Detail of RTI Information related to excavation and digging done by the ASI on a 19th century fort in
Village Daundia Kheda, Unnao in Uttar Pradesh which was started in
October-2013.
Finally after a wait of around 3 months i got it.....
Saturday, January 25, 2014
Asked Information pertains to excavation and digging done by the ASI on a 19th century fort in Village Daundia Kheda, Unnao in Uttar Pradesh which was started in October-2013.]
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
RTI : Govt Denies Info about Restoration of Bahu Fort Wall
RTI Plea gathers Dust in Culture Ministry
Govt Denies Info about Restoration of Bahu Fort Wall
Jammu, 20/Jan/2014: The state government’s ministry of culture is shying away from providing information under RTI Act with regard to repair and restoration of a portion of wall of historic Bahu Fort of Jammu that was collapsed due to incessant rain on intervening night between 16 and 17 August last year.
An RTI application was filed with the General Administration Department (GAD) on 16/Nov/2013 along with the requisite fees which was further transferred by GAD to the ministry of Culture (J & K Govt) within 5 days with a direction to provide the asked information but despite over a long delay of over 2 months the culture ministry has not served any reply to the applicant Raman Sharma. Though as per the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act 2009, the information must be provided to the information seeker as expeditiously as soon as possible but not later than 30 days and in case when no response is made it is deemed as a refusal . While giving further detail about his RTI application, Raman informed that in his application he has sought information like “Whether any intimation or message was conveyed to J & K government about the condition of the said fort before the collapse of the said wall. If yes please provide copy of the same and the details of steps being taken by the J & K government on that” and name of the agency department that is monitoring the restoration work, name and particulars of any consultant agency whose proficiency is sought by the government and also about the amount sanctioned for restoration and copy of the tender documents etc. The information seekers said that the asked information was totally general in nature but deliberately the state government is denying it because they don’t believe in transparency and must be hiding facts from the people of Jammu to conceal its failure and criminal negligence, he also alleged that firstly the state government allowed this historic fort to collapse and now taking so much time even to start the restoration work . It is pertinent to mention here that after the collapse of a portion this historic Bahu fort , the state government was under severe criticism from social and political organizations and then to pacify the people the state government and its minister promised to complete the restoration work at an earliest .
-------------------------------------------------------
APPLICATION UNDER JAMMU AND KASHMIR RIGHT TO INFORMATION ACT 2009.
To
The Public Information Officer,
General
Administration Department, Govt of J & K.
Civil
Secretariat, Jammu. 180001.
Respected
Sir,
Provide
me following details & Information under the provisions of Jammu
&Kashmir Right to Information Act, 2009. I am a permanent resident the State . An RTI fee of Rs. 10/- is also annexed with this application as
I.P.O vide no 08F 874922
INFORMATION SOUGHT
[ pertains to
collapsed wall of historic Bahu Fort at
district Jammu ]
|
1. Kindly
provide the detail like name and particulars of the
agency/department/ministry that is monitoring
the supervision of restoration work of the said collapsed wall of the
historic Bahu Fort.
2.
Kindly
provide me the copy of the estimate report if any prepared till date for the
restoration of the above
said collapsed wall.
3.
Total
amount of money released so far for construction of the above said collapsed
wall.
4.
Total
amount of money released so far for construction of the above said collapsed
wall.
5.
Also
provide a copy of the work tender if any floated for restoration of the said
wall.
6.
As on date
as per official record the restoration work is being started yet or not.
7.
On what
date the restoration work shall be started.
8.
Also
intimate the detail i.e the kind of construction material that would be used
for the restoration of the
above said wall.
9.
Name the
consultant or any consultant agency whose consultation has been sough to
start the restoration work
of the collapsed wall.
10.
Whether
any intimation or message was conveyed to J & K government about the
condition of the said fort
before the collapse of the said wall. If yes please provide copy of the same and the details of steps being
taken by the J & K government on that.
|
Dated:
16/Nov/2013 Applicant
RAMAN
SHARMA.
Address: XXXXX , JAMMU 180001, Mob: 9796811012,
e.mail: JKRTIACT@GMAIL.COM.
