IAS officers in Andhra Pradesh revolt against ministers
NDTV Correspondent, Updated: February 07, 2012 09:37 IST
Hyderabad: Officers of the Indian Administrative Services (IAS) in Andhra Pradesh have virtually raised a banner of revolt. After the arrest of two senior IAS officers and two more were named in chargesheet filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the state's top bureaucracy is protesting that they are being made answerable whereas the ministers and the cabinet is let off and not held responsible.
Senior IAS officer BP Acharya, who was ironically the home secretary of Andhra Pradesh, arrested by the CBI for alleged criminal conspiracy in the 4500 crore-rupees Emaar properties case on January 30 this year. Last year on November 28, another senior officer Y Srilakshmi was arrested for allegedly favouring Gali Janardhan Reddy's Obulapuram Mining Company in granting mining leases as Andhra Pradesh's industries secretary. (Read: Five big facts of the Emaar case)
With two more IAS officers, LV Subramanyam and KV Rao, named in the chargesheet filed by the CBI, the IAS officers Association in the state has come out in the open to protest against the manner in which the CBI is investigating.
"We are deeply disappointed over the manner in which the investigation is being carried out by the CBI without following established procedure. Conclusions are being arrived at without any basis and the investigation being used to tarnish the image of the IAS," said S Bhale Rao, President, IAS officers association.
The IAS officers say it is unfair that the ministers are being let off while the secretaries are being made answerable.
"The business rules say the minister is primarily responsible for the working of the department. It does not say the secretary is responsible. Whatever the scams in the mining or industries department, the entire cabinet is responsible. We are asking why only the officers are being made answerable," said Madhav Rao, former chief secretary of Andhra Pradesh.
The virtual banner of revolt raised by the IAS officers in the state is unprecedented. But how should IAS officers protest? Should they refuse to cooperate with the ministers, go on protest leave or represent to the Prime Minister? These were some of the options being discussed.
Senior minister Ravindra Reddy to who IAS officer Srilakshmi was last reporting as family welfare commissioner says the then mines minister will also have to take responsibility and be made accountable.
"We have inherited the British system where the secretary advises the minister. But if the minister disagress, the file goes to the chief minister. The bureaucrat and the minister are both accountable and responsible," said Mr Reddy, Andhra Pradesh's Health minister.
The IAS officers point out that though the government orders are necessarily signed by the secretary, the file notings do reflect the role played by the minister and the civil servant in the decision-making process.
"There are certain business rules in administration. as per rules, the officer has to implement decisions of govt. when it is not correct, it is upto the officer not to implement it as simple as that," said Andhra Pradesh chief minister Kiran Kumar Reddy.
With the IAS taking on the ministers and the political establishment, the high-profile CBI probes have virtually opened a pandora's box in the state.
The Indian Administrative Service has been given constitutional guarantees in appointment and service to ensure that officers act independent of political and other influence. Sardar Vallabhai Patel called it the iron frame of India, but with more and more officers in the dock for acts of omission and commission, there is apprehension that the iron frame is either rusting or bending backwards to please.
IAS officers in Andhra Pradesh revolt against ministers
Showing posts with label Lokayukta. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Lokayukta. Show all posts
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
UOI gets a rap for hobnobbing with the corrupt
Supreme Court verdict on corruption cases is big setback for govt
A Vaidyanathan, Updated: January 31, 2012 13:20 IST
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has delivered a verdict that will impact all cases against public officials, bureaucrats and ministers. Today's verdict provokes new embarrassment for the government because it agrees that Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy had every right to ask the Prime Minister's Office to sanction the prosecution of former Telecom Minister A Raja for corruption charges. Mr Swamy had gone to court against the Prime Minister's Office which refused to respond for many months to his petition. "The verdict is a slap on the government's face," said the BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Reacting to the judgement, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy said, "The sanction issue has been addressed in the Lokpal Bill. The Supreme Court has also said the Parliament should formulate the policy. As far as time frame is concerned, we will formulate guidelines accordingly after studying the judgement."
Rules dictate that without sanction from a top government authority, a public servant cannot be prosecuted. The Supreme Court has said today that the authority in question has three months within which to decide if permission has been granted. Another month can be taken if the government wanted to take the opinion of the attorney general. If there is no response for four months, it can be assumed that proceedings can begin against the government servant in question.
