Water Quality Testing Laboratory Inaugurated in Sikkim

Sikkim Mail

Gangtok, September 15
With an aim of providing adequate and safe drinking water to the rural populace, the Rural Management and Development Department(RMDD), Government of Sikkim, established two State Water Quality Testing Laboratories at RMDD complex in Jorethang, South Sikkim for South and West districts and the other in RMDD complex in 5th Mile Tadong, Gangtok for North and East districts respectively. The Laboratory at Tadong was inaugurated by the Minister for RMDD; C.B. Karki on 15th September in presence of Secretary RMDD A.K. Ganariwala, senior government officials and staffs from the department. The Laboratory inaugurated is constructed at an estimated cost of Rs. 6, 69,844 lakhs and consists of three laboratory rooms and one office room. The construction of the laboratory had commenced from May 2010 and completed on September 2010. The bacteriological, chemical and physical parameters testing can be done at this laboratory is informed. Director of Anir Water Machinery Private Limited, Mr S. Bhowmick and Head of Regional Water Laboratory from Kolkata Dr. D Mondal had imparted fifteen days training to the chemists and lab assistants at Karfectar, South Sikkim along with three days at RMDD store complex

Babus block Indian Army’s plans to counter China’s PLA

Babus block Indian Army’s plans to counter China’s PLA

Published: Friday, Sep 16, 2011, 9:00 IST | Updated: Friday, Sep 16, 2011, 0:51 IST

By Saikat Datta & Mayank Aggarwal | Place: New Delhi | Agency: DNA

Indian Army’s plans to beef up presence on the Indo-China border have met with fierce resistance from two unexpected quarters — the finance and the environment ministries.

The finance wing of the defence ministry in consultation with the ministry of finance is not agreeable to spend a whopping Rs12,000 crore to set up a Mountain Strike Corps even as a plan to create an alternate, all-weather route from Siliguri to North Sikkim to rush troops to the Indo-China border has been rejected by the ministry of environment and forests on the grounds that the alignment passes through eco-sensitive areas.

Left with almost no options, the army headquarters is now planning to move in an independent armoured brigade into North Sikkim to try and maintain some muscle on one of its most sensitive border. According to sources in South Block, which houses the ministry of defence, the army is all set to induct the tank brigade by December 31 this year.

The proposal to beef up the army’s force on the Indo-China border comes at a time when the US Pentagon has reported that China was training two divisions in high altitude warfare. The idea to raise a dedicated mountain strike corps as a bulwark against China was mooted in the aftermath of the disastrous Operation Parakram, when the Indian army mobilised after the December 13 attack on Parliament.

At that time, the then army chief, Gen NC Vij, had ordered a comprehensive review of the army’s offensive and defensive posture. Headed by the then Western Army Commander, Lt Gen JJ Singh, the study group had recommended a mountain strike corps to be created for the Indo-China border.

The study group was unambiguous that a dedicated mountain strike corps is essential to maintain deterrence against the Chinese. “We must have a mountain strike corps in the sector if we need to maintain a strong deterrent posture,” Gen Vij told DNA.

As army chief he had pushed for a major reorganisation of the military structure to prepare for all exigencies on the Pakistan and China fronts.

“Ideally, the strike corps should have the full paraphernalia to launch a strike by troops who are already there and fully acclimatised in the high altitude areas. At those heights we need infantry, artillery, logistics and armoured brigades to strike back if someone was to plan a misadventure. Our current force levels are quite inadequate and it takes years to build up a new army corps in the area,” Gen Vij told DNA.

In fact, army headquarters was at pains to explain to the government that most of the army corps that came up as a reactive measure was too little, and too late. The Sukhna-based 33 Corps (in Darjeeling) came up after the 1962 defeat at the hands of the Chinese and Leh-based 14 Corps came up after the surprise Pakistani intrusions in Kargil.

The study group looked at the combined threat from Pakistan and China in a future war and concluded that the bulk of the fighting would take place in the high mountains.

“We found that current force position was woeful. Every Corps is supposed to have at least three army divisions and we were already short of 4 divisions. So not only did we feel the need to fill the void but also have a credible deterrent against China,” a senior officer familiar with the secret study told DNA.

“Our current military strategy against China is of dissuasion. But we need to upgrade it to deterrence for which we need at least two mountain strike corps,” said Brig Gurmeet Singh (Retd), director of the prestigious think-tank, CLAWS.

But the finance wing of the defence ministry after consultations with the finance ministry shot down the proposal on the grounds that funds were not available for such a massive project. This is a double barrel blow to the army’s plans to beef up its strength vis-a-vis China because the proposal to have an alternate route from Siliguri to the border has been opposed by the environment ministry.

Documents available with DNA show that the army had proposed three alternate routes to Aritar in North Sikkim- one starting from Khunia More in north Bengal, another from Bagrakot and a third from Damdim. The environment ministry has pointed out that at least two routes “will result in irreversible loss of bio-diversity vitality and vigor thereby affecting adversely the entire eco-system.” Stuck between environment and financial constraints, the Indian army is still years away from a credible deterrence against an aggressive China.

China, the article said, needed to recover territory “looted by neighbours” - if necessary, by force

South China Sea project a "serious political provocation," Chinese paper warns India

Ananth Krishnan

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China warns India on South China Sea exploration projects

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diplomacy India-China

An influential Communist Party-run newspaper on Friday called on the Chinese government to use “every means possible” to stop the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) Videsh from going ahead with exploration projects in the South China Sea, warning India that any deal with Vietnam would amount to a “serious political provocation” that would “push China to the limit.”

“China should resolutely stop [ONGC] from pursuing this course of action,” said the Global Times, a widely-read popular tabloid known for its nationalist views, in a lead editorial. “Reasoning may be used first, but if India is persistent in this, China should try every means possible to stop this cooperation from happening.”

Even as Chinese officials on Friday sought to play down the row with India over projects in the South China Sea, the Communist Party-run paper hit out at the Indian government for testing “China's will”, saying that although China was “sincere” about its peaceful rise, “it will not give up the right to use other means to protect its interest.”

On Thursday, Chinese Foreign Ministry officials had said they were opposed to any project in the disputed South China Sea, without directly referring to India. Officials said they would not comment on the matter on Friday.

The Global Times editorial described the deal between ONGC and Vietnam as reflecting India's rising ambitions, and a likely Indian move to “counter China's behaviour in the Indian Ocean,”

“Chinese society has already been indignant about India's intervention in the Dalai [Lama] problem,” the editorial said. “India should bear in mind that its actions in the South China Sea will push China to the limit.”

