IMPA Conducts RTI Training Program for Civil Society

IMPA conducts RTI training prog for Civil Society

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Nov 30/2012:  Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration (IMPA) and Rural Development, with the assistance of J&K State Information Commission, organised a one-day RTI awareness-cum-training program here at IMPA Conference Hall, Sidhra, exclusively for the members of Civil Society.

Inaugurating the event, Course Coordinator and Faculty member, Dr Rachna Goswami, welcomed the participants and apprised them about the Global RTI scenario. She informed that presently there are over 70 countries around the world where this transparency law is in operation and in more than other 50 countries, a similar kind of law is in pipeline.

Comparing the Indian RTI Act with other countries, Goswami said we have best piece of legislation across the world whereas other faculty member and prominent RTI activist, Raman Sharma through his power point presentation explained the importance of this Transparency Law. He said that RTI Act is not only to unearth scams and corruption in the system but also helps the administration to develop a habit of management and proper record keeping.

During the interactive session, both Goswami and Sharma replied various queries of the participants. Later Course Coordinator along with other senior participants awarded certificates to the participants.

http://jammu.greaterkashmir.com/news/2012/Dec/1/rti-awareness-program-held-at-sidhra-12.asp 

also Published in Greater Kashmir 

RTI awareness program held at Sidhra

GK NEWS NETWORK

ammu, Nov 30: Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Management, Public Administration and Rural Development with support from J&K State Information Commission, today organized a one day RTI awareness-cum-training program for the members of the civil society at the IMPA Conference Hall Sidhra.
The programme, inaugurated by Course Co-coordinator and faculty member Dr Rachna Goswami, witnessed participation of a large number of civil society members.  
Speaking on the occasion, Goswami welcomed the participants and apprised them about the Global RTI scenario. She informed that presently there are over 70 countries around the world where this Transparency law was in operation and in more than other 50 countries, the similar kind of law are in the pipeline.
While comparing the Indian RTI Act with other 

countries, she said, “We have best piece of legislation among all the countries around the world”.
  Prominent RTI activist Raman Sharma also explained the importance of the Law. Sharma said that Right to Information Act is not only to unearth scams and corruption in the system, but it also helps the administration to develop a habit of management and proper record keeping.
He further highlighted   genuine grievances of the Public Information Officers in dealing with the RTI applications in absence of adequate infrastructure and manpower. 
He also urged the state government to provide adequate facilities and incentives to the PIO’s so that this law does not remain merely a piece of paper. During the interaction session, both Goswami and Sharma replied various queries of the participants during interaction session.
Later, Course Coordinator along with other senior participants gave away certificates to the participants.

In Tribune

Women Empowerment in J&K is just a slogan

Raman Sharma

Published in Rising Kashmir, Early Times, JK Newspoint, Northlines and other newspaper

hare on facebookShare on twitterShare on emailShare on printShare on google_plusone0

Women Empowerment in the state of Jammu and Kashmir possibly would remain a slogan for at least one more century. There appears no immediate ray of hope as all the political parties believe in lip service only. Till date, they have failed to do anything substantial in this regard. It is unfortunate that even after more than 60 years of democracy, only 3 women were elected to the Parliament of India.