Mr Swamy wanted Mr Raja to stand trial for his alleged role as the mastermind of the telecom or 2G scam, which saw companies getting mobile network licenses and spectrum at throwaway prices. Mr Swamy waited for nearly 16 months for a reply from the Prime Minister's Office, which told him that the evidence against Mr Raja was being scrutinized. Mr Swamy then went to court.
The right to file a complaint against a public servant under Prevention of Corruption Act is a constitutional right, said the Supreme Court.
The government says that the new Lokpal Bill that was passed by the Lok Sabha in December does away with the need to seek any sanction against a government servant accused of corruption. Therefore, sources say, today's verdict proves the government was right to push for this feature. The Lokpal Bill, which creates a new ombudsman agency to investigate corruption charges against government servants, has yet to be passed by the Rajya Sabha.
Supreme Court verdict on corruption cases is big setback for govt
A Vaidyanathan, Updated: January 31, 2012 13:20 IST
New Delhi: The Supreme Court has delivered a verdict that will impact all cases against public officials, bureaucrats and ministers. Today's verdict provokes new embarrassment for the government because it agrees that Janata Party President Subramanian Swamy had every right to ask the Prime Minister's Office to sanction the prosecution of former Telecom Minister A Raja for corruption charges. Mr Swamy had gone to court against the Prime Minister's Office which refused to respond for many months to his petition. "The verdict is a slap on the government's face," said the BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad.
Reacting to the judgement, Minister of State in the Prime Minister's Office V Narayanasamy said, "The sanction issue has been addressed in the Lokpal Bill. The Supreme Court has also said the Parliament should formulate the policy. As far as time frame is concerned, we will formulate guidelines accordingly after studying the judgement."
Rules dictate that without sanction from a top government authority, a public servant cannot be prosecuted. The Supreme Court has said today that the authority in question has three months within which to decide if permission has been granted. Another month can be taken if the government wanted to take the opinion of the attorney general. If there is no response for four months, it can be assumed that proceedings can begin against the government servant in question.
Mr Swamy wanted Mr Raja to stand trial for his alleged role as the mastermind of the telecom or 2G scam, which saw companies getting mobile network licenses and spectrum at throwaway prices. Mr Swamy waited for nearly 16 months for a reply from the Prime Minister's Office, which told him that the evidence against Mr Raja was being scrutinized. Mr Swamy then went to court.
The right to file a complaint against a public servant under Prevention of Corruption Act is a constitutional right, said the Supreme Court.
The government says that the new Lokpal Bill that was passed by the Lok Sabha in December does away with the need to seek any sanction against a government servant accused of corruption. Therefore, sources say, today's verdict proves the government was right to push for this feature. The Lokpal Bill, which creates a new ombudsman agency to investigate corruption charges against government servants, has yet to be passed by the Rajya Sabha.
Supreme Court verdict on corruption cases is big setback for govt
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
India Against Corruption Crusade by Anna Overwhelms the National Conscience
TNN | Apr 6, 2011, 12.20am IST CHENNAI: Social activist Anna Hazare's fast unto death in Delhi against corruption has evoked widespread response from activists in Chennai.
India Against Corruption, a non-governmental organisation, organised a prayer at Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore in support of Hazare who began the agitation on Tuesday demanding that the central government enact a comprehensive Lokpal Bill to prevent corruption.
K Banu Kumar, executive director of Fifth Pillar, an NGO, said the prayer was held because the activists were not given permission to stage a public programme to extend solidarity for Hazare's agitation.
Anti-Corruption Movement (ACM), another NGO, has planned an awareness campaign in front of Memorial Hall near Chennai Central on Saturday.
"It is high time the government addressed the demand of social activists to ensure transparency in governance. The whole nation should support Hazare to make his agitation a success," said ACM state general secretary S M Arasu.
Hazare has been demanding the adoption of the Jan Lokpal Bill, drafted by prominent civil society activists, as a law. The draft bill, among other things, seeks the setting up of a Jan Lokpal, an independent body'that would complete the investigation in corruption cases within a year, and envisages completion of trial in such cases in the next one year.
Widespread support in Chennai for Hazare's fast in Delhi
Read how babus are corrupted by Politicians
Some babus in same department for 34 years TNN | Apr 6, 2011, 03.35am IST
Raghu, ex-IAS officer, has 1 question for the GOI
Why and How Corruption a Cancerous National Scourge denuding India?- Does GOI have the will to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill? 42 years Corrupt Politicians have betrayed the Nation- Should we delay to destroy our nation!
