Articles by: E A S Sarma

Union Health Ministry placing a cap on new medical colleges in States on the basis of the population criterion violates federalism

Union Health Ministry placing a cap on new medical colleges in States on the basis of the population criterion violates federalism

To Respected Chief Ministers Dear Respected Chief Minister, Kindly refer to my earlier letter of August 24-8-2021 on how some States lose out on delimitation for Parliamentary constituencies as a result of the revised population base year (copy enclosed for your reference). It appears that the Centre, along with its institutions, are using the population criterion indiscriminately to impose its[Read More…]

by — 28/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Global Biofuel Alliance at G20: Land vs Water vs Food Security- Has the government addressed the trade-offs?

Global Biofuel Alliance at G20: Land vs Water vs Food Security- Has the government addressed the trade-offs?

Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA): India has launched a Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) at the recent G20 meeting in Delhi. The official declaration of it, as reported, reads as follows: “The Alliance intends to expedite the global uptake of biofuel through facilitating technology advancements, intensifying utilisation of sustainable biofuels, shaping robust standard setting and certification through the participation of a wide spectrum of stakeholders.[Read More…]

by — 25/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Is it prudent for the SBI-led consortium of PSU banks to extend loan assistance to the Adani Group’s Mundra Petrochemical unit in Gujarat?

Is it prudent for the SBI-led consortium of PSU banks to extend loan assistance to the Adani Group’s Mundra Petrochemical unit in Gujarat?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, It is reported (https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/companies/sbi-led-consortium-to-fund-adani-groups-34000-crore-pvc-project-in-mundra/article67097877.ece) that an SBI-led consortium of PSU banks is considering extending loan assistance to cover a significant portion of the cost (Rs 34,000 Crores) of the petrochemical project to be set up by  Adani Group’s Mundra Petrochem Ltd (MPCL) in Gujarat. If the above-cited report is correct,[Read More…]

by — 17/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Appeal to President of India: Election Machinery Should be Outside The Control of The Executive Government

Appeal to President of India: Election Machinery Should be Outside The Control of The Executive Government

To Smt. Droupadi Murmu The President of India Respected Rashtrapati Ji, Subject:- The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023 introduced in the Parliament cuts at the root of India’s democracy- Request your urgent intervention before the Bill becomes a reality The government recently introduced the Chief Election Commissioner and[Read More…]

by — 14/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Union Minister’s reported threat against those that speak against Sanatana Dharma

Union Minister’s reported threat against those that speak against Sanatana Dharma

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India Dear Shri Rajiv Gauba, I have come across a disturbing news report (https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/pull-out-tongue-gouge-out-eyes-union-minister-gajendra-shekhawat-on-sanatan-dharma-row-4383061) which stated, “Union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat has said anyone who speaks against the Sanatan Dharma would have his tongue pulled out and his eyes gouged out. A video of Mr Shekhawat making the purported remarks went viral on social[Read More…]

by — 13/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Election Commission’s assurance to conduct “One Nation, One Election” casts doubts about its independence

Election Commission’s assurance to conduct “One Nation, One Election” casts doubts about its independence

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri Arun Goel Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI) Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey/ Goel, I have come across a news report (https://www.livemint.com/elections/election-commission-of-india-ready-to-act-cec-rajiv-kumar-on-one-nation-one-election-policy-11694004696134.html) which indicates that the Election Commission of India has assured that it[Read More…]

by — 11/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Bharat, G20 – The tragic plight of millions of voiceless poor

Bharat, G20 – The tragic plight of millions of voiceless poor

Our rulers have changed the country’s name from “India” to “Bharat”. The first invitation from the head of the nation to senior delegates to attend a G20 dinner in Delhi has gone in the name of Bharat. Bharat’s underbelly comprises of millions of disadvantaged people, eking out meagre livelihoods from occupations without which the country cannot move forward. However, like[Read More…]

by — 06/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Centre’s unilateral decision to set up a Committee on “One Nation, One Election” an affront to Federalism

Centre’s unilateral decision to set up a Committee on “One Nation, One Election” an affront to Federalism

To Smt. Droupadi Murmu The President of India Respected Rashtrapati Ji, The Centre has set up a High-Level Committee (HLC) to examine “simultaneous elections to the House of the People (Lok Sabha), State Legislative Assemblies, Municipalities and Panchayats, keeping in view the existing framework under the Constitution of India and other statutory provisions, and for that purpose, examine and recommend specific amendments to[Read More…]

by — 05/09/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
ISRO’s successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 demonstrates the benefits of a rural-oriented decentralised educational policy

ISRO’s successful launch of Chandrayaan 3 demonstrates the benefits of a rural-oriented decentralised educational policy

To Shri Dharmendra Pradhan Union Education Minister Dear Shri Pradhan, ISRO’s successful low-cost high-precision landing of its Chandrayaan 3 rover on the south pole of the lunar surface has brought global praise for India’s technological abilities. ISRO’s Chairman, Shri S. Somanath, his highly talented team and all those who have visualised and nurtured ISRO since its inception in 1962 deserve the nation’s accolades[Read More…]

by — 30/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Objection to Vizag Steel leasing out its valuable land to the Adani Group

Objection to Vizag Steel leasing out its valuable land to the Adani Group

To Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha Union Steel Secretary Dear Shri Sinha, I thank you for responding so promptly to my letter of August 27 2023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/08/has-secl-followed-the-auctioning-routthe report that the-to-appoint-the-adani-group-as-mdo-for-gare-palma-coal-block/) in which I had expressed my concern at RINL trying to lease out 1,000 acres of its land to Adani-owned Gangavaram Port Ltd. In my letter, I pointed out that RINL cannot[Read More…]

by — 29/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Erramatti Dibbalu- A unique geo-heritage site near Visakhapatnam- Being subject to spoliation through official connivance

Erramatti Dibbalu- A unique geo-heritage site near Visakhapatnam- Being subject to spoliation through official connivance

To Shri Vivek Bharadwaj Union Miines Secretary Dear Shri Bharadwaj, Erramatti Dibbalu (Red Ravines) are part of a unique stretch of red ravines adjacent to the Bay of Bengal coast close to Visakhapatnam city. Originally, it extended over thousands of acres but a portion of it has been taken over by the Indian Navy for locating their strategic establishment. What[Read More…]

by — 28/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Has SECL followed the auctioning route to appoint the Adani Group as MDO for Gare Palma coal block?

Has SECL followed the auctioning route to appoint the Adani Group as MDO for Gare Palma coal block?

To   Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Government of India Dear Shri Gauba, In my letter dated 6-4-023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/04/most-mineral-block-allocations-violate-the-doctrine-of-public-trust/), I pointed out the lack of transparency in mineral block auctions in recent times, raising concerns of propriety. I have since come across yet another case of allotment of a mineral block, namely, the Gare Palma coal block in Tamnar Block of[Read More…]

by — 28/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Budget lessons from the low cost of Chandrayan 3 mission that has brought laurels to India

Budget lessons from the low cost of Chandrayan 3 mission that has brought laurels to India

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, ISRO’s successful high-precision soft landing of its Chandrayaan 3 rover on the south pole of the lunar surface has brought worldwide laurels for India. ISRO’s Chairman, Shri S. Somanath, his highly competent team and all those who have visualised and nurtured ISRO since its inception in 1962 deserve the nation’s accolades[Read More…]

by — 25/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
China’s ban on export of two critical minerals, Gallium and Germanium- India’s response

China’s ban on export of two critical minerals, Gallium and Germanium- India’s response

 To Shri Vivek Bharadwaj Union Mines Secretary Dear Shri Bharadwaj, I understand that China, which dominates the production of the two critical minerals, namely, Gallium (Ga) and Germanium (Ge), has imposed a ban on their export (https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/chinas-controls-take-effect-wait-gallium-germanium-export-permits-begins-2023-08-01/). Considering that both these metals are critical links in India’s important supply chains for electronics, renewable energy facilities and the defence sector, India should[Read More…]

by — 24/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Objection to Vizag Steel leasing out its valuable land to the Adani Group

Objection to Vizag Steel leasing out its valuable land to the Adani Group

To Shri Nagendra Nath Sinha Union Steel Secretary Dear Shri Sinha, There have been disturbing news reports here (https://www.andhrajyothy.com/2023/andhra-pradesh/visakhapatnam/steel-lands-for-nmdc-1125817.html) that Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP), forced to raise financial resources in the face of a deliberate attempt by your Ministry to weaken it in all respects, is in negotiation with the Adani Group to lease out 1000 acres of its land for[Read More…]

by — 22/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
ECI Bill: Open Letter to Chief Ministers

ECI Bill: Open Letter to Chief Ministers

To Chief Ministers Respected Chief Minister, The ECI Bill in its present form is going to run counter to the idea of an Election Commission that remains non-political in its functioning. It is inconsistent with the vision of the Constituent Assembly as evident from its debate on the subject. It also runs counter to the guidelines indicated by the apex[Read More…]

by — 20/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Why the Hurry in Acquiring Land for the Kovvada Nuclear Power Project?

Why the Hurry in Acquiring Land for the Kovvada Nuclear Power Project?

To   Ms Leena Nandan Secretary Union Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC)   Dr A K Mohanty Secretary Dept of Atomic Energy (DAE) Govt of India Dear Ms Nandan and Dr Mohanty, I refer to my earlier letter dated 1-8-2023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/08/westinghouses-vogtle-nuclear-power-reactors-huge-time-cost-overruns-likely-implications-for-proposed-kovvada-nuclear-power-project-in-ap/) on delays that can be expected on the part of Westinghouse company (USA) in supplying its six[Read More…]

by — 05/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Westinghouse’s Vogtle nuclear power reactors- Huge time/cost overruns- Likely implications for proposed Kovvada nuclear power project in AP

Westinghouse’s Vogtle nuclear power reactors- Huge time/cost overruns- Likely implications for proposed Kovvada nuclear power project in AP

To Dr A K Mohanty Chairman Dept of Atomic Energy (DAE) Govt of India Dear Dr Mohanty, I refer to the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL)’s proposed (6 X 1100 MWe) LWR nuclear power project at Kovvada in Andhra Pradesh (AP). The US company, Westinghouse is expected to manufacture and supply its VVER units for the project. In this connection,[Read More…]

by — 01/08/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Linking devolution of funds to Kerala to installation of smart meters under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) constitutes an onslaught on federalism

Linking devolution of funds to Kerala to installation of smart meters under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) constitutes an onslaught on federalism

To Shri Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister Kerala Respected Chief Minister, I understand that the Union Ministry of Power has undertaken a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) to provide grants to the States for installing smart meters to be installed at the consumers’ premises, as a part of the Ministry’s “reform” measures. The model touted by the Ministry is heavily tilted in favour of[Read More…]

by — 29/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
PLI Scheme- Do Subsidies To Profit-earning Private Manufacturers Yield Commensurate Societal Benefits?

PLI Scheme- Do Subsidies To Profit-earning Private Manufacturers Yield Commensurate Societal Benefits?

To Shri G C Murmu Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) Dear Shri Murmu, Please refer to my letter dated 2-6-2023 addressed to you on the above subject (https://countercurrents.org/2023/06/pli-scheme-do-subsidies-to-profit-earning-private-manufacturers-yield-commensurate-societal-benefits/). In that letter, I pointed out that subsidising profit-earning private manufacturing companies, as envisaged in Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) and other PLI-like schemes, would not necessarily be the most prudent way[Read More…]

by — 28/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Lok Sabha- Report of Joint Committee on Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)’s views not elicited

Lok Sabha- Report of Joint Committee on Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023- National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST)’s views not elicited

To Smt. Droupadi Murmu The President of India Respected Rashtrapati Ji, I write this in continuation of my earlier letter dated 5-7-2023 addressed to your office (https://countercurrents.org/2023/07/take-the-ncst-into-confidence-prior-to-implementing-policies-and-projects-in-tribal-areas/) on the need for the executive to hold prior consultation with the National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes (NCST) as required under Article 338A(9) of the Constitution before initiating any legislative action/ policy changes,[Read More…]

by — 22/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Levy higher taxes and R&D cess on profits of large private companies to promote indigenous R&D and self-reliance

 Levy higher taxes and R&D cess on profits of large private companies to promote indigenous R&D and self-reliance

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, According to “Research and Development Statistics, 2019-20” published by the Department of Science & Technology (DST), India’s national investment in R&D is abysmally low, stagnating at around 0.6-0.7% of GDP. Compared to it, countries at the forefront of technology development such as the USA (2.8% of GDP), China (2.1%), Israel[Read More…]

by — 18/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
French nuclear reactors for Jaitapur in Maharashtra- Expensive & Risky- Appeal for caution

French nuclear reactors for Jaitapur in Maharashtra- Expensive & Risky- Appeal for caution

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Government of India Dear Shri Gauba, I had earlier written to the Department of Atomic Energy on 13-9-2019 on my concerns, both technical and financial, about the proposal to set up a nuclear power plant of 9,000 MW consisting of six EPR reactors to be supplied by EDF of France. It is possible that[Read More…]

by — 13/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Take the NCST into Confidence Prior to Implementing Policies and Projects in Tribal Areas

Take the NCST into Confidence Prior to Implementing Policies and Projects in Tribal Areas

Article 338A of the Constitution obligates the State to consult the NCST on matters that affect tribals’ interests- Failure to do so should be reported to the Parliament   To Smt. Droupadi Murmu The President of India Respected Rashtrapati Ji, The National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes (NCST) is a Constitutional authority set up in pursuance of Article 338A. In all[Read More…]

by — 05/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
 “Length of the last mile”- How Well the Welfare Schemes Fare in the Last Mile?

 “Length of the last mile”- How Well the Welfare Schemes Fare in the Last Mile?

Report by Libtech- To what extent GOI’s Centrally Sponsored Schemes (NREGA etc.) are effective at the ground level? To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Over the last few years, there has been a proliferation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) taken up by different Central Ministries, resulting in an undue increase in the amounts directly deposited in[Read More…]

by — 03/07/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Coal block auctions- Prior consent of the local tribal Gram Sabhas mandatory under PESA and FRA

Coal block auctions- Prior consent of the local tribal Gram Sabhas mandatory under PESA and FRA

To Shri A L Meena Union Coal Secretary Dear Shri Meena, I refer to the notification issued by your Ministry on June 14, 2023, proposing the auction of 98 coal blocks in different States, including Chhattisgarh, Odisha and Telangana. I find that many of those coal blocks are located in tribal areas notified under the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution,[Read More…]

by — 27/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
India to attract investment in Gujarat from US company, Micron by extending Rs 11,000 Crores of subsidy- Is it prudent?

India to attract investment in Gujarat from US company, Micron by extending Rs 11,000 Crores of subsidy- Is it prudent?

To Shri G C Murmu Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) Dear Shri Murmu, I had earlier addressed you vide my letter dated 2-6-2023  questioning the prudence and propriety of the government giving subsidies to profit-earning private companies in the name of attracting investment for boosting production in certain specific manufacturing sectors. I pointed out in my letter that[Read More…]

by — 23/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
A police officer stands guard in front of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) head office in Mumbai April 17, 2012. The Reserve Bank of India cut interest rates on Tuesday for the first time in three years by an unexpectedly sharp 50 basis points to give a boost to flagging economic growth but warned that there is limited scope for further rate cuts. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: BUSINESS)

RBI’s revised Framework for Compromise Settlements and Technical Write-offs compromise the integrity of the banking system- Does it incentivise corporate fraud?

To Shri Shaktikanta Das Governor RBI   Dear Shri Das, I refer to RBI’s latest guidelines issued on 8-6-2023 (Notification No.RBI/2023-24/40 DOR.STR.REC.20/21.04.048/2023-24 8-6-2023) on Framework for Compromise Settlements and Technical Write-offs, modifying the earlier guidelines issued on 7-6-2019 (Notification RBI/2018-19/203 DBR.No.BP.BC.45/21.04.048/2018-19 7-6-2019). Para 34 of the 2019 notification stipulated, “Borrowers who have committed frauds/ malfeasance/ wilful default will remain ineligible for restructuring. However,[Read More…]

by — 14/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Odisha train accident- How safe are other sections where super-fast trains are running, more bullet trains being launched?

Odisha train accident- How safe are other sections where super-fast trains are running, more bullet trains being launched?

  To Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Railway Minister Dear Shri Vaishnaw, Please refer to my earlier letter dated 5-6-2023 addressed to you on the recent multiple train accident near Balasore in Odisha (https://countercurrents.org/2023/06/railway-accident-in-odisha-are-the-railways-ready-for-high-speed-trains-who-is-to-be-blamed/) in which, according to your own statements, there was a technical snag in the working of the signalling system at Bahanaga Bazar railway station. According to reports (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/balasore-accident-no-train-to-halt-at-bahanaga-bazar-as-cbi-seals-station-seizes-log-book/articleshow/100897578.cms), apparently, on[Read More…]

by — 12/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Odisha rail accident- BSNL’s commendable performance- Should India diminish its public sector, allow private oligarchs to profiteer?

Odisha rail accident- BSNL’s commendable performance- Should India diminish its public sector, allow private oligarchs to profiteer?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I refer to the hasty, sweeping Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSE) disinvestment policy announced by you in your Budget Speech in 2021 and further spelt out by the Department of Public Enterprises in their guidelines on 13-12-2021. As a sequel to it, Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM),[Read More…]

by — 08/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
DIPAM’s hasty moves to disinvest the government’s residual share in HZL highly imprudent and against the public interest

DIPAM’s hasty moves to disinvest the government’s residual share in HZL highly imprudent and against the public interest

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, It is reported  that Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM) plans to conduct roadshows this month for disinvesting the government’s residual equity share of 29.54% in HZL. It is a matter of serious concern that DIPAM should display such undue haste to sell the government equity in HZL[Read More…]

by — 07/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Railway accident in Odisha- Are the Railways ready for high-speed trains? Who is to be blamed?

