Wed, 09/14/2011 By Sarita Brara
New Delhi, Sept 14, 2011 (Washington Bangla Radio / PIB India) It was year 1999. A young army officer from one of the North Eastern states lay on a bed in one of the wards of the army hospital in Delhi. His leg had been amputated after he hit a land mine during the Kargil conflict. He was one of the over 1500 personnel who had been injured in the conflict.
“How are you?” I asked the young officer.
“I feel one and half Kg lighter!” he said with a smile that lit up his whole face. Brave words indeed!. How could a man in a situation like this have the courage to make light of his grievous injury? I managed to smile back but in the heart of hearts I saluted the spirit of the young man.
Twelve years later I met Lt Col Shoban Singh Danu again. This time for a story on the year of the disabled soldier. I remember that Shoban Singh Danu’s leg had to be amputated after he stepped on mine planted by the militants in the Poonch- Rajouri sector. After his artificial limb fitment he insisted on going back to the same battalion. Why? He says he wanted to boost the morale of his men as three others in the battalion had also lost their limbs in the land mine blast.
Retired Subedar LD Sharma too lost his limb in a land mine blast. Had he not been hit by a mine land blast he would have retired two ranks higher. But he has no regrets. “I did this for my country!” he says with his head held high. “I am ready to serve my country any time I am called to do so.”
These men as they defend our borders, battle against insurgents and take part in other operations, many a time suffer spinal injuries rendering them paraplegics and tetraplegics. Major Mahesh Bisht suffered spinal injury in one of the operations but today he is looking after the administration at the Kirkee (Khadki) Paraplegic Rehab Centre and is a source of inspiration for the paraplegics living there.
Rifleman Latif was on VIP protection duty in Jammu and Kashmir where after an IED blast his vehicle met with an accident and he suffered a spinal injury. He may have been depressed initially but today he is completely transformed. Last year he won three gold medals in national paralympics in Wheel Chair Race, Discuss Throw and Javelin. Latif who belongs to Anantnag in Jammu and Kashmir is now staying at the paraplegic Rehabilitation Centre at Mohali with his family.
Gunner Ajit Kumar Shukla had suffered bullet injuries. When he came to the Kirkee Paraplegic Rehab Centre he was very depressed. Today, leaving behind his pain, he too has not only won medals in the sporting events but also worked on contract basis as data operator with one of the government schools in Chandigarh.
Saturday, September 17, 2011
Defence Minister inaugurates IGNOU Gyandeep Centre for Army
New Delhi: The Union Minister for Defence A.K. Antony today inaugurated the 'Gyandeep Centre of Excellence' at the Ashoka Auditorium, Manekshaw Centre in the capital. The Centre will be established at the main campus of the Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) which will function as a national-level coordinating body between the Army and IGNOU Community Colleges to promote educational facilities for the army personnel.
"The main objectives of the Centre shall be to promote job opportunities for the retiring army personnel, develop compatible curriculum and promote partnership with other universities / institutions. It will facilitate and encourage inter-disciplinary higher education and research facilities at IGNOU and affiliated universities/ institutions/ other centres of excellence," said V-C Prof. V. N. Rajasekharan Pillai, in his address.
Over 3.5 lakh students have already enrolled in Gyandeep Project and nearly 1.5 lakh candidates have been awarded Certificates, Diplomas and Associate Degrees.
The Associate Degree holders are also admitted in the third year of IGNOU Degree programmes through vertical mobility. More than 300 officers have already been admitted for the MBA Programme designed specifically for the officers in the Indian Army.
For IGNOU, this centre means a phenomenal increase in the strength of students and the campuses. For the Army, it would be a great welfare measure and gainful use of resources. For soldiers, this programme has the potential to transform the post-retirement life by equipping them with a formal qualification and preparing them for competitive job avenues. And for the country, it means a boost in the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) as well as the Gross Graduation Ratio (GGR).
The Indian Army and IGNOU began its association in July 2009. In a short span of time, this association fructified into a path-breaking collaborative effort — in the form of Project Gyandeep, when a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between the Army and IGNOU on September 4, 2009.
Gyandeep was dedicated to the nation by President Pratibha Patil on November 19, 2009. Since then, the association between the Indian Army and IGNOU has progressed in all spheres. Project Gyandeep, a visionary and revolutionary idea, has created an impact in the educational arena at both national and international levels.
Gen V.K. Singh, Chief of the Army Staff and Lt Gen Mukesh Sabharwal were present along with senior defence officers and academicians.
Defence Minister inaugurates IGNOU Gyandeep Centre for Army
Rezangla War Memorial
1. I take pleasure in informing you that foundation stone for Rezangla War Memorial has been laid by Ch Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana on 16 sep 2011 at Rezangla Chowk near DSOI Gurgaon in Sector-23 of Palam Vihar:
(a) The construction of the same has started and Memorial will be inaugurated on 18 Nov 2012 conciding with 50th year of Battle.
(b) The function had the presence of almost entire Haryana cabinet & Gen (Retd) NC Vij, Admiral (Retd) RH Tahiliani & Air Chief Marshal (Retd) SP Tyagi & Sh AS Bhatotia Ex DGP, and large number of retd Lt Gens, Maj Generals & other high officials of Armd force and civil services.
(c) It was a touching scene to meet widows & next of kins of ‘C’ company of 13 KUMAON who were invited. They were honoured during the function.
(d) Military band was also in attendance and played the patriotic tunes.
(e) Hon’ble Chief Minister while addressing the gathering said that Dr TC Rao has taken a noble task to pay tribute to the Martyrs of Rezangla battle. The memorial will give a feeling to next of kins that Nation salutes them. CM added that he is aware of the difficulties faced by Ex-Servicemen and Govt of Haryana will do his best to look after them. He assured the martyrs widows & next of kins that he is always approachable for their difficulties.
