Tag Archives: RTI

The Ashok Hotel Bill for DRDO Party

To,                                                                                       18th July 2016

Shri Manohar Parrikar,

Defence Minister,

Room No -104 South Block,

New Delhi-110011 

 

Subject:  The Ashok Hotel Bill for DRDO Party

Sir,

Website received a letter with input of above subject please see and do needful investigation for corrective measures in DRDO working.

Regards

 

Prabhu Dandriyal,

21-Sunderwala, Raiput, Dehradun-248008

Phone 0135-2787750, Mobile 9411114879

Email prabhudoon@gmail.com website-www.corruptionindrdo.com

Enclosed

  1. Copy of received letter
  2. Copy of envelop of letter

 

To                                                                                            18 July 2016

Sh Ashok Sharma,

DGM F&A, (B&C- IA),

CPIO for Bills & Credit Division,

India Tourism Development Corp. Ltd..

Scope Complex, Core-8, 6th Floor,

7-Lodhi Road,

New Delhi-110 003.

Hello,

Kindly provide me with the following information requested under the purview of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 in respect of The Ashok Banquet Bill No. 656 dated 31 March 2012. Name of the Party Director, DIITM, DRDO, MoD, Govt of India, room No 445, B Block, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi, C/O Col Rajendra Prasad. (Photocopy enclosed).

  1. Provide the certified copy of above mentioned bill.
  2. Provide the order copy of Director, DIITM, DRDO against above bill.
  3. Provide the deposition evidence of Service Tax & VAT in respect of above Bill
  4. Hand written bill are in practice in hotel The Ashok Yes or No
  5. Provide the copies of bills of parties arranged for DRDO by The Ashok for financial year April 2012 –March 2013, April 2013 – March 2014 & April 2014 – March 2015

 

Note – Above bills were paid from public funds and not come under any personal informations

 

Regards

 

Prabhu Dandriyal

21-Sunderwala, Raipur, Dehradun 248008

Phone   0135 2787750, Mobile- 9411114879,

e-mail id prabhudoon@gmail.com  website   www.corruptionindrdo.com

Enclosed – Photo copy of Bill Bill No. 656 dated 31 March 2012, issued to Director, DIITM, DRDO,

Registration Number         ITDCO/R/2016/50028

  1. the ashok bill 1the ashok bill0002the ashok envelop

 

 

 

ILLEGAL APPOINTMENT OF MS. SHWETA SINGH, SRF AT DRL, TEZPUR BY DR. VIJAY VEER, DIRECTOR, DEFENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY(DRL), DRDO,TEZPUR

To,                                                                                           Date – 25th May 2015                         Shri Manohar Parikar                                                                                                                       Defence Minister                                                                                                                               Room No -104 South Block,                                                                                                           Ministry of Defence                                                                                                                           New Delhi-110011

SUBJECT: IRREGULARITIES IN APPOINTMENT OF MS. SHWETA SINGH, JRF and SRF AT DEFENCE RESEARCH LABORATORY (DRL), TEZPUR BY DR. VIJAY VEER, DIRECTOR, DRL, TEZPUR, DRDO, MIN. OF DEFENCE

Sir,

Within last 10 years a bunch of DRDO officials running DRDO with their own made rules whether it is related of procurements or recruitments like the following case of recruitment of Ms Sweta Singh as JRF/SRF in DRL, DRDO, Tezpur by  Dr. Vijay Veer, Director is a small example of manipulations in GOI laid down rules.