In the recent history of the state, only three women from Jammu and Kashmir could enter Parliament of India, Krishna Mehta, Begum Akbar Jahan Abdullah and Mehbooba Mufti are the only names that come into thought when one explores political empowerment for women in the state. This is obviously a matter of concern that when there are more than 5,883,365 female citizens out of total 12,548,926 population and more than 31 Lac voters out of total 64 Lac combined electorate, still their presence in the power corridors of Jammu And Kashmir State remains almost negligible.
The discrimination is committed by each and every political party of the state with women. All of them are reluctant in giving them political opportunity to show their abilities and competence. It has been proved beyond any doubt when one looks at the list of 89 members of JK Legislative Assembly. There are only five female legislatures in the lower house whereas officially it is being informed that there are over 3 million female voters in the state. At present out of 30 members in the state upper house (Legislative Council) the female representation remains zero. The council of ministers in the state is also purely male dominated and there’s just one female minister namely Sakina Itoo. Out of total, 10 Member Parliaments there is no presence of any women candidates neither in the Lok Sabha whereas all the six seats are occupied by male members and even the four Rajya Sabha seats are shared among men.
In this troubled state, female folk are hardly accommodated even at the soft higher political posts such as vice-chairperson of community welfare boards like, Kissan Welfare Board, Pahari Speaking Board, Vice Chairman, J&K State Advisory Board for Development of Gujjars and Bakerwals and other.  These posts could easily be offered to the female political activists to show their ability and if they do well there, then they deserve to get some other chance as well.
Even at the Panchayat level, the scenario is no different; the approach of all the political parties is more or less same. Except National Conference and Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party, no other political party even gave mandate to any other female contestant for four MLC seats under the Panchayat quota. Amongst total 44 nominations filed for the MLC’s seat there are only 2 female Candidates. Activists and Experts feel that the powerful Panchayati Raj Institutions in the state could be the best option towards women empowerment and to provide them the opportunities to serve the communities and build up leadership character. But contrary to the experts’ opinion, the state government has not even given any honorarium to elected panchayat members.
In the 2011 Panchayat elections, a good number of female candidates successfully contested the elections. Now these elected Panches and Sarpanches are feeling being deceived because many of them were earlier earning their livelihood by one way or other but after being elected as Panchayat members they could not devote time there.
The political empowerment for women in the state is necessary not only to accommodate them or for their social and political empowerment but this is the need of the hour, The sex ratio in Jammu and Kashmir leaves a lot to be desired as it lags behind the national average by a huge gap. The female Sex ratio of Jammu and Kashmir is 883 females per 1000 males and the child sex ratio is also alarming 859 females per 1000 males. Even the female literacy rate is 58.01 % which is 7 % less than that of national rate i.e. 65.46%. When in our neighboring state of Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, we have female literacy rate of 76.60 percent and 71.34 respectively.

The Political bosses in the state must understand the fact that the women of Jammu and Kashmir are very competent. Every individual woman here is capable of making change and work in every sector and level of society. The women folk of Jammu and Kashmir is perhaps the most tolerant, courageous, talented and obviously beautiful and this is the reason that they are living in this troubled state with dignity and decorum despite the fact that in these past 25 years of protracted violence the state has witnessed 68000 violent incidents. Women suffered the most in this violence; they lost their spouse, son, father, mother, sister, brother and other dear ones but their will and strength remained intact. Unfortunately they were never rewarded for their courage. At present there are total 86 women members in the Parliament, 60 in the Lok Sabha and 26 in Rajya Sabha but not even a single from J & K. Why?.
There is an urgent need to bridge the gender gap in the state because no society and civilization can move forward without the participation of its half population as well said by Swami Vivekanand, “There is no chance of the welfare of the world unless the condition of women is improved.” Let’s hope that the state would also see a new era where women play more significant role and the state rise to new heights where there are no gender biases and male dominance. It is also desired that in the next Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and assembly elections, women of the state are given their due share and the blot on the state that it do not believe in empowering women gets washed away. Student activism at college and university level is the only hope to further raise this debate of women empowerment and removing discrimination.
The discrimination and prejudice with the women is not only committed by the political class even the state (government)   directly or indirectly reminds the female population that they are dissimilar and treated differently. Only female college going students in our state are asked to wear uniform in colleges but no one has the justification or valid reason that why males are exempted from such restrictions.
The author is a RTI Activist and can be mailed at jkrtiact@gmail.com, 9796811012  

http://www.risingkashmir.in/news/women-empowerment-in-jk-is-just-a-slogan-37107.aspx