(f) Capt Ajay Singh Yadav, Hon’ble Minister of Power, Forests & Environment, who is also an Ex-Servicemen assured the next of kins that Haryana Govt will always be concerned for Ex-servicemen difficulties.
(g) Dr TC Rao, while thanking the Hon’ble CM & Minister & Ex-Chiefs said that Rezangla War Memorial of Gurgaon will be land mark in Delhi, Gurgaon & NCR which will be decorated with Tank & Guns & will inspire the youth to join Armed Forces & we will always salute the martyrs. The function ended with Nation Anthem.
Jai Hind
Dr TC Rao, Veteran
Friday, September 16, 2011
Forces, CAG lock horns over audit of unit run canteens
Wednesday, 14 September 2011 00:54
The armed forces and Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) are at loggerheads over the auditing of the 4,500 unit-run canteens which have an annual turnover of Rs 10,000 crore.
Documents available with The Pioneer show that the chiefs of the Army, Air Force and Navy have refused to comply with the direction of the Defence Secretary to permit the CAG to audit the unit canteens. The Secretary had conveyed the direction of Defence Minister AK Antony, who had received a complaint from the CAG on the denial of audit by Army Headquarters.
“Since no headway has been made in this regard, the CAG has written to the Raksha Mantri on this issue and has requested his intervention for providing audit parties access to unit-run canteens (URC) as early as possible,” noted the Defence Secretary’s letter to the three service chiefs, marked ‘secret’.
“It has been observed by the CAG that considering the facts that URCs are located in Government premises, are run in most cases by service personnel, use Government transport and, most importantly, receive substantial funds from the Consolidated Fund of India, such denial violates provisions of the Constitution of India regarding the powers and duties of the CAG,” it added.
“It is, therefore, requested that necessary instructions may kindly be given to the concerned for allowing audit personnel to access information from the URCs under their control so that RM is apprised of them,” the Defence Secretary wrote.
Meanwhile, on September 7, Public Accounts Committee chairman Murli Manohar Joshi summoned the vice-chiefs of the Army, Air Force and Navy and directed them to provide access to the CAG for auditing unit-run canteens.
Earlier, in the second week of January, Joshi had summoned heads of the three forces on the same issue.
According to sources, the Vice Chiefs, who were representing the heads of the three Services, vehemently objected to the auditing of CAG in the Unit Run Canteens and claimed that each canteen is audited by chartered accountants. At this point Joshi told them that this argument was not tenable and questioned the reasons for preferring Chartered accountants over the Government Auditor.
While Vice Chiefs contended in the meeting that it was not possible for CAG to audit all 4,500 canteens, the CAG officials countered that they would audit on random basis and if they found irregularities, would consider further auditing.
Joshi directed the three forces to submit a detailed report on how to make way for audit of unit run canteens within a week and suggested for a high level committee of auditors and forces to resolve the issue.
For the past two years CAG and forces are locking horns over the auditing of Unit Run Canteens. In India, the forces supply system is managed by 34 depots of Canteen Stores Department (CSD), which is distributed through the 160 lakh end users through more than 4500 canteens, controlled by each unit. The Unit Run Canteens would take a margin at an average of four percent on the supply and the profit is expected to be around Rs.500 crore in the annual turn over of more than Rs.10000. Though CAG got access to audit the 34 CSDs, forces object the auditors when they demanded to check the accounts of Unit Run Canteens, where the actual sale takes place.
The forces get the money from the Consolidated Fund of India and enjoy Quantitative Discounts approved by the government, apart from the avoidance of taxes on most of the supplied items.
The CAG has argued out that as the fund is made available from the Consolidated Funds, they have the right to audit where as the forces claim that the affairs of the Unit Run Canteens are “purely private ventures of each units” and hence no need of auditing.
Forces, CAG lock horns over audit
Col KN Nair (Retd) comments
The CAG should have audited these URCs long back. Misuse of tax payer's money is in any case not in the interest of Nation. In this transperancy era, the Services cannot say no to the Govt Auditor. It is certain that the huge profits earned out of URC venture were/are being used by the Service Officers left and right. If the URC records are audited, this will come out as another major scandal. The CAG should act now.
The armed forces and Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) are at loggerheads over the auditing of the 4,500 unit-run canteens which have an annual turnover of Rs 10,000 crore.
Documents available with The Pioneer show that the chiefs of the Army, Air Force and Navy have refused to comply with the direction of the Defence Secretary to permit the CAG to audit the unit canteens. The Secretary had conveyed the direction of Defence Minister AK Antony, who had received a complaint from the CAG on the denial of audit by Army Headquarters.
“Since no headway has been made in this regard, the CAG has written to the Raksha Mantri on this issue and has requested his intervention for providing audit parties access to unit-run canteens (URC) as early as possible,” noted the Defence Secretary’s letter to the three service chiefs, marked ‘secret’.
“It has been observed by the CAG that considering the facts that URCs are located in Government premises, are run in most cases by service personnel, use Government transport and, most importantly, receive substantial funds from the Consolidated Fund of India, such denial violates provisions of the Constitution of India regarding the powers and duties of the CAG,” it added.
“It is, therefore, requested that necessary instructions may kindly be given to the concerned for allowing audit personnel to access information from the URCs under their control so that RM is apprised of them,” the Defence Secretary wrote.
Meanwhile, on September 7, Public Accounts Committee chairman Murli Manohar Joshi summoned the vice-chiefs of the Army, Air Force and Navy and directed them to provide access to the CAG for auditing unit-run canteens.
Earlier, in the second week of January, Joshi had summoned heads of the three forces on the same issue.
According to sources, the Vice Chiefs, who were representing the heads of the three Services, vehemently objected to the auditing of CAG in the Unit Run Canteens and claimed that each canteen is audited by chartered accountants. At this point Joshi told them that this argument was not tenable and questioned the reasons for preferring Chartered accountants over the Government Auditor.