“China cherishes the Sino-Indian friendship, but this does not mean China values it above all else.”

A lead editorial in the Global Times, a Party-run paper, cannot be published without the approval of the Communist Party's Propaganda Department. The paper is, however, known to represent the views of more hard-line voices within the party.

The editorial reflected a popular sentiment among nationalist voices in the Communist Party, who have been increasingly calling for China to take a more assertive position in its diplomacy.

“We should not leave the world with the impression that China is only focused on economic development, nor should we pursue the reputation of being a “peaceful power,” which would cost us dearly,” the editorial said.

“China has been peaceful for so long that some countries doubt whether it will stick to its stated bottom line. China should remind them of how clear this line really is.” The editorial added that China should, however, “remain calm” and not take “rash actions”.

The Global Times has, in the past, run editorials hitting out at the Indian government. Chinese Foreign Ministry officials have often stressed that the paper, known to represent the views of more nationalist voices in the Party, did not speak for the government, and have privately criticised the paper for causing strains in relations and not taking a more “moderate” line.

For instance, in December, days ahead of Premier Wen Jiabao's visit to New Delhi, which Chinese officials had framed as an opportunity to draw a line over recent differences, the Global Times published an editorial, written by a General of The People's Liberation Army (PLA), calling on China to take a more aggressive line in its foreign policy.

China, the article said, needed to recover territory “looted by neighbours” - if necessary, by force.

source: The Hindu

NIT to come up at Khamdong
IPR Wired

National Institute of Technology,Sikkim

14 Sep,IPR: The Government of Sikkim had approved a proposal of the HRD Department to establish a National Institute of Technology (NIT) at Khamdong, East Sikkim.On 24/8/2011 Shri Am Prasad Sharma, Hon’ble M.L.A., Singtam Khamdong constituency accompanied by Prof. Sandeep Sancheti, Director, NIT Calicut (Mentor NIT Sikkim), Shri Rajesh Singh, Deputy Secretary (NIT), MHRD, Government of India, Shri. T.N Kazi, Director (Higher Education), HRDD, Shri O.P. Sapkota, Joint Director, HRDD, Member Zilla Panchayat, Khamdong, Member Panchayat, Dung Dung (Ward), District Officials and local land owners conducted a spot visit in Khamdong, to identify about 300 acres of contiguous land for establishment of the NIT in Sikkim.

source:Voice of Sikkim

The newly formed body of SCC felicitated by State Govt

15 Sep,2011Gangtok:

The newly formed Sikkim Chamber of Commerce were felicitated by elected State Governments representatives at the Conference Hall of Hotel Tashi Delek on 13th September 2011. The occasion was graced by Hon’ble Chief Whip of the Government of Sikkim Shri Ugen Gyatso Bhutia, Hon’ble Minister UDHD and FCS & CA Department Shri D.B. Thapa, Hon’ble Minister HRDD Department Shri N.K.Pradhan, Hon’ble MLA (Gangtok) Shri Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia, Hon’ble Mayor Shri K.N. Topgay, Hon’ble Deputy Mayor Shri Shakti Singh Chowdhury and Councillor Shri Nilu Chettri.

The felicitation programme was attended by entire executive body of the Chamber. In the opening speech of Shri Kailash Agarwal General Secretary SCC introduced all the members of the body to distinguished Governments representatives and welcome them. The Chief Whip made a very advising speech and expressed his confidence and conveyed a message about his happiness about election of the new very young committee. All the members assured him to support the government’s policy and work for the development of our most beautiful and peaceful state Sikkim. Hon’ble Minister UDHD, Hon’ble Minister HRDD, Hon’ble Area MLA, Hon’ble Mayor and Hon’ble Deputy Mayor too assured to provide all possible support to the Chamber. The MLA Gangtok made also appraised the committee about Honourable Chief Minister of Sikkim Dr. Pawan Kumar Chamling’s positive attitude and commitment towards business community of Sikkim.

There were constructive wide range of positive discussions held between all the members and dignitaries for development of Trade and Commerce in Sikkim. The chamber got extremely good assurances from all the dignitaries. Shri Ashok Sarda reciprocating on same appraised everyone about the chambers agenda and assured to work in complete confidence with the government. The chamber has taken all the advices in a positive way and will work hard to make Sikkim a better Business Destination and expresses gratitude towards HCM for providing a very peaceful environment for Business activities which is most essential for development of business. The Felicitation programme was cordinated by MLA, Gangtok Shri Dorjee Namgyal Bhutia for which the chamber expresses gratitude towards him.

source:voice of sikkim

9 member committee constituted to regulate central IT exemption for left outs

13 Sep 2011, Gangtok:

State government has formed a nine member committee to regulate Central Income Tax exemption to the left out people of the state. Wired report states that R Ongmu has been nominated as President of the Committee, three persons from state business community are also the part of committee namely Nehru Marda,Shankar Agarwal and Rajesh Lakhotia. The committee also constitutes of executive heads like Finance Secretary, Commerce Secretary, Accountancy & Legal Secretary and Commerce & Taxation Dept’s fellowships will aslo be the part of it. The committee will reiterate the process of exemption of Income Tax to the left out people of state and produce the statistical report to the government for the necessary course of action for exemption, said in wired report. The details collected by the committee will also be sent to the centre for approval., whole process will be done in coordination with the state government routine wise, said in wired report.
source: Voice of Sikkim

A popular saying goes thus- "When you're already at the bottom of the pit, all you can do is go up." Rewind back two decades and you will find India in a pretty similar state. An economic crisis forced us to let go of the dead old ways. With a slew of econimic reforms, the year 1991 marked a radical shift in India's economy. Two full decades have passed and we sure have come a long way. It's time to review what has worked for India and what has not.

The writer of a leading daily has presented an interesting perspective. According to him, there are two ways of looking at India's two decade performance. The most popular way, as we all know, is looking at the key economic indicators. The numbers look quite upbeat on that front. India's economy has been growing at an average rate of about 7-8%. This is quite superior to the 5-6% growth recorded in the two decades preceding 1991. Even at a time when the developed world is desperately trying to wriggle its way out of the economic turmoil and the debt crisis, India has maintained its position as the second fastest growing economy. There has been a laudable increase in exports and investment rates. Moreover, we have witnessed the rise of Indian enterprises as global entities during this very period.

