5477 Foreigners Acquired Indian Citizenship during Last 6 Years

During Year 2011 to 2016

2157 Pakistanis, 918 Afghans Include 5477 Foreigners who Acquired Indian Citizenship

‘Intolerance’ Propaganda Deflated

In last 3 Years Over 3800 Foreigners Acquired Indian Citizenship

Jammu, 30/March/2017: Contradicting the propaganda of growing  ‘Intolerance in India’, the official data released by the ministry of Home Affairs in reply to an RTI applicant reveals that during the last three years, the number of foreigners acquiring Indian Citizenship have increased more than double as compared to the same period of three years of the previous government.

Between the period 01/Jan/2014 to 31/Dec/2016, the total number of foreigners acquired Indian Citizenship is 3801, whereas during the last three years of the previous government i.e. between the period 01/Jan/2011 to 31/Dec/2013, the total number of foreigners national acquired  Indian citizenship was 1676. The total number of foreigners who preferred Indian citizenship during the last six years is 5477.

The list of foreigner nationals who are granted Indian citizenship is being provided by the ministry of Home Affairs to RTI activist Raman Sharma of Jammu in response to his online RTI plea dated 23/01/2017 includes names of 56 countries and also stateless people.

Pakistanis tops the list of foreign nationals acquiring Indian Citizenship, out of 5477 foreigners who acquired citizenship, there were 2157 Pakistani nationals followed by 1461 Stateless people, 918 Afghanis, 218 Bangladeshis, 145 from United Kingdom, 108 from Sri Lanka, 66 from Iran and 51 from United State of America. There are also 35 people from UAE, 33 from Nepal, 26 from Kenya, 15 each from Singapore and China. In the same period of 6 years ,13 people each from Canada and France also acquired Indian Citizenship. 

Year wise data of total 2157 Pakistani citizens who were granted Indian nationality unveils that during year 2016, maximum number of  660 Pakis were granted citizenship rights whereas in 2015 and 2014 , 263 and 267 Pakis were granted Citizenship rights respectively. Similarly out of 918 Afghan Nationals, who were granted Indian citizenship at least 700 of them got Indian nationality between the period 2014 to 2016.

During the last 3 years, the number of immigrants from developed nations have also increased, from United States out of total 61 immigrants, 46 applied and granted citizenship rights only between the period 2014 to 2016. Seven French nationals, 8 people each from Germany and Italy also got citizenship rights.

From Spain, South Africa, Switherland and Sudan four immigrants from each nation also preferred Indian nationality during the last 6 years. Three Nationals from  each country including Zimbawe, Uganda, Phillipines and Fiji also became Indian between the period 2011 to 2016.

Published in Kashmir Times, DNA, Early Times, The Tribune, State Times and others on 31/Mar/2017

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/jammu-kashmir/2-157-pakistani-nationals-got-indian-citizenship-in-6-years/384794.html

http://www.dnaindia.com/india/report-pakistanis-top-list-of-people-acquiring-indian-citizenship-2375977

Around 5 dozen Vacancies in Just Three Women Police Stations

Official Mockery

57  Vacancies in Just Three Women Police Stations of Jammu.

J & K : Women Police Stations Sans Staff

Jammu, 21/March/2017: The casual approach of the government in running women police stations in the state have been once exposed through an RTI reply .

The data provided by the Jammu Police discloses that there are around 5 dozen vacancies in just 3 Women Police Stations. These women police stations include women P/S Gandhinagar, Jammu, Rajouri and Udhampur.

 In an official correspondence from the Zonal Police Headquarters -Jammu (dated  17/03/2017 ) to applicant Raman Sharma in response to his plea under Right to Information Act, the Public Information Officer of the ZPHQ-Jammu  has  informed that there are at least 57 vacancies out of total 152 sanctioned strength in these 3 police stations .

The maximum  shortage of staff is at W.P.S Udhampur, where against sanctioned strength of total 52 only 29 officials are actually posted at present. No Sub Inspector, Assistant Sub Inspector is posted there whereas there are 2 vacancies of ASIs and one SI. However there are 8 Head Constables deputed whereas sanctioned strength is 6. In case of the selection grade constables and constables there is almost 50 percent deficiency , the required number is 32 whereas only 11 Constables and 6 Sg.cts. are posted here.

The W.P.S Gandhinagar of  district Jammu also running short of staff, against sanctioned strength of total 48 Cops, the actual strength is 32 having a deficiency of 16. Out of 30 posts of Selection grade constables and constables there are only 14 Jawans posted. There is also shortage of one SI and 4 Head Constables.