While Vice Chiefs contended in the meeting that it was not possible for CAG to audit all 4,500 canteens, the CAG officials countered that they would audit on random basis and if they found irregularities, would consider further auditing.
Joshi directed the three forces to submit a detailed report on how to make way for audit of unit run canteens within a week and suggested for a high level committee of auditors and forces to resolve the issue.
For the past two years CAG and forces are locking horns over the auditing of Unit Run Canteens. In India, the forces supply system is managed by 34 depots of Canteen Stores Department (CSD), which is distributed through the 160 lakh end users through more than 4500 canteens, controlled by each unit. The Unit Run Canteens would take a margin at an average of four percent on the supply and the profit is expected to be around Rs.500 crore in the annual turn over of more than Rs.10000. Though CAG got access to audit the 34 CSDs, forces object the auditors when they demanded to check the accounts of Unit Run Canteens, where the actual sale takes place.
The forces get the money from the Consolidated Fund of India and enjoy Quantitative Discounts approved by the government, apart from the avoidance of taxes on most of the supplied items.
The CAG has argued out that as the fund is made available from the Consolidated Funds, they have the right to audit where as the forces claim that the affairs of the Unit Run Canteens are “purely private ventures of each units” and hence no need of auditing.
Forces, CAG lock horns over audit
Col KN Nair (Retd) comments
The CAG should have audited these URCs long back. Misuse of tax payer's money is in any case not in the interest of Nation. In this transperancy era, the Services cannot say no to the Govt Auditor. It is certain that the huge profits earned out of URC venture were/are being used by the Service Officers left and right. If the URC records are audited, this will come out as another major scandal. The CAG should act now.
Retd Colonel absconding in immigration scam
Colonel Har Iqbal Singh Virk (retd), owner of a an immigration firm, has been absconding since the ‘Shara Firm’ in Chandigarh has been sealed by the police.
Police said the accused had taken Rs 5.10 lakh from Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Sector 32, to send him to Canada last year but neither was he sent abroad nor was his money returned. Sub inspector Gian Singh of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) said after taking Rs 5.10 lakh, accused were demanding Rs 5 lakh more from the complainant. The case in this regard was registered at the police station in Sector 34.
Chandigarh police have handed over the investigation of all the immigration cases registered at 11 police stations to the SIT for further investigation. The SIT was formed for investigating the immigration scam involving Healthyway Immigration. A total of 7 cases were registered against Amit Kakkar, owner of Healthyway Immigration Consultants. Kakkar, who was in judicial custody, was on Thursday taken into police custody for one day in connection with another forgery case against him.
-via The Times of India
Retd Colonel absconding in immigration scam
Police said the accused had taken Rs 5.10 lakh from Gurpreet Singh, a resident of Sector 32, to send him to Canada last year but neither was he sent abroad nor was his money returned. Sub inspector Gian Singh of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) said after taking Rs 5.10 lakh, accused were demanding Rs 5 lakh more from the complainant. The case in this regard was registered at the police station in Sector 34.
Chandigarh police have handed over the investigation of all the immigration cases registered at 11 police stations to the SIT for further investigation. The SIT was formed for investigating the immigration scam involving Healthyway Immigration. A total of 7 cases were registered against Amit Kakkar, owner of Healthyway Immigration Consultants. Kakkar, who was in judicial custody, was on Thursday taken into police custody for one day in connection with another forgery case against him.
-via The Times of India
Retd Colonel absconding in immigration scam
Centre hikes Dearness Relief for Pensioners by 7 pc
PTI | Sep 15, 2011, 04.40PM IST
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the festival season, the government on Thursday announced a seven per cent hike in the Dearness Allowance of its employees.
The decision to increase the Dearness Allowance (DA) for five million Central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for about four million pensioners was taken by the Union Cabinet.
The pay hike would be applicable from July 1. The DA for the government employees would increase from 51 per cent of the basic salary to 58 per cent.
The hike in DA and DR would cost the exchequer annually Rs 7,229 crore, while for the remaining period of the current fiscal the implication would be Rs 4,819 crore,Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.
Centre hikes Dearness Allowance for employees by 7 pc
click here for Yearwise Dearness Relief for Veterans
NEW DELHI: Ahead of the festival season, the government on Thursday announced a seven per cent hike in the Dearness Allowance of its employees.
The decision to increase the Dearness Allowance (DA) for five million Central government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) for about four million pensioners was taken by the Union Cabinet.
The pay hike would be applicable from July 1. The DA for the government employees would increase from 51 per cent of the basic salary to 58 per cent.
The hike in DA and DR would cost the exchequer annually Rs 7,229 crore, while for the remaining period of the current fiscal the implication would be Rs 4,819 crore,Information and Broadcasting Minister Ambika Soni told reporters.
Centre hikes Dearness Allowance for employees by 7 pc
click here for Yearwise Dearness Relief for Veterans
Why ESM should team up with Anna?
ESM must join Anna’s War against Corruption for our better future
Dear Friends/ Veterans,
1. Nation is in grave danger due to internal & external threats and highest level of Corruption & misgovernance. System has been paralyzed all over beyond repairs. A weak Political leadership & irresponsible Bureaucratic nexus has ruined public admn, social welfare, security potentials and Intelligence network. Defence Forces have become unpopular & last career choice of youngsters. Poor quality intake with huge manpower shortage & old machinery, is reducing fighting potentials. Poor handling by unprofessional IAS, has lowered the image and morale of Forces. Under such circumstances, Defence can also fail like the civil admn as usual, who still keep enjoy the best. Army is the last weapon, the Nation has. Therefore, greedy & corrupt representatives/ Govt servants must be replaced with honest, capable & clean people. At this stage, our duty is to join Anna & save the nation from loot & arrogance.