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Very large number of cities are organising rallies in support of Veteran Anna Hazare for the “Jan Lokpal Bill” and in Support of the All India Movement Against Corruption. It is time we all join this battle to save India.
Please do appreciate, major cause all problems in India, including injustice to Defence Services, is corruption in every field – in particular corruption among the politicians and and large number of Babus. So if you are interested in Justice to All – do join these rallies.
Those of you who are in NCR should kindly be there at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi at 10.00 AM on Tuesday, 05 Apr 11.
Venteran Anna Hazare is starting his “FAST UNTO DEATH” at the above given time.
IESM is setting up a tent at Jantar Mantar for ALL military veterans - so be there on the above time and date and thereafter – as often as possible till Veteran Anna Hazare is there on fast. Further programmes of future Anti-corruption Rallies will be intimated to you. Please aslo read the emails below.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Reaching Jantar Mantar is very easy – just catch Delhi Metro from anywhere and get down at Patel Chowk Metro Station. Jantar Mantar is about 300 metre from Patel Chowk.
Good going!
Let us get out of shells and identify with the larger causes... Isn't it true that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere? In Palakkad we, a few NGOs and some activists, are organising a satyagraha at the Martyr's Column, Fort Maidan, on 5 Apr from 10 am to 1 pm to express solidarity with Anna and India against Corruption. I take this opportunity to request all the Palakkad- Veterans to participate and help to send the message strongly to the powers that be!
regards n bw
ravi
(Maj PM Ravindran, Social Activist)
Dear Brigadier,
I am so glad that IESM have finally decided to take active part in the protest by Anna Hazare. They should get as many ESMs as possible to join him in the fast on the 5th and thereon to a relay fast every day that he continues to fast.
Our solidarity in combating the worst cancer that is eating our nation is of utmost importance. We need to join the protestors in whichever State it is taking place and lead in the ones that hasn't yet woken up yet! I would like to congratulate the IESM leadership for their decision and hope they take it even further.
Regards,
Col Vivek Bopiah
India Against Corruption, a non-governmental organisation, organised a prayer at Kapaleeswarar temple in Mylapore in support of Hazare who began the agitation on Tuesday demanding that the central government enact a comprehensive Lokpal Bill to prevent corruption.
K Banu Kumar, executive director of Fifth Pillar, an NGO, said the prayer was held because the activists were not given permission to stage a public programme to extend solidarity for Hazare's agitation.
Anti-Corruption Movement (ACM), another NGO, has planned an awareness campaign in front of Memorial Hall near Chennai Central on Saturday.
"It is high time the government addressed the demand of social activists to ensure transparency in governance. The whole nation should support Hazare to make his agitation a success," said ACM state general secretary S M Arasu.
Hazare has been demanding the adoption of the Jan Lokpal Bill, drafted by prominent civil society activists, as a law. The draft bill, among other things, seeks the setting up of a Jan Lokpal, an independent body'that would complete the investigation in corruption cases within a year, and envisages completion of trial in such cases in the next one year.
Widespread support in Chennai for Hazare's fast in Delhi
Read how babus are corrupted by Politicians
Some babus in same department for 34 years TNN | Apr 6, 2011, 03.35am IST
Raghu, ex-IAS officer, has 1 question for the GOI
Why and How Corruption a Cancerous National Scourge denuding India?- Does GOI have the will to pass the Jan Lokpal Bill? 42 years Corrupt Politicians have betrayed the Nation- Should we delay to destroy our nation!
Dear Friends,
Jai Hind.
Very large number of cities are organising rallies in support of Veteran Anna Hazare for the “Jan Lokpal Bill” and in Support of the All India Movement Against Corruption. It is time we all join this battle to save India.
Please do appreciate, major cause all problems in India, including injustice to Defence Services, is corruption in every field – in particular corruption among the politicians and and large number of Babus. So if you are interested in Justice to All – do join these rallies.
Those of you who are in NCR should kindly be there at Jantar Mantar, New Delhi at 10.00 AM on Tuesday, 05 Apr 11.
Venteran Anna Hazare is starting his “FAST UNTO DEATH” at the above given time.
