Own, Operate & Transfer (BOOT) basis. This is the first HVDC transmission project, whereby the award process has been concluded through TBCB route and handed over to PGCIL. The scheme covers establishment of 2 Nos. HVDC terminal stations of 6000 MW at KPS2 and Nagpur, + 800 kV HVDC Bipole line (Hexa Lapwing) from KPS2 to Nagpur (1200 km), 6x1500 MVA, 765/400 kV ICTs at Nagpur S/s along with associated works. The SPV was handed over by T S C Bosh, CEO, RECPDCL to Pankaj Pandey, Executive Director, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited in the presence of Senior Officials of RECPDCL, Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and Central Transmission Utility of India Limited. The implementation period of the project is 54 months.

Inter cadre deputation of Manoj Kumar Sahoo from AGMUT to Odisha cadre for a period of three years has been approved. He is a 2006 batch IAS officer.

Inter cadre deputation of Ms Monica Priyadarshini from AGMUT to Odisha Cadre for three years has been approved. She is a 2014 batch IAS officer.

Pranjal J Hazarika has been appointed as Secretary to Minister for SC/ST Welfare, Labour, Employment in Delhi Government. He is a 2006 batch DANICS officer.

THDC India Limited, a premier Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) has achieved a historic milestone with the successful Synchronization of first unit (250 MW) of India’s first Variable Speed Pumped Storage Plant (PSP) to the National Grid. The synchronization took place on 19th November 2024, at 17:50 Hrs marking a significant leap in India’s renewable energy infrastructure development. The momentous occasion was graced by the esteemed presence of R K Vishnoi, Chairman and Managing Director, THDC India Limited. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, (Power), GoI and Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC were also present in this significant achievement through Video conferencing. Adding to the occasion’s significance, Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power (Government of India), via video conference congratulated the PSP team for their tireless dedication. He also commended THDC India Limited for achieving this significant milestone.  Vishnoi extended his heartfelt congratulations to Team PSP for their exceptional achievement, underscoring the critical role this milestone plays in enhancing the National Grid’s capacity. He highlighted that this is a pivotal step in the commissioning of India’s largest pumped storage plant developed by any CPSE, bringing India’s largest Hydro Power Complex, the Tehri Hydro Power Complex closer to full operationalization with a total installed capacity of 2,400 MW.  Vishnoi remarked, this achievement is a testament to our commitment to strengthening India’s renewable energy infrastructure. It positions the Tehri Hydro Power Complex as a key contributor to the nation’s transition towards a sustainable and resilient energy future. Gurdeep Singh, CMD, NTPC via video conference also applauded the entire PSP team for their unwavering dedication in achieving this remarkable milestone. He further emphasized that the successful commissioning of the Tehri PSP will set a valuable precedent, paving the way for other PSUs to venture into Pumped Storage Projects which are crucial for enhancing grid stability and meeting the growing demand for Renewable Energy Integration. Shri Singh congratulated CMD THDCIL and lauded the THDCILs unwavering dedication and commitment in achieving this ground breaking milestone. His words further underscored the national significance of this milestone, highlighting its potential to inspire future endeavours in advanced hydropower and storage solutions across the country. Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel), expressed his heartfelt congratulations towards achieving this key milestone and emphasized that this achievement is a crucial step in expanding THDCIL's footprint in the PSP, thereby contributing to India’s Energy self-reliance & Grid stability. He also mentioned that this achievement is a testament to the dedication, hard work, and perseverance of every individual involved in the project. Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical), on this occasion, appreciated the immense efforts put in by the Tehri PSP team, emphasizing the technical challenges overcome during the synchronization process. Sh. Gupta further added that the successful synchronization of the first unit marks a significant achievement in THDC India Limited’s journey towards realizing the full potential of the Tehri Hydro Power Complex, and it is a testament to the cutting-edge technological advancements applied throughout the project. Sipan Kumar Garg, Director (Finance) mentioned that while congratulating the team, highlighted the strategic financial planning and investment that have supported the development of the Tehri Pumped Storage Plant. He emphasized that the milestone is not only a technological achievement but also a significant financial accomplishment, as it demonstrates the strong commitment of THDC India Limited towards securing financial sustainability and long-term viability of the project. L P Joshi, Executive Director (Tehri Complex), lauded the unwavering commitment of the Tehri PSP team, consortium partners (M/s GEPIL and M/s HCC), and other stakeholders. He emphasized the collaborative efforts that culminated in this landmark achievement. Joshi also noted that the successful synchronization of first Unit with the Grid is only the beginning, and the focus will now shift to ensuring the unit’s commercial operation at the earliest. Anoop Gairola CGM (Civil-PSP), Dr A N Tripathy, GM (HR-Admin, CC), and other senior officials from THDCIL , consortium partners, and THDCIL’s consultant M/s Tractebel were also present during the occasion.a

Ministry of I&B has clarified in an  Office  Memorandum, regarding iGOT on boarding , dated November 19, 2024 saying  that only  "A status report may be provided by the concerned DDOs/HoOs in regard to completion of onboarding on the iGOT platfom, for all officials/working in the concerned units/divisions".