Railway accident in Odisha- Are the Railways ready for high-speed trains? Who is to be blamed?

To   Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Railway Minister Dear Shri Vaishnaw, The latest railway accident in Odisha, which has resulted in the death of more than 280 passengers and hundreds injured, is unfortunate. I feel somewhat surprised that the Railways should hastily announce a probe by the CBI (https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/railways-minister-announces-cbi-probe-into-odisha-train-accident-101685884237020.html), suggesting the possibility of sabotage, without the railway safety regulator having an opportunity[Read More…]

by — 05/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
PLI Scheme- Do subsidies to profit-earning private manufacturers yield commensurate societal benefits?

PLI Scheme- Do subsidies to profit-earning private manufacturers yield commensurate societal benefits?

To Shri G C Murmu Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) Dear Shri Murmu, I had earlier written to you on the pros and cons of the Production Linked Incentive Scheme (PLI) under which the Central Ministries extend subsidies to private companies to incentivise them to boost indigenous production of different items critically needed in the economy. My last[Read More…]

by — 02/06/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Legislative Gaps Helping Overseas Shell Companies?

Legislative Gaps Helping Overseas Shell Companies?

Have the legislative gaps provided by the Finance Ministry and SEBI indirectly helped domestic corporates having oveseas shell companies to profiteer? To   Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I had earlier addressed you vide my letter dated 31-1-2023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/overseas-shell-companies-a-shadow-economy-a-threat-t-national-interest/) pointing out how the government failed to define the term “overseas shell companies” in the Companies Act, SEBI[Read More…]

by — 31/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Delay in Census enumeration, unreliable death registration and fake Aadhaar cards adversely impact integrity of elections, leads to misuse of public funds

Delay in Census enumeration, unreliable death registration and fake Aadhaar cards adversely impact integrity of elections, leads to misuse of public funds

To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Bhalla, The statutory census enumeration exercise, conducted under the Census Act, every ten years, provides reliable data on the composition and the trends in growth of the population of India. It forms a unique basis for framing government policies and programmes. In this connection, I refer to a statement reported[Read More…]

by — 29/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
New Parliament building- Appearance Vs Substance

New Parliament building- Appearance Vs Substance

To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Respected Rashtrapati Ji, The new Parliament building, constructed at a great cost to the public, will be inaugurated shortly and perhaps the two Houses will start having their next session at the new venue. The new structure may provide greater comfort to those who function from it. However, will it also bring qualitative changes in[Read More…]

by — 26/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Proliferation of fake Aadhaar Cards and false Jandhan bank accounts pose a serious threat to proper use of the Centre’s expenditure under Centrally Sponsored Schemes

 Proliferation of fake Aadhaar Cards and false Jandhan bank accounts pose a serious threat to proper use of the Centre’s expenditure under Centrally Sponsored Schemes

To Shri G C Murmu CAG   Dear Shri Murmu, Subject:- Proliferation of fake Aadhaar Cards and false Jandhan bank accounts pose a serious threat to proper use of the Centre’s expenditure under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) Please refer to my letter dated 7-10-2022 on the subject (https://countercurrents.org/2022/10/centrally-sponsored-schemes-violate-the-spirit-of-federalism-also-wastes-public-resources/?swcfpc=1), with special reference to two Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs), PM Fasal Bhima Yojana (PMFBY)[Read More…]

by — 16/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Has the government allowed private refiners to profiteer on Russian crude imports at the cost of CPSE oil companies and domestic consumers? Calls for an inquiry

Has the government allowed private refiners to profiteer on Russian crude imports at the cost of CPSE oil companies and domestic consumers? Calls for an inquiry

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I have just come across a news report (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/energy/oil-gas/india-cuts-windfall-tax-on-petroleum-crude-to-zero/articleshow/100259244.cms) that the Ministry has cut the windfall tax on domestic crude oil to zero. I am not sure whether this will imply any corresponding relief to domestic consumers of petroleum products. On the other hand, why is the government shy of imposing[Read More…]

by — 16/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Centre’s onslaught on federalism- Some Governors playing extra-Constitutional role

Centre’s onslaught on federalism- Some Governors playing extra-Constitutional role

To Respected Chief Ministers Subject:-  Centre’s onslaught on federalism- Some Governors playing extra-Constitutional role Sir, I have addressed you time and again on the political executive at the Centre systematically infringing the lakshman rekha of federalism to diminish the political space of the opposition parties in power in the States. In particular, the Centre has progressively constricted the role of[Read More…]

by — 14/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Election Commission’s inaction on my letters pointing out prima facie infringement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the Prime Minister and Home Minister- Questions on the Commission’s role

Election Commission’s inaction on my letters pointing out prima facie infringement of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the Prime Minister and Home Minister- Questions on the Commission’s role

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Shri A Goel Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey and Goel, I refer to two letters dated 3-5-2023 & 4-5-2023 addressed by me to the Commission pointing out prima facie infringements of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by the Union Home Minister, the Prime Minister[Read More…]

by — 09/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Allowing FDI in nuclear power development an imprudent step- It will adversely impact the national security

 Allowing FDI in nuclear power development an imprudent step- It will adversely impact the national security

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary I had earlier addressed you vide my letter dated 7-10-2022 (https://countercurrents.org/2022/10/revoke-amendments-permitting-private-companies-to-undertake-beach-sand-mining/?swcfpc=1) asking the government to revoke amendments to Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA), with reference to the entry of private companies in beach sand mining. The reason for it is that beach sands in India present a fairly large source[Read More…]

by — 06/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Prima facie violations of Model Code of Conduct by both INC and Prime Minister Modi in connection with Karnataka Assembly elections

Prima facie violations of Model Code of Conduct by both INC and Prime Minister Modi in connection with Karnataka Assembly elections

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Shri A Goel Election Commissioner   Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey and Goel, In the specific case of party manifestos, the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) says, “While the Commission agrees in principle with the point of view that framing of manifestos is the right of[Read More…]

by — 04/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Prima facie violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Shri Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister in Karnataka

Prima facie violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) by Shri Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister in Karnataka

To   Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Shri A Goel Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey and Goel, I have come across a report (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/99769842.cms?from=mdr&utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst) that the Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, during election meetings in Karnataka recently, said, “if Congress is elected in Karnataka, dynastic politics will be[Read More…]

by — 03/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
A file picture of gangster-turned-politician Anand Mohan Singh who has been released from Saharsa jail following the recent amendment made in the prison rules by the Bihar Government (ANI)

Premature release of the person convicted of the murder of IAS officer G Krishnaiah in 1994 in Bihar defies all ethical norms

To Shri Nitish Kumar Chief Minister Bihar Dear Shri Nitish Kumar, Your government’s decision to release the politician, Anand Mohan Singh, convicted of the murder of Shri G Krishnaiah, an IAS officer, the former District Magistrate of  Gopalganj on December 5, 1994, defies all ethical norms and raises serious questions of propriety. I understand that the State government issued a notification on April 10, 2023,[Read More…]

by — 02/05/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Proliferation of fake Aadhaar Cards a threat to integrity of 2024 elections

Proliferation of fake Aadhaar Cards a threat to integrity of 2024 elections

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri Arun Goel Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI) Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey/ Goel, In my earlier letter dated 19-4-2023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/04/doubts-about-the-ecis-preparedness-to-conduct-2024-general-elections-transparently-and-in-compliance-with-section-128-of-the-rpa1951/), I expressed doubts about the ECI being ready for conducting 2024 elections in[Read More…]

by — 29/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Hindustan Zinc Ltd made debt ridden helping the Vedanta Group

Hindustan Zinc Ltd made debt ridden helping the Vedanta Group

How the government reduced the joint venture Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) from a debt-free company to an indebted one, indirectly helping the Vedanta Group To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I refer to my earlier letter dated 17-3-2023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/03/is-the-government-deliberately-or-otherwise-helping-the-promoters-of-the-vedanta-group/) in which I expressed my concerns about the multiple ways in which the government have taken action,[Read More…]

by — 28/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Role of the Civil Servants

Role of the Civil Servants

 Is the LBSNAA Director trying to trigger a shift away from Sardar Patel’s vision? To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, Writing on the occasion of the 2023 Civil Service Day, the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA) is reported to have said, “The task of defining an Indian ethos for the civil service began[Read More…]

by — 27/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Weaponise FCRA against NGOs; Monetise it for political parties, Bizarre ways of the government

Weaponise FCRA against NGOs; Monetise it for political parties, Bizarre ways of the government

In recent times, one came across several examples of how successive governments have weaponised the Foreign Contributions (Regulation) Act [FCRA] against NGOs who took up people’s causes and questioned the illegalities committed by public authorities against adivasis, the disadvantaged sections and the people at large. For example, it was reported a few days ago (https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre- recommends-cbi-inquiry-against-activist-harsh-manders-ngo-aman-biradari- 3877494#pfrom=home-ndtv_indiatrending) that the Ministry[Read More…]

by — 25/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
The Centre, not the consumers, should bear a portion of DISCOM losses

The Centre, not the consumers, should bear a portion of DISCOM losses

To Chief Ministers Respected Chief Minister, It is reported that (https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2023/apr/22/centre-wants-consumers-to-share-losses-of-discoms-2568272.html) the Ministry of Power “has asked State governments to pass on 50% of the losses incurred by Discoms to consumers. The Ministry released its draft Electricity (Amendment) Rules, 2023, by substituting two clauses in the Electricity Rules, 2005, and sought the comments of the States by May 1” The stand[Read More…]

by — 23/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Has the Environment Ministry blocked its Parivesh website in violation of Section 4 of the RTI Act?

Has the Environment Ministry blocked its Parivesh website in violation of Section 4 of the RTI Act?

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Government of India Dear Shri Gauba, I find that the Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) has blocked information hitherto available at its Parivesh web portal. Some news reports have also confirmed this. Does MEFCC know that, under Section 4 of the Right To Information Act (RTIA), it has the statutory obligation[Read More…]

by — 21/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Doubts about the ECI’s preparedness to conduct 2024 general elections transparently and in compliance with Section 128 of the RPA1951

Doubts about the ECI’s preparedness to conduct 2024 general elections transparently and in compliance with Section 128 of the RPA1951

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri Arun Goel Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey/ Goel, In my letter dated 7-1-2023 addressed to you (https://countercurrents.org/2023/01/use-of-remote-evms-for-migrants-eci-should-set-its-house-in-order/), I raised concerns about the ability and preparedness of[Read More…]

by — 19/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Many coal and other mineral block allocations are non-transparent and violate the Doctrine of Public Trust

Many coal and other mineral block allocations are non-transparent and violate the Doctrine of Public Trust

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India Dear Shri  Gauba, Subject:- Many coal and other mineral block allocations are non-transparent and violate the Doctrine of Public Trust, raising concerns about propriety as they circumvent the laws and regulations in force. I write this in continuation of my earlier letter dated 6-4-2023 on the subject (https://countercurrents.org/2023/04/most-mineral-block-allocations-violate-the-doctrine-of-public-trust/). Apparently, in the allocation of[Read More…]

by — 18/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Mega Infrastructure Project in Great Nicobar Island- Need to consult the ShomPens and Nicobarese

Mega Infrastructure Project in Great Nicobar Island- Need to consult the ShomPens and Nicobarese

To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Respected Rashtrapati Ji, Subject:- Mega Infrastructure Project in Great Nicobar Island- Need to consult the ShomPens and Nicobarese- Legal lacunae in clearances I refer to my earlier letter dated 29-1-2023 addressed to the office of Rahtrapatiji (readily accessible at https://countercurrents.org/2023/01/mega-infrastructure-project-in-great-nicobar-island-would-be-violative-of-the-constitutional-mandate-and-adversely-impact-the-lives-of-the-local-tribals/) about a Mega Infrastructure project being taken up in Great Nicobar Island. I further[Read More…]

by — 14/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Great Nicobar Island- A “Mega Infrastructure Project” cleared by Ministry of Environment without prior consultation with the NCST

Great Nicobar Island- A “Mega Infrastructure Project” cleared by Ministry of Environment without prior consultation with the NCST

To Smt Alka Tiwari Secretary NCST Subject:- Great Nicobar Island- A “Mega Infrastructure Project cleared by Ministry of Environment without prior clearance by NCST Dear Smt Tiwari, I had earlier addressed the National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes (NCST) vide my letter dated 27-11-2022 (readily accessible Here ) and requested for NCST’s intervention under Article 338A(9) of the Constitution to safeguard[Read More…]

by — 10/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Coal block auctions in Telangana attract prohibitive provisions under PESA/FRA

Coal block auctions in Telangana attract prohibitive provisions under PESA/FRA

  To Smt Alka Tiwari Secretary NCST Dear Smt Tiwari, I understand that the Ministry of Coal has notified Sathupalli-3 and Penagadapa coal blocks in Telangana. These blocks are located in villages covered within the Scheduled Areas of the State as follows: Sathupalli-3 coal block: Lankapalli and Kottur villages in Khammam district Penagadapa coal block: Penagadapa, Seethaigudem, Tippanapalle villages in Bhadradri-Kothagudem district Since these coal[Read More…]

by — 10/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Most mineral block allocations violate the Doctrine of Public Trust

Most mineral block allocations violate the Doctrine of Public Trust

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Government of India Subject:- Many coal and other mineral block allocations are non-transparent and violate the Doctrine of Public Trust, raising concerns about propriety as they circumvent the laws and regulations in force. It is reported that the Coal and Mines Ministries have auctioned 190 blocks during the last 8-9 years to private miners (https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/190-major-mineral-blocks-auctioned-in-seven-years-says-pralhad-joshi-122082300863_1.html). The[Read More…]

by — 07/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Auctioning mineral blocks without consulting the other Central Ministries and the States violates the spirit of federalism

Auctioning mineral blocks without consulting the other Central Ministries and the States violates the spirit of federalism

To Shri A. L. Meena Secretary (Coal) Govt of India   Shri Manoj Ahuja Secretary (Agriculture) Govt of India Dear S/Shri Meena and Ahuja, I understand that the Ministry of Coal has recently auctioned three lignite blocks, East of Sethiathope, Michaelpatti and Vadasery, which are located in the fertile Cauvery delta region of Tamil Nadu, considered the rice bowl of the State.[Read More…]

by — 05/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Fears of minorities that their names will be deleted from electoral rolls or that they will be prevented from casting their votes- ECI needs to take special measures

Fears of minorities that their names will be deleted from electoral rolls or that they will be prevented from casting their votes- ECI needs to take special measures

To   Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri Arun Goel Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey/ Goel, In connection with the ensuing elections (both general elections/ by-polls) to State Assemblies in Karnataka, UP and[Read More…]

by — 03/04/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Declaration excessive dividends by the Board of HZL may not be in compliance with Section 123 of the Companies Act

Declaration excessive dividends by the Board of HZL may not be in compliance with Section 123 of the Companies Act

To Dr Manoj Govil Secretary (Corporate Affairs) Govt of India Dear Dr Govil, Please refer to my letter dated 5-3-2023 on prima facie violation by the Board of Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) of the requirements of the Companies Act and the need for taking appropriate action by your Ministry (https://countercurrents.org/2023/03/resolution-of-hzls-board-of-directors-on-acquisition-of-thl-zinc-ltd-mauritius-role-of-independent-directors/?swcfpc=1). I understand that the HZL Board has also declared dividends[Read More…]

by — 28/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Election Commission of India  must question the presence political nominees on BEL’s and ECIL’s Boards 

Election Commission of India  must question the presence political nominees on BEL’s and ECIL’s Boards 

Failure of the Election Commission of India (ECI) to question appointment of political nominees on the Board of Bharat Electoronics Ltd (BEL) involved in the supply of EVMs   To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Shri A Goel Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey and Goel, Please refer to my[Read More…]

by — 24/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
CBI investigation against Harsh Mandar’s  NGO is nothing but travesty of justice

CBI investigation against Harsh Mandar’s  NGO is nothing but travesty of justice

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Government of India Dear Shri Gauba, I have come across a disturbing news report last evening (https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/centre-recommends-cbi-inquiry-against-activist-harsh-manders-ngo-aman-biradari-3877494#pfrom=home-ndtv_indiatrending) that the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has recommended a CBI inquiry against Aman Biradari, an NGO established by writer and human rights activist, Harsh Mander, for alleged violation of the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act. To my mind,[Read More…]

by — 21/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Is the Government deliberately or otherwise helping the promoters of the Vedanta Group?