RTI Event Held at Billawar on 8th Nov/2012

Sangarsh organises one day RTI Workshop in Billawar

Newspoint Bureau

Kathua, November 8 In continuation with its endeavour to educate masses about the Right to Information Act, the Sangarsh RTI Movement in Collaboration with administration of Sub Division Billawar and supported by Friedrich Nauman STIFTING organized one day RTI workshop here at Government Degree College. In the program, besides officers of Tehsil headquarter various members from the civil society including teachers remained present. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Vikas Gupta, KAS, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Billawar along with Tehsildaar Narinder Kumar and Banwari Lal, Principal of the college. The local officer read out the welcome address and appreciated members of the Sangarsh RTI movement and Common Wealth Human Rights Initiative International NGO for enlightening the people of this far flung area regarding their fundamental right i.e Right to Know. SDM, Vikas Gupta directed the officers to regard the provisions and rules of the RTI Act in time bound manner. He further said that RTI helps the administration to set its record straight and serves as a preventive measure to check corruption. While elaborating section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act, Balvinder Singh, Convener Sangarsh RTI Movement urged the officers to ensure proper compliance of this provision of the RTI Act which would ultimately help the society and reduce the burden of the Public Authorities and Information Officers. He said if this section is implemented in letter and spirit, it can reduce unnecessary RTI queries and save both time and money of the government. RTI Activist Raman Sharma who is also the founder of the Sangarsh RTI Movement while interacting with the Public Information Officers informed that this act is not against any officer and even they can exercise this right to redress their own grievances like injustice/favouritism in promotion and other service matters. He also stressed on the officer to be prompt to respond RTI queries of the citizens to avoid penalty clause of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act 2009. Later the principal GDC Billawar thanked the visiting RTI Activists. http://www.jknewspoint.com/newsdet.aspx?q=2322

Sangarsh organises one day RTI Workshop in Billawar

Newspoint Bureau

Kathua, November 8 In continuation with its endeavour to educate masses about the Right to Information Act, the Sangarsh RTI Movement in Collaboration with administration of Sub Division Billawar and supported by Friedrich Nauman STIFTING organized one day RTI workshop here at Government Degree College. In the program, besides officers of Tehsil headquarter various members from the civil society including teachers remained present. The program was inaugurated by Dr. Vikas Gupta, KAS, Sub Divisional Magistrate, Billawar along with Tehsildaar Narinder Kumar and Banwari Lal, Principal of the college. The local officer read out the welcome address and appreciated members of the Sangarsh RTI movement and Common Wealth Human Rights Initiative International NGO for enlightening the people of this far flung area regarding their fundamental right i.e Right to Know. SDM, Vikas Gupta directed the officers to regard the provisions and rules of the RTI Act in time bound manner. He further said that RTI helps the administration to set its record straight and serves as a preventive measure to check corruption. While elaborating section 4 of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act, Balvinder Singh, Convener Sangarsh RTI Movement urged the officers to ensure proper compliance of this provision of the RTI Act which would ultimately help the society and reduce the burden of the Public Authorities and Information Officers. He said if this section is implemented in letter and spirit, it can reduce unnecessary RTI queries and save both time and money of the government. RTI Activist Raman Sharma who is also the founder of the Sangarsh RTI Movement while interacting with the Public Information Officers informed that this act is not against any officer and even they can exercise this right to redress their own grievances like injustice/favouritism in promotion and other service matters. He also stressed on the officer to be prompt to respond RTI queries of the citizens to avoid penalty clause of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act 2009. Later the principal GDC Billawar thanked the visiting RTI Activists. http://www.jknewspoint.com/newsdet.aspx?q=2322

Removing AFSPA: Firstly, Let the people of J & K Rejoice Peace !

RAMAN SHARMA

     Citing figures and data's the political class in the state of Jammu and Kashmir are           always so active to debate the issue of Armed forces special power act   imposed in the state. In Kashmir, the leaders of political parties including that          of ruling party and opposition both always orchestrate to remove the Armed           Forces Special Power Act, their argument is that from 1990 to till date lot of     improvement been witnessed in the state and now there is no reason for     keeping the army here in the state and the special powers of the armed forces   must be stripped of.

     Obviously there appears some justification in their argument because the           number      of terror related incidents have gone very low. Whereas in year           1990 there          were around 4100 terror related incidents and more than 1000           killings of   terrorists, civilians and armed forces. And if we compare the figures           of year       1990, 1991 with regard to killings/Injuries and terror related           incidents across          the state   with the year 2012 then of course this years has            been proved as one of the most peaceful year in the entire history of armed           struggle in the State.