Kind Attention:
The Learned officer i.e Public Information officer is requested to timely
dispose of this RTI request as per the provisions of the Right to information
Act which clearly calls for promotion of transparency. To the best knowledge of
the applicant, the points of information sought in this application are not
covered under any exemption clause more specifically in section 8 of J & K RTI Act 2009. So it is hoped that
all the information shall be provided within stipulated period of time.
----------------------------
 |
| Historic Bahu Fort turned into Debris; Courtesy criminal negligence of JK Government |
 |
| Before Collapse : Historic Bahu Fort of Jammu, Witness of Jammu's History --------------- published in : Kashmir Times , Early Times, JK Newspoint, Rising Kashmir, State Times and many other dailies of Jammu on 21/Jan/2014 http://www.statetimes.in/news/govt-denies-info-restoration-bahu-fort-wall/ http://www.risingkashmir.com/govt-denies-info-about-restoration-of-bahu-fort-wall/ |
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Sunday, January 12, 2014
Jmu City, Only 79 Three Wheelers Penalised In three months
Non Functional Fare Meters
Only 79 Three Wheelers Penalised In
three months
Fare
fixed by Transport department is RS. 16 for
first kilometre and Rs. 12 for
subsequent kilometres
|
Jammu,
11/Jan/2013: While submitting his reply after a written complaint by RTI
activist Raman Sharma alleging that due to criminal negligence of RTO office,
Jammu and with the help of some corrupt elements in JK traffic police the
process of installation of meters in the auto rickshaws and three wheelers is
yet not completed; the Regional
Transport Officer, RTO Jammu has apprised the Chief Minister’s Secretariat that
79 Auto Rivckshaws/three wheelers have been challaned in the last three month for non operation of
fare meters and also for not charging as per fare meters. Earlier in his
complaint dated 09/11/2013 to the Chief Minister’s Grievance Cell (44243) Raman
has submitted that the innocent citizens
hiring the services of these autos and rickshaws are forced to pay excessive
amount to these auto rickshaw and three wheeler drivers without any check. He
has further alleged that neither any offices of the RTO office Jammu nor any
Traffic police person or even the executive police which are also authorised to
take a view of traffic regulations take any note of this mafia raj of the auto
rickshaw and three wheeler driver and they are looting the innocent
people. RTO Jammu in counter reply addressed to the CM Secretariat has stated
that the transport department is making
constant checking of Auto Rickshaws and three wheelers plying in the city. In
the past three months 79 Auto Rickshaws three wheelers have been challaned for
various traffic offences under Motor Vehicles Act including non-operation of
the fare meters. In its report the RTO has also confessed that Auto rickshaws
are installed fare meters but all auto rickshaws three wheelers are not
charging fare as per fare meters. Though RTO Office has also submitted that during
checking they ensure that fare charged as per the rates fixed by the department
viz. RS.16 for first kilometre and Rs. 12 for subsequent kilometres is prominently displayed inside
Auto rickshaws for the convenience of the passengers. The report further
states. While criticizing the Transport Authorities for penalising only 79
three wheelers for non-installation of fare meters in three month, Raman Sharma
the complainant said that even less than one auto per day is fined for looting
the commuters, this is nothing short of an eyewash to hide the incompetence of
the responsible officers.
Published in JK Newspoint, Greater Kashmir on 12/Jan/2013
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Raman Sharma Interview in Dainik Jagran 02/Oct/2013
Raman Sharma Interview in Dainik Jagran-02/Oct/2013, Special Edition, Josh
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
“Sangarsh RTI” Activists Call on Governor
“Sangarsh RTI” Activists Call on Governor
JAMMU, JANUARY 8: A delegation of “Sangarsh RTI”, comprising of Mr. Balvinder Singh, Mr. Raman Sharma, Mr. Dewakar Sharma, Mr.Deepak Sharma, and Mr. Harasis Singh called on Mr. N.N. Vohra, the Governor here at Raj Bhavan today.
The delegation apprised the Governor about the experiences of the RTI activists in the State and their assessment about the effectiveness of the Right To Information Act-2009 to provide the demanded information to the applicants. The activists also pointed out specific important cases which were exposed consequent to initiatives taken by their organization.
