Will UP CM Yogi get Nobel Prize?

Heard that UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath is in consideration for Nobel Prize for organizing the unimaginable Kumbha Mela in Prayagraj. One can wait and watch.

Nirmala Sitharaman to present 8^th budget

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is going to present Budget 2025-26, the eighth budget in a row, a record.

Implications of Akhilesh’s holy dip

Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav took a holy dip at the Mahakumbh on January 26, drawing attention to opposition leaders, particularly Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi. Speculation is rife about their possible visit to Prayagraj in early February, although the Congress is yet to issue an official statement. Akhilesh's move poses a dilemma for Rahul Gandhi—joining the Mahakumbh could appear as following Akhilesh, while skipping it may alienate the majority community. This situation adds to Congress's challenges. Previously, Akhilesh declined an invitation to the Ram temple inauguration, facing BJP criticism and internal party backlash.

IPS Dharmvir Singh is a 2012 batch IPS officer and is currently posted as Superintendent of Police, Gwalior. Prior to this he served in various capacities and was also honoured with the Gallantry Awards.

Singh’s Mission for the district focuses on controlling illegal firearms, discreet firing, and misuse of licensee arms. “In Gwalior, the key issue is controlling the gun culture. The new trend is the use of illegal arms and the misuse of legal firearms,” he explained.

To tackle this, his zero-tolerance mission involves stringent actions under preventive laws like the National Security Act (NSA). Citing a recent example, Singh explained, “A criminal fired in two locations—no motive, no enmity, no reason, nothing. It was just to show his violence and pride. People also didn’t report it because of fear.”

Taking this as a challenge, he shared “We arrested him under the Illegal Arms Act and further booked him under the Social Security Act.”

To further address the misuse of licensed arms, a proposal was introduced to suspend licenses and seize firearms of those found guilty  “More than 200 licenses have been suspended, and not a single new license has been recommended in the last 8-9 months because the average density of firearms in Gwalior is higher ” he noted.

In addition to this, Singh has strict stance against the organised criminals, inter-state gangs and criminals released on bail “If you come out of jail and start doing gundagardi, we cancel the bail,” he said firmly. “We’ve managed to get bail cancelled in over 20 such cases.”

Under his leadership, crime rates have seen a drop across various categories “There has been a 17% decline compared to 2023,” he stated.

As many as 25 IAS officers of various cadres and batches are retiring in January 2925. They are: Amarnath R Talwade of AGMUT cadre; Vilfred Nongesiei, Gautam Talukdar and Kausar Jamily Hilaly of Assam-Meghalaya cadre;  Sanjay Kumar Singh of Bihar; Raj Kumar, Dr S Mrali Krishna, A M Sharma, L M Dindod of Gujarat; Balkrishun Munda and Pradeep Tigga of Jharkhand; L K Atheeq of Karnataka; K S Srinivas of Kerala; Sheonarayan Misra, Dr Ram Rao Bhonsle and Akshya Kumar Singh of MP; Ramashis Mazra of Odisha; Devinder Pal Singh Kharbanda and Pardeep Kumar of Punjab; Ms Namrata Thapa of Sikkim; Ms Apoorva of Tamil Nadu; Dilip Kumar Chakma of Tripura; Dr Anil Kumar Singh of Uttar Pradesh and Atanu Majumdar and Krishnendu Sadhukhan of West Bengal cadre.

The Finance Ministry has notified the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which guarantees a pension amounting to 50 percent of the average basic pay received during the last 12 months preceding superannuation subject to a minimum qualifying service of 25 years unlike the NPS which is tied to market returns. This scheme will apply to Central Government employees covered in the National Pension System (NPS) who select this option. The UPS will not be available if an employee is removed, dismissed from service, or resigns.

Ravi Shankar Ayyanar appears to be a contender for the post of Director General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh after the superannuation of incumbent Dwarka Tirumala Rao on January 31, 2025. He is 1994 batch IPS officer of AP cadre.

The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, has invited applications for the position of Chairman, Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI).The appointment will be for a maximum tenure of five years from the date of assumption of office or until the appointee attains the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. The term of the incumbent SEBI Chairperson, Madhabhi Puri Buch, ends on February 28. Applications for the post will close on February 17, 2025, according to the advertisement issued by the Ministry.