     But the real question here arises that who should enjoy this violence free           atmosphere, only Foreign delegates and other national dignitaries or Big Wigs           of Bollywood, why the people of state not permitted to rejoice the peace, why           they are not allowed to feel the secured atmosphere if there is any. Why only   lip service that the situation has improved in the state but no permission to   celebrate the rejoice of peace. The  innocent people of the state have scarified    their dear ones for this peace. The politicians and the government must allow      the common people to rejoice the peace. Even today in the state of Jammu       and Kashmir the innocent citizens are not allowed to celebrate the so called improved situation (if any) in the state. Even today the communication system         of the state is micro-managed by the Home Ministry. Why ? if there is peace           then why not the people of Jammu and Kashmir can enjoy the means of communications as other people of the country enjoying elsewhere in Delhi or      Mumbai. If the situation is so improved that  politicians of the highest repute    and positions are orchestrating  for revocation of AFSPA then why even today a young student in J & K  cannot easily get a mobile connection in his name. Why Pre-Paid cell phones from the other parts of the country goes off just after crossing the river Raavi (Lakhanpur). Why innocent people of the state are even deprived from using SMS service from their pre-paid mobiles.  There is no harm to debate revocation of Armed Forces Special Power Act from the state of Jammu and Kashmir but before that these political leaders must make the people of the feel that the situation has improved for everyone especially for the ordinary people. The citizens here cannot be compelled to agree with the graphs and figures of lowering militancy tally in the state of Jammu and Kashmir because they want tangible change where they can celebrate this era of peace. Firstly  let them feel and enjoy the so called  peaceful situation. No agency other then the People of the state can judge and tell whether the situation has improved factually or it's just political gimmick. Raman Sharma is an RTI activist and can be reached [a] jkrtiact@gmail.com, mob: 9796811012. published in JKNEWSPOINT 

  

Last Cabinet Expansion

Why Minority Community of J & K Ignored again? 

RAMAN SHARMA

The people belonging to minority community of Jammu and Kashmir State once again been disappointed by the Congress Party, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson  Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh where they  have ignored the sentiments of the minorities communities of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and did not include any member of the minority community of the state in recently expanded union council of ministers, though there were two competent candidates and  elected Lok Sabha Members from the state namely Choudhary Lal Singh and Madan Lal Sharma both two times member parliament (both from Jammu region).

Now all doors are closed for the Jammu leaders as Prime Minister has made it clear that it was last cabinet expansion of the present government and now there is hardly any chance for the inclusion of these stalwarts.

 The people of the state especially of Jammu region were expecting the inclusion of their leaders in the Union Cabinet or at least in the council but for the reasons best known to the Congress party and its leadership, State's minority community is denied any representation in the union government.  At present there are two ministers from state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Central government and both belong to majority community. The ministers are Union Cabinet Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah (NC) who is  Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Cabinet Minister for Health and Family Welfare who is a Rajya Sabha MP.

It is obviously very disappointing for the minorities of the state of Jammu and Kashmir that their directly elected members who had successfully contested the election are denied any opportunity; it is pertinent to mention here that parliamentary constituencies of Madan Lal and Choudhary Lal Singh collectively consist of 37 Assembly Segments.

In 2014 assembly election in the state Congress Party shall have to repent for ignoring these two leaders. Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha Constituency represented by Madan Lal Sharma holds as many as 20 Assembly segments like Samba, Vijaypur, Nagrota, Gandhinagar, Jammu East, Jammu West, Bishnah, R S Pura, Suchetgarh, Marh, Raipur Domana, Akhnoor, Chhamb, Nowshehra, Darhal, Rajouri, Kalakot, Surankote, Mendhar and Poonch-Haveli whereas Udhampur-Kathua Lok Sabha Constituency represented by Choudhary Lal Singh hold as many as  17 assembly segments including Bani, Banihal, Basohli, Bhadarwah , Billawar, Chenani , Doda, Gool-Arnas, Gulabgarh, Hiranagar, Inderwal, Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban , Ramnagar, Reasi and Udhampur. The Congress leadership is absolutely misguided by its advisors but in the coming days it has to pay the price for its failure to give due right to the minority community of the state as the party always orchestrate so loud for providing equal rights to every community. If Congress party fails to give any proper justification then obviously the party would face a tough time and then even these two MPs who fought so hard during the crucial times for the party would also not be able to convince the people. The writer has no relationship with any political group or individual and the views are solely his own and he does not support or oppose any party or person.   About Raman Sharma, he is an RTI Volunteer and can be reached [a] jkrtiact@gmail.com, M: 9796811012

published in Northlines, Earlytimes and others.