2. Our letters to PM, President & MPs by various ESM Org/ NGOs have not brought any change in negative attitude of Bureaucracy. Because nexus of Bureaucracy & Politicians has become so very thick, powerful & high headed. It’s evident that there is no check/ audit by controlling agencies anywhere, since they are also unaccountable. ESM community is also victim of this mass Corruption. Today our letters for Grievances & Welfare written up the channel from Zila Sainik Board to Defence minister, bring no positive result/ response. Why must they reply?
3. Recently negative response from MOD (L/dt 2/8/11), even after meetings with Def Min & other Politicians, No positive sign is coming from the Govt/ Bureaucracy, to resolve serious anomalies & grant of OROP to War Veterans. Bureaucracy has captured ESM Welfare Funds & CSD Canteen control also, from the Army HQ. Its influence & reflections can be seen from their response & attitudes. This NGO have been writing about 130-140 letters per year to various Govt Offices. It is experienced & for your info that letters written for ESM Problems/ Grievances & Welfare, have been responded to, as under:
(a) By Records Offices responded positive 50%
(b) By Army HQ/ Adjt Gen Branch responded positive 40%
(c) By Zila Sainik Board, RSB & KSB responded only 8-10%
(d) By CDAs & DPDOs responded 5-6%
(e) By RBI & Banks responded 10-12%
(f) By Chandimandir Complex, responces 7-8%
(which Incl HQ WC, Stn HQ, ECHS & CH)
(g) Pb Ministers & Secy Def Service Welfare Dept responds-NIL.
(h) MOD & ESM Welfare Dept (EWD) Delhi responces 7-8%
4. A sense of accountability & responsibility of Netas towards the public has vanished, along with degradation in character, services and increase in Corruption. Black money, Scams after scams & loot, brings shame to no body, as we are to live with it. Today Ministers do not hesitate in saying words like: “I have no magic stick, Prices cannot be controlled, Terrorist attacks cannot be stopped, Intelligence network cannot be scrutinized, MPs & Bureaucracy is supreme, No Jan Lokpal Bill, Corruption is part of life, we have allotted money for victims, what is Anna?” etc. They are masters in befooling & spinning public. Today every matric fail but BA pass finds lucrative career in Politics. Public need to ensure that no dishonest & substandard person reach Assembly, to pollute it any further. Public participation at large scale will surely clean up the polluted system, like in the Singapore. Let's be part of Public and participation like good citizens.
5. That's why; we ESM must join Anna's War against Corruption, for our own good too. The next steps by Anna are very vital & useful for us to eradicate total Corruption from the system, which is being controlled by the irresponsible & greedy people.
(a) Right to Reject: already exists but never being implemented by CEC/Govt.
(b) Right to recall. For regular audit & public control over elected reps.
(c) Reforms in Election process: are must to put a check on wrong candidates & monitor ill designed practices, like purchasing of votes/ candidates.
(d) Services charter: will ensure time bound public services & accountability in offices.
6. Once good people come to rule, they will surely listen to the ESM community & its genuine problems also. Even public may demand ESM to lead from the front. Therefore, we should plan to welcome Anna at various places during his YATRA of states. We should execute good gathering at Jntr Mntr on 13/11/11 for the same. Your suggestions/ corrections to me in brief, are most welcomed, please.
Regards.
Col Sohi (Retd)
Dear Friends/ Veterans,
1. Nation is in grave danger due to internal & external threats and highest level of Corruption & misgovernance. System has been paralyzed all over beyond repairs. A weak Political leadership & irresponsible Bureaucratic nexus has ruined public admn, social welfare, security potentials and Intelligence network. Defence Forces have become unpopular & last career choice of youngsters. Poor quality intake with huge manpower shortage & old machinery, is reducing fighting potentials. Poor handling by unprofessional IAS, has lowered the image and morale of Forces. Under such circumstances, Defence can also fail like the civil admn as usual, who still keep enjoy the best. Army is the last weapon, the Nation has. Therefore, greedy & corrupt representatives/ Govt servants must be replaced with honest, capable & clean people. At this stage, our duty is to join Anna & save the nation from loot & arrogance.
2. Our letters to PM, President & MPs by various ESM Org/ NGOs have not brought any change in negative attitude of Bureaucracy. Because nexus of Bureaucracy & Politicians has become so very thick, powerful & high headed. It’s evident that there is no check/ audit by controlling agencies anywhere, since they are also unaccountable. ESM community is also victim of this mass Corruption. Today our letters for Grievances & Welfare written up the channel from Zila Sainik Board to Defence minister, bring no positive result/ response. Why must they reply?
3. Recently negative response from MOD (L/dt 2/8/11), even after meetings with Def Min & other Politicians, No positive sign is coming from the Govt/ Bureaucracy, to resolve serious anomalies & grant of OROP to War Veterans. Bureaucracy has captured ESM Welfare Funds & CSD Canteen control also, from the Army HQ. Its influence & reflections can be seen from their response & attitudes. This NGO have been writing about 130-140 letters per year to various Govt Offices. It is experienced & for your info that letters written for ESM Problems/ Grievances & Welfare, have been responded to, as under:
(a) By Records Offices responded positive 50%
(b) By Army HQ/ Adjt Gen Branch responded positive 40%
(c) By Zila Sainik Board, RSB & KSB responded only 8-10%
(d) By CDAs & DPDOs responded 5-6%
(e) By RBI & Banks responded 10-12%
(f) By Chandimandir Complex, responces 7-8%
(which Incl HQ WC, Stn HQ, ECHS & CH)
(g) Pb Ministers & Secy Def Service Welfare Dept responds-NIL.
(h) MOD & ESM Welfare Dept (EWD) Delhi responces 7-8%
4. A sense of accountability & responsibility of Netas towards the public has vanished, along with degradation in character, services and increase in Corruption. Black money, Scams after scams & loot, brings shame to no body, as we are to live with it. Today Ministers do not hesitate in saying words like: “I have no magic stick, Prices cannot be controlled, Terrorist attacks cannot be stopped, Intelligence network cannot be scrutinized, MPs & Bureaucracy is supreme, No Jan Lokpal Bill, Corruption is part of life, we have allotted money for victims, what is Anna?” etc. They are masters in befooling & spinning public. Today every matric fail but BA pass finds lucrative career in Politics. Public need to ensure that no dishonest & substandard person reach Assembly, to pollute it any further. Public participation at large scale will surely clean up the polluted system, like in the Singapore. Let's be part of Public and participation like good citizens.