Women Police Station Rajouri also suffering from deficiency of  adequate staff, the present strength of staff is 34 whereas the actual sanctioned strength is 52, there is deficiency of 3 Head Constables and 15 Constables. Two posts of operators are also lying vacant in this police station.

While offering his comment over the RTI revelation, Raman Sharma, the information seeker  have expressed displeasure over the deficiency of staff there in WPS, he said it is highly irresponsible state of affairs that Jammu and Kashmir government is not even concerned over such a serious issue relating to women folk. He said in absence of adequate staff it becomes very difficult for In Charge of the Police station to run it properly  and the ultimate sufferers are victim women who go to these WPS with high hope of help and assistance. It is pertinent to mention here that last month also in an RTI reply the Police Headquarters have informed that out of total 215 police stations spread across the state only 7 are headed by lady officers.

Attached Link : http://jkrtiact.blogspot.in/2017/02/women-in-jk-police.html

Women Police Station	WPS-Gandhi Nagar, Jammu	Rajouri	Udhampur	Total
Sanctioned Strength of Total  Staff	48	52	52	152
Strength of Male Staff Posted	11	22	08	41
Strength of female Staff Posted	21	12	21	54
Strenght of Male+ Female staff Posted	32	34	29	95
Total Deficiency of staff	16	18	23	57

Published on 22/03/2017 in Kashmir Times, Journey Line, Daily Excelsior, State Times, Kashmir Times, Early Times, Earth News, Kashmir Life, Kashmir Observer and others.

http://www.kashmirlife.net/57-posts-vacant-3-womens-police-stations-jammu-135421/

Dr Jitendra announces 100% RTI On-line facility

NEW DELHI, Mar 17: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today announced 100% Right to Information (RTI) On-line facility with all the Public Authorities including PSUs etc., numbering about two thousand, getting aligned with RTI On-line portal before the end of this month.

At a function organized by the Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) to present Excellence Awards to Ministries and Departments with outstanding performance in RTI disposal, Dr Jitendra Singh said, even though the RTI On-line portal was established by the earlier UPA government, there were less than one hundred Public Authorities connected to this portal when the present government took over in May 2014, but the last two years witnessed a fast-track progress and now, all the two thousand Public Authorities and both the Citizen – interface as well as the Public Authority – interface for the RTI are fully On-line. While a citizen can now conveniently file RTI application On-line and also make On-line payment of the RTI fee at any time of the day from anywhere including from abroad, he said, the public authority interface was challenged with the task of aligning with diverse public authorities associated with the union government as well as union territories, which has also now been brought on the portal.

In addition, Dr Jitendra Singh said, the RTI portal would offer the bilingual option for filing the application either in English or in Hindi and the disposal will be within a stipulated timeline.

Dr Jitendra Singh appealed to the GAD and Personnel Departments of various State Governments to follow the example of DoPT and expedite instituting of an RTI On-line portal covering all the public services. This, he said, is in keeping with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s priority agenda of “maximum governance, minimum Government” with citizen – centric focus  as also the transformation to ‘Digital India’.

Dr Jitendra Singh also called for holding of public awareness programmes to educate masses about optimum utility of hi-tech RTI facility. He said, a major portion of information related to Government of India is already in public domain or on website and therefore, RTIs relating to seek such information can be avoided. Similarly, he suggested some mechanism to avoid RTI on a 

subject or information which has already been revealed to be in public domain through an earlier  RTI.

On the occasion, awards and certificates of excellence for outstanding performance in RTI on-line performance were given among others to Delhi Police, Ministry of External Affairs, Department of Posts, Department of Scientific and Industrial Research, Life Insurance Corporation, Cabinet Secretariat, Staff Selection Commission, Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas, Department of Revenue, Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation.

Union Secretary DoPT B.P. Sharma, Chairman Staff Selection Commission Ashim Khurana and senior officers of DoPT, banking sector and NIC attended the award ceremony.

Published in Daily Excelsior on 17/March/2017.

http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/dr-jitendra-announces-100-rti-on-line-facility/

In less than 7 years, Rs.547 Cr spent on Modernization of JKP

JKP gets over Rs 547 Cr for its modernization since 2010

J & K Govt. Fails to Submit UCs of Rs. 5 Cr to Home Ministry

Jammu, 17/March/2017: Though union government have released a whooping  amount of Rs. 547.13 Cr during the last 7 years in favour of the Jammu and Kashmir government for modernization of the state police, yet the casual approach of the Babus brought embarrassment  to the state for their failure to submit the essential documents i.e. Utilization Certificates.