--

-----------------------------------------------------

with regards !

Raman Sharma
97968-11-0-12 
my blog:  http://jkrtiact.blogspot.in/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jkrtiact

Last Cabinet Expansion

Why Minority Community of J & K Ignored again? 

RAMAN SHARMA

The people belonging to minority community of Jammu and Kashmir State once again been disappointed by the Congress Party, United Progressive Alliance Chairperson  Sonia Gandhi and Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh where they  have ignored the sentiments of the minorities communities of the state of Jammu and Kashmir and did not include any member of the minority community of the state in recently expanded union council of ministers, though there were two competent candidates and  elected Lok Sabha Members from the state namely Choudhary Lal Singh and Madan Lal Sharma both two times member parliament (both from Jammu region).

Now all doors are closed for the Jammu leaders as Prime Minister has made it clear that it was last cabinet expansion of the present government and now there is hardly any chance for the inclusion of these stalwarts.

 The people of the state especially of Jammu region were expecting the inclusion of their leaders in the Union Cabinet or at least in the council but for the reasons best known to the Congress party and its leadership, State's minority community is denied any representation in the union government.  At present there are two ministers from state of Jammu and Kashmir in the Central government and both belong to majority community. The ministers are Union Cabinet Minister for New and Renewable Energy Dr. Farooq Abdullah (NC) who is  Lok Sabha MP from Srinagar and Ghulam Nabi Azad, Union Cabinet Minister for Health and Family Welfare who is a Rajya Sabha MP.

It is obviously very disappointing for the minorities of the state of Jammu and Kashmir that their directly elected members who had successfully contested the election are denied any opportunity; it is pertinent to mention here that parliamentary constituencies of Madan Lal and Choudhary Lal Singh collectively consist of 37 Assembly Segments.

In 2014 assembly election in the state Congress Party shall have to repent for ignoring these two leaders. Jammu-Poonch Lok Sabha Constituency represented by Madan Lal Sharma holds as many as 20 Assembly segments like Samba, Vijaypur, Nagrota, Gandhinagar, Jammu East, Jammu West, Bishnah, R S Pura, Suchetgarh, Marh, Raipur Domana, Akhnoor, Chhamb, Nowshehra, Darhal, Rajouri, Kalakot, Surankote, Mendhar and Poonch-Haveli whereas Udhampur-Kathua Lok Sabha Constituency represented by Choudhary Lal Singh hold as many as  17 assembly segments including Bani, Banihal, Basohli, Bhadarwah , Billawar, Chenani , Doda, Gool-Arnas, Gulabgarh, Hiranagar, Inderwal, Kathua, Kishtwar, Ramban , Ramnagar, Reasi and Udhampur. The Congress leadership is absolutely misguided by its advisors but in the coming days it has to pay the price for its failure to give due right to the minority community of the state as the party always orchestrate so loud for providing equal rights to every community. If Congress party fails to give any proper justification then obviously the party would face a tough time and then even these two MPs who fought so hard during the crucial times for the party would also not be able to convince the people. The writer has no relationship with any political group or individual and the views are solely his own and he does not support or oppose any party or person.   About Raman Sharma, he is an RTI Volunteer and can be reached [a] jkrtiact@gmail.com, M: 9796811012

Blood Written RTI: A Wake up Call for Society!