  1. Defence Research Laboratory (DRL), Tezpur (Assam) is an establishment under Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Ministry of Defence.
  2. Vijay Veer, Scientist ‘G’ is Director, DRL, Tezpur with effect from 01 March 2012. Prior to him Dr. Lokendra Singh was Director of this establishment since the year 2010 to 28 Feb 2012.
  3. A.K. Singh is Director (Personnel), Dte. Of Personnel (DOP) at DRDO HQ, DRDO Bhawan, New Delhi with effect from 01 Dec 2012 and prior to this he was posted as Director, DHRD at DRDO HQ from Oct 2010 to 27 Feb 2013.
  4. A.K. Singh, Director (Personnel) hails from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh which is evident from his IPR available at DRDO website. Copy of IPR is attached as Annexure No. -1.
  5. Shri Virendra Pal Singh (V.P. Singh) who is an official of Arunachal Pradesh, Government also hails from Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh.
  6. Lokendra Singh, Dr. Vijay Veer and Dr. RKR Singh, TO ‘C’, Estate Officer and Shri V.P. Singh are good friend and know each other very well as Shri V.P. Singh regularly staying at DRL, Guest House, Tezpur since past several years while he is not an DRDO/Service employee and no office/project of Arunachal Pradesh Government is existing at DRL, Tezpur. The rent of VIP suits at DRL, Guest house is only Rs. 50 -100 while the same accommodation at Hotel in Tezpur is about Rs. 2000-2500. The reasons why Dr. Lokendra Singh, Ex-Director, DRL and Dr. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL giving such kind of privilege to Shri V.P. Singh is matter of investigation?
  7. Even the Arunachal Pradesh Government Vehicle with Registration No. AR 01E 0879 is regularly parked at House of Dr. RKR Singh, TO ‘C’, Estate Officer, DRL, Tezpur. The same Government vehicle was also found in New DRL Guest House. The Photograph of Vehicle No. AR 01E 0879 of Arunachal Pradesh Government parked at New DRL Guest House is attached as Annexure No. -2.
  8. A.K. Singh, Director(Personnel) , DRDO HQ is holding sensitive posts continuously since past 8 years as Director, CEPTAM, Director, DHRD and Director(Personnel), which is against CVC Guidelines. I have filed three complaints against him to PMO & MOD on charges of Corruption. He was holding the post of Director, DHRD from October 2010 – 27 February 2013. DHRD is responsible for recruitment of JRF, SRF and Research Associates in various DRDO establishments and formulates guidelines for their appointments etc.

This complaint is regarding irregular appointment of Ms. Shweta Singh D/o Shri V.P. Singh, Aligarh as Junior Research Fellow (JRF) followed by  Senior Research Fellow (SRF) with two years extension by Dr. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL, Tezpur and extra payment of stipend while she was absent from DRL, Tezpur for about one year.