Let's look at the other side of the coin as well. During these past two decades, the rich-poor gap has intensified, poverty still remains high, and unemployment generation has grown at a paltry rate. Here are the numbers- the Gini coefficient, which measures income inequality across households, has gone up from 25.8 in 1993-94 to 28.8 in 2009-10 in rural areas and from 31.9 in 1993.94 to 38.3 in 2009-10 in urban areas. The number of absolute poor in India has declined only marginally from 404.9 m in 1993-94 to 397 m in 2009-10. What is even more perplexing is that the average rate of employment generation during this period has been a meagre 1.3% per annum. This is significantly lower than the rate of population growth or the rate of growth of working age population. In fact, during the last five years the rate of employment growth has been the lowest at 0.2% per annum.

These numbers point to the grim fact that India's growth has been extremely skewed. We seriously need some important reforms to facilitate higher employment generation and to reduce the income disparities. What we fear is that important reforms similar to the ones enacted in 1991 will be put off until we again find ourselves in a situation when things go out of control. As they rightly say, history repeats itself. Or will it not? Time will tell.
By J Mulraj

Data source: Rediff.com Social Security  in India is for the Government Employees and Organised Labour Force,but none for the others living in the country.

What hiring managers really want to see

By Alina Dizik, Special to CareerBuilder


When you're job searching, simply getting the attention of potential employers can be a challenge. Of course, there are always a few tricks to keep employers intrigued, no matter what job you're eager to land. Wondering what hiring managers want to see? Here, job-search experts weigh in on what makes job applicants irresistible:

Presenting a stable work history

Employers need to see consistency on a résumé. "Many companies these days are not interested in people who have changed jobs every few years," says Joseph Kotlinski, a partner at Winter, Wyman & Co, a recruiting firm. "If you were out of work for a number of months, show a prospective employer that you stayed busy by taking classes [or] volunteering."

Make the résumé come to life

These days, simply handing over a one-sheet résumé is not enough. Most employers are eager to see an online showcase of your work. "While résumés are static, a link to an online portfolio can give it new life and meaning," explains Nathan Parcells, chief executive of InternMatch.com, a service that matches employers with interns.

"Marketers that include a link to their blog or engineers that include a link to their GitHub profile help prove that they are more than just words on paper and leave a lasting impact on employers."

Showcase awards on your résumé

Don't let notable awards be an afterthought, says Dawn Rasmussen, president of Pathfinder Writing and Career Services. Instead, list any achievements in the top third of your résumé because employers want to find people who are publicly recognized for their work.

"The types of things to put in this section include industry, peer, supervisor, subordinate or partner recognition awards (not financial incentives), speaking engagements, relevant industry presentations, any articles in industry publications that you might have authored [and] patents." she says.

Demonstrate listening skills

"Show that you are really listening," says Jennifer Kahnweiler, author of "The Introverted Leader." "You can get so focused on crafting the next right response that you may miss out on what is most important to your potential employer." To demonstrate your listening skills, take advantage of any opportunities that ask you to paraphrase what your interviewer has shared.

Understand company initiatives

It's not enough to quickly browse the company's website an hour before your first interview.

"Demonstrate your dedication and interest in the company," says Jessica Miller-Merrell, chief executive of Xceptional Human Resources. To gain an insider perspective, browse LinkedIn and industry publications and look for news interviews with key executives. Learning as much as you can about the company also helps when it comes time to discuss compensation or work-life balance, she says.

Explain what you can do for them

A sure bet to get hiring managers to pay attention is by delving into how your experience can benefit the company. Career coach Malcolm Munro suggests describing two aspects: "How your experience can help the company solve its problems, and how your experience can help the company make money." Before each interview, take time to tailor your response.

Ask the right questions during the interview

The flow of the interview shouldn't be a rigid question and answer session. Instead, end the interview by discussing a few well-thought-out questions with the interviewer. "Two invaluable questions for the person who might be your future boss are: What keeps you up at night? And, how will you measure success?" Kahnweiler says.

Don't forget the follow-up

Sending a thank you email or card should never be an afterthought. Forgetting to do so or simply running out of time can prevent you from advancing to the next round of interviews. Not all employers abide by that principle, but many are eager to see that you're dedicated to landing the position. "Dropping a handwritten thank-you note into the mail immediately after an interview can make all the difference in getting hired or not," Parcells says.

Alina Dizik researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for CareerBuilder. Follow @Careerbuilder on Twitter.

Outdated Tradable Item list Hindering Nathula Trade

Source:Sikkim Mail

Gangtok: September 13:

The trade along Nathula border in respect to import is not doing fine since 2010 as even this year the import from China till date is recorded nil. Based on the report of Superintendent of Customs, Land Custom Station(LCS), Serathang the export for the month of May 2011 is recorded to about Rs. 12 lakhs 70 thousand, June is Rs. 44 lakhs, 45 thousand, July Rs. 21lakhs 26thousand and in the month of August is Rs. 48 lakhs 41 thousand respectively. The total export made since May 2011 till August is about Rs. 1,26,82000/- respectively which in comparison to the figures of 2010 is quite less as the export met in the year 2010 since May till November is Rs. 4 crores 2 lakhs.

The items in demand for export in the Nathula trade out of 29 listed items by Government of India are cane food, utensils, textiles, copper items, tea, snuffs, spices, vegetable oils and blankets, the most demanded items are only nine out of 29 listed items which states that the traders currently carrying out trade along Nathula are not making much profit or are least benefited. On the other hand the 15 listed items for import are goat skin, sheep skin, wool, raw silk, yak tail, yak hair, china clay, borax, seaibelyipe, butter, goat
kashmiri, common salt, horse, goat and sheep respectively but the items listed for import or export are not much of demand or out dated.

Considering the revision of items listed for both export and import the Government of Sikkim along with the concerned department has been referring Government of India for necessary changes so that the traders along borders would be benefited out of trade since 2006 the year of inception but even after completion of the 5th year no response or changes in the items listed for Nathula trade has been revised. Adding more to it, the traders trading along Nathula used to carry out the trade of Chinese items not listed since long but that too has been strictly banned. If the revision or list is not met with soon or relaxation of trading of non listed items in less quantity then the idea of opening the age old trade route (silk route) would again lose its value and the intention of both the government of facilitating the people residing along the border will not be met at all.

It’s official: Chocolate is ‘as good as exercise’

PTI

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The Hindu Epicatechin (a plant compound found in chocolate which stimulates the muscle response) treatment combined with exercised could be a viable means to offset muscle ageing, say scientists. File Photo: S. Siva Saravanan

 

It is the news that chocoholics have been waiting for: Chocolate is as good as exercise, a new study has claimed.

Scientists at Wayne State University in the U.S. found that small amounts of dark chocolate may improve health in a similar way to exercise.