Raman Sharma

10/29/2012

Recently a shocking event happened when a youth hailing from Jammu appeared before the media with an RTI application written with his own blood. While exhibiting his Blood Written- RTI, Deepak made a volley of allegations against the Public Information Officer and the State Information Commission and if there is some substance in his allegations then there must be an independent probe to find the facts of this case. The state administration and society must take cognizance of the entire episode.
Whilst interacting with Journalists this young man elaborated an apathetic story which he claimed compelled him to take this extreme action, narrating his plight he informed that he is being made run from pillar to post and victimized by the authorities to seek information from a government department. He informed that way back in April-2011 he had submitted an RTI application with a state government department and till now he got nothing but false, fake and illogical communications from the department. Showing date wise documentary evidences he also accused and blamed the Jammu and Kashmir State Information Commission of being insensitive towards the sufferings and grievances of the RTI applicants. 
Anyhow it doesn't matter who is responsible the Public Information Officer, Public Authority or the State Information Commission but the most worrying part in this entire episode is that the innocent people here are so helpless, annoyed and frustrated that they do not even hesitate to take such an extreme step of pain and bleeding own blood, we the people must not ignore this call and must awake, we cannot afford to ignore this act and if we try to be ignorant of such happening around us then I am afraid anyone of us may be the next target of these powerful people who are so reluctant that they have made their mind not to allow citizens to exercise their right. 
The people at the helm of affairs should also spend some time to know the cause of so much anger erupting in the minds of innocent citizens. Now people are so disappointed and irritated that they do not have faith in our system. Due to delay in judicial system the people are now inventing new methods to ventilate their protest and anger. I cannot judge the action of this person who wrote RTI plea with his blood but of course anyone can calculate the degree of his suffering that forced him to bleed. Once again I would urge all the concerned individuals and the institutions that are blamed by this young man that they should introspect that where the fault lies and try to remove. Let's not see this case with the glasses of Right to Information Act, there may or not be any fault of the information officer and the commission but it is about the present system, when in our democratic system the people are the masters then why only the people become the victim of this complexed system. 
Raman Sharma is an RTI activist and can be reached [a] jkrtiact@gmail.com. Mob 9796811012.

published in Early Times and The Northlines on 28/10/2012 and 29/10/2012 http://www.thenorthlines.com/newsdet.aspx?q=57727

Replacing word "Darbar"

GAD shuns ‘darbar’ word

published in all newspapers of J & K

Jammu, Oct 16: Finally the state government has decided to replace the word “Darbar” in its official communications with General Administration Department issuing formal orders in this regard.

GAD has vide circular no. 32/GAD dated 15/Oct/2012 impressed upon all the government functionaries, divisional and district administration to ensure that the words "Public Grievances Camp" are used in all relevant communications instead of the word “Darbar”.

This development has come in the wake of an appeal cum objection filed by a Jammu-based RTI activist Raman Sharma, who had urged the Chief Minister to issue a direction to the government departments not to use word “Public Darbar” for official meetings of the ministers and the officers.

Sharma had argued that it was against the values and democratic principles of equality.

In his appeal through Chief Minister Grievance Cell (no. 32045 dated May 19,2012) Sharma has demanded a direction for everyone right from ministers to junior-level officers to avoid words like “Darbar” in official press-notes and communications.

“Nowadays the word ‘Darbar’ is in vogue in the official press releases of the state’s Information department. Junior officers are blatantly using this word to appease ministers and senior officers. Right from public meetings of cabinet ministers to those of the officers of the rank of SDM, everybody uses the word ‘Darbar’ instead of ‘Public Meeting’,” Sharma had pointed out.

He had regretted that when the people of this country and particularly of Jammu and Kashmir state have negated the idea of monarchy some 60 years ago and chose a democratic set-up, it was unfortunate that even today after more than six decades the shadow of monarchical system continued to exist in the mindset of our ministers and bureaucrats.

http://dailykashmirimages.com/kinewweb/news-gad-shuns-%E2%80%98darbar-word-32777.aspx

Replacing word "Darbar"

"SAVE MY TAWI"

"SAVE MY TAWI"

MUBARAK MANDI: Out of Rs. 300 Crores for renovation, Only 1 percent Spent in 4 years

No Time Limit fixed for Mubarak Mandi Heritage Project

Out of Rs. 300 Crores for renovation, Only 1 percent  Spent in 4 years

Jammu: In a  shocking respond of an RTI query, the Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society has admitted that out of Rs. 300 crores only 1 percent amount has been spent for the renovation of the Historical Mubarak Mandi Heritage complex  so far.

The RTI application dated 24/Sept/2012  filed by activist Raman Sharma reveals that  the total estimated cost of the Mubrak Mandi project is Rs. 300 crore out of which only Rs. 3.52 crore has been utilized by the society for the restoration of a portion of the historic symbol of this Dogra Heritage and  the renovation work is carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India which has also submitted utilization certificate dated 23/Jan/2012 amounting Rs. 3.52 Crores (Rs. 284,19,466 for conservation work and Rs. 67,49,534 as departmental charges) dated 23/Jan/2012 .