Two Senior Accounts Officers have been given new postings. Ms Francisca Jacob has been shifted to the Ministry of Skill Development, Delhi and D R Sutur was posted to Ministry of I&B, Mumbai.

NLC India Limited, a premier Navratna CPSE under the control of the Ministry of Coal, Government of India, has contributed Rupees 1 crore to the Kerala Disaster Mitigation Fund through NLC Tamil Nadu Power Limited (NTPL) CSR Fund at Thiruvananthapuram on November 20, 2024. NTPL is a joint venture of NLC India Limited and Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation (TANGEDCO).  A cheque for Rupees 1 crore was handed over to Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala by Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, Chairman & Managing Director, NLC India Limited in the presence of M Venkatachalam, Director (Power), NLCIL and Ananda Ramanujam, CEO, NTPL on November 20, 2024 at the CM’s Office in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. On July 30, 2024, heavy rainfall triggered landslides occurred in the serene, northern district of Wayanad. This contribution aims to support the restoration efforts and rehabilitation of those displaced by the floods and landslides in Kerala. Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLC India also briefed Chief Minister of Kerala about NLC India's current activities and future plans. NLC India has been a reliable power supplier to the state of Kerala for over three decades, contributing significantly to the state's economic growth and development. NLC India has also signed a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) with Kerala State Electricity Board Limited (KSEBL)for the supply of 400 MW of power from the upcoming NLC Talabira Thermal Power Project of 2,400 MW capacity (3x800MW) at Talabira in Odisha.

Dr Pranay Misra, AIGF, Regional Office, Lucknow in the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, has been given premature repatriation to his parent cadre. Dr Misra is a 201 batch IFoS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.

Mayank Srivastav has been appointed as Deputy Director General in Sports Authority of India (SAI) on deputation. He is a 2006 batch IPS officer of Chhattisgarh cadre.

M Keivom (YOA:2008), presently Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, has been appointed as the next Ambassador of India to the Republic of Djibouti.

Krishna Mahesh has been re-appointed as Managing Director of Sundaram Brake Linings Limited.

Radheshyam Mopalwar has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Director and Chairman of Modern Engineering and Projects Limited.

Rakesh Sharma has been appointed as Additional Independent Director of SG Finserve Limited.

Shlok Gada has been appointed as Additional Executive Director, designated as Whole-Time Director of Uravi Defence and Technology Limited (formerly known as Uravi T and Wedge Lamps Limited).

Ashok Dilipkumar Jain has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of LE Lavoir Limited.

Pradeep Sutodiya has been appointed as Additional Non-Executive Independent Director of LE Lavoir Limited.

Girish P Vanvari has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Blue Jet Healthcare Limited.

Ms. Divya Sameer Momaya has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Blue Jet Healthcare Limited.

Ms. Preeti G Mehta has been re-appointed as Independent Director of Blue Jet Healthcare Limited.

Ms. Priyanka Yadav has been appointed as Independent Director of Blue Jet Healthcare Limited.

Popat Kedar has been appointed as Executive Director of Blue Jet Healthcare Limited.

Sekhar Srinivasan Mosur has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of SG Finserve Limited.

Asdulla Mehfuzali Khan has resigned from the position of Independent Director of Omansh Enterprises Limited.

Partial law follow done CIC

Why does the CIC follow the law partially? When the law categorically provides for a penalty Rs 250/- per day for delay and there  is clear evidence of malafide denial, why a penalty of only Rs 5000/- and not Rs 25,000/-? It is clearly evident that the CPIO has been doing it regularly and has no regrets. Such a weak enforcement of law encourages the law breakers to carry on with their business. The faith of the people in the system is the casualty. Unless the information commission discharges its duty, the cause of RTI would be a lost battle.

Harish Srivastava

Action taken on a complaint filed on CPGRAM portal

A complaint was sent via mail to Department of Financial Services, Insurance Division, regarding Mapping of Office of Council of Insurance Ombudsman at CPGRAMS portal and related information. The Complainant filed an application under the RTI Act seeking action taken report regarding the complaint. The Complainant was informed that there was already a mechanism for registering online complaints at the official website of council of Insurance ombudsman and the request made vide email was examined and filed. The CIC held that the respondent had replied to the Complainant and no mala fide could be attributed to the decision taken by them. While exercising their wisdom, the Respondent provided the information as per record available with them. That being so and the reply having been given to the complainant, there appears to be no merit in the complaint.

Comments

It has been observed in many cases that the complainants have used the RTI Act to follow up on a complaint filed on CPGRAM portal or any other forum. The PIO should reply to the RTI application informing whatever action has been taken on the complaint.

Citation: Ankit Tiwari v. Department of Financial Services, Complaint No. CIC/DOFSR/C/2023/652827; Date of Decision: 03.10.2024

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/