Is the Government deliberately or otherwise helping the promoters of the Vedanta Group?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I refer to my last letter dated 26-2-2023 addressed to you on the subject (https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/has-the-government-unwittingly-or-otherwise-reduced-hzls-value-as-a-prelude-to-proposed-sale-of-its-29-54-equity-sale/) I understand that the Board of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL) will be meeting shortly to take a decision on releasing the final dividend for 2022-23. In that connection, I wish to raise the following concerns: Considering that[Read More…]

by — 17/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
ECI’s Model Code of Conduct- Exempted for the influential, enforced for the disadvantaged

ECI’s Model Code of Conduct- Exempted for the influential, enforced for the disadvantaged

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Shri A Goel Election Commissioner   Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey and Goel, I write this letter to highlight the Commission’s double standards in applying the Model Code of Conduct (MCC), one for the influential and another for the disadvantaged. The migrant Chenchus of Visakhapatnam: The[Read More…]

by — 10/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
APGENCO placing coal import order on the Adani Group raises serious concerns

APGENCO placing coal import order on the Adani Group raises serious concerns

To Shri Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy Chief Minister Andhra Pradesh   Dear Shri Jagan Mohan Reddy garu, I understand that Andhra Pradesh Power Generation Corporation (APGENCO) has placed an order for 7.5 lakh tonnes of imported coal for the Damodaram Sanjeevaiah TPS (DSTPS) at  Krishnapatnam, by selecting the Adani Group as the successful bidder at a quoted price of[Read More…]

by — 09/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Vedanta Group’s proposal that HZL should acquire their Mauritius-based zinc company- Further concerns

Vedanta Group’s proposal that HZL should acquire their Mauritius-based zinc company- Further concerns

To Shri Alok Tandon Union Mines Secretary Dear Shri Tandon, You are aware of my correspondence with the Cabinet Secretary and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs on a disclosure filed by the Vedanta Group in the national stock exchanges on 19-1-2023 on a proposal allegedly approved by the Board of Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL) to acquire the group’s zinc subsidiary[Read More…]

by — 07/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Resolution of HZL’s Board of Directors on acquisition of THL Zinc Ltd, Mauritius- Role of Independent Directors

Resolution of HZL’s Board of Directors on acquisition of THL Zinc Ltd, Mauritius- Role of Independent Directors

To Dr Manoj Govil Secretary (Corporate Affairs) Govt of India Dear Dr Govil, The Vedanta Group, the majority shareholder of Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL), informed the national stock exchanges on 19-1-2023 vide their communication No.HZL/2023-SECY/ dated January 19, 2023, as required by SEBI’s Listing Regulations, that HZL’s Board met on the same day and passed a resolution to acquire THL Zinc Ltd,[Read More…]

by — 05/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Allotment of Kutrumali bauxite mine in Kalahandi/ Nayagarh districts in Odisha is prima facie illegal

Allotment of Kutrumali bauxite mine in Kalahandi/ Nayagarh districts in Odisha is prima facie illegal

To Smt Alka Tiwari Secretary National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Dear Smt Tiwari, This refers to a news report (https://www.cnbctv18.com/business/companies/adani-arm-mundra-aluminium-named-preferred-bidder-for-odisha-bauxite-block-16061911.htm) that the Ministry of Mines has recently auctioned Kutrumali bauxite mine in Kalahandi/ Rayagarh districts in Odisha to the Adani Group. This mineral block is located in Thuamul Rampur of Kalahandi district and partly in Kashipur Tahasil of Rayagada[Read More…]

by — 01/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
CAG Report No 20/16 on E-Auction of coal mines- public interest concerns

CAG Report No 20/16 on E-Auction of coal mines- public interest concerns

To Shri A L Meena Union Coal Secretary   Dear Shri Meena, I refer to the CAG Report No 20/2016 on E-Auctions conducted by your Ministry for allotment of coal blocks, following the judgement of the Hon’ble Supreme Court holding earlier coal block allotments to be illegal. In particular, I invite your attention to the following observations of the  CAG:[Read More…]

by — 01/03/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Has the government unwittingly or otherwise reduced HZL’s value as a prelude to proposed sale of its 29.54% equity sale?

Has the government unwittingly or otherwise reduced HZL’s value as a prelude to proposed sale of its 29.54% equity sale?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, From media reports, it appears that both DIPAM and the Ministry of Mines are in a hurry to divest the government’s equity share of 29.54% in Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL), without appreciating the strategic and financial implications of the proposal. In this connection, I invite your attention to my letters[Read More…]

by — 26/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Ministry of Mines’ dubious stand against HZL’s proposed acquisition of overseas zinc mines through a Mauritius-based company

Ministry of Mines’ dubious stand against HZL’s proposed acquisition of overseas zinc mines through a Mauritius-based company

  To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, I refer to my earlier letter dated 7-2-2023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/hindustan-zinc-ltd-hzl-proposed-acquisition-of-overseas-zinc-companies-in-namibia-and-s-africa-is-questionable/) raising serious concerns bout HZL’s proposal to buy THL, a Mauritius-based company of Vedanta, indirectly owning majority equity stakes in overseas zinc companies in S.Africa and Namibia. Belatedly, the Ministry of Mines has filed its opposition to the proposal (https://www.bseindia.com/xml-data/corpfiling/AttachLive/705CD9B9-44C1-403F-AEAA-F525481B0709-083834.pdf), stating that[Read More…]

by — 24/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Centre’s onslaught on federalism- Time to come together and resist

Centre’s onslaught on federalism- Time to come together and resist

To Respected Chief Ministers Sir, During the last few years, there has been a growing trend on the part of the Centre to diminish the role of the States under the Constitution in several ways, including by reducing the share of tax receipts to be devolved to the States on the basis of equitable allocations recommended by the Finance Commission[Read More…]

by — 23/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
AP government’s sale of its equity share in Gangavaram Port to Adani Ports caused a huge loss to public exchequer- Special audit called for

AP government’s sale of its equity share in Gangavaram Port to Adani Ports caused a huge loss to public exchequer- Special audit called for

  To Shri G C Murmu C&AG Dear Shri Murmu, The AP State government sold its 10.4% equity share in Gangavaram Port to the Adani Group in mid-2021 for Rs 120 per share, at a total value of Rs 644 Crores, without going through any competitive bidding procedure, as required by the Centre’s disinvestment guidelines, thus deliberately allowing the transaction[Read More…]

by — 19/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Private mining of Sijimali bauxite block in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts in Odisha without Gram Sabhas’ consent illegal

Private mining of Sijimali bauxite block in Kalahandi and Rayagada districts in Odisha without Gram Sabhas’ consent illegal

To Smt Alka Tiwari Secretary National Commission for the Scheduled Tribes (NCST)   Dear Smt Tiwari,   I understand from a news report (https://m.economictimes.com/industry/indl-goods/svs/metals-mining/vedanta-declared-preferred-bidder-for-bauxite-block-in-odisha/articleshow/97953706.cms) that the Odisha government has put the Sijimali bauxite mine located across Kalahandi and Rayagada districts to auction and that the Vedanta Group has been declared as a preferred bidder. Sijimali bauxite mine is located across Thuamul–Rampur tehsil of[Read More…]

by — 16/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Why should Punjab pay for coal mismanagement by the Centre? Claim compensation

Why should Punjab pay for coal mismanagement by the Centre? Claim compensation

To Shri Bhagwant Mann Chief Minister Punjab Dear Mann saheb, I have come across reports on the Centre asking Punjab power utilities to pay for transporting coal from the State’s coal mines in the eastern region via Adani Group’s port on the west coast (https://www.thestatesman.com/india/punjab-being-made-to-bear-high-expense-of-coal-to-benefit-adani-mann-1503154486.html). This is indeed paradoxical, to say the least! I had earlier written to you and[Read More…]

by — 14/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL)- Proposed acquisition of overseas zinc companies in Namibia and S. Africa is questionable

Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL)- Proposed acquisition of overseas zinc companies in Namibia and S. Africa is questionable

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, For the last several years, I have been questioning the Union Mines Ministry’s proposal to disinvest government’s residual equity share of 29.58% in Hindustan Zinc Ltd (HZL), keeping in view that zinc is a critical mineral on which public ownership and control would be necessary and also keeping in view the manner[Read More…]

by — 07/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Has SEBI investigated overseas companies reported to be related to the Adani Group?

Has SEBI investigated overseas companies reported to be related to the Adani Group?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, You must have received my letter of 31st January, 2023 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/02/overseas-shell-companies-a-shadow-economy-a-threat-t-national) on the legal vacuum left unfilled over the years (“shell companies” not statutorily defined), deliberately or otherwise, by the Finance and Corporate Affairs Ministries, which has perhaps strengthened the unholy nexus that exists between domestic corporate entities and their overseas shell[Read More…]

by — 03/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Overseas shell companies & a shadow economy- A threat t national interest

Overseas shell companies & a shadow economy- A threat t national interest

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Minister for Finance & Corporate Affairs, Dear Smt Sitharaman, In recent times, there has been a proliferation of overseas shell companies, which have literally come to represent a shadow economy, posing a threat to the stability of the financial system and a serious affront to national security. Answering a Rajya Sabha Question on shell companies[Read More…]

by — 01/02/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
PM’s Economic Advisory Council should not tinker with AMASR Act of 1958, endangering archaeological evidence

PM’s Economic Advisory Council should not tinker with AMASR Act of 1958, endangering archaeological evidence

To Shri Govind Mohan Secretary Union Ministry of Culture   Dear Shri Govind Mohan, I have come across a disturbing news report today (https://swarajyamag.com/news-brief/rationalise-the-number-of-monuments-of-national-importance-says-economic-advisory-council-led-by-sanjeev-sanyal) that the PM’s Economic Advisory Council (EAC) is considering a report titled “Monuments of National Importance — Urgent Need for rationalisation’ authored by Sanjeev Sanyal, pointing out that “the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)’s list of MNIs (Monuments[Read More…]

by — 31/01/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Mega Infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island would be violative of the Constitutional mandate and adversely impact the lives of the local tribals

Mega Infrastructure project in Great Nicobar Island would be violative of the Constitutional mandate and adversely impact the lives of the local tribals

To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Respected Rashtrapati Ji, Subject:- A mega Infrastructure project being undertaken by the government in Great Nicobar Island, without prior consultation with the NCST, would be violative of the Constitutional mandate and adversely impact the lives of the local tribals I wish to express my utmost concern at the manner in which the Union[Read More…]

by — 29/01/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Complaints against private insurers on non-settlement of claims under PMFBY

Complaints against private insurers on non-settlement of claims under PMFBY

To Shri Debasish Panda Chairman Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDAI) Dear Shri Panda, I have come across a news report today (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/wealth/insure/health-insurance/latest-general-and-health-insurance-claim-settlement-ratio-of-insurance-companies-in-india/printarticle/97081682.cms) that refers to information released by IRDAI on claim settlement ratios for life and general insurance claims in the case of private and public sector insurerers. According to that information, the claim settlement ratios for general insurance[Read More…]

by — 19/01/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Joshimath: A “Himalayan” Disaster – If only the decision-makers cared to heed to the people’s voice…

Joshimath: A “Himalayan” Disaster – If only the decision-makers cared to heed to the people’s voice…

Tip of the iceberg: Land subsidence in the Uttarakhand hills seems to be taking its heavy toll, not merely in Joshimath and Karanprayag, where many structures have developed cracks, but it is also likely to affect the other towns, including Gopeshwar in Chamoli district (where Joshimath is situated), Ghansali in Tehri district, Munsiari and Dharchula in Pithoragarh district, Bhatwari in[Read More…]

by — 16/01/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Is the Election Commission of India (ECI) adequately vigilant in preventing the social media from interfering in India’s electoral process?

Is the Election Commission of India (ECI) adequately vigilant in preventing the social media from interfering in India’s electoral process?

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner ECI   Shri Arun Goel Election Commissioner ECI   Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey/ Goel, I have addressed you a letter on 7-1-2022 (https://countercurrents.org/2023/01/use-of-remote-evms-for-migrants-eci-should-set-its-house-in-order/), in connection with the proposed introduction of remote EVMs for enfranchising migrant voters and, in that connection, I[Read More…]

by — 09/01/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Use of remote EVMs for migrants- ECI should set its house in order

 Use of remote EVMs for migrants- ECI should set its house in order

To   Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Shri Arun Goel Election Commissioner   Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey/ Goel, I refer to the Commission’s proposal to introduce Remote EVMs to enable migrant workers to cast their votes in their home constituencies. While the Commission’s effort to include migrant workers in the electoral[Read More…]

by — 07/01/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
Migrant Gutti Koyas (Murias) in Telangana facing a humanitarian crisis

Migrant Gutti Koyas (Murias) in Telangana facing a humanitarian crisis

To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Subject:- Migrant Gutti Koyas (Murias) in Telangana facing a humanitarian crisis- Urgent need for recognition of their Constitutional rights in Telangana, AP, Odisha and Maharashtra Respected Rashtrapati Ji, A severe conflict situation in Chhattisgarh State since 2005-06 has forced more than 50,000 Muria adivasis, recognised as a Scheduled Tribe (ST) in their[Read More…]

by — 05/01/2023 — Comments are Disabled — India
India, the “pharmacy of the world”? Should not the pharma industry set its own house in order?

India, the “pharmacy of the world”? Should not the pharma industry set its own house in order?

Inaugurating the first Global Innovation Summit of the pharmaceuticals sector in November, 2021, Prime Minister Modi, in his characteristic triumphant style, said, “the global trust earned by the Indian healthcare sector (in recent times) has led to the nation being called the “pharmacy of the world” (https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/india-is-now-being-called- pharmacy-of-the-world-says-pm-modi-121111801288_1.html). It is true that the Indian pharmaceutical sector meets 50% of the[Read More…]

by — 27/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Shrinking public sector- Need for affirmative action in the private sector

Shrinking public sector- Need for affirmative action in the private sector

To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Respected Rashtrapati Ji, In June this year, while addressing a gathering in the UK, Justice Shri D Y Chandrachud, the present Chief Justice of India (CJI), was reported to have made the following observations. “the Constitution’s transformative dimension comes from its attempt to remedy discrimination. Flowing from it, working towards equality needs to consider[Read More…]

by — 27/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Cough syrup deaths in Gambia- Need for a sensitive approach by India

Cough syrup deaths in Gambia- Need for a sensitive approach by India

To   Shri Rajesh Bhushan Union Health Secretary Dear Shri Rajesh Bhushan, I had earlier expressed my concerns about the implications of the death of 70 children in Gambia, allegedly the victims of substandard cough syrup manufactured by Maiden Pharma in Haryana. My letters 6-10-2022 and 12-10-2022 refer (https://countercurrents.org/2022/10/death-of-children-in-gambia-action-against-the-drug-regulators-called-for/?swcfpc=1). You may have seen the recent news reports on a Select[Read More…]

by — 21/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Revoke recent amendments to mineral development Rules

Revoke recent amendments to mineral development Rules

Opening mining of atomic minerals to private parties detrimental to national interest To Shri Rajiv Gauba Union Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, Please refer to my letter dated 7-10-2022 on the far reaching implications of allowing private companies to mine atomic minerals and the need for revoking recent amendments to the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA) in furtherance[Read More…]

by — 15/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Vizhinjam Port PPP- Approval for Viability Gap Funding by the Centre- Has MOF considered the CAG report?

Vizhinjam Port PPP- Approval for Viability Gap Funding by the Centre- Has MOF considered the CAG report?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, The Vizhinjam Port project being set up in Kerala as a “Landlord PPP” project involves partial financial support from the Centre towards “Viability GAP Funding”, in accordance with the PPP format developed by the erstwhile Planning Commission. The Kerala State Govt, after inviting bids from prospective promoters for the PPP[Read More…]

by — 11/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme- Is it prudent to subsidise industry?

Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme- Is it prudent to subsidise industry?

Shri G C Murmu Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) Dear Shri Murmu, I write this in continuation of my letter dated 23-11-2022 (http://eassarma.in/sites/default/files/public/Vedanta-Foxconn-Letter-to-CAG.pdf), in which I had expressed my concerns at the excessively large capital subsidies provided to profit earning private corporate groups in the guise of the stated objective, “building Indian capabilities in semiconductor manufacturing is an imperative for[Read More…]

by — 04/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Bill to amend the Forest (Conservation) Rules- NCST’s views should be placed before the Parliament

Bill to amend the Forest (Conservation) Rules- NCST’s views should be placed before the Parliament

To Ms Leena Nandan Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India Dear Ms Nandan, I understand that your Ministry has taken action to introduce a Bill to amend the Forest (Conservation) Rules in the Parliament during the ensuing winter session. The Bill has far reaching implications for the lives of the adivasis across the country[Read More…]

by — 04/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Possible violation of Model Code by Amit Shah- EC must disclose action taken

 Possible violation of Model Code by Amit Shah- EC must disclose action taken

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Shri A Goel Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey and Goel, I refer to my two letters of November 26 & 28, 2022 (http://eassarma.in/sites/default/files/public/MCC-Gujarat-Letter-dated_26-11-2022-to-CEC.pdf & http://eassarma.in/sites/default/files/public/Letter-to-ECI_28-11-2022.pdf) on possible violation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) in Gujarat by Shri Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister, in[Read More…]

by — 03/12/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Great Nicobar Island- A “Mega Infrastructure Project” cleared by Ministry of Environment without prior consultation with the NCST

Great Nicobar Island- A “Mega Infrastructure Project” cleared by Ministry of Environment without prior consultation with the NCST

To Smt Alka Tiwari Secretary National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Subject:- Great Nicobar Island- A “Mega Infrastructure Project cleared by Ministry of Environment without prior clearance by NCST Dear Smt Tiwari, I wish to submit the following concerns about this project to Hon’ble NCST for their consideration. The Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) accorded statutory Environment[Read More…]

by — 27/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Clearance for Nicobar Mega Infra Project must be revoked

Clearance for Nicobar Mega Infra Project must be revoked

Nicobar Mega Infra Project – destructive of the local ecology and detrimental to the interests of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal communities- Revoke clearance for the project To Shri Bhupender Yadav Union Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Dear Shri Yadav, I have enclosed here a copy of my letter dated 15-11-2-022 addressed to you on a mega infra[Read More…]

by — 26/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
 Amit Shah’s Statement on Gujarat: The Elections must be deferred

 Amit Shah’s Statement on Gujarat: The Elections must be deferred

Violation of Model Code of Conduct by Shri Amit Shah, the Union Home Minister in Gujarat- Defer Gujarat Assembly elections in view of the far reaching ramifications of his statement To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Shri A Goel Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar/ Pandey and Goel, I have come[Read More…]

by — 26/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
PLI subsidies- How prudent are they? Subsidies for big businesses?