In his application RTI Activist Raman Sharma has asked information on total 10 points, with regard to point no. 2 of the RTI query, the MMJHS vide their communication letter no FD/MMJHS/9173 dated 04/10/2012 has  informed that the government of India has sanctioned Rs. 4.37 Crores for renovation/Restoration of erstwhile Army Head Quarter and Rs. 8.51 Crore stands released under 13^th finance commission for restoration of Raja Amar Singh Palace, Dogra Art Musesum, Badi Deori, Royal Court, Gadvai Khana and Mahal of Raja Ram Singh's Queens.

However the Mubarak Mandi Heritage Society has divulged a very astonishing fact, while replying to point no. 6 and 7 related to scheduled  time limit fixed for completion of the ongoing restoration project, the reply signed by  Executive Director of the MMJH society acknowledges the fact that no time limit has been fixed for the project.  On the question of inspections of the construction site and recommendations thereafter the society has stated that frequent inspections on ongoing project is done by the governing body as well as the Executive Committee Members (official/Non official) of Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society and the members check the work as per the estimates and there are no recommendations whatsoever.

It is also informed that till date 4 governing body meetings held under the Chairmanship of Hon'ble Chief Minister and 20 meetings of the Executive Committee held under the Chairmanship of Chairman Executive Committee of Mubarak Mandi Jammu Heritage Society. It is pertinent to mention here that this historic project was commissioned in October 2008 and the people of Jammu region were jubilant for the initiative of state and union governments to take up the renovation project.  If the pace of work continues to be like this then this project would not be even accomplished in 100 years  because in 4 years only 1 percent of amount utilizes.

published in various 

Mufti assures support to RTI activists

28/09/2012 Daily Excelsior

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 27: A delegation of Right to Information (RTI) activists and senior citizens led by Sangarsh RTI Movement met Chief Patron of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and Former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed and apprised him about the recent amendments made in RTI rules by the Government.
The delegates urged the former Chief Minister to raise the genuine concern of the civil society at the appropriate forum and repeal the new RTI Rules vide GAD’s SRO number 279 Dated August 30, 2012. They informed Mufti Mohd Sayeed that amended rules have virtually eroded all the powers of the State Information Commission and it would be a great loss to the RTI applicants.
While interacting with the activists, Mufti assured full support to the thier cause and also assured that in the coming Assembly sessions his party would raise the issue and press for restoring all the powers of the anti graft institutions like State Information Commission, State Accountability Commission and State Vigilance Organization.
He further reiterated that his party never supports anti- transparency moves and it was only during his tenure that J&K became pioneer in introducing the RTI Act in year 2004.
The delegates include Balvinder Singh, convener, Sangarsh RTIM, RTI activist Raman Sharma, senior citizens, PV Rawal, Deepak Sharma, , Advocate Deewaker Sharma and Anil Saraf.

http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/mufti-assures-support-to-rti-activists/

Govt’s tax exemption to parties — Rs. 1,033 crore in 5 years

Govt's tax exemption to parties — Rs. 1,033 crore in 5 years 

               'Communist Party of India agreed its a Public Authority as defined under RTI Act'

 Hindustan Times
New Delhi, September 24, 2012.

Are political parties required to reveal the source of their funding under the Right to Information Act? While the CPI agreed to disclose its funding to an NGO, other parties have flatly refused to do so.

Association for Democratic Rights (ADR), sought the information under RTI, 

 

claiming that political parties are covered under RTI since they get huge tax exemption from the government.

Four major political parties in India have got Rs. 1,033 crore from the government in form of income tax exemption, replies received from the income tax department under the transparency law has revealed.

ADR then filed RTIs with the major political parties seeking information regarding source of their funding in a bid to bring transparency in the Indian political system. The NGO claimed that since the parties were receiving income tax exemption they were public authorities as per definition of the Right To Information (RTI) Act.

The Communist Party of India agreed with ADR. "CPI is a public authority as the organization is substantially financed directly or indirectly by government funds," party general secretary A B Bardhan told ADR, while providing details of the party funding. CPI also said it has an appellate authority as required under the RTI Act.

Other political parties disagreed.

Congress treasurer Motilal Vohra in a letter to ADR said the party does not come under RTI, while returning the RTI letter with the postal order. The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) said it didn't have enough man-power to provide the information sought. The BJP and BSP did not respond to the RTI applications.