5. That's why; we ESM must join Anna's War against Corruption, for our own good too. The next steps by Anna are very vital & useful for us to eradicate total Corruption from the system, which is being controlled by the irresponsible & greedy people.
(a) Right to Reject: already exists but never being implemented by CEC/Govt.
(b) Right to recall. For regular audit & public control over elected reps.
(c) Reforms in Election process: are must to put a check on wrong candidates & monitor ill designed practices, like purchasing of votes/ candidates.
(d) Services charter: will ensure time bound public services & accountability in offices.
6. Once good people come to rule, they will surely listen to the ESM community & its genuine problems also. Even public may demand ESM to lead from the front. Therefore, we should plan to welcome Anna at various places during his YATRA of states. We should execute good gathering at Jntr Mntr on 13/11/11 for the same. Your suggestions/ corrections to me in brief, are most welcomed, please.
Regards.
Col Sohi (Retd)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Gujarat removes red tape and curbs corruption
Gujarat best example of effective governance: US Congressional report
Press Trust of India, Updated: September 14, 2011 16:56 IST
Washington: Identifying Gujarat as, perhaps, the best example of effective governance and impressive development in India, a Congressional report showered praise on Chief Minister Narendra Modi and said that the state under him has become a key driver of national economic growth.
Gujarat is followed by Bihar and its Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his governance and administrative skills, the latest report of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on India said.
"Perhaps India's best example of effective governance and impressive development is found in Gujarat, where controversial Chief Minister Narendra Modi has streamlined economic processes, removing red tape and curtailing corruption in ways that have made the state a key driver of national economic growth," said the CRS report.
An independent and bipartisan wing of the US Congress, the CRS prepares periodic reports on issues of interest to the US lawmakers.
The 94-page report was released by the CRS for US lawmakers on September 1, a copy of which made public by the Federation of American Scientists.
"Seeking to overcome the taint of his alleged complicity in 2002 riots, Modi has overseen heavy investment in modern roads and power infrastructure, and annual growth of more than 11 per cent in recent years," the CRS said.
Gujarat, the CRS said, has attracted major international investors such as General Motors and Mitsubishi and with only five per cent of the country's population, the state now accounts for more than one-fifth of India's exports, it said. The CRS mentions Bihar after Gujarat in good governance.
"Another positive example in 2011 has been Bihar, one of India's poorest states, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has won national attention through his considerable success in emphasising good governance over caste-based politics.
"He is credited with restoring law and order across much of the state, as well as overseeing infrastructure and educational improvements of direct benefit to common citizens projects," the report said.
"Kumar's Janata Dal (United) party, in alliance with the main national opposition BJP, won an overwhelming reelection majority in November 2010 state elections," the report said.
Reacting to the report, Mr Modi - emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision to not monitor the case against him in connection with the riots at Gulbarg Society in 2002 - tweeted, "Another recognition for 6 crore Gujaratis. US report hails Guj's effective governance. Jay Jay Garvi Guj."
The examples set in by Chief Ministers Modi and Kumar may have inspired the popular leader of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh.
"Chief Minister Mayawati, who is widely believed to maintain national political ambitions and was at the forefront of a nascent "Third Front" in 2009, has shifted her own focus much more toward infrastructure projects such as road-building and improving the state's poor energy grid," the report said.
The CRS also refers to the ongoing Telangana movement in Andhra Pradesh, and the new Trinamool-Congress rule in West Bengal.
As West Bengal's new Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee is faced with repairing one of India's poorest states.
Read more at: Gujarat best example of effective governance
Press Trust of India, Updated: September 14, 2011 16:56 IST
Washington: Identifying Gujarat as, perhaps, the best example of effective governance and impressive development in India, a Congressional report showered praise on Chief Minister Narendra Modi and said that the state under him has become a key driver of national economic growth.
Gujarat is followed by Bihar and its Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for his governance and administrative skills, the latest report of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on India said.
"Perhaps India's best example of effective governance and impressive development is found in Gujarat, where controversial Chief Minister Narendra Modi has streamlined economic processes, removing red tape and curtailing corruption in ways that have made the state a key driver of national economic growth," said the CRS report.
An independent and bipartisan wing of the US Congress, the CRS prepares periodic reports on issues of interest to the US lawmakers.
The 94-page report was released by the CRS for US lawmakers on September 1, a copy of which made public by the Federation of American Scientists.
"Seeking to overcome the taint of his alleged complicity in 2002 riots, Modi has overseen heavy investment in modern roads and power infrastructure, and annual growth of more than 11 per cent in recent years," the CRS said.
Gujarat, the CRS said, has attracted major international investors such as General Motors and Mitsubishi and with only five per cent of the country's population, the state now accounts for more than one-fifth of India's exports, it said. The CRS mentions Bihar after Gujarat in good governance.
"Another positive example in 2011 has been Bihar, one of India's poorest states, where Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has won national attention through his considerable success in emphasising good governance over caste-based politics.
"He is credited with restoring law and order across much of the state, as well as overseeing infrastructure and educational improvements of direct benefit to common citizens projects," the report said.
"Kumar's Janata Dal (United) party, in alliance with the main national opposition BJP, won an overwhelming reelection majority in November 2010 state elections," the report said.
Reacting to the report, Mr Modi - emboldened by the Supreme Court's decision to not monitor the case against him in connection with the riots at Gulbarg Society in 2002 - tweeted, "Another recognition for 6 crore Gujaratis. US report hails Guj's effective governance. Jay Jay Garvi Guj."