The delegation also briefed the Governor about the steps taken by their organization to generate awareness in the society about the usefulness of the RTI Act and the serious difficulties faced by the whistle blowers in the State, including serious threats to their lives.
The Governor suggested to the RTI activists to publicize their success stories so that the anti-corruption movement could spread and be strengthened. While welcoming the delegation’s suggestion to involve Universities, colleges and other educational institutions in organizing workshops, seminars to disseminate the importance of RTI Act, the Governor stressed the importance of guarding against abuse of the provisions of the RTI Act.
The Governor was presented a User Guide on the “Right To Information Act-2009” by the delegation. The Governor suggested that this Guide could be published in vernacular languages in order to extend its reach and make it accessible to non- English knowing persons.
.jpg) | ||||||
| Honourable Governor NN Vohra in meet with RTI Activists at Raj Bhavan, Jammu. Text of of Memorandum submitted to Governor.
To
The Honourable Governor,
Jammu and Kashmir State,
Jammu.
Subject: Memorandum Carrying
Demands/Suggestions for Strengthening
Right to Information Act in Jammu and
Kashmir State.
Respected Sir,
We the
following RTI Activists and members of the Sangarsh RTI Movement in JK wish to
submit the following important points to your kind notice and intervention to
strengthen Right to Information Act in J & K State to bring accountability
and transparency in the governance and administrative set up. The details are
as follow:
As your good self is well aware that state
government vide SRO no 279 dated 30/Aug/2012 have amended the RTI Rules without
any public consultation and even without seeking any recommendation from the
State Information Commission, this amendment has obviously curtailed the powers
of the State Information and ultimately affected the law. RTI Activist of the
state and even the former Chief Information Commissioner of India Mr. Wajahat Habibullah
had opposed these amendment and have urged the government to review its order. The
State government be directed to restore the earlier rules i.e. Jammu and
Kashmir Rules 2010.
There are number of instances where the
information seekers have been pressurised and harassed by different Authorities
for seeking information under RTI Act, a number of RTI activist here in our
state have also received Life threats. So there is an urgent need to set up
such a mechanism so that the information seekers/citizens can seek information
under the RTI Act without any fear and bring important issues and unmask
corrupt practices in the administration and in different public departments.
As per section 23 of J & K RTI Act 2009, it
is legal duty of the State government to develop and organize educational
programs for the awareness of the act for general public and training programs
for the Public Information Officers but so far the state government has
conducted no awareness program for the public, though the state government has
started training programs for the officers. The
government must comply the provisions of the act involving stake holders
to organize mass awareness programs at Block and Panchayat Level.
As per section 4 of Jammu and Kashmir Right to
information Act, 2009 certain kind of information needs to be proactively
disclosed by all the public authorities but unfortunately only a few Public
Authorities have been able to publish such information on their official
website or on notice boards, even today after more than 4 years since enactment
of the act this important provision of the act has not been adhered by the government
departments. All the heads of the departments be asked to strictly follow this
provision of the law and public the relevant information at an earliest.
There is deficiency of assisting staff at Jammu
and Kashmir State Information Commission which is the apex body for dealing
with matters related to RTI Act. Without adequate staff, the smooth functioning
of the commission gets affected. The General Administration department may be
directed to provide the required staff to commission at an earliest.
The State Information Commission may also be
directed to hold regular meetings with the members of the civil society and the
RTI volunteers so that the stake holders can apprise the commission about their
grievances for appropriate directions. As of now the SIC has not made any such
mechanism for interaction with the stake holders.
The state Information commission may also be
asked to strictly decide the cases as per the mandate of law irrespective any
officers’ rank and file, without any fear and favour. The commission may also
be directed to set up a mechanism so that on camera proceedings of the cases are
held for larger transparency and to build confidence of the citizens on this
institution.
There is no special assisting staff provided to
the Public Information Officers/ Assistant Public Information Officers and
appellate authorities to provide information to the information seekers, even
there is no budgetary provision for the implementation of the RTI Act. The PIO’s also complaint that they have no establish infrastructure in
their respective offices for smooth performance of their duty. The state
government may be asked to make budgetary provision for proper implementation
of the act, all the PIO’s may be provided at least one exclusive
clerk/assistant for disposal of RTI applications. The PIO’s who do not have any
computer may kindly be provided the same without any delay.