PLI subsidies- How prudent are they? Subsidies for big businesses?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, In your Budget Speech this year, you referred to the government’s decision on Productivity Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme as follows: “The Productivity Linked Incentive in 14 sectors for achieving the vision of Atma Nirbhar Bharat has received excellent response, with potential to create 60 lakh new jobs, and an additional[Read More…]

by — 22/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana (PMFBY) allows big businesses to profiteer at the cost of the farmers

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bhima Yojana (PMFBY) allows big businesses to profiteer at the cost of the farmers

To   Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I refer to a news report (https://www.businessworld.in/article/Union-Min-Pradhan-Seeks-Probe-Into-Farmers-Insurance-Scheme-In-Odisha-/17-11-2022-454459/) that Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, the Union Education Minister has written to the Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister, apparently on the basis of his own sordid experience in Odisha, to “launch an investigation into the ‘scam’ committed during the implementation of the Pradhan[Read More…]

by — 19/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Allotment of Gondalpura Coal Block to the Adani Group violates Forest Rights Act

Allotment of Gondalpura Coal Block to the Adani Group violates Forest Rights Act

To Shri A L Meena Union Coal Secretary Shri A K Jha Union Secretary for Tribal affairs Dear S/Shri Meena and Jha, I understand that the Ministry of Coal has allotted Gondalpura coal block in Hazaribagh district of Jharkhand in favour of the Adani Group and the local communities who would be displaced, including adivasis, are protesting against it (https://thewire.in/rights/gondalpura-coal-mining-adani-group-protests).[Read More…]

by — 19/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Don’t kill the heritage forest in Greater Nicobar island

Don’t kill the heritage forest in Greater Nicobar island

Diversion of 130.75 sq km of heritage forest land in Greater Nicobar island for a Mega Infrastructure Project violates every conceivable environmental norm To Shri Bhupender Yadav Union Minister for Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Dear Shri Yadav, I refer to the Hindu news report (https://frontline.thehindu.com/environment/massive-infrastructure-project-proposed-by-central-government-threatens-great-nicobar-island/article65991977.ece) on an “in-principle” clearance accorded by the Forest Wing of your Ministry for[Read More…]

by — 16/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
India to be “a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25”- Winners and Losers

India to be “a USD 5 trillion economy by 2024-25”- Winners and Losers

In 2019, Prime Minister Modi envisioned “to make India a USD 5-trillion economy and global powerhouse by 2024-25” (https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/each-state-must-define-a-target-to-make-india-5-trillion-economy-pm-modi/articleshow/92288178.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst). More recently, he said. “BJP’s double-engine governments see India’s need for speed as ‘ambition’ and ‘scale’ as its ‘strength’, unlike their predecessors who treated the first as a ‘luxury”‘and the other as ‘risk’”,(http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/articleshow/95460746.cms#amp_tf=From%20%251%24s&aoh=16682908062088&csi=0&referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst) A  USD 5-trillion  sized economy by 2024-25 i.e.[Read More…]

by — 13/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Electoral bond notification in violation of model code of conduct, EC must intervene

Electoral bond notification in violation of model code of conduct, EC must intervene

Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, I wonder whether the Election Commission of India (ECI) has come across two successive statutory notifications, one issued on 29-9-2022 (“State Bank of India (SBI), in the XXII Phase of sale, has been authorised to issue and encash Electoral Bonds through its[Read More…]

by — 08/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
A police officer stands guard in front of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) head office in Mumbai April 17, 2012. The Reserve Bank of India cut interest rates on Tuesday for the first time in three years by an unexpectedly sharp 50 basis points to give a boost to flagging economic growth but warned that there is limited scope for further rate cuts. REUTERS/Vivek Prakash (INDIA - Tags: BUSINESS)

Doubts about the independence of RBI as a regulator for banks and NBFCs

To Shri Shaktikanta Das Governor RBI Dear Shri Das, As a statutory regulator for both banking and non-banking financial companies, the RBI is required to remain independent and maintain an arms length distance from their management. I have come across a disturbing news report recently (https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/rbi-encouraged-us-to-go-for-hdfc-hdfc-bank-merger-says-deepak-parekh-9452931.html) that the RBI had encouraged HDFC and HDFC Bank to go for a merger, in anticipation of[Read More…]

by — 05/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
What Morbi tragedy got to do with the timing of the announcement of Gujarat elections

What Morbi tragedy got to do with the timing of the announcement of Gujarat elections

CEC’s reported statement that Morbi bridge collapse was a factor for delaying announcement of the dates of Gujarat elections To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Respected Rashtrapati Ji, I refer to a statement reported to have been made by the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) on November 3, 2022 that “Morbi bridge collapse, a factor in delay in[Read More…]

by — 05/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Concerns about the welfare of Indian migrant workers in Qatar

Concerns about the welfare of Indian migrant workers in Qatar

To Shri Bhupender Yadav Union Labour Minister Dear Shri Yadav, Following several news reports on the problems faced by Indian migrant workers in Qatar, I addressed the External Affairs Minister, Dr S Jaishankar on 29-3-2021 for taking up the matter with the concerned authorities in Qatar.  A copy of my letter is available in your Ministry. I extract below a relevant portion of[Read More…]

by — 04/11/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Is Finance Ministry forcing the LIC to do injustice to small policy holders?

Is Finance Ministry forcing the LIC to do injustice to small policy holders?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, This refers to my last letter dated 16-9-2022, and the previous correspondence, as well as the recent report (https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/lic-plans-changes-to-revive-battered-stock-report/articleshow/95146851.cms), on the persistent, contrived attempts by your Ministry to shift LIC’s focus from safeguarding millions of its small policyholders to enriching a few limited number of affluent, speculative stock market investors, to[Read More…]

by — 29/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Centre’s move to commission studies on disinvestment of State PSUs may pave way for intruding into States’ autonomy

Centre’s move to commission studies on disinvestment of State PSUs may pave way for intruding into States’ autonomy

Letter to State Chief Ministers Respected Chief Minister, I have addressed you through a series of letters on the need for the States to form a “Federal Front” to persuade the Centre to respect the idea of cooperative federalism and ensure that the States’ autonomy as provided in the Constitution is fully safeguarded. My last letter on the subject may[Read More…]

by — 28/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
DIPAM’s failure in handling disinvestments

DIPAM’s failure in handling disinvestments

Had DIPAM conducted due diligence on bidders’ background, it would have avoided causing embarrassment to the government in Pawan Hans disinvestment   To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Referring to disposal of scrap in different government departments, the Union Minister for Personnel, Shri Jitendra Singh had proudly announced on October, 25, 2022 that “Over Rs. 254[Read More…]

by — 26/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Allotment of Barra coal block violates PESA and FRA

Allotment of Barra coal block violates PESA and FRA

Allotment of Barra coal block in Raigarh District, Chhattisgarh without local Gram Sabhas’ consent violates PESA and FRA E A S Sarma Former Secretary to Government of India To Shri Amitasbh Jain Chief Secretary Chhattisgarh State Govt Dear Shri Jain, I understand that the Union Ministry of Coal has allotted the Barra coal block in Kharsia Taluk in Raigad District[Read More…]

by — 24/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Induction of private agencies in district hospitals an imprudent step

Induction of private agencies in district hospitals an imprudent step

  To   Dr Suman Bery Vice-Chairman Niti Ayog   Dear Dr Bery, In the public healthcare set up in the country, the hospitals run by the State governments at the district level play a pivotal role, providing a vast social security cover for the people, spanning the length and the breadth of the country. The medical and the para-medical[Read More…]

by — 23/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Is the C&AG inadvertently stepping into the “freebie” controversy? What about corporate freebies?

Is the C&AG inadvertently stepping into the “freebie” controversy? What about corporate freebies?

  To Shri G C Murmu C&AG Dear Shri Murmu, I have just come across a news report (https://indianexpress.com/article/india/after-ec-now-cag-works-to-red-flag-freebies-state-largesse-8225594/) that your office would be “exploring how to devise parameters that will ‘red-flag’ the burden of subsidies, off-budget borrowings, discounts and write-offs which may pose challenges to the economy of States“. While the office of the C&AG has an obligation to audit[Read More…]

by — 23/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Why should the Election Commission involve private businesses to force their workers to vote?

Why should the Election Commission involve private businesses to force their workers to vote?

  To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, I have come across a disturbing news report (https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/ahmedabad/gujarat-firms-sign-mou-with-election-commission-to-name-shame-workers-who-dont-vote-8214689/) that “for the first time, over 1,000 corporate houses in Gujarat have signed agreements with the Election Commission (EC), undertaking to monitor ‘electoral participation of their workforce’ and publish the names of[Read More…]

by — 18/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Death of Children  in Gambia: Action against the drug regulators called for

Death of Children  in Gambia: Action against the drug regulators called for

Indian pharma company’s contaminated cough syrups have caused death of children in Gambia- Action against the drug regulators called for To Shri Rajesh Bhushan Union Health Secretary Dear Shri Bhushan, The news about an Indian pharma company’s cough syrup products causing the death of 66 children in Gambia has brought discredit to the country’s pharma industry and discredit to pharma[Read More…]

by — 12/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Revoke amendments  permitting private companies to undertake beach sand mining

 Revoke amendments  permitting private companies to undertake beach sand mining

Revoke amendments to Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA), especially with reference to entry of private companies in beach sand mining   To Shri Rajiv Gauba Union Cabinet Secretar Dear Shri Gauba, I have time and again cautioned the government not to amend the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA), as proposed by the Ministry[Read More…]

by — 07/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Centrally sponsored schemes violate the spirit of federalism, also wastes public resources 

Centrally sponsored schemes violate the spirit of federalism, also wastes public resources 

Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) funded under article 282 of the Constitution not only pose a threat to federalism but also lead to misapplication of scarce public resources To Shri G C Murmu Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) Dear Shri Murmu, Earlier, vide my letter dated 20-9-2022, I had requested your office to conduct a special audit of a[Read More…]

by — 07/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Deaths of Children due to contaminated cough syrups- Role of the Drug Controller of India

Deaths of Children due to contaminated cough syrups- Role of the Drug Controller of India

To Shri Rajesh Bhushan Union Health Secretary Dear Shri Bhushan, During the last few years, the use of spurious cough syrup in India has caused deaths of infants. Eleven children lost their lives due to this in J&K in 2020 (https://indianexpress.com/article/india/jammu-children-deaths-poisonous-cough-syrup-recalled-udhampur-district-6286962/). There were several such instances in other States, as evident from the following news reports. https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/himachal-pradesh-toxic-cough-syrup-maker-gave-misleading-quality-report-hc-informed-6562290/ https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/industry/healthcare/biotech/pharmaceuticals/cough-syrup-had-nothing-to-do-with-children-deaths-digital-vision-owner/articleshow/74312160.cms?from=mdr Despite this, no tangible[Read More…]

by — 06/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Appeal to President of India: Set up a legal service authority to get speedy justice to undertrials

Appeal to President of India: Set up a legal service authority to get speedy justice to undertrials

An appeal for initiating action to set up a legal service authority to reach out to undertrials and secure access for them to legal assistance for enabling them to get justice To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Respected Rashtrapati Ji, I had earlier addressed you vide my letter dated 25-7-2022 (which can also be readily accessed at[Read More…]

by — 02/10/2022 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
Hasty launch of 5G mobile services without a matching preparation to indigenise mobile devices has strategic implications

Hasty launch of 5G mobile services without a matching preparation to indigenise mobile devices has strategic implications

To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Bhalla, The Dept of Telecommunications (DOT) had conducted 5G spectrum auctions recently, without fully appreciating the strategic implications of privatising the spectrum and without adequate preparatory steps to indigenise the 5G mobile technology so as to make sure that the country’s mobile services do not become captive to foreign agencies.[Read More…]

by — 30/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Corporate entities’ excessive dependence on PSU banks- Financial stability implications

Corporate entities’ excessive dependence on PSU banks- Financial stability implications

  To Shri Shaktikanta Das Governor RBI Dear Shri Shaktikanta Das, I had earlier written to you about excessive borrowings by certain corporate entities from the PSU banks and their over-leveraged operations (https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/reports-on-highly-leveraged-debt-based-operations-of-the-adani-group-calls-for-a-closer-look-from-the-psu-banks-point-of-view/). In particular, I had suggested that RBI should be aware of the implications of corporates carrying out their operations, heavily dependent on PSU bank credit, instead of[Read More…]

by — 30/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Cancellation of disinvestment of Central Electronics Ltd (CEL)- Why has government exonerated DIPAM and its advisors?

Cancellation of disinvestment of Central Electronics Ltd (CEL)- Why has government exonerated DIPAM and its advisors?

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I gather that the government has decided to scrap disinvestment of the Central Electronics Ltd (CEL), apparently on the ground that there were quasi-judicial proceedings pending against the bidder selected by DIPAM, a fact that  the bidder had not disclosed. Thus, the blame seems to have been placed entirely on the[Read More…]

by — 29/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
PMFBY- Does it provide insurance for farmers or for private corporates?- Request for a performance audit

PMFBY- Does it provide insurance for farmers or for private corporates?- Request for a performance audit

To Shri G C Murmu Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) Dear Shri Murmu, The Ministry of Agriculture had introduced a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) around 5 years ago for providing comprehensive crop insurance for farmers. Insurance under PMFBY is a precondition for farmers to take crop loans. From the website of PMFBY and[Read More…]

by — 20/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Overseas investment rules- August, 2022- Do they open the floodgates to money laundering?

Overseas investment rules- August, 2022- Do they open the floodgates to money laundering?

To Shri Ajay Seth Secretary (DEA) Ministry of Finance Govt of India   Dear Shri Seth I refer to the revised overseas investment rules issued by the Union Finance Ministry vide GSR 646(E) dated 22-8-2022 on overseas direct investment (ODI). Apparently, these rules were notified on the basis of a draft notification placed in the public domain about a year[Read More…]

by — 18/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Dematerialising LIC’s policies- It can have implications for small policy holders

Dematerialising LIC’s policies- It can have implications for small policy holders

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I have come across a report today (https://www.business-standard.com/article/finance/lic-exploring-all-options-on-dematerialisation-of-insurance-policies-122091500928_1.html) that the Insurance Regulatory Authority of India (IRDAI) has proposed to “dematerialise” all insurance policies, including life insurance policies. As a follow up measure, LIC seems to be considering to set up its own repository, in view of the large number of[Read More…]

by — 16/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Disposal of Railways’ surplus land- Legal implications

Disposal of Railways’ surplus land- Legal implications

To Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Union Railway Minister   Dear Shri Vaishnaw, I have come across a news report recently that the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved a steep reduction in the annual rental for land leased to third parties by the Railways from the existing 6% to 1.5% of the market value of the land, annual step-up[Read More…]

by — 10/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Recent 5G spectrum auctions- Post-tender developments erode the credibility of the auctions

Recent 5G spectrum auctions- Post-tender developments erode the credibility of the auctions

  To Shri K Rajaraman Secretary (Telecommunications) Govt of India Dear Shri Rajaraman, I had earlier addressed the Comptroller & Auditor General of India (C&AG) to scrutinise the recent 5G spectrum auctions, keeping in view the absence of any worthwhile competition, which diluted its credibility, as also the post-tender relaxations allowed, that had the effect of vitiating the sanctity of[Read More…]

by — 08/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Privatisation of NMDC’s steel plant at Nagarnar village in Bastar raises serious legal issues

Privatisation of NMDC’s steel plant at Nagarnar village in Bastar raises serious legal issues

  To Shri Anil Kumar Jha Union Tribal Affairs Secretary   Shri Alok Tandon Union Mines Secretary   Shri Amitabh Jain Chief Secretary Chhattisgarh   Dear S/Shri Jha, Tandon and Jain, I understand that NMDC’s steel plant near Nagarnar in Bastar district of Chattisgarh has been demerged from NMDC and the Centre is fast-tracking its privatisation. There are some important[Read More…]

by — 06/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Hindustan Latex Lifecare Ltd (HLL)- Empower the COPSE, not dismantle it through privatisation

Hindustan Latex Lifecare Ltd (HLL)- Empower the COPSE, not dismantle it through privatisation

  To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Over the last few months, I have addressed the government more than once, expressing my concern at the undue haste in which the government has resorted to privatising CPSEs and their valuable assets. For ready reference, some of those letters may be accessed at the following web-links. https://countercurrents.org/2022/03/lic-ipo-gross-injustice-to-the-smaller-lic-policy-holders-especially-those-belonging-to-the-scs-sts-obcs/ https://www.moneylife.in/article/lic-ipo-gross-underestimated-valuation-put-it-on-hold-says-eas-sarma/66146.html https://countercurrents.org/2022/01/cpse-disinvestment-valuation-approach-flawed/ https://countercurrents.org/2022/07/privatisation-of-psu-banks-legal-and-other-implications/[Read More…]

by — 05/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Increasing threat to federalism from Centrally Sponsored Schemes- Need to form a Federal Front

Increasing threat to federalism from Centrally Sponsored Schemes- Need to form a Federal Front

  Letter to the Chief Ministers Respected Chief Ministers, Subject:- Increasing threat to federalism from Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs)– Need to form a Federal Front of the States to persuade the Centre not to proliferate CSSs, instead transfer existing CSSs with the associated fund allocations to the States I invite your attention to my letter dated March 2, 2022 addressed to[Read More…]

by — 03/09/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Loans to big businesses and the other risks faced by the public sector banks

Loans to big businesses and the other risks faced by the public sector banks

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, In my letter dated 26-8-2022 addressed to RBI Governor (https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/reports-on-highly-leveraged-debt-based-operations-of-the-adani-group-calls-for-a-closer-look-from-the-psu-banks-point-of-view/), I had specifically referred to the risks  the public sector banks (PSBs) face from loans given to large private groups of companies, excessively dependent on over-leveraged debt, with little equity contributions of their own, aggressively expanding their activities into new areas in which they[Read More…]

by — 31/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Reports on highly leveraged debt-based operations of the Adani Group- calls for a closer look from the PSU banks’ point of view

Reports on highly leveraged debt-based operations of the Adani Group- calls for a closer look from the PSU banks’ point of view

 To Shri Shaktikant Das Governor RBI Dear Shri Das, RBI must have seen the disturbing report of the credit research agency, CreditSights, on highly over-leveraged expansion programme undertaken by the Adani Group in India and abroad (https://www.reuters.com/world/india/indias-adani-group-deeply-overleveraged-creditsights-says-2022-08-23/) The credit research agency is reported to have pointed out, “The conglomerate’s debt-funded growth plans could spiral ‘into a massive debt trap’ and[Read More…]

by — 26/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
5G Spectrum: Why the relaxation of security conditions in border areas?