(We said this on January 02, 2025)

Kumar Vishwajeet appears to be a contender for the post of Director General of Police (DGP) of Andhra Pradesh after the superannuation of incumbent Dwaraka Tirumala Rao on January 31, 2025. He is 1994 batch IPS officer of AP cadre.

Dharmendra Kumar Sharma, Executive Director (Corporate Strategy & Planning and Business Development), Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited (HPCL) is in the race for the post of Chairman-cum-Managing Director, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL).

Inter cadre transfer of Ms Rashmi Rani from Tamil Nadu cadre to Rajasthan has been approved on the grounds of marriage to IPS officer Kartikeya Verma. She is a 2021 batch IAS officer.

President has conferred Vayu Sena Medal (Gallantry) on Wing Commander Ankit Sood, Wing Commander Akshay Saxena, Squadron Leader Prathamesh D Dongre, Captain Ankit Raj Singh Flying (Pilot), Tarun Nair Flying (Pilot) and Aman Singh Hans.

Dr. Rajeshwar Singh, the former Joint Director of the Enforcement Directorate and current MLA from Lucknow, has received the ‘Distinguished Alumnus Award’ from his alma mater, IIT Dhanbad (Indian School of Mines). This accolade acknowledges his ongoing commitment to excellence and public service. As a leader, Dr. Singh has made significant strides in empowering his community, setting up 140 women empowerment centers and transforming education through the establishment of over 50 digital libraries in schools. He also provides essential services such as the Ram Rath, which facilitates Ayodhya tours for the elderly. His free kitchen serves more than 4,000 meals daily, showcasing his steadfast dedication to social welfare. Dr. Rajeshwar Singh exemplifies service and continues to inspire others through his impactful work and leadership.

A total of 942 personnel of Police, Fire, Home Guard & Civil Defence (HG&CD) and Correctional Services have been awarded Gallantry and Service Medals on the occasion of the Republic Day, 2025. Among the majority of the 95 Gallantry Awards, 28 personnel from Left Wing Extremism affected areas, 28 personnel from Jammu & Kashmir region, 3 personnel from North-East and 36 personnel from other regions are being awarded for their gallant action. Out of 95 medals for Gallantry (GM), 78 Police Personnel and 17 Fire Service personnel have been awarded GM respectively. Out of 101 President’s Medal for Distinguished Service (PSM), 85 have been awarded to Police Service, 5 to Fire Service, 7 to Civil Defence& Home Guard Service and 4 to Correctional Service. Out of 746 Medal for Meritorious Service (MSM), 634 have been awarded to Police Service, 37 to Fire Service, 39 to Civil Defense & Home Guard Service and 36 to Correctional Service.

Two IAS officers will hold additional charge in Rajasthan. Jitendra Jumar Soni, Collector and DM, Jaipur, will hold the charge of Divisional Commissioner, Jaipur, in addition to his own duties, while Dr Amit Yadav. Collector and DM, Bharatpur, will also hold the charge of Divisional Commissioner, Bharatpur.

The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) has advertised for the posts of Deputy Director, Senior Scientific Officer and Scientific Officer in the Central Drugs Testing Laboratory (CDTL), Hyderabad, Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO), Directorate General of Health Services.

Four candidates have been shortlisted for appointment to the posts of Assistant Director (IEDS) (Chemical), in Office of the Development Commissioner, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME). The candidates are Munthalal Sivasai Reddy, Abhishek Kumar Rai, Sumit Kumar Gupta and Amburi Shalemu Rajulu.

Interviews of 43 candidates for the posts of Assistant Professor/ Lecturer (Community Medicine), Directorate of AYUSH, Department of Health & Family Welfare will be held on February 24, 25 and 27. The morning session will be from 9 am while the afternoon session will be from 12 pm onwards.

Interviews of 53 candidates for the post of  Assistant Professor/ Lecturer (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology), Directorate of AYUSH, Department of Health & Family Welfare will be held on February 10, 11, 12 and 13.

The Ministry of Jal Shakti has advertised for three posts of Public Health Engineering. The vacancies are for  Additional Adviser, Deputy Adviser and Assistant Adviser. Applications must reach before March 3, 2025.

Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), a wholly owned subsidiary of the Reserve Bank of India, seeks Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to spearhead technology-based innovation across the financial sector and foster collaboration among all stakeholders.

Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has invited applications for Young Professionals-Law to handle litigation management at the Head Office, New Delhi.