The researchers who focused on the mitochondria, the tiny powerhouses in cells that generate energy, discovered that a plant compound found in chocolate, called epicatechin, appeared to stimulate the same muscle response as vigorous activity, the Daily Telegraph reported.

“Mitochondria produce energy which is used by the cells in the body. More mitochondria mean more energy is produced the more work can be performed,” said Dr. Moh Malek, who led the research on mice.

“Aerobic exercise, such as running or cycling, is known to increase the number of mitochondria in muscle cells,” Dr. Malek said.

“Our study has found that epicatechin seems to bring about the same response, particularly in the heart and skeletal muscles.”

For their study, published in the Journal of Physiology, the researchers gave a specific type of epicatechin from cocoa to the laboratory mice twice a day for 15 days.

At the same time, the animals underwent 30 minutes of treadmill training each day.

It was found that mice only fed epicatechin had the same exercise performance as those running on the treadmill.

The findings would lead to better ways of combating age-related muscle wasting, the scientists hoped.

Dr Malek said, the number of mitochondria decreases in skeletal muscle as we age, and this affects us physically in terms of both muscle energy production and endurance.

“Applying what we know about epicatechin’s ability to boost mitochondria numbers may provide an approach to reduce the effects of muscle ageing.”

According to the researchers, middle-aged mice who both exercised and ate epicatechin showed an even greater benefit.

“It appears epicatechin treatment combined with exercised could be a viable means to offset muscle ageing,” said Dr. Malek.

“At the moment it would be a leap of faith to say the same effects would be seen in humans. But it is something we hope to identify in future studies,” he added.

source:livemint

U.S. report lauds Modi

PTI

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Narendra Modi

“Gujarat has become a key driver of India's economic growth”

Identifying Gujarat as perhaps the best example of effective governance and impressive development in India, a congressional report has showered praise on Chief Minister Narendra Modi, saying the State, under him, has become a key driver of national economic growth.

Gujarat's example is followed by Bihar and its Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, says the latest report of the Congressional Research Service (CRS) on India.

“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 the national economic growth,” said the report.

An independent and bipartisan wing of Congress, the CRS prepares periodic reports on issues of interest to lawmakers.

The 94-page report was released by the CRS for U.S. lawmakers on September 1, a copy of which was made public by the Federation of American Scientists.

“Seeking to overcome the taint of his alleged complicity in 2002 riots, Mr. Modi has overseen heavy investment in modern roads and power infrastructure, and an annual growth of more than 11 per cent in recent years,” the CRS said.

Gujarat, the CRS said, had attracted major international investors such as General Motors and Mitsubishi and with only five per cent of the country's population, the State now accounted for more than one-fifth of India's exports.

After Gujarat, the report mentions Bihar as a model of good governance and says such examples may have inspired Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati to turn her focus on infrastructure and energy development in her State.

“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.

It said Mr. Kumar's Janata Dal (United), in alliance with the BJP, won an overwhelming re-election majority in November 2010 State elections, and the examples set by Mr. Modi and Mr. Kumar might 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 towards 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-Congress rule in West Bengal as its new Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee faces the task of repairing one of India's poorest States.

Modi's tweet

Reacting to the report, Mr. Modi said this was another recognition for six crore Gujaratis of the State.

He has tweeted: “Another recognition for 6 crore Gujaratis. U.S. report hails Guj's effective governance.”

“Jay Jay Garvi Guj [Hail, Hail Gujarat],” he further said.

In May 2005, Mr. Modi was denied visa by the U.S. after the 2002 post-Godhra riots.

Resource-rich Miner

By Niti Kiran | Sep 13, 2011

NDMC Ltd., a government-owned enterprise, is India’s single largest producer of iron ore. This navaratna company is fully under the administrative control of the Ministry of Steel. Its principal operations include the running of three iron-ore mines at Kirandul and Bacheli in Chhattisgarh, Donimalai in Karnataka; and one diamond mine at Panna.
Sources of moat
Large reserves of high-grade iron ore. The company has access to large proven and probable reserves of high grade iron-ore, consisting principally of hematite ore with a ferrous content greater than 64 per cent. Greater the ferrous content of iron-ore, the more sought after it is in steel manufacturing. Its high grade ore quality gives NMDC a strong competitive advantage and helps it command premium pricing and strong customer loyalty.
India’s largest iron ore producer. NMDC is the largest producer of iron ore by volume, producing around 13 per cent of the country’s iron ore output. It produced 2.38 crore tonnes of iron ore in FY10. Being such a large producer puts it in a strong negotiating position vis-à-vis buyers.
Low-cost producer. The company’s cost of production compares favourably with that of the world’s leading iron ore producers. It is seeking to further lower its costs across all its operations. Some of the factors that contribute to the company’s low cost of production include the mechanisation of its mines, continuous focus on reducing cost of mining, seeking improvements in operational efficiency, including logistics, and its access to a large and inexpensive pool of labour and talent in India.
In-house exploration capability. The company possesses strong in-house capability for undertaking exploration aimed at expanding its reserves. It is also using this capability to try and diversify into the production of other minerals besides iron ore. The company has a large research and development centre at Hyderabad which is capable of taking up assignments in the field of iron ore beneficiation and mineral processing.
What could cause moat to be breached
Rise in input costs. The company’s competitiveness and long-term profitability in large measure depend on its ability to maintain a low-cost base, including low labour and transport costs.
In recent times, the company has incurred increased insurance cost as a result of increased terror threats from Naxalites and other insurgent groups operating around its mines and areas of operation. Its labour cost has increased significantly over the last two years, partly due to increased competition for skilled labour. Therefore, any increase in input costs could have an adverse effect on the company’s business and could reduce its cost competitiveness.
Intense competition. The company’s business depends upon obtaining and maintaining leases to mining sites, some of which are in the process of renewal. Intense competition from the private sector in securing fresh mining leases could affect the company’s profitability and operating margins.
Ability to access mineral reserves. With the passage of time, mineral reserves decline. The company’s future results and margins will depend upon its ability to access mineral reserves with geological characteristics that allow mining at competitive costs. Replacement reserves may not be available when required. If available, they may not be of a quality capable of being mined at costs comparable to that incurred in mining from earlier mines.
Moreover, the company may err in assessing accurately the geological characteristics of any reserves that it acquires. This could lead to a situation where the company’s existing iron ore reserves cannot be mined at competitive costs.
Concerns
Expiration of contracts. The company generates a significant portion of its revenue from certain key customers. In particular, Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (VSP) and Essar Steel Limited together accounted for 37 per cent and 39 per cent respectively of revenues from the sale of iron ore in FY09. The company generally enters into five-year contracts with its customers. Many of the current agreements for exports, for instance, are due to expire in 2011. Although the company has entered into long-term contracts with certain key customers, there is always the risk that the counterparties to such contracts may not fulfil their contractual obligations or that on expiration these contracts may not be renewed.
Price volatility. Selling price and volume in the iron ore mining industry both depend on the prevailing and expected level of demand for iron ore in the global steel industry. The global steel industry is cyclical in nature. A number of factors influence the state of this industry, the most significant being the global demand for steel products. During periods of sluggish or declining regional or world economic growth, demand for steel products generally decreases. This leads to corresponding reduction in the demand for iron ore.
Prices of steel products are influenced by many factors, including demand, worldwide production capacity, capacity-utilisation rates, raw-material costs, exchange rates, trade barriers and improvements in steel-making processes. Accordingly, any significant decrease in either the demand or the price of steel products has the potential to affect both the demand and the price of iron ore. This would have an adverse effect on the company’s revenues.
Attacks by insurgent groups. Some of the company’s mining facilities are located in areas that are exposed to the risk of attacks by insurgent groups. Such attacks may disrupt its operations.
Inability to retain key personnel. The company is in particular dependent on the continued service and performance of its senior management team and other key team members in its business units. It does not maintain key man life insurance for certain of the senior members of its management team, its other directors, and other key personnel. Competition for senior management is intense in this industry and NMDC may not be able to retain senior management personnel or attract and retain new ones in future. These key team members possess technical and business capabilities that are hard to replace. The loss or diminution in the services of the company’s senior management or other key team members could have an adverse effect on the company’s business, operational results, and financial performance.
An iron ore producer like NMDC also faces the risk high inventory accumulation and difficulty in its disposal in times of suppressed demand.