The
state information and Publicity department may kindly be asked to give wide
publicity (in local languages through newspapers/TV/Radio ) to the important
provisions of the act to encourage the
general masses to exercise their right.
All
The universities of the state may kindly be roped in to enhance the scope of
training and awareness of this transparency law. The universities at their own
level and also with the help of government and private colleges be asked to
organize regular state level, inter college/ district level awareness
programs/seminars/ symposiums / debates.
Our Organization Sangarsh RTI Movement Shall be pleased to provide all kind of
assistance to the Universities and College for this noble cause.
We are
hopeful that our submission would be considered by your good self. Thanks in
anticipation !
Dated: 08/Jan/2013 Yours
Faithfully,
|
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Sunday, December 29, 2013
Sangarsh RTI Movement congratulates Arvind Kejriwal
Jammu, 28/Dec/2013: Sangarsh RTI Movement in
JK, an organization of RTI activists has congratulated Aam Aadmi Party leader
Arvind Kejriwal for being elected as Chief Minister of Delhi State. Balvinder
Singh, convener of the organization in his congratulatory message to Delhi CM
said that Aam Aadmi Party has proved that even an ordinary but honest person
can make the difference with sincere and constant effort. This is historic day
for Indian democracy and it would obviously usher a new era of revolution in
the country, the tradition political parties now must see the writing on the
wall and listen the voice of common man. Balvinder also appreciated the
decision of kejriwal where he has negated the VIP culture by rejecting ‘Z’ Category
security and Chief Ministerial Bungalow . Whereas RTI activist Raman Sharma who
is founder of the Sangarsh RTI group also offered greetings to the team
Kejriwal. Raman said Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have played a very
important role in spreading awareness about Right to Information Law, sharing personal experiences Raman informed that
whenever they (Sangarsh RTI members) asked for any help with regard to legal
and technical aspect of the RTI act, these people have sincerely and without
any delay offered their guidance and
cooperation.
published in Kashmir Times, Jammu Bulletein, Glimpse of Future
 |
| Jammu Bulletin |
 |
| Glimpse of Future |
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Sunday, December 22, 2013
RTI query guides Omar to reduce his chopper dependence
| ||
| JAMMU: RTI being potent tool to fight corruption and achieve a certain level of transparency and a resultant accountability to some degree, its impact can be gauged from the fact that the Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah has reduced his chopper dependence appreciably; thereby reducing the burden on the state exchequer and resultantly having saved expenditure on this account to the tune of 40 per cent, the Jammu and Kashmir Government's Civil Aviation Department (CAD) has revealed in a RTI query filled by Balvinder Singh convener Sangarsh RTI Movenment. This after seeking guidance from a 2011 RTI query media exposé and the resultant outrage, it seems the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has learnt his lessons well and succeed in taking a positive measure. Pertinently, when Omar Abdullah, while addressing the valedictory session of the annual convention of CIC in Delhi in the month of September this year shared this positive measure which, according to him, he took as a curative step towards reducing burden on the states' public exchequer on account of spending on chopper sorties (which had even invited public outrage) and simultaneously talked about the positive role of RTI regimen in disciplining public figures, Balvinder Singh RTI activist from the State who was also present in the said meeting, after coming to Jammu, filed another RTI application to ascertain the veracity of Omar's claims and to know about the latest position, the reply provided reduction of 40 per cent expenditure on chopper rides. In order to obtain perfect comparative, I asked for the information for the same specific period which he had obtained last time. This Time RTI reply revealed the reduction of 40% expenditure on chopper's ride. This time, the total expenditure during the period between March 15, 2012 to September15, 2013 comes to around Rs 4.35 crore. Whereas the total expenditure during the corresponding period between March 1, 2009 to September 30, 2010 was to the tune of Rs. 7.45 crore. The reply also revealed that Hon'ble CM stoped claiming TA/DA after the filling of Mr Singh's First RTI application in the year 2011, where previous RTI reply showed Him Taking Rs. 1.63 lacks as TA/DA expenses, this clearly elucidating the impact of RTI instrument on the person of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Whereas the amount spent on fuel by Civil Aviation Department during the period between March15, 2012 to September 15, 2013 for purchase of fuel for travel of Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir amounts to Rs. 67.81 lacks. The amount spent on salaries of the pilots has also come down to around Rs. 1.53 crore from 2.20 crore. Amount spent on repair and maintenance too has come down appreciably to Rs. 96 lacks from whooping 3.84 crore during last corresponding period of my query. ..................... published in early times, jknewspointm rising kashmir, economic times, hindustan times and other local and national dailies, http://journeyline.in/newsdet.aspx?q=41330 |
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Why Should I Address them as Honourables...?