The examples set in by Chief Ministers Modi and Kumar may have inspired the popular leader of India's most populous state Uttar Pradesh.
"Chief Minister Mayawati, who is widely believed to maintain national political ambitions and was at the forefront of a nascent "Third Front" in 2009, has shifted her own focus much more toward infrastructure projects such as road-building and improving the state's poor energy grid," the report said.
The CRS also refers to the ongoing Telangana movement in Andhra Pradesh, and the new Trinamool-Congress rule in West Bengal.
As West Bengal's new Chief Minister, Mamata Banerjee is faced with repairing one of India's poorest states.
Read more at: Gujarat best example of effective governance
SC directs army to reinstate 11 women officers
Saturday, 03 September 2011 01:30
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the army to reinstate 11 short service commission women officers who had been released after completion of 14 years in service.
The apex court asked the army to take the officers back from September 12 continuing their service from the date they joined.
A bench of justices J M Panchal and H L Gokhale said the order reinstating them would be subject to the outcome of the appeal filed by the army against the March 12, 2010 judgment of the Delhi high court.
The high court had earlier directed it to grant permanent commission to 11 serving women officers, who had filed a petition.
The apex court made it clear that its order is confined only to the 11 woman officers who had approached the high court and said the army would reinstate them in terms of the high court order.
It said the high court order will be in operation as it was not stayed when the army had challenged it.
The 11 officers were relieved from the service during the pendency of the petition in the high court in 2009-10.
The high court had granted the army two months to implement its judgment. The court had later issued to it notice for contempt of court after it failed to comply with the order within the requisite time limit. The operation of the contempt notice was stayed by the apex court.
During the hearing, the army opposed reinstatement of the woman officers in terms of the high court judgment, but the apex court did not agree with it and held that the high court judgment should be allowed to operate.
"There is no stay of the high court judgment. Then why don't they continue in the service. They were petitioners in the high court," the bench said during the hearing while adding the 11 woman officers were entitled to take the benefit of the high court order.
"Are they not entitled to the benefit of the high court order? There is no stay. In order to see that the high offices in military did not face any inconvenience, the contempt proceeding was stayed," the bench observed.
The court also noted that all 11 officers were on the administrative side of the army.
The officers who are going to be benefited by the apex court order are -- Major Sandhya Yadav, Major Renu Nautiyal, Major N V N Rao, Major Annapurna, Lt Col Ashu Yadav, Lt Col Sangeeta Sardana, Major Prerna Pandit, Lt Col Renu Khima, Major Seema Singh, Lt Col Monica Mishra and Major Rita Taneja.
SC directs army to reinstate 11 women officers
Comment by Capt Ravi:
Don't know about professionalism or work style of Ladies in Army, cannot comment on scandels that have surfaced around lady officers but one thing is clear. Lady Officers proved to be tougher than Short Service male Officers. Many young lives were ruined where young boys joined as SS Officers and were discouraged to apply for Permanent Commission. I am also one of those who suffered by quitting Army ( though my unit Officers never made such situations) but many others in service did so. Adding insult to injury is the fact where released Officers are denied benefits like: Membership of DSOI Delhi & many other SOIs, Many EPTAs (Golf Courses) , admissions for our Wards in AWES institutions and last but not the least Medical facility of ECHS. Come on SS Officers Learn from Lady Officers. Ladies are really on Top.
Original Post click here
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Friday directed the army to reinstate 11 short service commission women officers who had been released after completion of 14 years in service.
The apex court asked the army to take the officers back from September 12 continuing their service from the date they joined.
A bench of justices J M Panchal and H L Gokhale said the order reinstating them would be subject to the outcome of the appeal filed by the army against the March 12, 2010 judgment of the Delhi high court.
The high court had earlier directed it to grant permanent commission to 11 serving women officers, who had filed a petition.
The apex court made it clear that its order is confined only to the 11 woman officers who had approached the high court and said the army would reinstate them in terms of the high court order.
It said the high court order will be in operation as it was not stayed when the army had challenged it.
The 11 officers were relieved from the service during the pendency of the petition in the high court in 2009-10.
The high court had granted the army two months to implement its judgment. The court had later issued to it notice for contempt of court after it failed to comply with the order within the requisite time limit. The operation of the contempt notice was stayed by the apex court.
During the hearing, the army opposed reinstatement of the woman officers in terms of the high court judgment, but the apex court did not agree with it and held that the high court judgment should be allowed to operate.
"There is no stay of the high court judgment. Then why don't they continue in the service. They were petitioners in the high court," the bench said during the hearing while adding the 11 woman officers were entitled to take the benefit of the high court order.
"Are they not entitled to the benefit of the high court order? There is no stay. In order to see that the high offices in military did not face any inconvenience, the contempt proceeding was stayed," the bench observed.
The court also noted that all 11 officers were on the administrative side of the army.
The officers who are going to be benefited by the apex court order are -- Major Sandhya Yadav, Major Renu Nautiyal, Major N V N Rao, Major Annapurna, Lt Col Ashu Yadav, Lt Col Sangeeta Sardana, Major Prerna Pandit, Lt Col Renu Khima, Major Seema Singh, Lt Col Monica Mishra and Major Rita Taneja.
SC directs army to reinstate 11 women officers
Comment by Capt Ravi:
Don't know about professionalism or work style of Ladies in Army, cannot comment on scandels that have surfaced around lady officers but one thing is clear. Lady Officers proved to be tougher than Short Service male Officers. Many young lives were ruined where young boys joined as SS Officers and were discouraged to apply for Permanent Commission. I am also one of those who suffered by quitting Army ( though my unit Officers never made such situations) but many others in service did so. Adding insult to injury is the fact where released Officers are denied benefits like: Membership of DSOI Delhi & many other SOIs, Many EPTAs (Golf Courses) , admissions for our Wards in AWES institutions and last but not the least Medical facility of ECHS. Come on SS Officers Learn from Lady Officers. Ladies are really on Top.