As many as 12 IAS officers have been reshuffled in Karnataka. Dr Shiva Shankara N has been appointed as Managing Director of Bengaluru Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM), Bengaluru, while Mahantesh Bilagi will take over as Managing Director, Karnataka State Minerals Corporation Limited, Bengaluru and Jayavibhavaswamy is shifted as Commissioner, Department of Public Libraries, Bengaluru. Similarly, Swaroopa T K will be posted as Director (E-Governance), Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Bengaluru; Dr Kumara, Deputy Commissioner, Mandya District, has been given the additional charge of Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Mandya District; Shaikh Tanveer Asif was shifted as Commissioner, Mysuru City Corporation;  Dr Anuradha K N, Chief Executive Officer, Zilla Panchayat, Bengaluru Rural District, will also hold charge of Deputy Commissioner, Bengaluru Rural District; Digvijay Bodke was appointed as Director (IT), Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC), Bengaluru; Patil Bhuvanesh Devidas as CEO, Zilla Panchayat, Dharwad District; Anmol Jain as CEO, Zilla Panchayat, Ramanagara District; Shinde Avinash Sanjeevan as Commissioner, Kalaburagi City Corporation and Jubin Mohapatra has been transferred as Senior Assistant Commissioner, Puttur Sub-Division, Dakshina Kannada District.

THDC India Limited, a Mini-Ratna Public Sector Enterprise, has achieved a monumental milestone in its commitment to strengthening India's power generation capacity with the announcement of the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the Unit#1 of 1320 MW Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant (KSTPP). R K Vishnoi, CMD THDCIL informed that it is a proud moment that the Commercial Operation Date (COD) of the Unit#1 of the 2x660 MW (1320 MW) of KSTPP has been declared in the midnight of 25th January 2025. He mentioned that while traditionally, THDCIL’s core Business Area had been harnessing of Hydropower, this landmark achievement marks a significant display of company’s capabilities, further also showcasing it's excellence and expertise in the Thermal Power sector, furthering India's journey towards Energy self-reliance. With the successful commissioning of this unit, THDCIL is poised to play an even more prominent role in powering the Nation’s growth and contributing to its Sustainable Energy future.  He also added that the Foundation Stone of the project was laid by Hon’ble  Prime Minister of India and presently the synchronization with the grid; Full load testing (660 MW) and Trial Run for 72 Hrs on full load have already been completed. The Commercial Operation Declaration (COD) is a significant milestone as it marks the official point when the plant is considered commercially operational and capable of generating and supplying electricity to the grid. Essentially, the COD signifies that the plant has passed all necessary tests and inspections, meets the performance standards, and is ready to contribute to the electrical system in a stable and efficient manner. Vishnoi highlighted that the Flue Gas De-sulphurization (FGD) system which has been integrated in the Khurja STPP is unique of its kind has been completed in a record time, marking a significant achievement for the Khurja STPP project. COD also ensures that the plant complies with regulatory requirements and contractual obligations. After the declaration of COD, the plant can begin supplying electricity to the grid under the signed Power Purchase Agreements and the thermal power plant will be fully integrated into the grid, ensuring stability and continuous supply of electricity in the region. With this achievement the Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant (KSTPP) will start feeding reliable electricity to UP (64.7%), Rajasthan (21.3%), Uttarakhand (3.9%) and Unallocated regions(10.1%). Shallinder Singh, Director (Personnel) congratulated team Khurja for this remarkable success and expressed his pride in the collective efforts of the team, stating, “This achievement is a reflection of the hard work, dedication, and teamwork of all those involved in the project. Our employees have shown immense commitment in overcoming challenges to ensure the timely commissioning of the first unit. It is a proud moment for all of us as we continue to play an integral role in India’s Energy progress.” Bhupender Gupta, Director (Technical) who was present during the occasion of COD at Khurja project appreciated the team’s efforts and highlighted the project's importance. He mentioned that the Flue Gas De-sulphurization (FGD) system has been integrated into the Khurja Thermal Power Plant to control emissions, specifically targeting the removal of Sulphur Di Oxide (SO₂) from flue gas. This system reduces the environmental impact of burning fossil fuels, thus improving air quality. Sipan Kumar Garg, Director (Finance), THDCIL also congratulated the team, emphasizing the financial and strategic importance of the milestone. He remarked, “This achievement represents the successful execution of a complex power project and also showcases our continued focus on financial discipline and Sustainable investments. This milestone is not only a reflection of our effective financial management and strategic planning but also a key driver for strengthening the financial growth of the company. As the plant contributes to the nation’s power generation, it will also improve THDCIL’s financial parameters, creating a positive ripple effect across our operations. This will help further stabilize and strengthen India’s Energy infrastructure, ensuring long-term benefits for the country’s Economic growth and Energy Security.”  In addition to the 1320 MW Khurja Super Thermal Power Plant (STPP), THDC India Limited (THDCIL) is also overseeing the completion of several other significant projects i.e. 1000 MW Tehri Pumped Storage Plant and 444 MW Vishnugad Pipalkoti Hydro Electric Project (VPHEP). THDCIL is a holding company of NTPC Limited, India's largest power utility. Kumar Sharad, ED (Project), BK Sahoo, GM (O&M); RM Dubey, GM (Elec.); Shailesh Dhyani, AGM; Mukul Sharma, AGM; Manoj Grover, AGM; Anil Tyagi, AGM, NK Bhatt, AGM and A K Vishwakarma, DGM  and other employees of KSTPP were also present during the occasion.