5G Spectrum: Why the relaxation of security conditions in border areas?

To Shri G C Murmu C&AG Dear Shri Murmu, I write this in continuation of my previous two letters dated 13-8-2022 & 15-8-2022 on the 5G spectrum auctions (https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/5g-spectrum-is-it-a-distress-sale-cag-may-look-at-it-carefully/) There are two important post-tender developments that accentuate the concerns I had raised in my letter dated 13-8-2022. They are as follows. Relaxation of security conditions in border areas for mobile operators- Is[Read More…]

by — 26/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
NDA government’s mismanagement of the CPSEs- ONGC a case in point

NDA government’s mismanagement of the CPSEs- ONGC a case in point

  To Shri Rajiv Gauba Union Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, I have cautioned the government several times on the need to strengthen the CPSEs from the point of view of promoting the country’s self-reliance, rather than weaken and privatise them. The way the government has dealt with the Maharatna oil behemoth, the ONGC is a case in point. In particular,[Read More…]

by — 22/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
A statutory umbrella institution to exercise independent oversight on the Central investigating agencies, the need of the hour

A statutory umbrella institution to exercise independent oversight on the Central investigating agencies, the need of the hour

To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Respected Rashtrapati Ji, Delivering the 19th D P Kohli Memorial Lecture on ‘Democracy: Role and Responsibilities of Investigative Agencies’ in April this year, Chief Justice of India (CJI), Shri N V Ramana said, “our rich diversity cannot be sustained through dictatorial governance……with the passage of time, like every other institution of repute, the[Read More…]

by — 20/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Unilateral imposition of obligations imposed by the Centre on State Power Utilities- The Centre to compensate the States

Unilateral imposition of obligations imposed by the Centre on State Power Utilities- The Centre to compensate the States

 Letter to the Chief Ministers Respected Chief Minister Kindly refer to my letter dated 8-8-2022 (https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/two-electricity-bills-tabled-in-the-parliament-without-consulting-the-states-letter-to-the-chief-ministers-of-states/) in which I cited the unilateral manner in which the Centre had tabled two Bills in the Parliament, one introducing several regressive amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003 and another for amending the Energy Conservation Act, also imposing undue obligations on the State power[Read More…]

by — 19/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Groundwater management, farm subsidies & food security- Need to adopt a holistic view

Groundwater management, farm subsidies & food security- Need to adopt a holistic view

 To Dr Suman Bery Vice-Chairmam Niti Ayog Dear Dr Bery, For quite some time, I have been requesting both Niti Ayog and the Jal Shakti Ministry to take a long-term view of groundwater management and its implications for electricity subsidies and food security. In particular, I invite your attention to my letter dated 15-9-2020 addressed to the Prime Minister and[Read More…]

by — 15/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
5G Spectrum – Is it a distress sale? CAG may look at it carefully

5G Spectrum – Is it a distress sale? CAG may look at it carefully

To   Shri G C Murmu C&AG     Dear Shri Murmu,   I write this in continuation of my previous letter dated 13-8-2022 on the 5G spectrum auctions (https://countercurrents.org/2022/08/5g-spectrum-is-it-a-distress-sale-cag-may-look-at-it-carefully/)   The DOT is about to resume 5G spectrum auctions and put more valuable spectrum bands on a distress sale (https://m.economictimes.com/industry/telecom/telecom-news/dot-initiates-process-to-auction-more-5g-spectrum/articleshow/93564927.cms) I have already pointed out in detail how the earlier[Read More…]

by — 15/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Employees Pension Scheme: Not consistent with human dignity

Employees Pension Scheme: Not consistent with human dignity

Pension entitlement of retiring low-wage employees of public and private sectors under the EPS Scheme not consistent with human dignity To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Kindly refer to my letters dated 22-9-2020 & 11-3-2021 addressed to you seeking revision of pension under EPS-95 scheme to bring it in line with the necessity of enabling the[Read More…]

by — 14/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
5G Spectrum – Is it a distress sale? CAG may look at it carefully

5G Spectrum – Is it a distress sale? CAG may look at it carefully

To Shri G C Murmu C&AG Dear Shri Murmu, The Department of Telecommunications (DOT) in the Ministry of Communications has just finalized 5G spectrum auctions. According  to the Ministry’s statements, out of the 72,098 MHz of spectrum put on sale, the government has realised Rs 150,173 Crores from the sale of 51,236 MHz of spectrum that could be sold. Most[Read More…]

by — 13/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Two Electricity Bills tabled in the Parliament without consulting the States – Letter to the Chief Ministers of States

 Two Electricity Bills tabled in the Parliament without consulting the States – Letter to the Chief Ministers of States

Respected Chief Minister, At the recent Niti Ayog meeting, the Prime Minister (PM) is reported to have said that “India’s federal structure and cooperative federalism emerged as a model for the world during Covid crisis” (https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/indias-federal-structure-became-role-model-covid-19-pm-modi-niti-aayog-meeting-101659873302169.html). While the sentiment underlying the statement is commendable, it is important that it is translated into tangible action in all respects. In the past,[Read More…]

by — 08/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Stop political parties giving “freebies” to there electorate

Stop political parties giving “freebies” to there electorate

To Shri Rajiv Kumar CEC Shri Anup Chandra Pandey EC Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, I understand that a PIL has been filed before the Supreme Court seeking a direction to stop political parties from promising and distributing “irrational freebies” during election campaigns. Any undue inducement by a political party in power to woo the voters at the cost[Read More…]

by — 03/08/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Photo by Thejaswi

 Recent amendment of the Forest Conservation Rules- Issue a clarification to the States

To Smt Leena Nandan Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India   Shri A K Jha Secretary Ministry of Tribal Affairs Govt of India   Dear Smt Nandan and Shri Jha,   I refer to the amendment introduced by the MEFCC to the Forest (Conservation) Rules vide GSR 480(E) dated 28-6-2022, in which the procedure for[Read More…]

by — 29/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Need for transparency in disclosing fiscal liabilities under the FRBM

Need for transparency in disclosing fiscal liabilities under the FRBM

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, As one closely associated [as the then Chairman of the committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) legislation in the year 2000] with the idea of evolving a statutory framework for the Centre and the States to ensure transparency in terms of the disclosure of fiscal liabilities to their respective[Read More…]

by — 26/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
President should play a proactive role for tribals

President should play a proactive role for tribals

To Smt Droupadi Murmu President of India Rashtrapati Bhawan Respected Rashtrapati Ji, I wish to congratulate you on being elected as the  President of India. As the first representative of the adivasis of the country, I have no doubt that you will take a proactive role in re-orienting the policy of the government for the overall betterment of the adivasis’[Read More…]

by — 25/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
CHOWKIPUR, INDIA, - SEPTEMBER 18: Boys study by lantern light in a house L-R: (children closest to camera) Nitish Suraj (12), Ashish Choudhary (10), Baijunath Paswan (7) in Chowkipur India on September 18, 2015. Chowkipur is a village 60 KM from Patna that has no electricity. (Photo by Simon de Trey-White for the Washington Post)

 Letter to the State Chief Ministers – Come together on Electricity and MSP

Respected Chief Minister, I had earlier addressed you through a series of letters on the range of policy changes introduced by the Centre that amounted to making inroads into the legislative and the executive domains of the States and overstepping the lakshman rekha of federalism that lies at the core of the parliamentary democratic system provided in the Constitution. The[Read More…]

by — 23/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
CESTA’s order in favour of some Adani Group companies in a case being pursued by the DRI

CESTA’s order in favour of some Adani Group companies in a case being pursued by the DRI

To Shri Tarun Bajaj Union Revenue Secretary Dear Shri Bajaj, I understand that the a Customs, Excise & Service Tax Appellate Tribunal (CESTAT) has pronounced an order in favour of the Adani Group in a case being investigated by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on alleged over invoicing of power equipment by some companies belonging to that group. I refer[Read More…]

by — 21/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Proposed amendments to Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act- Not in the national interest

Proposed amendments to Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act- Not in the national interest

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India I have just come across a public notice issued by the Union Ministry of Mines proposing a few far reaching amendments to the Mines & Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act, 1957 (MMDRA). I have enclosed here a copy of the relevant notice [Ministry of Mines No. M VI-1/3/2022- Mines VI dated[Read More…]

by — 16/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Empower the CPSEs, not privatise them

Empower the CPSEs, not privatise them

“We must have full control over our electricity production and performance”, said the French Prime Minister recently, when she informed the Parliament of the government’s decision to increase its equity share from the present 83.76% to 100% in the EDF company, France’s premier nuclear electricity utility and one of the largest producers of nuclear electricity in the world. France has[Read More…]

by — 14/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Violation of the provisions of the Forest Rights Act & infringement of the rights of the tribals

Violation of the provisions of the Forest Rights Act & infringement of the rights of the tribals

To Shri Bhupesh Baghel Chief Minister Chhattisgarh Dear Shri Baghel, I have come across a news report (https://indianexpress.com/article/india/forest-conservation-rules-disempower-tribals-congress-8021282/) on a Congress spokesperson alleging that the NDA government at the Centre had amended the rules framed under the Forest Conservation Act on June 28, 2022, that would effectively bypass the requirement under another Central legislation, the Forest Rights Act (FRA) which[Read More…]

by — 11/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Political Parties To Receive Foreign Donation?

Political Parties To Receive Foreign Donation?

To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, Please refer to my last letter dated 24-6-2022 about the danger posed by money power to the integrity of the electoral processes in the country (https://countercurrents.org/2022/06/money-power-of-the-political-parties-making-a-mockery-of-the-integrity-of-the-electoral-process/) I hope that the Election Commission of India (ECI) has considered my suggestions carefully and[Read More…]

by — 03/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Privatisation of PSU banks- legal and other implications

Privatisation of PSU banks- legal and other implications

 To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, In your Budget speech last year, you had mentioned that the government would privatise a few PSU banks in due course. There are reports on statements originating from your Ministry that the government would introduce a Bill during the coming monsoon session for enabling it to privatise PSU banks in[Read More…]

by — 01/07/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Iron ore mining in Dantewada should conform to PESA & FRA

Iron ore mining in Dantewada should conform to PESA & FRA

  To Shri Anil Kumar Jha Union Tribal Affairs Secretary   Shri Alok Tandon Union Mines Secretary   Shri Amitabh Jain Chief Secretary Chhattisgarh   Dear S/Shri Jha, Tandon and Jain, I have come across a report (https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/nmdc-s-steel-plant-sale-may-fetch-enterprise-valuation-of-up-to-4-bn-122062700710_1.html) that the NMDC (a joint sector PSU of the Centre and the State governments) would be shortly hiving off its steel mill with[Read More…]

by — 28/06/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Money power of the political parties making a mockery of the integrity of the electoral process

Money power of the political parties making a mockery of the integrity of the electoral process

 To Shri Rajiv Kumar Chief Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Dear S/Shri Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, The naked display of money power by the political parties in India, as in display right now and amply evident over the years, raises concerns about the integrity of the electoral process itself and the role of the Election[Read More…]

by — 24/06/2022 — 1 comment — India
Sterlite Tuticorin should return the land to original agricultural owners

Sterlite Tuticorin should return the land to original agricultural owners

Sterlite’s Copper Smelting Plant at Tuticorin- Illegal for Sterlite to sell the occupied land which should revert to the original agricultural owners To Shri M. K. Stalin Chief Minister Tamil Nadu Dear Shri Stalin, I understand that the Sterlite company of the Vedanta Group has proposed to sell its Copper Smelter plant at Tuticorin in Tamil Nadu. It is ironic[Read More…]

by — 21/06/2022 — 1 comment — India
The Centre likely to amend the 2003 Electricity Act

The Centre likely to amend the 2003 Electricity Act

The Centre likely to table the Bill in the Parliament in the monsoon session to amend the 2003 Electricity Act – The need for the States to express their views  Respected Chief Minister, Kindly recall how the Centre, a few years ago, had unilaterally enacted the three farm laws, in addition to introducing a Bill to amend the 2003 electricity[Read More…]

by — 19/06/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Asset monetisation counter productive- Analyse before you rush into it

Asset monetisation counter productive- Analyse before you rush into it

 To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister   Dear Smt Sitharaman, Your Ministry seems to be rushing into monetisation of assets of the CPSEs without adequate due diligence on the comparative costs and benefits. For example, I have come across a news report (https://www.livemint.com/industry/infrastructure/govt-asks-oil-psus-to-come-up-with-monetization-plan-11655236473972.html) that your ministry has been persuading the Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MPNG) to ensure[Read More…]

by — 15/06/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Why rush into privatising BEML, a CPSE that caters to the defence forces?

Why rush into privatising BEML, a CPSE that caters to the defence forces?

 To Shri Rajnath Singh Union Defence Minister   Dear Shri Rajnath Singh, Kindly refer to my earlier letter dated 3-2-2022 (https://countercurrents.org/2022/02/should-the-government-disinvest-beml-at-all-is-it-not-imprudent/) raising concerns against the proposed privatisation of Bharat Earth Movers Ltd. (BEML) which is a CPSE under the administrative oversight of your ministry and plays a crucial role in meeting the strategic requirements of the defence forces. I have extracted below[Read More…]

by — 08/06/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Action against private coal developers for failure to deliver planned coal supplies partly leading to the current coal crisis

Action against private coal developers for failure to deliver planned coal supplies partly leading to the current coal crisis

To Shri A K Jain Union Coal Secretary Dear Shri Jain, I had written to the Cabinet Secretary earlier on 5-5-2022 (https://countercurrents.org/2022/05/private-companies-exploiting-the-state-power-utilities-with-active-support-from-central-ministries/) about the likely factors that were responsible for the unprecedented coal crisis that has crippled the economy. Partly, the failure on the part of the private coal franchisees to deliver coal as per the expected levels has been a[Read More…]

by — 06/06/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Unprecedented coal crisis arising from the failure of the Centre to coordinate coal supplies and logistics to meet the summer surge in electricity demand

Unprecedented coal crisis arising from the failure of the Centre to coordinate coal supplies and logistics to meet the summer surge in electricity demand

  To Respected Chief Minister Sir, Kindly see my letters addressed to you sometime ago (accessible at the following links) on the need for the States to come together to set up a federal front to take up common issues with the Centre, so as to uphold the spirit of federalism that lies at the core of the Constitution. https://countercurrents.org/2022/03/proposal-for-a-federal-front-to-contain-the-onslaught-on-federalism/ https://countercurrents.org/2022/02/welcoming-the-opposition-to-centres-likely-move-to-privatise-singareni-collieries/ https://countercurrents.org/2022/02/onslaught-on-federalism-an-appeal-for-a-federal-front/[Read More…]

by — 04/06/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 No valid justification for your Ministry to privatise the CEL, despite allegations of bid rigging in the earlier sale

 No valid justification for your Ministry to privatise the CEL, despite allegations of bid rigging in the earlier sale

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I refer to my earlier letter of May 19, 2022 (http://eassarma.in/sites/default/files/public/Drop-privatisation-forthwith.pdf) calling upon your Ministry to drop all further disinvestment proposals, in view of the dubious outcomes of the sale of the CEL and Pawan Hans and the potential fraudulent aspects of the LIC IPO. Apparently, the Centre is in[Read More…]

by — 04/06/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Imprudent for govt to divest its residual equity share of 29.5% in HZL

 Imprudent for govt to divest its residual equity share of 29.5% in HZL

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Union Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, In the past, I had written to your predecessors and the Ministry of Mines not to divest the government’s share of equity in Hindustan Zinc Ltd. (HZL), keeping in view the strategic nature of Zinc as a scarce mineral. I understand from recent news reports (https://www.news18.com/news/business/vedanta-cant-buy-more-than-5-stake-in-hindustan-zinc-if-divestment-happens-anil-agarwal-5243107.html) that the government has[Read More…]

by — 27/05/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Coal Crisis- The States should collectively voice their concern

Coal Crisis- The States should collectively voice their concern

To Respected Chief Minister Sir, Kindly see my letters addressed to you sometime ago (accessible at the following links) on the need for the States to come together to set up a federal front to take up common issues with the Centre, so as to uphold the spirit of federalism that lies at the core of the Constitution. https://countercurrents.org/2022/03/proposal-for-a-federal-front-to-contain-the-onslaught-on-federalism/ https://countercurrents.org/2022/02/welcoming-the-opposition-to-centres-likely-move-to-privatise-singareni-collieries/ https://countercurrents.org/2022/02/onslaught-on-federalism-an-appeal-for-a-federal-front/ https://countercurrents.org/2022/02/welcoming-the-opposition-to-centres-likely-move-to-privatise-singareni-collieries/[Read More…]

by — 11/05/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Private companies exploiting the State power utilities with active support from Central Ministries

 Private companies exploiting the State power utilities with active support from Central Ministries

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, Kindly see my letter dated 4-4-2022 to Coal Secretary on how private companies are openly exploiting the State power utilities with passive and active support from Central Ministries (https://countercurrents.org/2022/04/private-companies-exploiting-the-coal-crisis-need-for-an-investigation/). While the CIL and the SCCL, the two premier public sector coal companies, are doing their best to ramp up coal production[Read More…]

by — 05/05/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Is your government consciously defrauding the policyholders of the LIC?