Original Post click here
Monday, September 12, 2011
Joint Command a Myth
Joint command
Jointness in armed forces
Politics of Chief of Defence Staff
by Rakesh Datta
This refers to the article, “Jointness in armed forces” (August 26). There is no likelihood of the CDS coming up at least in the foreseeable future. First, there is no jointness; the three Services Chiefs hold divergent views. Secondly, there exists an unwarranted fear of army takeover in the mind of the politicians that is fuelled by vested interests in the bureaucracy. And thirdly, the all-powerful bureaucracy is afraid of losing its superiority.
The fear has even led to a systematic dilution of the status of the Services Chiefs. They have been brought down in precedence from their once exalted position. The million-strong Army has been virtually sidelined. It has lost its say even in the matters that directly concern it. And sadly, the Army has sheepishly allowed itself to be relegated to the inferior position. All this needs to be undone.
The government should get rid of its imaginary fear, the bureaucracy should shun its misplaced superiority complex, and the Army should assert its well-deserved importance. Give the Army its rightful due. This will be in the interest of national security.
Wg Cdr CL SEHGAL (Retd), Jalandhar
Jointness in armed forces
Politics of Chief of Defence Staff
by Rakesh Datta
This refers to the article, “Jointness in armed forces” (August 26). There is no likelihood of the CDS coming up at least in the foreseeable future. First, there is no jointness; the three Services Chiefs hold divergent views. Secondly, there exists an unwarranted fear of army takeover in the mind of the politicians that is fuelled by vested interests in the bureaucracy. And thirdly, the all-powerful bureaucracy is afraid of losing its superiority.
The fear has even led to a systematic dilution of the status of the Services Chiefs. They have been brought down in precedence from their once exalted position. The million-strong Army has been virtually sidelined. It has lost its say even in the matters that directly concern it. And sadly, the Army has sheepishly allowed itself to be relegated to the inferior position. All this needs to be undone.
The government should get rid of its imaginary fear, the bureaucracy should shun its misplaced superiority complex, and the Army should assert its well-deserved importance. Give the Army its rightful due. This will be in the interest of national security.
Wg Cdr CL SEHGAL (Retd), Jalandhar
How Government treats Faujis
Sent: 05 September 2011 11:09
To: Brig Chander Kamboj
Subject: We faujis- as our Govt Treats us
Dear Friends,
When we look back at the British Rule in India, there are more woes than good words. Restricting our discussion on the fauji woes, here is an example how they looked after their soldiers even if they were from their enslaved colonies. Here is an example which I must share with all my friends. The document below has been given to me by one of my civilian friends. Sh Piara Lal my friend's Grandfather was in the Medical Corps of the British Indian Army during WWI.
For his distinguished services he was awarded JANGI INAM which included a certificate and a TWO LIVES PENSION of One POUND (Gold Souvenir duly packed in a equally decorated Thelli). Ever since 1914 he and later his son have been getting this Souvenir in Gold (12 gms value over Rs 30000/- as of date).
In 1965-66 The Crown invited him with family to UK for validictory ceremonies. The five member family went to UK and stayed for a month in Buckingham Palace as guests. Needless to mention that their entire expenditure was borne by UK High Commission ex Amritsar and back. Some of you are already familiar with some of Indians, the winners of Victoria Cross as to how they were honoured even by the ordinary UK Citizens on the roadsides/markets in UK.
Compare this with the treatment we soldiers are getting in INDIA, Our chief is being pushed around on his DOB issue, The so called supreme commander of the Indian Armed Forces refuses to meet the veterans. The babus donot miss a chance to malign the Army up to even declaring them physically unfit by carrying out survey of 750 persons, wonder if they sampled from active units or just a service unit located in Delhi.
As a veteran One will obviously look back and think why he took risks of my life at several occasion in the past, lucky to have survived through the air attacks and shelling in 1971 and also from the terrorists bullets during such operations. Most veterans are living today over their pension and terminal benefits, as otherwise our Government would have given their families with odd Rs 5 Lakhs and left them to live as paupers on public charity. It is high time God sends us another ANNA.
May God one day hear our prayers -- and grant us what we deserve as protectors of this Nation and the country.
Brig Narinder Dhand (Veteran)
Majors Pension
Date: Wed, 7 Sep 2011 21:59:02
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
The case for execcution petition of Major's pension came up for hearing today.
The MOD advocate stated in the court that the SLP has already been filed in supreme court and the same had been received back with an objection from registry.
The advocate further stated that the shortcoming would be rectified and SLP shall be resubmitted to the supreme court.
Our advocate maintained that an year has already passed and the govt is taking its sweet time hence the case should not be closed.
The Hon'ble Tribunal directed the respondent to expedite filing the SLP and further directed to review the same on 12 October 2011
Regards
Avtar Singh,
Lt Cdr
Dear Brigadier Kamboj,
The case for execcution petition of Major's pension came up for hearing today.
The MOD advocate stated in the court that the SLP has already been filed in supreme court and the same had been received back with an objection from registry.
The advocate further stated that the shortcoming would be rectified and SLP shall be resubmitted to the supreme court.
Our advocate maintained that an year has already passed and the govt is taking its sweet time hence the case should not be closed.
The Hon'ble Tribunal directed the respondent to expedite filing the SLP and further directed to review the same on 12 October 2011
Regards
Avtar Singh,
Lt Cdr
Age row: Army chief V K Singh files statutory complaint
The Haryana Police Crime Branch on Wednesday raided the residence of Lieutenant General (retd) P N Hoon, in search of Hoon’s daughter Deeksha Puri - an accused in the multicrore Citibank scam. Deeksha Puri’s son Shivraj Puri, a former banker with the Citibank, is the prime accused in the scam, which rocked the financial market last year. General Hoon is a former General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Command.