RAMAN SHARMA
Morally ‘Respect’ cannot be claimed by anyone as a matter
of right but it is to be earned by a
person him/herself with the conduct,
attitude, approach but unfortunately here in India people with the fear of law compelled to demonstrate
respect for certain Individuals and Institutions. In India besides Judiciary the prefix
adjective ‘Honourable’ is often used to address the people occupying political
posts like ministers, Parliamentarians and State legislature like Honourable
Minister/M.P/MLA/MLC. And if somehow anyone ignorantly forgets to prefix this
adjective to address them , certainly heaven falls for these ‘Honourables’ and
they make it a prestige issue and may also make the person to bow on his knees,
they may bring breach of privilege motion.
On the rising inflation the political class have the readymade
reply that it is international phenomenon but this is just to befool the people
and this argument by our so called honourable holds only for common people but
for themselves the rising inflation is not an issue which is evident from the
fact that the parliament canteen is immune from rising inflation and since year
2000 there are only three revisions of their rate list and the last revisions
was done some 3 years back and since 2010 no price hike there in the canteen
for our so called honourables. Can anyone amongst these honourable reply that
why no rising inflation in your canteen since 2010 whereas on the other side in
these three years the princes of all commodities have increased at least 50-60
%. Moreover the price of lavish items served in this canteen is unbelievable
and to run this canteen for over around 800 MP’s a daily subsidy of Rs. 333333
is given. For a common man there are
number of reason to object to use the prefix ‘honourable ’ for example take the case of Cola drinks ban,
we all know that in year 2003 there were reports by a credible NGO that all
major brand cola drinks hold high level pesticides in it, though after some
time the matter was buried under the carpet but even today all cola drinks with
their names are strictly banned in the parliament canteen but these cola drinks
are openly sold out in hospitals (even in maternity hospitals), in schools. In camera string operations (14th Lok Sabha) we have seen how does these honourables
sold themselves even to raise questions in the parliament, recently also we
have seen some honourables allegedly demanding money to give recommendation
letters to some fictious companies. We have seen our honourables involved in
criminal cases like forgery, rape extortion, murder and corruption is the most
common blame. As a human being my conscious do not allow me to compromise and I
find it quite difficult to address them
as ‘Honourables’, though I have all the respect for the institution of Parliament
and the constitution of the county. About Author: Raman Sharma is a RTI
activist and can be reached at jkrtiact@gmail.com,
9796811012
-------
published in state times on 21/dec/2013, Kashmir Times on 11/Jan/2014
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
SR College organizes RTI Program for KAS Aspirants’
SR College organizes RTI
Program for KAS Aspirants’
Jammu, 17/Dec/2013: Today, a one Day awareness cum
training workshop on Right to Information Awareness program exclusively for KAS
aspirants is being organized by S.R College of Competitions, Gandhi Nagar
Jammu. In the program over a 50 candidates including successful/ pass out of
KAS Preliminary 2013 exam and those student
who are preparing for the 2014 competitive exams attended the workshop. The
program started with an introductory note by Parveen Sharma, director of the
college. While speaking on the occasion, Parveen asked the students to understand
this act as being citizen and also in advance so that after being in government
service they can provide information to the citizenry without any hurdle. RTI
activist, Raman Sharma who was the special invitee on the occasion also shared
his personal experiences with regard to the Right to Information Act and gave
section wise detail of the act. He informed
the participants that Jammu and Kashmir Right to Information Act 2009 is a
unique piece of legislation and it is even applicable to the Central government
departments situated in the territorial jurisdiction of the state of Jammu and
Kashmir State. He also underlined the importance of section 4 (Pro-active
disclosure) of the act which is also termed as soul of the RTI Act. He also
urged the participant to further spread the awareness about this transparency
law to people belonging to
underprivileged class of the society so that they can also feel essence of real
democracy. During interactive session, Raman also replied various queries of
the participant with regard to state RTI Act and Central RTI law.