Brief Facts of the Case

  1. Shweta Singh, d/o Shri V.P. Singh was appointed as Junior Research Fellow (JRF) at DRL, Tezpur for a period of two year with effect from 03.10.2011 to 02.10.2013. She joined at DRL, Tezpur on 03.10.2011 and posted at Pharmaceutical Technology Division.
  2. Shweta Singh was getting stipend of Rs. 16000/- month from DRL, Tezpur. She remains absent/highly irregular at DRL, Tezpur during January 2013 to December 2013. Meantime she got married on 28 November 2013 at Aligarh (Uttar Pradesh). She joined back at DRL, Tezpur on 13 January 2014.
  3. In reply to one letter from Admin Division of DRL, Tezpur, Dr. P. Chattopadhyay, Group Head, Pharmaceutical Technology Division informed to Director, DRL, Tezpur vide his letter dated 07-10-2013 on Subject “Absent of Ms. Shweta Singh, JRF, Pharmaceutical Technology Division absent from 8th July 2013” stating thereby That “I am inform you that Ms Shweta Singh, JRF, Pharmaceutical Technology Division absent from 8th July 2013”. Copy of the letter dated 07.10.2013 is annexed as Annexure No. -3.
  4. On direction of Dr. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL, Ms. Shweta Singh, JRF got full stipend of the period while she was absent from DRL, Tezpur. Some complaint and RTI were filed by some persons in the matter therefore under pressure of PCDA, Dr. Vijay Veer ordered to Admin & Finance division to recover one month stipend from her. Rs. 17600/- was recovered vide letter 51/13/AE dated 28/10/2013. Copy of the letter No. 51/13/AE dated 28/10/2013 is annexed as Annexure No. -4. The same amount was deposited by Ms. Shweta Singh vide Chq. No. 508551 dated 8/5/2014. Copy of the letter dated 08/05/2014 sent from Mrs. Shweta Singh, SRF to Director, DRL regarding “Return of Excess Payment”, is annexed as Annexure No. -5.
  5. I submitted an application under RTI Act 2005 dated 26 July 2014 in the matter of Ms. Shweta Singh, JRF to CPIO, DRDO HQ, New Delhi but till date CPIO, DRDO did not replied. Copy of the application under RTI Act 2005 dated 26 July 2014 is attached as Annexure No. -6.
  6. Detailed attendance sheet of Ms. Shweta Singh from Biometric Punching Attendance System of said period may establish her long absence from DRL, Tezpur. But extra payment for only one month and three days of stipend was recovered from her by DRL, Tezpur on direction of Dr. Vijay Veer. Due to expose of the matter, DRL stopped her stipend with effect from 03 October 2013. Till date she did not get any stipend from DRL, Tezpur.
  7. As per the DO-II No. 07 dated 20.04.2012, her tenure for JRF was automatically ended on 02.10.2013. She was absent in month of October 2013 but Dr. Vijay Veer gave another big favor to her. He constituted an Assessment Committee consisting of three senior officers namely Dr. H.K. Gogoi, Scientist ‘F’, Shri Indrajeet Baruah, Scientist ‘F’ and Dr. P. Chattopadhyay, Scientist ‘D’  vide DO-II No. 07 dated 25.04.2014 to gave extension of one year to Fellowship of Ms. Shweta Singh, JRF with retrospective effect from 03.10.2013 while she was not present during said period in DRL, Tezpur and appointed her as SRF. Copy of the DO-II dated 25.04.2014 is annexed as Annexure No. -7. It was mentioned in said DO-II dated 25.04.2014 that “Extension of tenure of fellowship of the above named individual with effect from 3rd October 2013 for one year as per recommendation of the Assessment Committee held on 24th March 2014 at DRL, Tezpur”.
  8. As per DHRD, DRDO guidelines  extension for one year can only be provided to a JRF candidate after his/her presentation before Assessment Committee constituted by Director well before the expiry of tenure of 02 years of the JRF.
  9. It is big manipulation and conspiracy that Ms. Shweta Singh never appeared before the Assessment Committee and she got extension of one year with retrospective effect by Assessment Committee vide DO-II No. 07 dated 25.04.2014. The said Assessment Committee was constituted by Dr. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL, Tezpur in the March 2014, which held the meeting on 24 March 2014.
  10. The recommendation of the Assessment Committee was approved by Dr. Vijay Veer, Director and Ms. Shweta Singh got extension for fellowship as SRF for one year from 03.10.2013 to 02.10.2014 vide DO-II No. 07 dated 25.04.2014.
  11. Surprisingly, while tenure of Ms. Shweta Singh, JRF was automatically ended on 02 October 2013 vide DO-II NO. 07 dated 20.04.2012, then why Dr. Vijay Veer allowed her to work in DRL, Tezpur till April 2014 and gave ex-post-facto sanction without any authority?
  12. Shweta Singh got married on 12 November 2013 and She was absent during the period from 03 October to 12 January 2014, then why DRL, Tezpur allowed her to join at DRL, Tezpur while her tenure was ended automatically on 02.10.2013?
  13. Extension for fellowship with retrospective effect is completely illegal as (i) Tenure of JRF remains only for two years, it cannot be extended in case of Ms. Shweta Singh as her term expired on 02 October 2013. (ii) With back date appointments/extensions to fellowship are not permissible under any rule of DRDO and GOI.

Hence extension to fellowship wef 03 October 2013 for one year by order dated 25.04.2014 is totally illegal and irregular. It should be cancelled.