Taking tax exemption amounts to substantial indirect funding from the government, a ground enough to declare an organization 'public authority' under the RTI law.

Punjab and Haryana High Court had declared Punjab Cricket Association, a private body, as a public authority under the RTI law for availing exemption of the entertainment tax. Similarly, Punjab State Information Commission declared Christian Medical College Ludhiana as a public authority for seeking exemption from paying income tax.

"I don't understand why the political parties are not willing to share information on their funding," said Anil Bairwal, national coordinator of ADR.

Data compiled by ADR shows that the Congress maximum income tax exemption of Rs. 557 crore between 2006-07 and 2010-11 followed by BJP ( Rs. 282 crore) and BSP 97 crore.

The political parties are exempted from paying any income tax under section 13 (A) of the Income Tax Act on the ground that the money is being used for "benefit of public". Apart from tax exemption, the parties have also got prime property in Lutyens Delhi for their offices, for which they have to pay a nominal rent.

The ADR has now filed an appeal with the information watchdog, the Central Information Commission, against rejection of its RTI application by the political parties. Considering the wider ramification of the appeal, the full bench of the CIC is expected to hear the case on Wednesday.

http://www.hindustantimes.com/India-news/NewDelhi/Govt-s-tax-exemption-to-parties-Rs-1-033-crore-in-5-years/Article1-935075.aspx

Diluting RTI Rules : J & K Sikh Council cautions Govt against dejecting SIC

Published on 24/09/2012 in Kashmir times, JK Newspoint, Northline, State Times, Panun Kashmir and other newspapers...

Jammu: In a press note issued by the J & K Sikh Council, the council members unanimously objected to the recent amendments made in Right to Information Rules by the state government where the State Information Commission has been  rendered as a virtually dead institution. Castigating the State Government and bureaucrats  for their anti-transparency anti-human move the council demanded immediate roll back of the SRO 279 issued by the General Administration Department.  The council members expressed shock over the decision which is taken in haste without any consultation with the stakeholders.

 Neither the State Information Commission's nor the RTI activists opinion was ever sought by the government before taking this harsh decision. The council has strongly warned the government to reconsider its decision of diluting RTI rules or else get ready to face strong protests from the council and other members of the civil society. It was also informed that in case of failure of the state government the council members can even give call for gherao of senior bureaucrats and ministers of the government. Citing the example of State Accountability Commission, Mohinder Singh, the chairman of the JKSC said that the state government wants to put the commission on pause mode so that the mischievous activities of the corrupt politicians and bureaucrats remain unnoticed and people cannot take cognizance. Another senior member of the Council and Social activist Sardar Harasis Singh said that in state like Jammu and Kashmir where the rights of minorities are always undermined and compromised for political compulsions, independent and strong institutions like SAC, SHRC and SIC are last ray of hope for the underprivileged class of the society.    

RTI Activist meet Soz

RTI activists call on Soz 
Express resentment over state government's move to make changes in RTI rules
Tribune News Service

September 22/2012

published in Grater Kashmir, Tribune, Early Times, JK Newspoint, JKMonitor.org  

Jammu: A delegation of Right to Information (RTI) activists, lawyers and members of the Civil Society today called on Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) chief Saif-ud-Din Soz and expressed its resentment against the state government's decision on making sweeping changes in RTI rules.

Under the banner of Sangarsh RTI Movement, members of the delegation apprised the PCC chief about the difficult scenario that arose due to "dilution" of the RTI rules by the state government by issuing SRO 279.

The activists thanked Soz for his public statement where he had expressed his displeasure over the recent amendments made in the RTI rules.

The delegation urged the senior Congress leader to raise the issue at the appropriate forum and opposed the amendments that had turned the State Information Commission into a weak institution having no powers and authority.

They also informed him that there was a widespread public resentment over the "dilution" of the RTI rules.

After listening to the delegation, Soz assured the activists that their concern would be conveyed to the state and the Central governments and he would personally look into the matter.

Balvinder Singh, convener, Sangarsh RTI Movement, RTI activist Raman Sharma, advocate Dewaker Sharma, Anil Saraf, Munish Sharma and others were the part of the delegation.         http://www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120923/jmtrib.htm#4