-------------------
pUBLISHED IN JK NEWSPOINT, DAILY UDAAN, Kashmir Times, Daily Excelsior, State Times and others..
http://www.jknewspoint.com/newsdet.aspx?q=27780
http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/sr-college-organizes-rti-program-for-kas-aspirants/
http://www.statetimes.in/news/sr-college-organises-rti-programme-kas-aspirants/
http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/sr-college-organizes-rti-program-for-kas-aspirants/
http://www.statetimes.in/news/sr-college-organises-rti-programme-kas-aspirants/
 |
| Raman Sharma in conversation with KAS aspirants of SR College of Competetions, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu. |
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
16 years On, SHRC Fails to Establish Its Offices in Rajouri, Doda
After 16 Years of
Enactment of the Law
SHRC Fails to
Establish Its Offices in Rajouri, Doda
Violation of State Human
Rights Act
|
JAMMU,
16/Dec/2013: The sincerity of the State government with regard to Human Rights
issues could be well guessed from the fact that despite 16 years after the
enactment of the Jammu and Kashmir Human Protection of Human Rights Act 1997,
two sub- offices of the State Human Rights Commission are yet to be establish
and there is no immediate proposal to establish them in any near future.
The
fact came after an RTI application where the Public Information Officer of the
Commission in its reply has apprised the applicant, RTI activist Raman Sharma that
the Commission has time and again agitated the issue regarding establishment at
Doda and Rajouri.
Earlier
in his RTI application dated 15/Nov/2013 , activist Raman Sharma has asked
information on 7 points where he has asked the commission stating “ As per section 3(5) of The Jammu And Kashmir
Protection of Human Rights Act, I997, there should be sub-offices of the commission at Jammu,
Doda and Rajouri . Kindly intimate the postal address of the sub-offices the
JKSHRC at Rajouri and Doda and If
there is no sub-office of the JKSHRC at Doda and Rajouri , what steps have been
taken by the commission in this regard to establish sub-offices
at these two places and also provide
copy of all the communication letters sent by the JKSHRC to the government for
establishing these sub-offices at Doda and Rajouri ”. While
replying to the query of the applicant, the commission has also tried to water
down its failure to establish its
sub-offices in Rajouri and Doda districts. The commission in its reply
has stated that the commission has established its sub-office near New Rehari,
Jammu and the sub-offices at Rajouri and Doda are yet to be established however
establishment of sub-offices at Jammu has facilitated the complainants of far
flung areas of Poonch, Rajouri, Doda, Rajouri, Kathua and Udhampur. The
commission also failed to provide copy of any document to substantiate the fact that it had ever requested the
government to establish its sub-offices.
On the question of sanctioned and presented posted staff at the SHRC, it
has been admitted by the commission that there are 15 vacancies and the total
sanctioned strength of the staff members is 88 posts including Police
Investigation wing. The commission has so far received 6803 cases since its
inception and has decided/disposed 5159 cases till 30/Nov/2013. Expressing his
resentment for not establishing sub-offices even after 16 years of the
enactment of the law, information seeker
Raman Sharma called it a criminal negligence and violation of section 3(5) of
the State Human Right Act. He demanded immediate functioning of the sub-offices
at far flung areas so that every effected citizen can come forward and report
all issued related to Human Rights Violations.