Posts of Collector and District Magistrate in nine newly formed districts have been abolished in Rajasthan. Accordingly, IAS officers posted as DM in nine abolished dists have been directed to report under awaiting posting orders. The officers are: Rajendra Singh Shekhawat, Shakti Singh Rathore, Sharad Mehra, Dr Gaurav Saini, Mrs Shweta Chauhan and Avhesh Meena.

Technical resignation tendered by Yogendra Meena, IFoS Probationer (2023-25 course), from Indian Forest Service has been accepted on his appointment in IPS on the basis of result of Civil Services Exam, 2023.

Technical resignation tendered by Ms Kirti Yadav, IFoS Probationer (2023-25 course), from Indian Forest Service has been accepted on his appointment in IPS on the basis of result of Civil Services Exam, 2023.

Madhusudan Padhi has been appointed as State Election Commissioner, Odisha. He is a retired IAS officer.

Manoj Ahuja has been assigned an additional charge of Chief Resident Commissioner, Odisha Bhawan, New Delhi. He is a 1990 batch IAS officer of Odisha cadre.

Three IAS officers have been assigned new responsibilities in Chhattisgarh. S Prakash has been appointed as Secretary, Transport and given additional charge of Commissioner, Transport, while Dr C R Prasanna, Secretary, Co-operatives, will also hold charge of Secretary to the Governor and Yashwant Kumar takes over as Secretary, Village Industries with additional charge of Secretary, Parliamentary Works Department. 

Rajesh Nirwan has been appointed as Director General, Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). He is a 1992 batch IPS officer of Rajasthan cadre.  (We said this on January 23, 2025)

The deputation tenure of Rajesh Kumar as Additional Director General, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) has been extended for a period of one year beyond March 18, 2025. He is a 1995 batch IPS officer of AGMUT cadre.

 Jivan Kautikrao Bachhav has been appointed as Private Secretary to Prataprao Jhadav, MoS for AYUSH. He is a 2011 batch IRS-IT officer. 

S A Murugesan has been empanelled for holding the posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent posts in the Government of India. He is a 2005 batch IAS officer of UD cadre.

K M Pandurang has been empanelled for holding the posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent posts in the Government of India. He is a 2007 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre.

Chander Shekhar Khare has been empanelled for holding the posts of Joint Secretary or equivalent posts in the Government of India. He is a 2008 batch IAS officer of Haryana cadre. 

In a major administrative rejig in MP, as many as 42 IAS officers have been shifted. Bharat Yadav has been posted as MD, MP Road Development Corporation, while Sibi Chakravorty was appointed as Secretary, CM and Commissioner, Urban Administration. Similarly, Avinash Lavania was appointed as MD, MP Power Management Company; Mrs preeti maithil as Commissioner-cum_Director, Horticulture & Food Processing; Mrs Vandana Vaidya as Director, MAPCET; Satendra Singh as MD, MP Cooperative Dairy Federation; Manish Singh as Secretary, Jail and Secretary, Transport; Karmveer Sharma as Commissioner-cum-Director, Food, Civil Supplies; Bhaskar Lakshkar as OSD-cum-Commissioner, Treasury & Accounts; Neha Marvya Singh has as Collector, Dindori; Vivek Shrotri as Collector, Tikamgarh; Satish Kumar S as Collector, Satna; Arun Kumar Vishwakarma as Collector, Raisen; Rishav Gupta as Collector, Khandwa; Bhavya Mittal as Collector, Khargone; Harsh Singh as Collector, Burhanpur; Ritu Raj as Collector, Dewas; Arpit Verma as Collector, Sheopur; Balaguru K as Collector, Sehore; Guncha Sanobar as Collector; Barwani; Rajesh Jain as CEO, District Panchayat, Ashok Nagar; Pratap Narayan Yadav as Deputy Secretary, Fisheries Development Department and Anurag Saxena will be posted as MD, State Seed and Farm Development Corporation.