Is your government consciously defrauding the policyholders of the LIC?

 To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Please refer to my letters dated 6-3-2022, 11-4-2022, 16-4-2022 & 23-4-2022 addressed to you on the manner in which the proposed LIC IPO would do gross injustice to millions of its policyholders, largely belonging to the SCs/STs/OBCs.   In my letters cited, I have pointed out to you the five-fold[Read More…]

by — 28/04/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Bulldozer Babas, False Encounters, Detentions without Trial – Shape of things to come?

Bulldozer Babas, False Encounters, Detentions without Trial – Shape of things to come?

When Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister was posing for pictures, adventurously sitting atop a bulldozer in the new JCB factory inaugurated recently in Gujarat, little did he realise (or, did he deliberately choose to ignore?) that only a few days earlier, similar bulldozers were deployed by the local authorities to demolish buildings in the Jahangirpuri colony in New Delhi[Read More…]

by — 26/04/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
LIC IPO- Gross Injustice To The Smaller LIC Policy Holders

LIC IPO- Gross Injustice To The Smaller LIC Policy Holders

  To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Please refer to my letters dated 6-3-2022, 11-4-2022 & 16-4-2022 addressed to you on the manner in which the proposed LIC IPO would do gross injustice to its policyholders, largely belonging to the SCs/STs/OBCs (https://countercurrents.org/2022/03/lic-ipo-gross-injustice-to-the-smaller-lic-policy-holders-especially-those-belonging-to-the-scs-sts-obcs/ & https://countercurrents.org/2022/04/most-disadvantaged-policy-holders-to-lose-out-in-lic-ipo/ & https://countercurrents.org/2022/04/lic-ipo-gross-injustice-to-the-smaller-lic-policy-holders/) In my earlier correspondence, I had brought to your notice the following disturbing[Read More…]

by — 23/04/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
LIC IPO- Gross Injustice To The Smaller LIC Policy Holders

LIC IPO- Gross Injustice To The Smaller LIC Policy Holders

  To   Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Please refer to my letters dated 6-3-2022  & 11-4-2022 addressed to you on the manner in which the proposed LIC IPO would do gross injustice to its policyholders, largely belonging to the SCs/STs/OBCs (https://countercurrents.org/2022/03/lic-ipo-gross-injustice-to-the-smaller-lic-policy-holders-especially-those-belonging-to-the-scs-sts-obcs/ & https://countercurrents.org/2022/04/most-disadvantaged-policy-holders-to-lose-out-in-lic-ipo/). In my correspondence, I had pointed out again and again how the IPO would[Read More…]

by — 16/04/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Most disadvantaged policy holders to lose out in LIC IPO

Most disadvantaged policy holders to lose out in LIC IPO

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Please refer to my letter dated 6-3-2022 addressed to you on the manner in which the proposed LIC IPO would do gross injustice to the policy holders of the LIC, largely belonging to the SCs/STs/OBCs (https://countercurrents.org/2022/03/lic-ipo-gross-injustice-to-the-smaller-lic-policy-holders-especially-those-belonging-to-the-scs-sts-obcs/) As apprehended by me in my letter, it appears that not more than 8[Read More…]

by — 11/04/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Opportune time for India to extend help to crisis-stricken Sri Lanka by involving the CPSEs

Opportune time for India to extend help to crisis-stricken Sri Lanka by involving the CPSEs

Letter to the Prime Minister on involving the CPSEs with a good track record in investing in Sri Lanka in the context of the economic crisis faced by that country   To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister of India   Dear Shri Modi, I welcome the timely help being provided by India to Sri Lanka at this crucial hour,[Read More…]

by — 08/04/2022 — Comments are Disabled — South Asia
Private companies exploiting the coal crisis- Need for an investigation

Private companies exploiting the coal crisis- Need for an investigation

 To Shri A K Jain Union Coal Secretary Dear Shri Jain, The 2021 coal crisis has severely impacted the power sector, especially the performance of the DISCOMs operating within the State sector. As a result of the shortfalls in coal supplies, the DISCOMs were forced to import coal at exorbitant prices, which in turn escalated the price of electricity. As a[Read More…]

by — 04/04/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Proposal for a Federal Front to contain the onslaught on federalism

Proposal for a Federal Front to contain the onslaught on federalism

To Shri Bhagwant Mann Chief Minister Punjab Dear Shri Mann, Let me take this opportunity to congratulate you on taking over as the Chief Minister of Punjab. I am sure that your government will help open a new chapter in the politics of the State for the good of the people. In the federal framework in which the Centre and[Read More…]

by — 26/03/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Pegassus- Thorough investigation called for

Pegassus- Thorough investigation called for

 To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Bhalla, I have requested you time and again to get the whole matter concerning the use of Pegasus spyware in several States in India properly investigated. My last letter was sent to you on 22-7-2021 (https://countercurrents.org/2021/07/pegasus-spyware-need-for-thorough-investigation/) As I have pointed out, several States in India (AP, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra etc.) had apparently[Read More…]

by — 18/03/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Welcome Kerala Legislative Assembly’s resolution opposing disinvestment of the LIC

Welcome Kerala Legislative Assembly’s resolution opposing disinvestment of the LIC

 To   Shri Pinarayi Vijayan Chief Minister Kerala Dear Shri Vijayan, I wish to compliment the Kerala Legislative Assembly for unanimously passing a resolution voicing concern over the Centre’s move to sell its equity in the LIC to stock market investors and urging the Centre to retain the institution as a wholly government-owned CPSE, considering that it has played a key[Read More…]

by — 17/03/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Election Commission must order 100% verification of VVPATs

Election Commission must order 100% verification of VVPATs

 To   Shri Sushil Chandra Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri Rajiv Kumar Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri Anup Chandra Pandey Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Dear S/Shri Satish Chandra, Rajiv Kumar, Pandey, I refer to the report of the Citizens’ Commission on Elections (CCE), chaired by Justice Madan B Lokur. I wonder whether the[Read More…]

by — 15/03/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Reduction in interest accruals to EPFO’s beneficiaries – Mismanagement of EPFO investments

Reduction in interest accruals to EPFO’s beneficiaries – Mismanagement of EPFO investments

  To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I understand that the Employees Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has further reduced the interest rate on beneficiaries’ deposits from 8.5% during 2020-21 to 8.1% during 2021-22, adversely affecting more than 7 crores of EPFO subscribers (https://www.livemint.com/news/epf-interest-rate-for-2021-22-reduced-to-8-1-lowest-since-197778-11647069646411.html). The rate of interest fixed by the EPFO for 2021-22 is the lowest since 1977-78.[Read More…]

by — 13/03/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
LIC IPO- Gross injustice to the smaller LIC policy holders, especially those belonging to the SCs/STs/OBCs

LIC IPO- Gross injustice to the smaller LIC policy holders, especially those belonging to the SCs/STs/OBCs

  To   Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Earlier, I had written two letters to you (https://www.moneylife.in/article/lic-ipo-gross-underestimated-valuation-put-it-on-hold-says-eas-sarma/66146.html, https://countercurrents.org/2022/01/cpse-disinvestment-valuation-approach-flawed/) about the flawed approach to valuing the LIC for listing it in the stock markets and the injustice meted out to millions of small policy holders, with a view to grant undue benefits to a handful of speculative,[Read More…]

by — 06/03/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Help set up a Federal Front to thwart Central leadership’s onslaught on Federalism

Help set up a Federal Front to thwart Central leadership’s onslaught on Federalism

To Thiru M K Stalin Chief Minister Tamilnadu Dear Thiru Stalin, In your recently released book, Ungalil Oruvan (One Amongst You), you have highlighted, among others, the necessity for the States to come together to protect the equitable federal framework in which the Centre and the States should function.  On the occasion of the book release, as per news reports, you have[Read More…]

by — 02/03/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Onslaught on Federalism- An appeal for a Federal Front

Onslaught on Federalism- An appeal for a Federal Front

To Shri K Chandrasekhar Rao Chief Minister Telangana Dear Shri Chandrasekhar Rao garu, I had earlier written to you on 8-2-2022 welcoming your opposition to the Centre’s unilateral proposal to privatise the Singareni Collieries. Considering it from the point of view of federalism, in that letter I had suggested that the States should come together to counter the growing threat[Read More…]

by — 24/02/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Far reaching national interest implications of privatising DISCOMs

Far reaching national interest implications of privatising DISCOMs

  To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary   Dear Shri Bhalla, The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) seems to be rushing into privatising the electricity distribution systems in the Union Territories (UTs). I understand that the proposal to privatise the Chandigarh DISCOM is at an advanced stage. So is the case with the DISCOMs in Dadra & Nagar Haveli,[Read More…]

by — 23/02/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 The political economy of CPSE disinvestment: Has national wealth been put on a distress sale?

 The political economy of CPSE disinvestment: Has national wealth been put on a distress sale?

2021 Disinvestment Policy: The sweeping, ill-advised disinvestment policy announced by the NDA government in December, 2021 has put most of the national wealth on a distress sale. The few oligarchs who fund the political parties and issue diktats on policy are waiting with their war chests of funds ready to buy the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)  for a song,[Read More…]

by — 16/02/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Welcoming the opposition to Centre’s likely move to privatise Singareni Collieries

Welcoming the opposition to Centre’s likely move to privatise Singareni Collieries

To Shri K Chandrasekhar Rao Chief Minister Telangana Dear Shri Chandrasekhar Rao garu, I welcome your statement expressing Telangana government’s opposition to the Centre’s move to privatise Singareni Collieries. It has certainly set the tone for a wider coalition being formed among the States to protect federalism. The NDA government has gone berserk by adopting a sweeping policy to disinvest the[Read More…]

by — 08/02/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Should the government disinvest BEML at all? Is it not imprudent?

 Should the government disinvest BEML at all? Is it not imprudent?

To   Shri Rajnath Singh Union Defence Minister Dear Shri Rajnath Singh, I understand that the Department of Investment and Public Asset Management (DIPAM), Ministry of Finance has processed disinvestment of 26% of the equity of the BEML, a CPSE under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence. From what I could gather from news reports, two private companies are[Read More…]

by — 03/02/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
CPSE disinvestment- Imprudent to ignore R&D effort in CPSEs at the cost of self-reliance

CPSE disinvestment- Imprudent to ignore R&D effort in CPSEs at the cost of self-reliance

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I write this in continuation of my earlier letter dated 24-1-2022 (https://countercurrents.org/2022/01/cpse-disinvestment-valuation-approach-flawed/) expressing my concern at the flawed valuation methodology adopted by  the Department of Investment and Asset Management (DIPAM) for valuing the CPSEs for disinvestment. It appears that your Ministry has not cared to revisit the methodology, as evident from the fact[Read More…]

by — 01/02/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
CPSE disinvestment- Valuation approach flawed, Imprudent to ignore R&D effort in CPSEs at the cost of self-reliance

CPSE disinvestment- Valuation approach flawed, Imprudent to ignore R&D effort in CPSEs at the cost of self-reliance

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I refer to my letter dated January 15, 2022 on the imprudence of listing LIC in the stock market and the misleading valuation approach adopted by the government (https://www.moneylife.in/article/lic-ipo-gross-underestimated-valuation-put-it-on-hold-says-eas-sarma/66146.html). As the single largest social security provider in the country for the economically weaker sections, the social value of the LIC[Read More…]

by — 24/01/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Coronavirus structure. Credit: https://www.scientificanimations.com / CC BY-SA

Setback to India’s Covid Genome Sequencing Efforts- 5 Labs Shut- A cause for concern

To Shri Mansukh Mandaviya Union Health Minister Dear Shri Mandaviya, At a recent meeting to review the Covid containment effort, the Prime Minister was reported to have said, “There is a need for continuous scientific research… including genome sequencing, given that the virus is evolving continuously.” Contrary to what he had said at the meeting, it has been reported (“Blow To[Read More…]

by — 21/01/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Valuation of LIC- Need for transparency

Valuation of LIC- Need for transparency

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I understand from news reports that the LIC IPO is going to be issued shortly. Keeping in view the fact that it is the millions of policy holders of the LIC who have contributed to the Corporation’s phenomenal growth over the decades, some of us feel that relegating their interests[Read More…]

by — 15/01/2022 — 1 comment — India
Attempt to bypass PESA Act in Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh

Attempt to bypass PESA Act in Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh

Chattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh proposing to extend urban authority laws to the Scheduled Areas to bypass the PESA legislation To Shri Ram Nath Kovind President of India Respected Rashtrapati Ji, Under Article 244(1), read with the provisions of the Fifth Schedule to the Constitution, areas predominantly inhabited by the adivasis have been notified by the President as “Scheduled Areas” where there[Read More…]

by — 14/01/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Pegasus: CAG should exchange information with Poland

Pegasus: CAG should exchange information with Poland

To Shri G C Murmu Comptroller & Auditor General of India (CAG) Dear Shri Murmu, I invite your attention to the following report on an ongoing investigation by the Supreme Audit Office of Poland into the alleged purchase of the controversial Pegasus software by the government of that country and its possible misuse for illegally exercising surveillance over Poland’s opposition[Read More…]

by — 05/01/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Call off all rallies in the poll-bound States in view of the Omicron wave

Call off all rallies in the poll-bound States in view of the Omicron wave

Shri Sushil Chandra Chief Election Commissioner   Shri Rajiv Kumar Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner Dear S/Shri Sushil Chandra, Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, I had earlier requested the Union Home Secretary, under intimation to you, that political parties should not be allowed to hold rallies in view of the impending Omicron crisis. My letter dated 22-12[Read More…]

by — 05/01/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
The Jekyll-and-Hyde Character of India’s Political Leaders

The Jekyll-and-Hyde Character of India’s Political Leaders

R L Stevenon’s classic of 1886, “Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde”, described the duality of character in the same person, manifesting itself in strange ways that were difficult to understand. Had Stevenson been alive today to witness the happenings in Indian politics, he would have found the present day political leaders having attributes similar to Dr Jekyll[Read More…]

by — 04/01/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Not in the national interest to weaken the ONGC

Not in the national interest to weaken the ONGC

  To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India   Dear Shri Gauba, I have come across a news report (https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/ongc-without-a-chairman-as-subhash-kumar-retires-no-replacement-appointed-122010100678_1.html) about the casual manner in which the concerned Central Ministries have been dealing with ONGC, India’s premier hydrocarbons exploration and development agency, which is the country’s main plank for self-reliance in the sector. Apparently, the concerned Ministries have[Read More…]

by — 03/01/2022 — Comments are Disabled — India
Impending Omicron crisis- Why are political rallies and other large gatherings being permitted?

Impending Omicron crisis- Why are political rallies and other large gatherings being permitted?