Growth drivers
NMDC proposes to augment production of iron ore from the current level of 30 million to 50 million tonnes by 2015. It has also chalked out plans for value addition by setting up pelletisation plants in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka, and setting up an integrated steel plant in Chhattisgarh. NMDC is also planning to venture into the mining of coal and other minerals.
Financials
NMDC is a zero-debt company. Over a span of five years, the free cash flow of the company has increased at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 21.96 per cent. During this period it has delivered a five-year average return on capital employed of 61.49 per cent and return on net worth of 40.67 per cent.
Valuation
The stock is currently trading at a price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 12.93 which is much lower than its five-year median P/E of 24.57. Over the last five years its earnings per share has grown at a CAGR of 26.83 per cent, which translates into a price-earnings to growth (PEG) ratio of 0.48 times. An investor with a horizon of at least five years may invest in this resource-rich company.

All the world is made up of 3,600 water treaties

TNN | Sep 12, 2011, 05.00AM IST

Mamata Banerjee was in news when she pulled out of the Prime Minister's delegation to Dhaka. The West Bengal chief minister opposed the proposed Teesta water sharing treaty under which India would guarantee 33,000 cusecs of the river's water to Bangladesh. Bengal was supposed to give up 25,000 cusecs and the additional 8,000 cusecs were to come from Sikkim. She was however not convinced by this formula as there is no water sharing agreement between West Bengal and Sikkim and a lower riparian state can always be exploited by the one which is higher in the river system. There is also a feeling in some quarters that the 1996 Ganga Water Treaty between India and Bangladesh guaranteed water to Bangladesh at West Bengal's expense. In the absence of any inter-state water sharing treaty, the state could not prevent Uttar Pradesh and Bihar from overdrawing water, while Bangladesh was getting its assured share.

Why is water sharing such a big issue?

Water is a major commercial resource finding use in not just in fishing and agriculture, but also in manufacturing and recreation and its shortage can cripple any economy. People who don't have easy access to water have to spend a substantial time in fetching water for daily use. This time could be used in other economic activities if water was easily available. It should be obvious, therefore, why water sharing treaties evoke such strong emotions. Between 1964 and 1967, Israel and its Arab neighbours were involved in series of armed conflicts over the sharing of the waters of the Jordan river. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization identifies over 3,600 international treaties related to sharing of water. Dating back to AD 805, these treaties deal with navigational issues, flood management, hydropower projects, fishing rights and water sharing arrangements.

Can a country revoke a water sharing agreement during war?

Even during war, water sharing treaties are respected by their signatories. For instance, India and Pakistan are parties to the Indus Water Treaty brokered by the World Bank. Under the treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers of the Indus system - the Sutlej, Beas and Ravi are allocated to India, while it is under obligation to let the waters of the western rivers - Indus, Jhelum and Chenab - flow to Pakistan. It can, however, use a limited amount of water of the western rivers for domestic and agricultural purposes. It can also construct hydro-electric plants if they don't store more water than the limit specified in the treaty. Even after 50 years, the treaty is so far respected by both countries. India has never revoked the treaty even during the times of war between the two countries.

With which other countries does India have such treaties?

India has signed several treaties and Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) with Nepal. Most of them are aimed at developing multipurpose projects. Both countries are trying to exploit the Mahakali, Burhi Gandaki and other rivers for power generation and irrigation purposes. Apart from this, a flood forecasting and warning system on rivers common to India and Nepal, which has 42 meteorological sites in the hilly country, is operational since 1989. India has also signed MoUs with China and the Chinese side is providing hydrological information about the Brahmaputra and Sutlej, which are used in flood forecasts.

Data source: Economic Times
* Data for private & state plants. Data from April to July 2011

source:LIVE MINT

Industrial Growth at 21 Months LOW

CREATIVITY UNLIMITED A sculpture by S. K. Srinivasan

U.S. President Barack Obama with Nirupama Rao, Indian Ambassador to the U.S., after she presented her credentials to him at White House in Washington. Photo: AP

Ideology, facts and the push to the right

by K. S. Jacob

The fall of the Soviet Union and the collapse of communist economies in the late 20th century reinforced belief in capitalism. The phenomenal rise of the Chinese economy removed all doubt about its role in fuelling economic prosperity. India's own success with liberalisation has convinced its governments, major political parties, bureaucracy, big businesses, and many in civil society to abandon socialistic ideals in the single-minded pursuit of libertarian goals.

Despite the increase in the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP), its ranking in the Human Development Index (HDI), its indices for maternal and infant mortality and its rates of under-nutrition of its people tell a completely different story. The burgeoning incomes of the wealthy increase the indices of growth; yet, these averages hide much poverty, suffering, loss of livelihoods and life. Capitalistic ideology, which has been driving recent growth, has its blind spots.