  1. She was getting stipend of Rs. 16000/- per month as JRF and Rs. 18000/- per month as SRF.
  2. Under pressure of complaint to PCDA and RTI Application to CPIO, DRDO, DRL, Tezpur stopped the payment of her stipend with effect from 03 October 2014 up to till date. But to favor Ms. Shweta Singh, Dr. Vijay Veer ordered Finance Division to make bill for payment of stipend to Ms. Shweta Singh and accordingly a bill of approximately Rs. 2,12,439/- was made and sent to PCDA, New Delhi in February 2015 vide DRL letter No. 30/PAS/JRF/SRF/2014-2015 dated 02.02.2015. Copy of the bill sent to PCDA, New Delhi is annexed as Annexure No. -8.
  3. PCDA returned the said bill with following objections: (i) To submit attendance sheet of the Ms. Shweta Singh, (ii) Authority letter by which she was appointed as SRF by Director, DRL, Tezpur vide their letter dated 16.03.2015. Copy of the letter received to DRL, Tezpur dated 16.03.2015 from Accounts Officer, PCDA, Delhi is annexed as Annexure No. -9.
  4. Despite the above incidences, Dr. Vijay Veer again constituted Assessment Committee in November 2014 comprising of HK Gogoi, Scientist ‘F’, Dr. P. Chattopadhyay, Scientist ‘D’ , Dr. SN Dutta, Scientist ‘C’ and Shri S. Doley, TO ‘D’. This committee has a meeting on 24.11.2014 and recommended the 6 months extension to Ms. Shweta Singh, SRF for the fourth year. The minutes of the meeting was approved by Dr. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL, Tezpur on the same day 24.11.2014. Copy of the Minutes of Assessment Committee is annexed as Annexure No. -10.
  5. DRL, Tezpur has not submitted any reply to objections of PCDA till date and she did not get any payment since January 2014 to till date from DRL, Tezpur.
  6. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL, Tezpur is running this JRF-SRF business since his joining at DRL, Tezpur and normally per year 10-12 candidates being appointed by irregular means. Recently in the year 2014 and 2015 more than 25 vacancies were advertised. This year Interview going to held on 19 May 2015. Copy of the advertisement for the year 2014 and 2015 for recruitment of JRF, SRF and RA are annexed as Annexure No. -11 and Annexure No. -12.

Irregularities and Corruption by Dr. Vijay Veer in appointment of Shweta Singh, JRF

  1. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL, Tezpur unduly favored Ms. Shweta Singh and gave her an illegal extension in fellowship with intent to get pecuniary advantage to her by misusing his official position.
  2. Not only to her, Dr. Vijay Veer is giving high privileges to his father Shri V.P. Singh by allowing him to stay at DRL, Guest House since long time.
  3. This act of Dr. Vijay Veer amounts conspiracy against Government with ill motives to make a loss to public money and gave financial benefit to Ms. Shweta Singh by misusing his powers and official position by gross violation of DRDO Guidelines.
  4. Vijay Veer is attempted to make a payment of about Rs. 2,12,439/- in lump sum to Ms. Shweta Singh despite knowing her extension to fellowship was illegal.
  5. The said misconduct and misuse of power for giving pecuniary advantage to Ms. Shweta Singh, JRF by Dr. Vijay Veer, Director, DRL, Tezpur comes under section 13.(1)(d) of Prevention of Corruption Act 1988.

In light of above evidences it is  requested to you Sir,  issue appropriate direction to Secretary, DRD, South Block, New Delhi to:

  • Cancel the appointment order of Ms. Shweta Singh as JRF and SRF at DRL Tezpur and stop her payment till finalization of the complaint.
  • Not to award Ph.D. degree to Ms. Shweta Singh as her appointment as SRF is illegal and she was absent during her tenure as JRF in 2013.
  • Issue order to recover extra payment from Ms. Shweta Singh which DRL, Tezpur paid to her while she was on long absent from DRL, Tezpur for more than one year.
  • Setup an enquiry against Dr. Vijay Veer under CCS (CCA) Rules 1965 and Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 to give undue favour to Ms. Shweta Singh, SRF, DRL, Tezpur.
  • Cancel the recruitment process of JRF and SRF in DRL, Tezpur for the year 2015.

Regards

Prabhu  Dandriyal,
21-Sunderwala, Raipur, Dehradun -248008                                                                               Phone 0135- 2787750, Mobile- 9411114879,                                                                                  e-mail id prabhudoon@gmail.com  website www.corruptionindrdo.com

Enclosed – Annexure No. 1 to 12.