----------------Published in Kashmir Observer, Rising Kashmir, Kashmir Life, State Times, JK News Point and others on 17/Dec/2013
http://www.kashmirlife.net/16-years-shrc-fails-establish-offices-rajouri-doda/
http://kashmirobserver.net/news/top-news/16-years-shrc-fails-establish-offices-rajouri-doda
http://www.risingkashmir.com/16-yrs-on-shrc-fails-to-establish-offices-in-rajouri-doda/
 |
| RTI REPLY FROM SHRC |
Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
Monday, December 16, 2013
SIC imposes Rs 25,000 Penalty on an Executive Engineer on Activist’s Complaint
Wilful Delay in Providing RTI Reply
SIC imposes Rs 25,000 Penalty on an Executive Engineer on Activist’s
Complaint
JAMMU,
15/Dec/2013: Going tough against the delinquent officers for defying Right to
Information Act, in a significant judgement the Jammu and Kashmir State
Information Commission (SIC) has imposed a maximum penalty of Rs. 25,000 on a
senior officer. Commission has imposed penalty on an Executive Engineer V.K. Bhagat, the then Public Information
Officer and Technical Officer to Chief
Engineer of P.H.E, Jammu who is presently
posted as Executive Engineer, Power
Development Corporation office. As Per order the officer has been penalised for
wilful delay of information to an
information-seeker under the provisions of Right to Information Act, 2009.
The Penalty
proceedings are initiated against the officer on the complaint (u/s 15 J &
K RTI Act 2009) of RTI activist Raman
Sharma who in his complaint alleged that he had not received information from
PIO even after long elapse of due time period. Earlier Raman had sought details
of RTI applications received by PHE department, list of their disposal and
pending, but the PIO failed to provide the information to the complainant Raman
Sharma and even ceased his right to file appeal before the 1st
appellate authority thus compelled the applicant to file the complaint before
the J & K State Information Commission. The commission during the course of
hearing the petition had sought reply from PIO of the delay and in letter no
PHE/PS/1180, the PIO failed to substantiate the grounds for delay in providing
information to the applicant. Now in its decision No SIC-J-C-93/2012/384, S.K
Sharma, State Information Commissioner observed "The delay caused by the
PIO in furnishing the information to the information seeker is unreasonable and
without any sufficient cause and as such he deserves to be penalized u/s 17 of
the J&K RTI Act, 2009. The penalty to be imposed on the PIO is calculated
as (ii) Date of application u/s 6 of the J&K RTI Act 2009 for seeking
information is 17.11.2011. (ii) due date of passing order by PIO u/s 7 is
16.12.2011 (ii) Information provided to the information seeker on 23.7.2012
(iii) Delay in furnishing the information (No of days) 215 (V) Penalty to be
imposed for each day is Rs 250/- 215 days X Rs 250 and amount goes to Rs
53,750. The total amount of such penalty shall not exceed Rs 25000 u/s 17 clause(1)
under J&K RTI Act, 2009. Therefore an amount of Rs 25,000 is imposed as
penalty."The Commission further ordered as "the Drawing and
Disbursing Officer in the office of Chief Engineer, P.H.E, Jammu will ensure
deduction of Rs 25,000 from the salary of V.K. Bhagat the then PIO/Technical
Officer to the Chief Engineer P.H.E Jammu at present Executive Engineer, P.D.C
Office, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu in five equal instalments and remit it to the
Government Account with an intimation to this Commission. In case of any
default committed by the DDO in this regard, he, will be personally liable for
making the payment towards the Government Account. The order has to be complied
within 15 days from the date of receipt of the order."
----------------------------
----------------------------
Published in Kashmir Times, Early Times, State Times, Greater Kashmir, Tribune, JK Newspoint and other dailies on 16/Dec/2013.
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Raman Sharma is a dedicated Jammu based RTI activist and journalist . With a focus on transparency and accountability, with his writing he has contributed for various credible newspapers and magazines in the region. He is amongst the first few batches who completed Certificate Course in RTI from the Centre for Good Governance in Hyderabad, in collaboration with the Government of India.
Sharma is actively involved in education and advocacy, having delivered guest lectures on RTI , Good Governance at different universities and educational institutions to empower students. Additionally, in collaboration with the JK Institute of Management and Public Administration (JK IMPA), he has also remained resource person in training programs for District Officers, Public Information Officers, Ministerial staff of different departments, promoting awareness and effective implementation of RTI/PSGA . In association with the CHRI he also remained instrumental in training for civil society members on the Transparency Law.
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