However, the allocation of funds by union ministry of home affairs for state police modernization have now also been reduced significantly as compared to previous years. In years 2010-11 and 2011-12 , MHA released an amount of Rs. Rs. 148.25 Cr and Rs 109.73 Cr respectively in favour of the state government, whereas in the year 2015-16 and 2016-17 it  received only Rs. 35.88 Cr and 24.63 Cr each year respectively.

The data has been released by the Union Home ministry in response to an online RTI plea of applicant Raman Sharma submitted with the union government on 26/2/2017 wherein he had asked for details about the money given by the government of India to the state government for modernization of police during the period 01/April/2010 to Feb/2017.

In the RTI reply it has been also revealed that Utilization Certificates amounting almost Rs. 5 Cr have been not submitted by the State government with the union home ministry that are pending up to 31/03/2015, Rs. 4.58 Cr under Non-plan head and Rs.31 Lac under Plan-head.

It is pertinent to mention here that as per the guidelines of the funds released under police modernization scheme it has been made ample clear that unless utilization certificates are made available for the full amount of the release money no further release of funds shall be made to any entity.

The funds received under Police Modernization scheme (under Non plan head) has to be spent on strengthening the Crime and Criminal Tracking Networks and Systems, improving mobility, purchasing and upgrading weapons, equipment, training equipment, forensic equipment, etc.  Whereas under Plan head funds may be utilized for  the construction / up gradation of police stations / outposts, police lines, police housing, construction of forensic science laboratories and training infrastructure (buildings). 

Latest RTI REPLY

Funds released to J & K by the MHA for Police Modernization
Under Non Plan Head	Rs. 148 Cr
Year 2010-11
2011-12	Rs. 109.73 Cr
2012-13	Rs. 22.47 Cr
2013-14	Rs. 18.88 Cr
2014-15	Rs. 44.36 Cr
2015-16	Rs. 35.88 Cr
2016-17	Rs. 24.63 Cr
Under  Plan Head
Year 2013-14	Rs. 82.12 Cr
Year 2014-15	Rs. 60.81 Cr

Published in Daily Excelsior, Kashmir Times, Amar Ujala, State Times and others. on 18/Mar/2017

https://news.statetimes.in/less-7-years-rs-547-cr-spent-modernisation-jkp/

RBI Denies Info on Old Currency Notes Deposited in J & K

RBI  Refuses to  share data on Old Currency Notes Deposited in J & K

Jammu, 16/03/2017: Contrary to the general perception that Reserve Bank of India is well aware of all the transactions made by the companies and Individuals in the bank accounts, but the fact is otherwise or must say shocking, yes the Reserve Bank of India Has itself stated that it does not keep such data.

In an official communiqué in response to an RTI application of applicant Raman Sharma, the Chief Public Information Officer of the Reserve Bank of India vide their letter number RBIND/R/2017/50598 dated 16/03/2017 have stated that the sought information is not available in the form in which it is sought and rejected his RTI plea.

Earlier in his RTI plea dated 14/Feb/2017, Raman had asked for detail of total number of currency notes of Rs. 2000 and Rs. 500 that were issued  to different banks/financial institutions operating in Jammu and Kashmir State  between the period 08/Nov/2016 to 31/Dec/2016.

In the same RTI plea, the applicant also wanted to know from the Central bank about the total number of old currency notes of Rs. 1000 and Rs. 500 that were deposited in different banks/financial institutions operating in J & K State , between the period 08/Nov/2016 to 31/Dec/2016.

While responding 1^st part of the application, the RBI invoked section 7(9) of the Right to Information Act 2009 and said collecting such information would divert disproportionally the resources of the bank as such information is not available with it.

 Expressing displeasure over the response of the Reserve Bank of India, the information seeker Raman accused it of stone walling and shying away from transparency, he said it is unbelievable that such a highest and statutory body is unaware of the currency notes distributed and deposited in banks.

 He also referred the preamble of the RBI act 1934 which states  the basic functions of the bank as “...to regulate the issue of Bank Notes and keeping of reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in India and generally to operate the currency and credit system of the country to its advantage."   

published in State Times, Kashmir Times, Kashmir Observer, Early Times, The News Now and others.

http://www.kashmirtimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=64773

http://www.thenewsnow.co.in/newsdet.aspx?q=24404

Activist Moves SHRC, Demands Life Saving Gadgets for PDD Linemen

Electrocution of PDD Linemen in Kashmir

Activist Moves SHRC,  Demands Life Saving Gadgets for PDD Linemen

Jammu, 06/March/2017: In the wake of tragic incident of electrocution of PDD linemen, seeking directions against the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development department regarding providing safety gadgets to the lineman of power development department, a petition has been filed before the Jammu and Kashmir State Human Rights Commission at Jammu office.