Copy of IPR of Dr. A.K. Singh, Director (Personnel), DRDO HQ
Copy of IPR of Dr. A.K. Singh, Director (Personnel), DRDO HQ
The Photograph of Vehicle No. AR 01E 0879 of Arunachal Pradesh Government parked at New DRL Guest House
The Photograph of Vehicle No. AR 01E 0879 of Arunachal Pradesh Government parked at New DRL Guest House

 

Copy of the letter dated 07.10.2013 from Dr. P Chattopadhyay, Head, Pharmaceutical Technology Division
Copy of the letter dated 07.10.2013 from Dr. P Chattopadhyay, Head, Pharmaceutical Technology Division
sweta case anx4
Copy of the letter No. 51/13/AE dated 28/10/2013 related to refund of excess payment to Ms Shweta Singh
Copy of the letter dated 08/05/2014 sent from Ms. Shweta Singh, SRF to Director, DRL regarding “Return of Excess Payment”
Copy of the letter dated 08/05/2014 sent from Ms. Shweta Singh, SRF to Director, DRL regarding “Return of Excess Payment”
Copy of the application under RTI Act 2005 dated 26 July 2014
Copy of the application under RTI Act 2005 dated 26 July 2014

Annexure-7

DO Part Order No – II No. 7 Dated 25/04/2014

(b) – MRS. SHWETA SINGH- JRF

Ref: – This Lab DO Part Order No – II No. 7 Dated 25/04/2012. Extension of tenure of the fellowship of the above named individual with effect from 3rd October 2013 for one year, as per recommendation of Assessment Committee held on 24th March, 2014 at DRL, Tezpur (Assam)

Copy of the bill sent to PCDA, New Delhi in respect of Ms. Shweta Singh, SRF vide DRL letter No. 30/PAS/JRF/SRF/2014-2015 dated 02.02.2015
Copy of the bill sent to PCDA, New Delhi in respect of Ms. Shweta Singh, SRF vide DRL letter No. 30/PAS/JRF/SRF/2014-2015 dated 02.02.2015
sweta case anx9
Copy of the letter received to DRL, Tezpur dated 16.03.2015 from Accounts Officer, PCDA, New Delhi
Copy of the Minutes of Assessment Committee held on 24.11.2014.
Copy of the Minutes of Assessment Committee held on 24.11.2014.
Copy of the advertisement for JRF for the year 2014
Copy of the advertisement for JRF for the year 2014
Copy of the advertisement for JRF for the year 2015
Copy of the advertisement for JRF for the year 2015

 

 

RTI- Department of Agriculture & Cooperation – DRL, DRDO,LLIN

To,                                                                                           Date 18th May 2015                           Shri P.K. Singh,                                                                                                                                   Under Secretary, CPIO,                                                                                                                     Ministry of Agriculture,                                                                                                                     Krishi Bhawan, Patel Chowk,                                                                                                            New Delhi-110011

Subject: RTI request related to approval of Registration Committee (RC)

Hello,
Kindly provide me with the following information requested under the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005 in respect of   allowing by Registration Committee (RC) of Ministry of Agriculture to DRL, DRDO to use of Long Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) containing Deltamethrin 0.15 w/w (55 mg a.i./sq.m.) and Pypernyl butoxide 0.55% w/w (160 mg a.i./sq.m.) u/s 9(3) for Defence and Paramilitary Forces.

As per MINUTES OF 352nd MEETING OF REGISTRATION COMMITTEE (RC) HELD ON 11.12.2014 IN THE ICAR COMMITTEE ROOM NO. 1, GROUND FLOOR, KRISHI BHAWAN, NEW DELHI.

Point No 5.15 – Consideration of an application of M/s Defence Research Laboratory, DRDO, Tezpur, Assam for grant of registration of indigenous manufacture of Long Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) containing Deltamethrin 0.15 w/w (55 mg a.i./sq.m.) and Pypernyl butoxide 0.55% w/w (160 mg a.i./sq.m.) u/s 9(3B).

Committee – Approved for a period of two years, for public health programme only subject to approval of DAC for commercialization, the shelf life of the product is allowed two years. Appropriate conditions may be incorporated in CR/Label Leaflet.

  1. Provide the certified copy of application of DRL, DRDO, Tezpur Assam for grant of registration of indigenous manufacture of Long Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) containing Deltamethrin 0.15 w/w (55 mg a.i./sq.m.) and Pypernyl butoxide 0.55% w/w (160 mg a.i./sq.m.) u/s 9(3B).
  2. Provide the certified copy of DAC for commercialization.
  3. Provide the copy of investigation or validation report on the use of Deltamethrin 0.15 w/w (55 mg a.i./sq.m.) and Pypernyl butoxide 0.55% w/w (160 mg a.i./sq.m.) for Long Lasting Insecticidal Net (LLIN) from any certified apex agency if any, if not then approval noting of chairman.