Arup Roy Choudhury has been appointed as an Additional Director (Independent) of Century Plyboards (I) Limited, effective February 1, 2025.

Mrs. Ila Gupta has been appointed as an Additional Director (Non-Executive Independent) of Eraaya Lifespaces Limited.

Jitendra Mohandas Virwani, Chairman of Embassy Group and Promoter of the Company, has been appointed as a Non-Executive Non-Independent Director on the Board of Equinox India Developments Limited.

Vishal Gupta has been appointed as an Additional Director (Non-Executive Non-Independent) of Aptech Limited.

Sushil Kumar Modi has been appointed as a Whole-Time Director of Macrotech Developers Limited.

Abidali Neemuchwala has resigned from the position of Chairman and Non-Executive Non-Independent Director of Axiscades Technologies Limited.

Sulabh Dikshit has resigned from the position of Non-Executive Independent Director of Sharpline Broadcast Limited.

Anish Rajendrakumar Gupta has resigned from the position of Independent Director of Rudra Global Infra Products Limited.

India's development journey

If we look at India's development journey from 1950 till now, we see many glorious achievements. Obviously all these achievements are glorious, yet a lot remains to be done. It is true that we are the fifth most powerful economy in the world, but the country also has a debt of lakhs of crores of rupees. In this perspective, the harsh truth is that since the size of our GDP is large, hence we are a big economy, but we are not a debt-free economy. Actually, freebie culture has also become a big challenge for the Indian economy. Economists are very worried about free schemes because they have far-reaching disadvantages. But unfortunately our political parties are not worried about it.

Neha Kumari

Compensation by the Department of Social Welfare

A complaint dated 17.12.2024 for non-compliance of CIC’s order dated 22.07.2024 was heard by the CIC. In the order dated 22.07.2024, the CIC had admonished the casual conduct of Mr. RP Yadav, Supt.-cum PIO, Social Welfare (South), GNCTD, Delhi and had directed to revisit the RTI Application and provide a revised reply. The CIC noted that there is a substantial delay in compliance with the order and the respondent failed to explain the reasons for the delay. The CIC referred to the criteria for processing or sanctioning of the application, under the Financial Assistance to Persons with Special Needs (popularly known as Disability Pension). The CIC noted that Ms. Madhu (Appellant’s niece) is a physically challenged person; an orphan; a member of scheduled caste; a girl child; unmarried who cannot carry out her daily activities without assistance; and has no independent means of livelihood. The CIC observed that “The extraordinary circumstances and adverse conditions faced by Ms. Madhu establish her as the weakest of the weak and poorest of the poor, being the most deprived citizen whose case deserved extra sensitivity, and it certainly could not have been dealt with in an ordinary manner by the respondent public authority in the department of Social Welfare. The appellant, being her aunt, is the only support Ms. Madhu has”. For the loss, harassment and detriment suffered by her, the Department of Social Welfare was directed by the CIC to pay a compensation of Rs. 92,000/- to the appellant within a week.

Comments

In this case, the application for compensation of Disability Pension to Ms. Madhu was forwarded to the Deputy Director (FAS), New Delhi and was pending on the date of hearing. The case was dealt with in a very casual and insensitive manner as per the CIC and the action was condemned. The CIC observed in the order that the insensitivity as established based on the records is appalling to put it most euphemistically.

Citation: Ms. Devki v. Supdt. (South), Department of Social Welfare, New Delhi, CIC/DSWGD/A/2023/119725; Order dated 14.01.2025

Citation: Piyush Sharma v. O/o the Executive Engineer (E), PWD, New Delhi, File No: CIC/PWDDL/A/2023/132711; Date of Decision : 29.10.2024

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