In the prayer, the commission has been urged to protect and safe precious lives of the poor linemen and other junior staff members of the Power Development Department who in the absence of safety gadgets and non adherence of Standard Operating Procedure are prone to risk to their lives.

In the complaint, the petitioner along with press clippings of the incident have urged the commission to array secretary Power Development Department as respondent besides Chief Engineers PDD Kashmir and Jammu  and issue them necessary directions and clarify their stand on the SoPs while repairing High Tension cables and poles.

In his 2 page- complaint and other supporting documents, the petitioner, RTI activist Raman Sharma have submitted before the panel that it is grave injustice that the poor officials of the PDD who illuminate our houses and towns but our government put their families in the dark and risk the precious lives of their dear ones. He asked the commission to take suo-moto cognizance of the instant case and issue directions.

Besides demanding suitable ex-gratia and government job for the deceased daily wager in the tragic incident of electrocution, Sharma has also appealed for looking after education of their children and well being of their family. Raman Sharma also apprised that the Commission has informed him that the government has been directed to award interim compensation of Rs. One Lac to the victim and the hearing of the case shall continue.

KASHMIR TIMES , 07/03/2017

Out of 25 Police Districts & 215 Police Stations, Only Seven P/S Headed by Lady Officers

Under the Regime of  Woman Chief Minister

Out 215 Police Stations in J & K, Only Seven Headed by Lady Officers

Jammu, 22/Feb/2017: Out of total 215 Police Station  spread across 22 civil districts (25 Police districts) in Jammu and Kashmir State, only 7 police stations are headed by female officers and rest of 208 are commanded by male Station House Officers. Out of these 7 Police Stations headed by lady cops, 6 are all women police stations, means factually only one general police station  is being headed by a female officer. None of the 25 police districts is headed by any lady officer.

In addition to this, on the question of representation to lady police officers on other significant positions in the state only two armed police Battalions (IRP) are headed by female commandants other than this  Jammu and Kashmir government have assigned the task of managing traffic in both the capital cities of the state i.e. Srinagar and Jammu to two  lady cops.  Besides that no  other significant post is held by and lady police officer in the entire state which itself is headed by a women chief minister.  

The  information in this regard was provided by the Jammu and Kashmir Police Headquarters in response to an RTI application of RTI activist Raman Sharma wherein he has filed RTI with the state police department to know about the deputation of lady officers on the significant and important positions. 

In his RTI plea filed in the month of January 2017, Sharma had asked for  copy of any specific policy/ manual or Circular governing transfer/ postings and promotions of women police at all ranks from Deputy Superintendent of Police to         Constable, while responding to these queries, the Police Headquarters in their reply dated 08/02/2017 informed that there is no separate norm for postings and promotions however their transfer is governed by a general policy of transfers which is also applicable to male colleagues.  Though the transfer policy regulation does not have any specific guideline for the transfers/postings of the lady cops however, General Principle Rule 4 of transfer policy document issued by the PHQ vide their order no 2615/2012 dated 21/07/2012 states that where both husband and wife are serving in the police department, they may be conveniently posted as far as possible subject to availability of the post and keeping in view the interest of the administration as well.  It is pertinent to mention here that earlier also in an RTI reply, the State police had admitted that representation of women in the police department was less than 4 percent and majority of them constitute in the constabulary only.    Raman Sharma has conveyed his thanks to the Public Information Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir Police Headquarters for providing him all the sought information within stipulated period of time.

Attached Link :connected news

Published in Early Times, Kashmir Times, Daily Excelsior, Dainik Jagran, Amar Ujala Journey Line.

http://www.dailyexcelsior.com/women-police-officers/

http://www.earlytimes.in/newsdet.aspx?q=196870

https://kashmirobserver.net/2017/local-news/only-seven-woman-officers-heading-police-stations-out-215-across-jk-14997

Unrest in Kashmir and Strangulation of Education !

Kashmir: Depriving Education is Well Planned Conspiracy !

Raman Sharma

In a humane society and in a democratic set up like ours in India, everyone have the right to demand everything, even the Sun, forget the Moon and the Stars but only with a caveat that your demand should not infringe the rights of others.  It must be hypocrisy when you beat your chest and shout from the roof top and accuse others for not allowing you to exercise your rights, but on the same time not ignorantly but with a well planned conspiracy you ignore and deprive others of their due rights.