A team of Crime Branch reached General Hoon’s residence in Sector 6, Panchkula, where Deeksha Puri had been staying for the past many weeks now. “We searched the residence of General Hoon, but did not find her there. Further raids are yet on”, said one of the investigating officials of the case.
According to the senior Haryana police officials, Deeksha Puri’s bail was rejected by the Punjab and Haryana High Court on Monday, after which she told the police that she would be surrendering in the Gurgaon court on Wednesday. Deeksha Puri was one of the Directors of Normans Martin Brokers, a company run by the Puri family, which is also under Crime Branch’s scanner in the Citibank scam.
Haryana police raids Lt Gen Hoon’s home: Citibank scam
Citibank scam: Deeksha Puri’s bail rejected
Sanjay Yadav, TNN Nov 12, 2011, 04.01AM IST
GURGAON: A city court dismissed the anticipatory bail application of Deeksha Puri, one of the co-accused in Citibank scam, on Friday. She had applied for bail for the second time. After hearing Puri's application, additional sessions judge Naresh Kumar rejected the application. According to sources, Shiv Raj Puri, the prime accused in the Rs 400 crore Citibank fraud, and his mother, Deeksha Puri, made a series of gold purchases worth several crores from different places before learning that they had run out of luck.
Bail Refused
Comment: Lt Gen Hoon needs to set his own house in order. His comments on probity sounds hollow. He needs to practise what he preaches as a Veteran. Shameful!
MP's and MLA's: Networth and Criminal Cases
From: Ram Gulrajani
Sent: 09 September 2011 20:52
Subject: Details of MLAs/MPs
Details of MLAs & MPs A GREAT SERVICE TO THE VOTER...
You will get almost all details about the candidate like their education, criminal cases, total assets etc. Click on a particular candidate and you will get more data than you can imagine! Great work done by a group of professors from IIM, Ahmedabad (ADR)
So check this link before you vote..! PLEASE PASS THE WORD AROUND
MP's and MLA's credibility
Sent: 09 September 2011 20:52
Subject: Details of MLAs/MPs
Details of MLAs & MPs A GREAT SERVICE TO THE VOTER...
You will get almost all details about the candidate like their education, criminal cases, total assets etc. Click on a particular candidate and you will get more data than you can imagine! Great work done by a group of professors from IIM, Ahmedabad (ADR)
So check this link before you vote..! PLEASE PASS THE WORD AROUND
MP's and MLA's credibility
Sunday, September 11, 2011
War Memorial: 13 KUMAON
REZANGLA WAR MEMORIAL FOUNDATION STONE LAYING BY CM AT PALAM VIHAR
Dear Sir,
1. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, will lay the foundation stone for the construction of Rezangla War Memorial on 16 Sep 2011 at 1.30 PM at Rezangla Chowk near DSOI Gurgaon in Sector-23,Palam Vihar Gurgaon.
2. You are cordially invited to attend, so that next of kins of martyrs of 13 KUMAON, who sacrificed their lives in Indo-China War in 1962, should feel that Nation salutes their elders and beloved ones.
3. Invitation Card is as above.
With kind regards,
Yours faithfully
Dr TC Rao, Veteran
President
Vijay Diwas & Rezangla Samaroh Shahidi Samiti
1. Hon’ble Chief Minister of Haryana, will lay the foundation stone for the construction of Rezangla War Memorial on 16 Sep 2011 at 1.30 PM at Rezangla Chowk near DSOI Gurgaon in Sector-23,Palam Vihar Gurgaon.
2. You are cordially invited to attend, so that next of kins of martyrs of 13 KUMAON, who sacrificed their lives in Indo-China War in 1962, should feel that Nation salutes their elders and beloved ones.
3. Invitation Card is as above.
With kind regards,
Yours faithfully
Dr TC Rao, Veteran
President
Vijay Diwas & Rezangla Samaroh Shahidi Samiti
Major General's pension case languishing in the courts
Received from an affected Maj Gen
Maj Gen's Case
As u r aware that we had filed our counter affidavit on 02 June 11, 2011. The Govt was required to file rejionder affidavit within 3 weeks. Till now 3 months r over the govt has not complied with the directions of the SC.
The SC Registrar has suo moto initiated action to give notice to govt counsel for their failure to file rejoinder within stipulated time. The hearing was done on 26 aug 11. Our advocate was also present. No justifiable answer was given for the delay by the govt counsel. Accordingly the Registrar has forwarded the case to the SC Chamber Judge for hearing for reasons of Union of India being a defaulter.
The chamber Judge has the option of either to dismiss the appeal or grant more time. since govt is involved, the latter option is more probable. in any case will be heard soon with notice to both the parties. we shall try our best to argue for dismissal. Date of hearing will be intimated to u.
Note: It is not understood why the Courts are so indulgent towards the Govt. I thought the scales of justice were well balanced in the hands of the blind folded lady! VKD
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
Maj Gen's Case
As u r aware that we had filed our counter affidavit on 02 June 11, 2011. The Govt was required to file rejionder affidavit within 3 weeks. Till now 3 months r over the govt has not complied with the directions of the SC.
The SC Registrar has suo moto initiated action to give notice to govt counsel for their failure to file rejoinder within stipulated time. The hearing was done on 26 aug 11. Our advocate was also present. No justifiable answer was given for the delay by the govt counsel. Accordingly the Registrar has forwarded the case to the SC Chamber Judge for hearing for reasons of Union of India being a defaulter.
The chamber Judge has the option of either to dismiss the appeal or grant more time. since govt is involved, the latter option is more probable. in any case will be heard soon with notice to both the parties. we shall try our best to argue for dismissal. Date of hearing will be intimated to u.
Note: It is not understood why the Courts are so indulgent towards the Govt. I thought the scales of justice were well balanced in the hands of the blind folded lady! VKD
Best regards,
Lt Gen (Emeritus) Raj Kadyan, PVSM, AVSM, VSM
Chairman IESM
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