Basis of belief: All beliefs, including economic theories, stem from the ability of the human brain to recognise patterns and meaning in perceived information. People fashion particular beliefs from subjective, personal and emotional cues aided by social and historical contexts. Beliefs are constructed and then rationalised with supporting data; discarding of contrary evidence is common. Some researchers argue that beliefs determine reality and not the other way around. Yet, the most rational among us sincerely believe that we systematically sift information, identify facts and logically construct our arguments to form our beliefs.

For example, the wealthy, steeped in conservative ideology, often argue for tax breaks for the rich and reduced government spending for the poor to fuel growth. Their financial backgrounds and success in the free market colour their vision; they dismiss the lot of the poor, their lack of capital and the uneven playing field as inconsequential. On the other hand, liberals would support a priori social justice and equity arguing for higher taxes and increased government spending to improve the lives of the poor. The many arguments employed to support each of these positions are post hoc and based on particular beliefs.

Arguing from facts: Facts are used to attack opposing political rhetoric and economic theory. However, even strong arguments based on many undisputed facts are open to refutation, if they do not include all relevant information. The challenge is to include all relevant facts; ignoring some essential information can result in a false sense of confidence in our political and economic arguments. Good arguments require that we understand as many relevant facts as possible about the reality. Rational arguments based on authentic reality will be more convincing than perfectly logical opinions based on part perceptions.

Fiscal conservatives focus on average GDP figures, which increase by a disproportionate rise in the fortunes of the rich, often at the expense of the poor. On the other hand, liberals argue that trickle-down economics do not work resulting in even greater inequity, mandating governmental regulation and intervention for social justice. Ideological beliefs determine the type of selective blindness and consequent focus.

Ideological conflicts: Philosophers including Descartes have argued that we should start from obvious premises, self-evident to any rational person. However, a failure to agree on basic assumptions leads to a breakdown of rational arguments and the consequent refutation of many supposedly substantive claims. Such premises are based on mental pictures and world views, which, in our pluralistic world, are controversial. Family background and influence, schooling and education, training and work environments, friends, newspapers, television, internet blogs and diverse sources of knowledge determine our world views. Different people hold rival world views, which play a greater role than facts in reaching conclusions about politics, morals and religion.

Policymaking requires both theoretical knowledge and practical judgment for implementation. However, in pluralistic societies with different world views, mental pictures often eclipse facts. Nevertheless, identification and application of world views in policymaking requires the appreciation of exceptions to a particular world view. Such recognition and incorporation of these in planning is crucial for rational argument.

Fiscal conservatives believe in free markets, minimal regulation and small governments that maximise profit and increase capital, which they consider crucial for achieving social and economic good. Liberals, on the other hand, focus on issues related to social justice and equity. They claim that individual aspiration and greed, in addition to capital used to maximise profits, can threaten the well-being of society and demand governmental regulation. Nevertheless, conservatives admit that some regulation is necessary while liberals acknowledge that too much control makes for bad economics. Both world views are legitimate and have valid exceptions, calling for diligence in policymaking and application.

Basis of policy: Which world view should India's policy makers subscribe to? Which facts should be highlighted to determine application? Should the fiscal stimulus to encourage economic growth give even greater tax breaks to the wealthy? Should mineral-rich forests, home to adivasis, be acquired by governments and transferred to multinationals and corporates for development? Is the world view of the adivasi, who has been displaced by the clearing of forestland for mining, valid? Have the constitutional rights of farmers, whose lands are acquired by government for private housing, violated? Are the unemployed and those in extreme poverty entitled to social protection? Are the hungry and the malnourished entitled to food security? Should the poor always be required to sacrifice their lands and livelihoods for large dams to provide water and electricity to the rich?

Bias among decision makers: India's current decision makers, both politicians and bureaucrats, are products of the free market. It is no secret that members of legislative assemblies and of Parliament spend crores of rupees to win elections. The unregulated Indian free market, with its crony capitalism of cuts, commissions, contracts and corruption, has aided and abetted their ascent to power. Similarly, many of our bureaucrats are schooled in elite capitalistic institutions. Capitalism now runs in their veins. They are not able to see, much less feel, the world of the dispossessed and disenfranchised poor.

Capitalistic thoughts are now well-entrenched habits, which accept the inequity produced by free markets as a given. The belief in the success of trickle-down economics is delusional. Reminders about the prevalent extreme poverty, significant unemployment, massive under-nutrition and chronic hunger are mere annoyances and irritations.

There is a split in the India question. Should India's economic policies focus on Shining India to stimulate growth or on the poor of Bharat to provide social, employment, food and health security? Should these policies heal the divide and reunite the country or should they focus solely on the growth story? Should India take its gaze off the GDP numbers and examine the impact of its policies on the HDI?

The people saw through the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) India Shining Campaign. The United Progressive Alliance (UPA)-I's promise of an egalitarian society through its many progressive schemes — National Rural Employment Guarantee, National Rural Health Mission, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan — paid handsome electoral dividends. However, UPA-II has moved to the right and is now defending the indefensible. It is coddling the rich at the expense of the poor. The lack of significant differences among major political parties, the Congress and the BJP, on financial and economic policies reflects the insensitivity of the ruling class to the needs of the majority.

Moving forward

The vision for a civilised society, enshrined in our Constitution, needs to fulfil the collective aspiration of the majority of its peoples. The focus on reducing poverty is a just cause. National policies and programmes should cater to the needs of the majority rather than add millions to the coffers of the wealthy. The magnitude of subsidies for the corporate sector and the scale of corruption in business dealings also suggest that the amount of monies actually available for social justice programmes exceed all expectation and only require political and administrative will for implementation.

The two very different ideologies will have to engage the big picture, focus on economic growth and on justice. The current emphasis that all ideas, including political and economic policies, be monetised needs to be replaced by an emphasis on justice and equity. Their intrinsic worth, currently measured by their impact on GDP, should be substituted by assessing their impact on humanity. Indian policymakers, driven by ideology, should also be able to see the exceptions to their conservative philosophy in order to be able to provide rational and just policies for the whole country. The magnitude of the poverty underscores the unethical position of the right-of-centre governments. There is a need for an overlapping consensus in which different groups, with different arguments, accept the centre ground. Surely, social justice and equity for millions of Indians is a worthy cause.

(Professor K.S. Jacob is on the faculty of the Christian Medical College, Vellore.)

Prime Minister's Speech at the National Integration Council Meeting

The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, has addressed the 15th National Integration Council Meeting in New Delhi today. Following is the text of the Prime Minister’s address on the occasion.

“I am very happy to welcome all of you to this 15th meeting of the National Integration Council. The meetings of the Council provide us unique opportunities for exchange of views on issues of vital national importance. Common citizenship, unity in diversity, secularism, equality, justice – social, economic and political, and fraternity among all communities constitute the foundation of our national life. At the National Integration Council meetings we reiterate our faith in these abiding values.