Let’s for the sake of arguments for a moment assume that demands of separatists and brigade of stone-pelters  in Kashmir are justifiable, but even then their reluctance and blockade of flow of education in Kashmir society is unacceptable. The Champions of so called Kashmir movement should explain to the innocent people there that what good can be achieved with strangulation of knowledge and education ?.

Now it’s almost 3 months that schools and other educational institutions are closed in Valley but the wheel of clock running fast, so does the world. How long will you keep these educational institutions closed ? if education is not more important than your so called ‘K’ cause then what had compelled  prominent separatist leader Moulvi Umar Farooq or must say Dr. Umar Farooq to attain doctorate (though appreciable), he is an alumni of one of the premier school of Kashmir, the Burn Hall School and posses graduation degree in Political Science and Literature. Why did he not wait to complete his studies till the resolution of Kashmir Cause. Because he is a shrewd man like all other separatist leaders who repeatedly keep shouting the bogy of right to self determination but never miss a good opportunity for themselves.

Without interfering in the personal lives of these leaders of secessionist- ideology  and militancy supporters of  Kashmir, it is humble request that they must at least reveal before their followers about their own educational qualifications besides kitty of wealth they hold in India and abroad, let’s forget  their kith and kin.

Perhaps this a well planned conspiracy to deprive the innocent children of their fundamental right to education, should the people of Kashmir need to remind what religion says “ Seek knowledge even if you have to go as far as China, seeking knowledge is your  duty ,”.

It is not only the right but also a duty to seek knowledge then why these people are trying to create a knowledge vacuum in the state, especially Kashmir.

It appears to be a conspiracy not to allow the revolution of education there in Valley, because education brings peace and these leaders don’t want the dust to settle and wish to keep the pot boiling.

An educated generation would call all their bluffs and would decide their fate with open mind. An educated youth would surely ask too many questions before deciding to get self involved in this hate propaganda and violence but it does not suit the self acclaimed leaders of resistance (new terminology used by few Journalists for secessionists and anti-India leaders ) and militancy supporters.

Despite difficult terrain and given demographic and other unpleasant factors in the region, the Himalyan State of ours have surpassed rest of India in flaming the light of literacy,  The Census data 2011 reveals that state witnessed a jump of over 12 percent literacy rate  (in comparison to 2001) standing at   67.17  whereas in the year 2001 it was 55.12 %, a jump of over 12 percent itself reveals that appetite for   learning is increasing in the state.  The overall increase in literacy rate of the country from 2001 to 2011 is 8.66 percent, which is now 74.04 % whereas it was 65.38 percent.

 The more enthusiastic and positive development of J & K that is to be noted in comparison to male literacy ratio is that there is growth of over 13 percent of female literacy ratio, it stood 56.43 % in 2011 census whereas it was 43 % in 2001. The male literacy rate increase was slightly above 10 %, in the year 2001 figures it was 66.60 percent and in 2011 it stood 76.75 percent.  

In the recent past, the youth of the state have shown keen interest in the civil services  exams not only at the state level but some have even brought laurels with their outstanding rankings at the Union Public Services Exams. These successful youth leaders have emerged as iconic and inspirational figures for candidates of the other states as well, this is matter of contentment and immense pride to be cherished by the people of the state. But it is pitiful that under a deep conspiracy a vicious and hate campaign is initiated in Kashmir to malign those who with their competence, dedication and hard work crack the civil services and Join IAS or KAS. They are being called as ‘Agents’ of the State, brutally denying the fact that their selection is not a charity by the government or the agencies, but they are selected because they deserve, to disparage their personality, even questions are raised on their  love for their own people and these hate mongers even don’t hesitate to tag  them as ‘traitors’ .

Unfortunately, a section of media in Kashmir have also felicitated these self acclaimed champions of Kashmir Cause to engulf an atmosphere of disrespect for the civil servants  and repulsive attitude for Civil Services Exams. Justifying the glorification of radicalization and militant ideology amongst the youth in Kashmir, some journalists have inked long and tedious editorials one after another. These journalists and editors who are not raising their voice again educational blockade are abettors in the heinous act of spoiling the futures of generations of Kashmir.

Those who opposing opening of educational institutions in the Valley till resolution of the Kashmir issue are enemies of their own people, even to wage a war against one’s enemy, one need competency, infrastructure, skilled manpower and knowledge. Only ‘Hatred’  is not a sufficient element to win a battle. About Raman: he is an RTI activist having email:  jkrtiact@gmail.com