Regards

Prabhu  Dandriyal,
21-Sunderwala, Raipur, Dehradun -248008

Phone 0135- 2787750, Mobile- 9411114879,
e-mail id prabhudoon@gmail.com  website www.corruptionindrdo.com

Registration Number         DOA&C/R/2015/60256

Did Indian Army Really Contribute Rs 100 Crore To PM Relief Fund For Kashmir Floods?

Posted on Friday, May 15th, 2015 by Online Editor – Only Kashmir
New Delhi, May 15 (Only Kashmir): Four months after Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag handed over an Rs 100-crore cheque to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the flood victims of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army has denied information of any such donation.
Army General Suhag had presented the Rs 100-crore cheque, which was claimed to be raised by the soldiers and officers of 1.18 million strong army after donating their day’s salary, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Army Day reception on January 15.
However, an RTI reply from Army headquarters, has confirmed that “no such amount on account of contributions from salary of any Army personnel has yet been donated to the PM’s Relief Fund.”
Three days after the reception day function, it was reported about the army soldiers and officers, fuming over being not asked in advance by the higher officials before deducting their salaries and presenting the collected amount to the relief fund.
Apparently, media reports like these prompted Dehradun-based activist Prabhu Dandriyal to file an RTI on March 20, seeking what happened to the Rs 100 crore cheque donated to the PM’s Relief Fund by army.

Denying any such contribution for the flood-affected people of Jammu and Kashmir, the RTI reply from Public Information Officer, Lt. Col. Rajiv Guleria on Tuesday, May 12, has added that the matter is undInterestingly, press releases with photographs of Suhag handing over the cheque of raised amount to Modi in the presence of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, continue to be hosted on the websites of Prime Minister and Press Information Bureau.

Filing his RTI petition now to the Prime Minister’s Office, Dandriyal has sought to know how the Rs 100 crore cheque was utilized.

“When by March 20, no amount of contribution was taken from the salaries, then how did the army chief submit the fund of Rs 100 crore to PM relief fund. This is why I have sought clarification from the PMO by filing another RTI,” Dandriyal said.

The RTI revelation has come in the backdrop of severe financial crises ailing Jammu and Kashmir. Reeling from the post-floods devastation, the summer capital city of Srinagar has witnessed protests, almost on daily basis, from daily wagers and government employees demanding pending salaries and arrears.

After the September 2014 floods, the J&K state government had forwarded a Rs 44,000 crore rehabilitation proposal to the central government, which has not been entertained by the centre till now.

Months After Suhag Presented 100 Cr Cheque, Army Denies Contributing to PM Fund

OUTLOOK – NEW DELHI | MUMBAI | MAY 14, 2015
In a curious case, the army has said no contribution from the salary of any of its personnel has been donated to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, a statement that comes four months after Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag had handed over a cheque of Rs 100 crore to the fund.

“It has been intimated by concerned agency that no amount on account of contributions from salary of any Army personnel has yet been donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund.

“The matter is under consideration,” army CPIO Lt Col Rajiv Guleria said in an RTI response to Dehradun-based Prabhu Dandriyal.

The photographs of the 67th army day event are posted on the web site of Prime Minister’s Office showing cheque titled “one day’s pay of all ranks of Indian Army” being handed over to Modi by Suhag in the presence of Defence Minister Mahohar Parrikar.

Dandriyal has now sent his RTI petition to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking to know what happened to the Rs 100 crore cheque which is said to have been donated by the army chief to the Prime Minister.

“When by March 20 no amount of contribution was taken from the salaries, then how did the army chief submit the fund of Rs 100 crore to PM relief fund. This is why I have sought clarification from the PMO by filing another RTI,” Dandriyal said.

Army’s contribution of Rs 100 crore yet to reach PM’s relief fund

By TNN | 15 May, 2015, 11.21AM IST – the Economic Times

NEW DELHI: During the Army Day reception on January 15, General Dalbir Singh Suhag had presented a cheque of over Rs 100 crore to Narendra Modi for the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund with much fanfare. It was announced the amount had been raised by officers and soldiers of the 1.18-million strong Army by donating a day’s salary each to help the flood-affected people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Four months later, no such money has reached the intended fund. Responding to an RTI query filed by Dehradun-based activist Prabhu Dandriyal, the Army headquarters has said: “It has been intimated by concerned agency that no such amount on account of contributions from salary of any Army personnel has yet been donated to the PM’s Relief Fund. The matter is under consideration.”