I am sure that like the previous meetings, this meeting of the National Integration Council also will benefit all of us who are present here today.

As the Home Minister reminded us just now, the first Prime Minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru had convened a National Integration Conference in 1961 to find ways and means to combat the evils of communalism, casteism, regionalism, linguism and narrow-mindedness, and to formulate definite conclusions in order to give proper lead to the country. At that Conference, it was decided to set up a National Integration Council (NIC) to review and make recommendations on all matters pertaining to national integration. The first meeting of the National Integration Council was held in Delhi in June 1962.

Our country has come a long way since 1962. We have made remarkable progress in many diverse areas. But the need to confront divisive forces remains as important, if not more, as it was about 40 years back.

The last meeting of the National Integration Council was held in October 2008. Since then, many important developments, with a direct bearing on the subject of national integration, have taken place. I would like to mention a few of them before we proceed with today's discussion.

The problems of terrorism and Left Wing Extremism constitute two major challenges that our society and polity face today. The terrorist attack in Delhi last Wednesday is a stark reminder to us that there can be no let up in our vigilance. Time and again our nation has been subjected to terrorist violence. Terrorists seek to justify such violence based on misplaced sense of ideology. The institutions and instruments of our democratic polity allow sufficient opportunity for articulating differing points of view without recourse to violence. No civilized society can tolerate or endorse loss of innocent lives in the pursuit of any ideology. This Council must unequivocally send out a message that pursuit of violence cannot be justified under any circumstance and reaffirm our collective resolve to fight the menace of terrorism in all its manifestations with all the means at our disposal.

We must continuously upgrade and strengthen our investigating agencies and our intelligence gathering apparatus to deal more effectively with the newer methods and technologies that the terrorists and Naxals adopt. In the last few years we have tried hard to achieve this. The intelligence sharing mechanism under the Multi-Agency Centre has been bolstered and the National Intelligence Grid, called the NATGRID, is being implemented so that intelligence from various sources can be accessed and analysed to identify actionable points. Regional hubs of the National Security Guards have been set up to enable quick deployment of our counter-terrorism strike forces, when required. Coastal security has also been strengthened by establishing additional coastal police stations and providing interceptor boats. State and central police organizations are being connected on a computer network through the Crime and Criminal Tracking Network System. The strength of the central para military forces has been increased. The National Investigation Agency has begun investigating terrorist related crimes in the right earnest. Of the 29 cases handed over to this agency, charge sheets have been filed in 20 cases. As I have said before, the problem of Naxalism has a development dimension also and the Central Government is making special efforts for development of backward areas, many of which are affected by Left Wing Extremism.

The Central and State Governments have to work together to confront the challenges to our internal security and we will strive hard for greater coordination not only between the Centre and States but also between States.

In our federal polity, creating a sense of oneness among our citizens and ensuring their welfare have to be the joint endeavour of both the Centre and the States. Together, over the last few years, we have taken several steps to ensure greater involvement of our people in the affairs of the nation. Our policy of engagement has helped secure peace in many areas that had experienced considerable violence in the past. The tripartite agreement for setting up the Gorkhaland Territorial Authority and several Suspension of Operations agreements in the North-East have helped bring peace and helped bridge a divide in perceptions. Our interlocutors for Jammu & Kashmir and the North-East are exploring ways of finding political solutions and creating a more durable peace for a stronger India. However, major challenges still remain.

Our democracy has struck deeper roots in the recent years with the strengthening of local governance institutions and a more informed and active citizenry. Jharkhand has held Panchayat elections after decades. The people of Jammu and Kashmir turned out in large numbers for the Panchayat elections held this year, including in areas that have experienced militancy. The active interest displayed recently by the people in the national debate on corruption augurs well for the future of our country.

Security from internal and external disturbances is a sine qua non for a nation state and steps to ensure this have always been accorded the highest priority in government. Security matters have been regularly reviewed and discussed jointly with State Governments. We have also taken up security issues with our neighbours and I am happy that some of our neighbours have extended cooperation, which has proved helpful in controlling violence in the North-East. However, concerns remain and these will continue to be addressed.

On the development front, we have taken several steps to ensure higher growth, coupled with greater inclusion. The high rates of economic growth experienced over the last decade have provided individuals with greater opportunities for improving their standards of living. Under major initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the National Rural Health Mission, Bharat Nirman and The Right to Free and Compulsory Education Act, direct action has been taken on an unprecedented scale to secure benefits to those who need them most. The Forest Rights Act has helped address a longstanding inequity in the treatment of forest dwellers. Our Government is moving forward with legislative proposals for securing a better deal for the people where land acquisition becomes unavoidable in the larger public interest, and also for sharing the benefits of mining operations with persons who have occupations, and traditional rights in such areas. The needs of the minorities were highlighted by the Sachar Committee, and concerted efforts have been made to address them through initiatives like the New 15 Point Programme, the Scheme for Multi-Sectoral Development of Minority Concentration Districts, Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas and the National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions.

We need to identify and address the causes of radicalization of some of our youth. Very clearly, lack of productive employment opportunities for our young men and women is one factor which aids such radicalization. Education and skill development opportunities have a major role to play in addressing this problem. The launch of the Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan will enable us to build on the gains made in elementary education. We have made efforts at providing more opportunities with greater inclusion in higher education. We hope, these measures will help our youth harness the opportunities that a growing economy like India provides. Whether we are able to reap the benefits of our large population of young people would depend critically on the kind of skills we are able to impart to them. Our Skill Development Initiative is aimed at equipping our youth with the right kind of skills. Several measures in this regard, ranging from more institutional training and vocational education in schools to reforming the apprenticeship law and leveraging opportunities for non-institutional training are at various stages of approval and consideration.

In dealing with civil disturbances, which is one of the agenda items of today's meeting, we should keep in mind that excessive use of force often proves counter-productive. We need to distinguish between criminal activities and misguided discontent that finds unlawful expression. It is with this intent that the Home Ministry has circulated instructions for dealing with crowds in a non-lethal manner. I urge the Chief Ministers to ensure that these are made operational by appropriately equipping and training the police forces.

It is a matter of great satisfaction that in recent years relations among various communities have by and large remained harmonious. Members of this Council have played an active role in ensuring that people respond with maturity to developments that may otherwise flare up communal tempers. Nevertheless, we need to maintain a continuous vigil in this regard. We also need to recognize that members of the minority communities often have a perception of being unfairly targeted by law enforcement agencies in the aftermath of unfortunate incidents. While law must take its own course, we need to ensure that our investigating agencies are free from biases and prejudices of any kind. The media also has to play an increasingly important and constructive role in promoting peace and harmony in our society.