IESM is setting up a tent at Jantar Mantar for ALL military veterans - so be there on the above time and date and thereafter – as often as possible till Veteran Anna Hazare is there on fast. Further programmes of future Anti-corruption Rallies will be intimated to you. Please aslo read the emails below.
Vande Matram
In service of Indian Military Veterans
Chander Kamboj.
PS – Reaching Jantar Mantar is very easy – just catch Delhi Metro from anywhere and get down at Patel Chowk Metro Station. Jantar Mantar is about 300 metre from Patel Chowk.
Good going!
Let us get out of shells and identify with the larger causes... Isn't it true that injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere? In Palakkad we, a few NGOs and some activists, are organising a satyagraha at the Martyr's Column, Fort Maidan, on 5 Apr from 10 am to 1 pm to express solidarity with Anna and India against Corruption. I take this opportunity to request all the Palakkad- Veterans to participate and help to send the message strongly to the powers that be!
regards n bw
ravi
(Maj PM Ravindran, Social Activist)
Dear Brigadier,
I am so glad that IESM have finally decided to take active part in the protest by Anna Hazare. They should get as many ESMs as possible to join him in the fast on the 5th and thereon to a relay fast every day that he continues to fast.
Our solidarity in combating the worst cancer that is eating our nation is of utmost importance. We need to join the protestors in whichever State it is taking place and lead in the ones that hasn't yet woken up yet! I would like to congratulate the IESM leadership for their decision and hope they take it even further.
Regards,
Col Vivek Bopiah
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Former Supreme Court Judge gives up his anti corruption crusade
Karnataka's top crusader quits
NDTV Correspondent, Updated: June 23, 2010 21:15 IST
Bangalore: Karnataka's top anti-corruption authority has resigned, more than a year before his term ends. Former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde took on the job of Lokayukta in August 2006.
He took on corrupt officers, conducted raids and booked even a ruling party BJP MLA Sampangi for taking bribes. But those, his team raided, were often reinstated in the same post from which they were suspended without consulting him and they were sometimes even rewarded.
"There are many reasons for my resignation, the government has shown deliberate indifference to the functioning of this institution," said Santosh Hegde, Karnataka Lokayukta.
Justice Santosh Hegde took on the powerful Bellary mining lobby, stating in his report last year, that crores of rupees were siphoned away from the state's exchequer through illegal mining.
Justice Hegde is a household name in Karnataka having taken a tough stance against the corrupt with his raids and reports; but those, he and his team, caught red-handed continue to walk free. His resignation citing helplessness is however bound to damage the image of Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, whose BJP government is all set to celebrate its two years in office.
"Today is the blackest day in the history of Karnataka. Justice Santosh Hegde is one of the most honest and committed people we have," said Deve Gowda, JD-S president.
In the battle against corruption, the high office of the Lokayukta has for now lost a crusading soldier.
Story first published: June 23, 2010 19:58 IST
Karnataka's top crusader quits: Former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde took on the job of Lokayukta
NDTV Correspondent, Updated: June 23, 2010 21:15 IST
Bangalore: Karnataka's top anti-corruption authority has resigned, more than a year before his term ends. Former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde took on the job of Lokayukta in August 2006.
He took on corrupt officers, conducted raids and booked even a ruling party BJP MLA Sampangi for taking bribes. But those, his team raided, were often reinstated in the same post from which they were suspended without consulting him and they were sometimes even rewarded.
"There are many reasons for my resignation, the government has shown deliberate indifference to the functioning of this institution," said Santosh Hegde, Karnataka Lokayukta.
Justice Santosh Hegde took on the powerful Bellary mining lobby, stating in his report last year, that crores of rupees were siphoned away from the state's exchequer through illegal mining.
Justice Hegde is a household name in Karnataka having taken a tough stance against the corrupt with his raids and reports; but those, he and his team, caught red-handed continue to walk free. His resignation citing helplessness is however bound to damage the image of Chief Minister BS Yeddyurappa, whose BJP government is all set to celebrate its two years in office.
"Today is the blackest day in the history of Karnataka. Justice Santosh Hegde is one of the most honest and committed people we have," said Deve Gowda, JD-S president.
In the battle against corruption, the high office of the Lokayukta has for now lost a crusading soldier.
Story first published: June 23, 2010 19:58 IST
Karnataka's top crusader quits: Former Supreme Court judge Santosh Hegde took on the job of Lokayukta
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