To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Bhalla, We are once again facing a steep surge of the Covid virus; this time it is the new mutant, Omicron looming large. This Covid variant is reported to be three times more infectious than its Delta predecessor, which wreaked havoc on the people during the second wave. In order[Read More…]

by — 22/12/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Preserve the independence of the Election Commission of India

Preserve the independence of the Election Commission of India

 To Shri Ram Nath Kovind President of India Respected Rashtrapatiji, I refer to the reported meeting taken by an official of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) on December 16, 2021 with the Election Commission of India (ECI), ostensibly to discuss certain matters relating to electoral reforms, already cleared by the Union Cabinet by then. For the executive, particularly the PMO, to[Read More…]

by — 19/12/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
A coal mine in Dhanbad, India

 Auction of 88 coal blocks requires prior discussion and consent by the Adivasi Gram Sabhas under PESA And FRA

To Shri Anil Kumar Jain Union Coal Secretary Dear Shri Jain, I find from your Ministry’s portal that the enclosed list of coal blocks are being put to auction shortly. Most of these coal blocks are located in States such as Jharkhand, MP, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, AP and Telangana and many among the blocks are located in the areas notified[Read More…]

by — 17/12/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Private control over Public Goods- Disastrous outcomes, The case of Covid mismanagement and others

Private control over Public Goods- Disastrous outcomes, The case of Covid mismanagement and others

In common parlance, a “public good” refers to a commodity or service that becomes available to all members of a society with equal access, without discrimination. There are more rigorous definitions of this in economics. However, one simple way to describe a public good is to say that it is not possible to prevent individuals selectively from consuming it, unless[Read More…]

by — 11/12/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Large election rallies in UP- Endangering the lives of the people in view of the Omicron fears

Large election rallies in UP- Endangering the lives of the people in view of the Omicron fears

  To   Shri Sushil Chandra Chief Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri Rajiv Kumar Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Shri A.C.Pandey Election Commissioner Election Commission of India (ECI)   Dear S/Shri Sushil Chandra, Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, In view of the imminent outbreak of the Omicron variant of Covid, it is well recognised[Read More…]

by — 08/12/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Privatisation of two PSUs counter to the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar effort

Privatisation of two PSUs counter to the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar effort

 Letter to Prime Minister Privatisation of Central Electronics Lt. (CEL) and Bharat Earth Movers Ltd (BEML) runs counter to the Prime Minister’s Atmanirbhar effort To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister of India Dear Shri Modi, You have launched the Atma Nirbhar idea with the intention of building self-reliance in the different sectors of the economy. It is indeed a[Read More…]

by — 01/12/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
The Sale of CEL is not justifiable

The Sale of CEL is not justifiable

  To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I understand from news reports (https://www.livemint.com/companies/news/government-clears-sale-of-central-electronics-for-rs210-crore-11638195251682.html) that the PSU, Central Electronics Ltd (CEL) is about to be sold to a private financial intermediary company, Nandal Finance & Leasing Pvt ltd for an amount of Rs 210 Crores. By any stretch of logic, the manner in which CEL is being[Read More…]

by — 30/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Omicron: Take Precautions!

Omicron: Take Precautions!

To Shri Rajesh Bhushan Union Health Secretary Dear Shri Bhushan, While we are about to conclude that we longer have to feel concerned about a Covid surge for the third time, the discovery of Omicron and its own mutants with high rates of transmission in many parts of the world has put to rest any such feeling of comfort. Are[Read More…]

by — 29/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
The government’s latest decision to hive off ONGC’s prime oil/gas fields to foreign companies highly imprudent

The government’s latest decision to hive off ONGC’s prime oil/gas fields to foreign companies highly imprudent

To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister Dear Shri Modi, I understand that the government has recently directed ONGC to hive off 60% of its Mumbai High, Bassein & Satellite oil/gas fields to foreign oil companies (https://www.business-standard.com/article/companies/x-121110100853_1.html), ostensibly to enhance hydrocarbons production from those fields. The proposal, in my view, is highly imprudent for the following reasons. Mumbai High, Bassein[Read More…]

by — 23/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Meeting commemorating Banda Bhadur Singh on June 7th

A “Relli” poet’s tribute to the Farmers

Dear Shri Yogendra Yadav, Let me first convey my solidarity and compliments to you and your compatriot farmers for the historic victory against what can be termed as an “anti-people”, undemocratic attempt on the part of today’s political elite to suppress dissent and take unilateral decisions! In a way, the farmers’ victory shows that no power on the earth should[Read More…]

by — 20/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Should The All India DGP Conference Be Held In A Poll Bound State?

Should The All India DGP Conference Be Held In A Poll Bound State?

To   Shri Sushil Chandra Chief Election Commissioner   Shri Rajiv Kumar Election Commissioner   Shri A C Pandey Election Commissioner   Dear S/Shri Sushil Chandra, Rajiv Kumar and Pandey, A Press release by PMO on November 18, 2021 (https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=1772883) indicates that the Prime Minister and the Home Minister will be holding the 56th All India DGP Conference at Lucknow during[Read More…]

by — 20/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Not in the national interest to permit private companies to extract and trade atomic minerals in the beach sands of AP, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

Not in the national interest to permit private companies to extract and trade atomic minerals in the beach sands of AP, Tamil Nadu and Kerala

 To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of IndiA Dear Shri Gauba, I have come across disturbing reports (https://indianexpress.com/article/india/sand-minerals-mining-modi-govt-private-sector-7585816/) that the government is making moves once again to permit private companies to mine and trade atomic minerals located in the beach sands of AP, T. Nadu and Kerala. It appears that this step is a part of a 60-point “Action Plan”[Read More…]

by — 16/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Extension of the tenure of Director of CBI & ED to five years should be made applicable only in the case of future appointments

Extension of the tenure of Director of CBI & ED to five years should be made applicable only in the case of future appointments

 To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India   Shri Rajiv Gauba, I understand (https://www.business-standard.com/article/economy-policy/centre-brings-ordinance-to-extend-tenure-of-cbi-ed-chiefs-up-to-5-years-121111400884_1.html) that the government has issued an Ordinance extending the term of the Director of CBI and Director of Enforcement to five years. If such a decision has been taken, in my view, it is an imprudent one. Making the benefit of the extended term of the[Read More…]

by — 15/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
National Tribal Day: The Centre and the States should “walk the talk”!

National Tribal Day: The Centre and the States should “walk the talk”!

Letter to the Prime Minister on the occasion of the Janjatiya Gaurav Divas (national Tribal Day) on November 15, 2021 To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister Dear Shri Modi, Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on November 15, 2021 The Centre and the States should “walk the talk”! I understand (https://indianexpress.com/article/india/pm-modi-to-lead-first-tribal-day-celebrations-7620370/) that you will be leading the first-ever Janjatiya Gaurav Divas on[Read More…]

by — 13/11/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Exempting mine expansion projects from public hearing for environment clearance is illegal

Exempting mine expansion projects from public hearing for environment clearance is illegal

To Shri Bhupender Yadav Minister Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India Dear Shri Yadav, I refer to your Ministry’s recent decision (https://moef.gov.in/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/scan_1_20211021165307682.pdf) to exempt mine expansion projects from the mandatory requirement of public hearing as a condition precedent to granting statutory environment clearance. In my view, your Ministry’s decision is highly imprudent, as it violates the letter and the[Read More…]

by — 29/10/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
“Undertrials” for how long? Guilty till proven innocent?

“Undertrials” for how long? Guilty till proven innocent?

The plight of the undertrials in the jails: The majority of the undertrials in India belong to the disadvantaged sections of the society. The offences alleged to have been committed by them may be minor ones but they are forced to languish in jails without a trial for years, as the criminal justice system in the country is a slow-moving[Read More…]

by — 19/10/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
E A S Sarma questions the rationale of coal block allocations

E A S Sarma questions the rationale of coal block allocations

E A S Sarma, Former Secretary to Govt of India has raised serious concerns about the coal block auctions. He raised strong reservations about allocating coal blocks to Adani Power.  In a series of letters, he questioned the rationale behind the allocation of coal blocks. To Shri A K Jain Union Coal Secretary   Dear Shri Jain, Please refer to my[Read More…]

by — 09/10/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Courtesy : DOMINIC XAVIER / Rediff.com

Compensation for Covid victims- The government ought to revisit its plea before the apex court

To Shri Sanjeeva Kumar Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Sanjeeva Kumar, I had earlier written to the Union Finance Minister in my letter dated 21-6-2021 on inaccuracies in the affidavit filed on behalf of the government before the apex court on the quantum of compensation payable to the victims of Covid virus. I forward here a copy of that letter[Read More…]

by — 05/10/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Need for reservations in Judiciary for women/SCs/STs/OBCs

Need for reservations in Judiciary for women/SCs/STs/OBCs

To Shri Ram Nath Kovind President of India Respected Rashtrapati Ji, It has been widely reported ( https://indianexpress.com/article/india/cji-50-womens-reservation-judiciary-7535963/) that Shri N V Ramana, Chief Justice of India (CJI) has recently made a statement on the need for 50% reservation for women in the judiciary. He is reported to have made the following observations on the subject, while addressing the Lady Advocates[Read More…]

by — 27/09/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Promote decentralised solar electricity generation

 Promote decentralised solar electricity generation

  Letter to the Prime Minister  Subject: Promotion of decentralised solar electricity generation, in preference to large centralised solar generation projects To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister Dear Shri Modi, Over the last few years, as a part of the global effort to mitigate the effects of climate change, India has rightly taken conscious strides towards a shift from fossil[Read More…]

by — 25/09/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Sports strategy- Mere lip service will not suffice

Sports strategy- Mere lip service will not suffice

 To Narendra D Modi Prime Minister Dear Shri Modi, Sports strategy- Mere lip service will not suffice- Some suggestions on a sports strategy It is an extraordinary effort put in by the Indian athletes and sportspersons at the ongoing Tokyo Olympics which has brought laurels to India and united the entire nation with a collective sense of pride. It is[Read More…]

by — 07/08/2021 — 1 comment — India
Appointment of R K Asthana as Delhi Police Commissioner- Does it comply with the norms set by the apex court?

Appointment of R K Asthana as Delhi Police Commissioner- Does it comply with the norms set by the apex court?

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India Dear Shri Gauba, The website of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) emphasises the need for transparency in governance in the following words. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes that transparency and accountability are the two cornerstones of any pro-people government. Transparency and accountability not only connect the people closer to the[Read More…]

by — 29/07/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Pegasus Spyware: Need For Thorough Investigation

Pegasus Spyware: Need For Thorough Investigation

To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Bhalla, Kindly refer to my letters dated 31-3-2019, 31-10-2019 & 19-7-2021 addressed to you (copies forwarded here) on the possible use/misuse of Pegasus in India. I wish to draw your attention to a press conference held by the Chattisgarh Chief Minister, as indicated in a news report, “Pegasus: Chhattisgarh CM[Read More…]

by — 22/07/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
Some suggestions to enhance the credibility of Environment Impact Assessment

Some suggestions to enhance the credibility of Environment Impact Assessment

 To Shri Bhupender Yadav Minister Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India Dear Shri Yadav, Rarely do persons with such credible professional background as you have, especially in the highly specialised field of environmental jurisprudence, are asked to preside over the MEFCC. Let me welcome you to your new assignment, with the earnest hope and belief that you[Read More…]

by — 20/07/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Fr Stan Swamy has expired: But, his questions haven’t

Fr Stan Swamy has expired: But, his questions haven’t

In the death of Fr Stan Swamy on July 5, 2021, who was an “under trial” detainee languishing in the custody of the authorities, India has lost a courageous campaigner for adivasi rights. The manner in which the 84-year old Jesuit priest was forced to die has shaken the conscience of the nation. What hurts the feelings of any one[Read More…]

by — 07/07/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
Appeal to NCST for suo motu intervention under Article 338A(9) of the Constitution in the case of Lakshadweep

Appeal to NCST for suo motu intervention under Article 338A(9) of the Constitution in the case of Lakshadweep

To Hon’ble Chairman National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) Hon’ble Chairman, I enclose here a copy of a representation dated 8-6-2021 submitted by me to Rashtrapatiji on the concerns I have on a range of statutory regulations proposed to be adopted by the Administrator of Lakshadweep Union Territory (UT), which will have a significant impact on the lives of the[Read More…]

by — 03/07/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Plight of migrant workers in Gujarat during April-June, 2021 lockdown

Plight of migrant workers in Gujarat during April-June, 2021 lockdown

To Shri Apurva Chandra Union Labour Secretary   Dear Shri Apurva Chandra, The preamble to the Inter-State Migrant Workmen (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1979 defines its primary objective to be “to regulate the employment of interstate migrant workmen and to provide for their conditions of service and for matters connected therewith“. This Act is by and large[Read More…]

by — 24/06/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Annihilate Caste, India
Compensation for Covid victims- The government ought to revisit its plea before the apex court

Compensation for Covid victims- The government ought to revisit its plea before the apex court

 To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, I understand from recent news reports (https://www.barandbench.com/news/litigation/mha-tells-supreme-court-ex-gratia-payment-rs-4-lakh-covid-19-deaths-affordability-states) that the Centre has contended before the apex court that it would not be able to pay an ex-gratia relief of Rs 4 lakhs to Covid victims for the reason that “utilisation of scarce resources for giving ex-gratia, may have unfortunate consequences of affecting the pandemic response and health[Read More…]

by — 21/06/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Appeal To President Of India: Refer The Lakshadweep Issue To National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

Appeal To President Of India: Refer The Lakshadweep Issue To National Commission for Scheduled Tribes

Prior consultation with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST) mandatory for policy changes in Lakshadweep- Appeal for intervention` To Shri Ram Nath Kovind President of India Respected Rashtrapatiji, I understand that that the Administrator of Lakshadweep has formulated a number of far reaching regulations, such as the Lakshadweep Development Authority Regulation (LDAR), the Lakshadweep Prevention of Anti-Social Activities Regulation,[Read More…]

by — 08/06/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Private hospitals fleecing the people by overcharging for vaccines

Private hospitals fleecing the people by overcharging for vaccines

  To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India Dear Shri Gauba, The  Pricing and Accelerated National Covid-19 Vaccination Strategy 21-4-2021 (PANCVS) notified by the Union Health Ministry has given a free license to the vaccine manufacturers to set prices arbitrarily, ostensibly in a transparent manner, as indicated in Para 8(ii) below. “Manufacturers would in a transparent manner make[Read More…]

by — 04/06/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Summary transfer of West Bengal Chief Secretary to the Centre: MHA’s double standards in applying Disaster Management Act

Summary transfer of West Bengal Chief Secretary to the Centre: MHA’s double standards in applying Disaster Management Act

On May 31, 2021, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) is reported to have served a show- cause notice on the former West Bengal Chief Secretary, Alapan Bandopadhyay, for not attending a meeting chaired by the Prime Minister, under a stringent provision of the Disaster Management Act that entails imprisonment up to two years. Bandopadhyay had been found fault[Read More…]

by — 02/06/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Revoke proposal to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel plant

Revoke proposal to privatise Visakhapatnam Steel plant

  To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister Dear Shri Modiji, I enclose here copies of my letter dated 26-2-2021 addressed to your office and my letter dated 28-2-2021 addressed to the Finance Minister, expressing my concerns about the proposed divestment of government stake in Visakhapatnam Steel Plant (VSP) in favour of a foreign company, POSCO and another private company,[Read More…]

by — 31/05/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Letter to the Prime Minister: Lack of Transparency in Governance

Letter to the Prime Minister: Lack of Transparency in Governance

To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister Subject:- Transparency in governance- Recent instances of extending the tenure of senior civil servants run counter to norms of good governance Dear Shri Modi, The website of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) rightly emphasises the need for transparency in governance in the following words. “Prime Minister Narendra Modi firmly believes that transparency and[Read More…]

by — 28/05/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Cooperative Federalism to “Competitive” Cooperative Federalism, The case of Covid vaccination – Who gains? Who loses?

Cooperative Federalism to “Competitive” Cooperative Federalism, The case of Covid vaccination – Who gains? Who loses?

“However good a Constitution may be, it is sure to turn out bad because those who are called to work it, happen to be a bad lot. However bad a Constitution may be, it may turn out to be good if those who are called to work it, happen to be a good lot “ “A serious complaint is made[Read More…]

by — 23/05/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
A national Covid Strategy, the Need of the Hour- Not Knee-jerk responses

A national Covid Strategy, the Need of the Hour- Not Knee-jerk responses

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman, Union Finance Minister With the daily new Covid cases exceeding 4 lakhs and the daily number of deaths exceeding 4,000, with nationwide shortages in terms of ambulances, hospital beds, ICU facilities, ventilators, Oxygen and even cremation space, and in view of the nationwide shortage of vaccines, people are losing their patience, looking for immediate corrective steps[Read More…]

by — 09/05/2021 — 1 comment — India
The Second Wave of Covid: The role of the political leaders – Has self-interest superseded people’s welfare?

The Second Wave of Covid: The role of the political leaders – Has self-interest superseded people’s welfare?

While triumphantly launching the roll out of India-made vaccines on January 16, 2019, with a view to drive home his point of helping others selflessly, the Prime Minister quoted the following words of Gurajada Apparao, the eminent Telugu writer. “Sontha labham kontha manuko, porugu vadiki thodu padavoy. Desamante matti kadoyi, desamante manushuloy” The above verse, which was written more than[Read More…]

by — 06/05/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Election Commission of India (ECI): The making and unmaking of its “reputation”

Election Commission of India (ECI): The making and unmaking of its “reputation”

As I write this article, results of the Assembly elections in the five States are trickling in, diverting the public attention from the tragedy that India is today, with Corona patients waiting in queues and dying helplessly in ambulances, unable to get hospital care, critical patients gasping for oxygen and breathing their last, the kith and the kin of the[Read More…]

by — 02/05/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Covid Crisis- Second wave: Is it an act of God, or is it man-made?

Covid Crisis- Second wave: Is it an act of God, or is it man-made?

My wife and I have just got our second dose of Covid vaccine. It was a triumphant moment, because there seemed to be an acute vaccine shortage in the country causing fears of its non- availability, coupled with new mutants of Covid spreading the virus like never before. The fear of those who got the first dose not being able[Read More…]

by — 24/04/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Inadequate funding of gene sequencing effort by the scientists at a time when the COVID crisis needed it most

Inadequate funding of gene sequencing effort by the scientists at a time when the COVID crisis needed it most

 To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, We are passing through a debilitating second wave of COVID, with new mutants evolving rapidly and the country facing a severe shortage of healthcare infrastructure facilities, acute shortage of vaccines, even cremation facilities for the deceased, across the country. Many of us, senior citizens, are waiting for a second dose of[Read More…]

by — 20/04/2021 — 1 comment — India
Kumbh Mela: A Super Spreader?

Kumbh Mela: A Super Spreader?