I look forward to rich and productive deliberations on the issues flagged in today's agenda. I am sure the views of the distinguished members of this Council will prove valuable for fashioning appropriate policy and societal responses for integrating the hearts and minds of all our people.”

*****

SH/RK
(Release ID :75897)

India earns 215.27 crore rupees from flower exports


Sep 11, 11:36 AM
India earned around 215.27 crore rupees from exports of flowers to over 90 countries last year. According to the official data presented in Parliament, the country had shipped over 21845 tonnes of flowers to 93 countries during the period. India and China have large chunk of areas under floriculture.
Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh are the leading flower producing states in the country. Largest quantity of Indian flowers were exported to the USA worth 44.81 crore rupees during April-December 2010. Other leading destinations of Indian flowers shipment were Germany, Netherlands, United Kingdom, and United Arab Emirates. Indian flowers found markets even in smaller countries like Finland, St Kitts Nevis, Mali, Seychelles and Sierra Leone.

PRESS RELEASE

DT 10 SEPT 2011

Sub:  SIKKIM CHAMBER OF COMMERCE ELECTION HELD, NEW BODY ELECTED

The members of Sikkim Chamber of Commerce  elected a new executive body on 10 Sept 2011 under the leadership of  Shri Ashok  Sarda  as President and Shri Kailash Agarwal as its General Secretary. The election was held under the supervision of:

Mr.  Menla Ethenpa - Observer

Mr. Sudesh Joshi, Advocate - Election officer

Mr.  Nehru Marda CA - Election officer

For the first time in the history of NGOs in India ‘RIGHT TO REJECT’ option was exercised in this election which was held by secret ballot with a ‘NONE’ column included in the name of  candidates list on the ballot paper

The election was preceded by Annual General  Meeting. The meeting was anchored by Shri Ramesh Periwal, Vice-President, SCC. The Treasurer Shri  Mohanlal Sarda presented  Accounts for approval which was followed by presentation of working report by Shri Suresh Agarwal, General Secretary highlighting the achievements and projects in pipeline.

The outgoing President of the Chamber Shri S K Sarda presented his keynote address.  While thanking all the business community for their excellent support, he was overwhelmed by the blessings of the Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr Pawan Chamling reflected through his positive actions to  fulfill commitments made to the business community of Sikkim from time to time.

He called upon the business community to set up more enterprises which can accommodate more local unemployed youth and urged them to dedicate themselves for the development and peace of Sikkim.

The election of Sikkim Chamber of commerce was held in the most democratic manner with 65% members excercising their franchise. The Team led by Mr. Ashok Sarda secured 70 % votes. The results were announced by Election Observer Mr. Menla Ethenpa in a jam packed audience.

The meeting ended with a vote of thanks proposed by the Incoming General Secretary  Shri Kailash Agarwal.

( Suresh Agarwal)

 Outgoing General Secretary

Sikkim Chamber of Commerce

Gangtok,Sikkim

Make full use of RTI

Sh. Balwinder Singh IPS

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The Right to Information Act (RTI) is a path-breaking law which empowers ordinary citizens to obtain the required information from the public authorities. This is also a major tool for preventing and fighting corruption. The media have been highlighting from time to time the positive work being done by RTI activists. But the experience in the last few years reveals that implementation of the Act has got distorted.

Section 4 is the cornerstone of the Act. It stipulates that “it shall be the constant endeavour of every public authority to provide as much information suo motu to the public at regular intervals through means of communication, including internet so that the public have minimum resort to the use of this Act to obtain information.” The Act goes to the extent of identifying certain specific areas of information which the authorities have to publish in the public domain within 120 days of the enactment.

This critical aspect of the RTI Act has not received the attention it deserves from the authorities, the Central and State Information Commissions or even RTI activists. This has led to the burdening of government organisations as well as the Central and State Information Commissions with a large number of individual applications seeking information and filing appeals, clogging the system. The Information Commissions will soon reach a stage where pending matters will take years for disposal, thus making the system dysfunctional. Every public authority, especially those having a large public interface, needs to take up the challenge of fully implementing Section 4 at the earliest.

Computerisation of government records is not merely a process of conversion of manual records. The challenge lies in re-engineering the business processes and then computerising the records in such a manner that it simultaneously leads to improvement in the efficiency of the organisation and maximising the availability of information in the public domain in formats which are useful to the general public or the stakeholders. While there is no explicit mention of the role of the CIC and the State Information Commissions in this regard, it is inherent in the very scheme of the Act that the Information Commissions have to play a pivotal role in ensuring that Section 4 on maximising information in the public domain is complied with. The Information Commissions can take the cue from the directions issued by the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) in November, 2006.

This author conceptualised and drafted the relevant circular of the CVC which gave directions to all government organisations to provide complete information on their websites on the laws, procedures governing the issue of licence, permission, clearance, etc., and also make known the stage of applications from public or business entities when they are seeking such permissions, clearances, NOCs, licences, building plans and passports from the public authorities. He prepared an illustrative list of 16 areas where information is to be necessarily displayed in the public domain; three of these are as follows:

Land & building related issues

-Applications for mutation, conversion from leasehold to freehold of lands and buildings, approval of building plans by municipal authorities and the land owning regulating agencies like the MCD, the DDA, the NDMC, the L&DO and similar agencies in other Union Territories;

-Application for registration deeds by Sub-Registrars/Registrars and other applications connected with land record management;

-Application for allotment of land/flats, etc., by urban development agencies like the DDA.

Contracts & Procurement

-Applications for registration of contractors/suppliers/consultants/vendors, etc.

-Status of all bill payments to contractors/suppliers, etc.

Transport sector

Issue of driving licences, registration of vehicles, fitness certificates, release of impounded vehicles, etc. by the RTAs.

The same exercise can be carried forward by the Central as well as State Information Commissions. If the Information Commissions construe their responsibilities in a very narrow manner and take a view that they can only act on complaints, then civil society, the chambers of industries and commerce and RTI activists can lodge complaints wherever maximum possible information has not been placed in the public domain on websites or otherwise and the Information Commissions can issue directions to the public authorities in this regard.

The full potential of the RTI Act can be realised only by maximising information in the public domain. This would not only further the cause of right to information but also upgrade and modernise the working of government agencies, thus improving governance.

(The author is Special Director of the CBI and his email id is sbalwinder@yahoo.com)

source: The Hindu