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Rajiv Gauba, Enclosed are my two letters dated 12th & 13th April, 2021 addressed to the Union Home Secretary, on the responsibility for spreading COVID by permitting Kumbh Mela to take place at Haridwar in Uttarakhand. I had requested the Union Home Secretary to intervene in the matter urgently and stop the[Read More…]

by — 15/04/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Democracy and the Rule of Law: A lesson from Norway

Democracy and the Rule of Law: A lesson from Norway

The head of the Norwegian police, Ole Saeverud imposed a fine of $2,352 on Erna Solberg, the two-term Prime Minister of the country for violating the COVID rules in a private party held by her. While doing so, what Ole Saeverud said is significant . “Though the law is the same for all, all are not equal in front of[Read More…]

by — 12/04/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Violation of COVID norms- Endangering of human lives- Take action against political parties and their leaders under IPC

 Violation of COVID norms- Endangering of human lives- Take action against political parties and their leaders under IPC

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Dear Shri Gauba, I write this letter in continuation of my earlier letter dated 30-3-2021 (copy forwarded) addressed to the Union Home Secretary on the potential danger of the huge election rallies being held in Tamil Nadu, Pondicherry, Kerala, West Bengal and Assam becoming super-spreaders of COVID. I had earlier requested the Union Home[Read More…]

by — 05/04/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Violation of COVID norms: Take action against political parties and their leaders under IPC

 Violation of COVID norms: Take action against political parties and their leaders under IPC

  To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Bhalla, It is unfortunate that we have not been able to contain the COVID virus spread and many States including the capital city of Delhi are witnessing an unusual spurt in virus cases of different mutants, some potentially dangerous. Your Ministry and several States have rightly tightened the COVID[Read More…]

by — 31/03/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Proposed amendments to Forest Conservation Act imprudent

Proposed amendments to Forest Conservation Act imprudent

To Shri R P Gupta Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India Dear Shri Gupta, I understand from a Down to Earth news report (https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/forests/draft-amendment-to-forest-conservation-act-may-dilute-protection-to-forests-76145) that your Ministry is about to issue several crucial amendments to the Forest Conservation Act which exempt from its purview a wide range of projects (“strategic”, “linear” projects) and introduce[Read More…]

by — 26/03/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Post-facto CRZ clearance: Environmental Justice Goes For A Toss

Post-facto CRZ clearance: Environmental Justice Goes For A Toss

To Shri R P Gupta Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India Dear Shri Gupta, Please read this letter in continuation of my earlier letter dated 19-3-2021 on imprudence on the part of your Ministry allowing ex-post facto approvals for projects coming up in violation of the CRZ notification. I have had an opportunity to[Read More…]

by — 20/03/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Post-facto CRZ clearance- Violates the principles of environmental justice

Post-facto CRZ clearance- Violates the principles of environmental justice

  To Shri R P Gupta Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India   Dear Shri Gupta, I have just come across a disturbing news report that your Ministry has issued orders permitting industrial projects to obtain post-facto CRZ clearances (https://www.newindianexpress.com/nation/2021/mar/18/centre-allows-projects-to-obtain-post-facto-coastal-regulation-zone-clearance-2278359.html). If this report is factually correct, I am afraid that, by issuing such a[Read More…]

by — 19/03/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Modi’s picture on the COVID vaccination certificates!

Modi’s picture on the COVID vaccination certificates!

To Shri Rajiv Gauba Cabinet Secretary Govt of India Dear Shri Gauba, It is the collective effort and a culmination of the human endeavour at the global level that has enabled the country to launch the ongoing national campaign, including the vaccination drive, against COVID. The credit should rightly go to the scientists across the world who studied the virus[Read More…]

by — 06/03/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Open Letter To Prime Minister Modi On The Sale Of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

Open Letter To Prime Minister Modi On The Sale Of Visakhapatnam Steel Plant

To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister of India Dear Shri Modiji, I write this letter to express my anguish as a concerned citizen of north Andhra Pradesh at the decision taken by the Central Government to privatise Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Ltd. (RINL)’s steel plant at Visakhapatnam by divesting 100% of its equity to private agencies. From a statement made[Read More…]

by — 26/02/2021 — Comments are Disabled — India
Assam: Violation of human rights of detainees under The Foreigners Act

Assam: Violation of human rights of detainees under The Foreigners Act

To Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Sir, I refer to my letters dated 4-1-2021 & 16-1-2021 on violation of human rights of the detainees under the the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Foreigners (Tribunals For Assam) Order, 2006 and the other related laws in force in Assam. I have enclosed here copies of the two letters for your ready reference.[Read More…]

by — 21/02/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
Violation of the human rights of an innocent family in Assam

Violation of the human rights of an innocent family in Assam

To Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) N.Delhi Sir, Kindly refer to my attached letter dated 4-1-2021 on arbitrary detention of Mohammad Nur Hussain, 34, a rickshaw puller in Guwahati who hails from Lawdong village in Assam’s Udalguri district, his wife Sahera Begum, 26, and their two minor children (Ages 7 & 5 years). In June, 2019, on a false charge[Read More…]

by — 17/01/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
Violation of the human rights of an innocent family in Assam

Violation of the human rights of an innocent family in Assam

   To Secretary National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) N.Delhi Sir, I refer to the distressing news report (https://indianexpress.com/article/north-east-india/assam/assam-nrc-detention-centre-7128303/) on how four members of a rickshaw puller’s family in Assam, unable to secure ready legal assistance, suffered gross violation of their basic human rights, when they were erroneously called “foreigners” in Assam under the Foreigners Tribunal Act, 1941, Foreigners Tribunal Order, 1964 and[Read More…]

by — 04/01/2021 — Comments are Disabled — Human Rights
Need to update EIA norms for preserving biodiversity

Need to update EIA norms for preserving biodiversity

 To   Shri R P Gupta Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Government of India   Dear Shri Gupta, The National Environment Policy, 2006 (NEP) emphasises the need to conserve the rich biodiversity heritage of the country in the following statements. “Pay explicit attention to the potential impacts of development projects on biodiversity resources and natural heritage.[Read More…]

by — 26/10/2020 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Plight of small businesses- COVID19

Plight of small businesses- COVID19

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Stharaman, Kindly refer to my letter dated 10-9-2020 regarding the problems faced by small businesses in repaying loans taken from NBFCs as a result of the lockdown restrictions and the fall in demand for services, an inevitable consequence of the COVID19 crisis. I have enclosed a copy of that letter for your[Read More…]

by — 10/10/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Need for enhancing old age pension and other pension benefits under NSAP

Need for enhancing old age pension and other pension benefits under NSAP

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Articles 21 and 41 of the Constitution cast an obligation on the State to ensure that the aged and other vulnerable sections of the citizens are provided adequate assistance to be able to live in dignity. Right to adequate old age pension is one of the basic universal and justiciable economic[Read More…]

by — 24/09/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Need for a law to regulate the use of groundwater

Need for a law to regulate the use of groundwater

Letter to the Prime Minister E.A.S.Sarma Maharanipeta Visakhapatnam To Shri Narendra D Modi Prime Minister Dear Shri Modiji, India’s groundwater resources have come under severe stress as a result of increasing pressure on the same for urban water needs in cities and towns and from irrigation requirements in the rural areas. In many parts of the country, the rate of[Read More…]

by — 15/09/2020 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
COVID protocol violation at foundation-laying ceremony for the Ram Temple at Ayodhya

COVID protocol violation at foundation-laying ceremony for the Ram Temple at Ayodhya

To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Dear Shri Bhalla, I write this in continuation of my previous letter dated 26-3-2020 regarding the need to comply with the lockdown restrictions in order to prevent the spread of COVID. It is unfortunate that several persons occupying high positions have time and again violated the lockdown restrictions laid down by your[Read More…]

by — 21/07/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Another Gas Leak In Visakhapatnam Kills Two

Another Gas Leak In Visakhapatnam Kills Two

To Shri Neerabh Kumar Prasad Spl CS (Environment & Forests) Govt of AP Dear Shri Prasad, I write this close on the heels of my letter dated 29-6-2020 about one more ghastly gas leak accident, this time, in the infamous Pharmacity of Parawada in Visakhapatnam district. The accident took place at the Pharmacity unit of Sainor Life Sciences Pvt Ltd[Read More…]

by — 30/06/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
PM CARES Fund- Need for transparency

PM CARES Fund- Need for transparency

Letter to the Prime Minister To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister of India Dear Shri Modiji, I refer to my letters dated 9-4-2020 & 5-5-2020 (enclosed) on the modalities of creating the PM CARES Fund (hereafter referred as PMCARES) and the need to ensure utmost transparency in its utilisation. I understand that the Trustees of PMCARES under your stewardship have[Read More…]

by — 28/06/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Modiji, Do Not Let The Migrant Workers Die In Summer Heat

Modiji, Do Not Let The Migrant Workers Die In Summer Heat

 Letter to the Prime Minister To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister Dear Shri Modiji, I forward here a copy of my last letter dated 15-5-2020 and copies of the previous letters addressed to you on the excruciating problems faced by crores of the migrant workers across the length and the breadth of the country. I am not sure whether my letters have[Read More…]

by — 23/05/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Don’t  condone the violations committed by LG Polymers

Don’t  condone the violations committed by LG Polymers

To Members of the Expert Appraisal Committee Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India   Dear Members of the EAC, I understand from the enclosed Agenda notice that the EAC will be holding its 33rd meeting on 18th–19thMay, 2020 for considering the proposals involving violation of EIA Notification. I further understand that Item No 33.4.4 concerning a proposal submitted by LG Polymers[Read More…]

by — 17/05/2020 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Visakhapatnam Accident: Time For Strict Action

Visakhapatnam Accident: Time For Strict Action

To Shri C K Mishra Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India Dear Shri Mishra, You are aware of the ghastly gas leak accident that took place at LG Polymers unit near Visakhapatnam in the early hours of 7-5-2020. Several persons in the vicinity of the accident site could not escape to safe places and got[Read More…]

by — 12/05/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Don’t Suspend Labour Laws

Don’t Suspend Labour Laws

To Shri A K Bhalla Union Home Secretary Shri Heeralal Samariya Union Labour Secretary Dear S/Shri Bhalla and Samariya, I understand that several important labour laws, meant to safeguard the welfare of the workers and to ensure industrial safety, have been “suspended” for three years in UP, MP and Gujarat. I hope that the Union Home Ministry and the Labour[Read More…]

by — 10/05/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
PM CARES fund: Need for a full public disclosure

PM CARES fund: Need for a full public disclosure

 Letter to the Prime Minister   To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister of India Dear Shri Modiji, I refer to my letter dated 9-4-2020 (enclosed) on the modalities of creating the PM CARES fund (hereafter referred as PMCARES) and the need to ensure utmost transparency in its utilisation. PMCARES was set up towards the end of March, 2020, more than a[Read More…]

by — 05/05/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
COVID19- Do not bail-out businesses that violate the law of the land

COVID19- Do not bail-out businesses that violate the law of the land

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, Your Ministry has already announced concessions/ procedural relaxations etc. for business enterprises and industries in the context of COVID19 crisis. There are businesses who have violated the laws that provide social security to the workers. There have been instances of some enterprises guilty of non-payment of past wages, contributions to provident[Read More…]

by — 29/04/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Discriminatory treatment against migrant workers during the lockdown

Discriminatory treatment against migrant workers during the lockdown

 Letter to the Prime Minister To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister Dear Shri Modiji, The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued elaborate instructions to the States to observe a national lockdown by invoking the legal provisions under the Disaster Management Act. The Home Ministry has been admonishing all those States that have violated those instructions. The States in turn have been prosecuting[Read More…]

by — 22/04/2020 — 1 comment — India
 Provide Food Grains And Financial Assistance To The Marginalised

 Provide Food Grains And Financial Assistance To The Marginalised

 Letter to the Prime Minister To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister   Dear Shri Modiji, The sudden announcement of the lockdown three weeks ago has left lakhs of migrant workers helpless. It has deprived almost all marginal families across the country of their livelihoods. They need urgent help, care and succour. While some of those workers have ration cards and[Read More…]

by — 13/04/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
PM CARES And Discrimination Against The States

PM CARES And Discrimination Against The States

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Minister for Corporate Affairs Govt of India Dear Smt Sitharaman, I write this letter in connection with the way your Ministry has interpreted Schedule VII under Section 135 of the Companies Act to arrive at the conclusion that the funds contributed by corporates to any Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) do not come within the ambit[Read More…]

by — 13/04/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Amendment To CSR Rules Is Detrimental To The Interest Of States

Amendment To CSR Rules Is Detrimental To The Interest Of States

To Shri I Srinivas Secretary Ministry of Corporate Affairs Govt of India Dear Shri Srinivas, I am grateful to you for so promptly responding to my letter issued today on the apparent injustice meted out to the States by your Ministry in issuing a clarification to the effect that the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund (CMRF) does not qualify for receiving[Read More…]

by — 12/04/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Corporate donations to Chief Minister’s’ Relief Fund qualify for CSR benefits under the Companies Act- Discriminatory to disallow the same

Corporate donations to Chief Minister’s’ Relief Fund qualify for CSR benefits under the Companies Act- Discriminatory to disallow the same

  To Shri I Srinivas Secretary Ministry of Corporate Affairs Govt of India   Dear Shri Srinivas, I have come across a news report today (https://thewire.in/business/corporate-affairst-ministry-csr-pm-cares-cm-relief-fund) that your Ministry has issued a “clarification” to the effect that corporate contributions under Section 135 of the Companies Act to the State Chief Minister’s Relief Fund shall not qualify for benefits applicable to[Read More…]

by — 12/04/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
PM CARES Fund- Need for transparency

PM CARES Fund- Need for transparency

 Letter to the Prime Minister   To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister of India   Dear Shri Modiji, From PMO’s website, it is evident that PM CARES Fund has been set up under your chairmanship as a public charitable trust,  “keeping in mind the need for having a dedicated national fund with the primary objective of dealing with any kind of emergency[Read More…]

by — 09/04/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Provide Protective Gear To Heath Care Workers

Provide Protective Gear To Heath Care Workers

   To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister   Dear Smt Sitharaman, Kindly refer to my letter dated 23-3-2020 on the subject. Recently, you announced several relief measures to counter the spread of COVID19. In particular, you had announced that an insurance cover of Rs 50 lakh per person would be provided to frontline health workers – sanitation staff, paramedics and nurses, ASHA[Read More…]

by — 31/03/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
epa06747281 Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director general of the World Health Organization (WHO), attends a press conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, 18 May 2018. The WHO Director-General answered questions ahead of the World Health Assembly and following the meeting of an International Health Regulations Emergency Committee on Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. EPA-EFE/VALENTIN FLAURAUD

Letter to the Director General of WHO

To Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus Director General WHO Dear Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, I am writing this letter as a concerned senior citizen from India, at the manner in which COVID19 is sweeping across the planet, raising questions about the global community’s ability to contain the spread of the virus. It is ironic that the country which hosts WHO should[Read More…]

by — 29/03/2020 — Comments are Disabled — World
Migrant workers- A humanitarian crisis triggered by the lockdown

Migrant workers- A humanitarian crisis triggered by the lockdown

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister Dear Smt Sitharaman, I have suggested several measures to be taken by the government to counter the spread of COVID19 and the relief to be provided to the vulnerable sections of the population affected by the lockdowns imposed initially by the States and the nationwide lockdown announced later on the 24th by the[Read More…]

by — 27/03/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Yogi Adityanath In The Time Of Lockdown

Yogi Adityanath In The Time Of Lockdown

 Letter to the Prime Minister   To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister   Dear Shri Modiji, You have rightly announced a nationwide lockdown, invoking powers under the National Disaster Management Act and asked the citizens of the country not to stir out of their houses and maintain “social distancing”, which is the only way to fight the scourge of COVID19.[Read More…]

by — 26/03/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
 Prime Minister’s initiative on Corona- Political parties & Corporates too have to act fast

 Prime Minister’s initiative on Corona- Political parties & Corporates too have to act fast

To Smt Nirmala Sitharaman Union Finance Minister   Dear Smt Sitharaman, Kindly refer to my letter dated 20-3-2020 addressed to the Prime Minister on the ongoing fight against COVID19. I have enclosed a copy of that letter for your reference. The campaign against COVID19 is assuming urgency in view of the rapidly increasing rate at which the States have been[Read More…]

by — 23/03/2020 — Comments are Disabled — India
Wedding In Corona Times: No Restriction On Karnataka CM? Letter to the Prime Minister

Wedding In Corona Times: No Restriction On Karnataka CM? Letter to the Prime Minister

To Shri Narendra Modiji Prime Minister   Dear Shri Modiji, I compliment your government, especially Dr Harsh Vardhan, the Health Minister and Dr S. Jaishankar, the External Affairs Minister for the commendable effort they have put in to stem the tide of Corona Virus within the country and for airlifting hundreds of stranded Indians from  Wuhan, Naples, Teheran and so on. This[Read More…]

by — 17/03/2020 — 1 comment — India
 Relaxing The Environment Impact Appraisal Norms For Bulk Drug Units A Health Hazard

 Relaxing The Environment Impact Appraisal Norms For Bulk Drug Units A Health Hazard

To Shri C K Mishra Secretary Ministry of Environment, Forests & Climate Change (MEFCC) Govt of India Dear Shri  Mishra, It is reported widely that your Ministry is thinking of relaxing the environment impact appraisal norms for bulk drug units. I sincerely hope that these reports are incorrect. From what I have observed over the last decade or so, in[Read More…]

by — 16/03/2020 — Comments are Disabled — Environmental Protection
Translate »