On being asked about this embarrassing turn of events, the Army on Thursday said the process to collect the money on “a volunteer basis” was still underway. But Dandriyal smells a rat since many officers had earlier protested against Gen Suhag’s order for a day’s pay-cut without prior consent.

“The norm in the government is that all such contributions are made voluntarily. The Army chief’s order made it compulsory. How was the cheque presented to the PM on January 15 when no contribution had been taken from the salaries? My information is that the Army has sought time till July 10 now,” said Dandriyal.

The activist, in fact, has also filed an RTI in the PMO seeking to know what happened to the Rs 100 crore cheque donated to the PM’s Relief Fund. “The PMO website has photographs showing the cheque titled `One day’s pay of all ranks of the Indian Army’ being presented to the PM by General Suhag on January 15,” he said.

DID INDIAN ARMY REALLY CONTRIBUTE RS 100 CRORE TO PM RELIEF FUND FOR KASHMIR FLOODS?

OddPad.com
The Internet Magazine
Four months after Army chief Gen Dalbir Singh Suhag handed over a Rs 100-crore cheque to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund for the flood victims of Jammu and Kashmir, the Army has denied information of any such donation.

Army General Suhag had presented the Rs 100-crore cheque, which was claimed to be raised by the soldiers and officers of 1.18 million strong army after donating their day’s salary, to Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Army Day reception on January 15.

However, an RTI reply from Army headquarters, has confirmed that “no such amount on account of contributions from salary of any Army personnel has yet been donated to the PM’s Relief Fund.”

Three days after the reception day function, the New Indian Express had reported about the army soldiers and officers, fuming over being not asked in advance by the higher officials before deducting their salaries and presenting the collected amount to the relief fund.

“What an irony… Our war widows struggle for their day to day living… Our jawans are not able to afford good education for their children… and here we become so large hearted to donate money to the politicians… Did the COAS take our permission before doing this…? When did he start having rights on our hard earned Money…? Has any civilian/politician ever donated his salary for us…? It is time we raise our voice and stop this nonsense before it becomes precedence. Why should we pay for their future Goals,” the TNIE report had quoted an official saying on WhatsApp.

Apparently, media reports like these prompted Dehradun-based activist Prabhu Dandriyal to file an RTI on March 20, seeking what happened to the Rs 100 crore cheque donated to the PM’s Relief Fund by army.

Denying any such contribution for the flood-affected people of Jammu and Kashmir, the RTI reply from Public Information Officer, Lt. Col. Rajiv Guleria on Tuesday, May 12, has added that the matter is under consideration.

Interestingly, press releases with photographs of Suhag handing over the cheque of raised amount to Modi in the presence of Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, continue to be hosted on the websites of Prime Minister and Press Information Bureau.

Filing his RTI petition now to the Prime Minister’s Office, Dandriyal has sought to know how the Rs 100 crore cheque was utilized. Source: Live Mint
“When by March 20, no amount of contribution was taken from the salaries, then how did the army chief submit the fund of Rs 100 crore to PM relief fund. This is why I have sought clarification from the PMO by filing another RTI,” Dandriyal said.

The RTI revelation has come in the backdrop of severe financial crises ailing Jammu and Kashmir. Reeling from the post-floods devastation, the summer capital city of Srinagar has witnessed protests, almost on daily basis, from daily wagers and government employees demanding pending salaries and arrears.

After the September 2014 floods, the J&K state government had forwarded a Rs 44,000 crore rehabilitation proposal to the central government, which has not been entertained by the centre till now.

(With inputs from PTI)

Feature image source: Money Life

Curious case of Army donation to PM fund

Last Updated: Thursday, May 14, 2015 – 15:50 – Zee News
New Delhi/Mumbai: In a curious case, the Army has said no contribution from the salary of any of its personnel has been donated to Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, a statement that comes four months after Army Chief Dalbir Singh Suhag had handed over a cheque of Rs 100 crore to the fund.

“It has been intimated by concerned agency that no amount on account of contributions from salary of any Army personnel has yet been donated to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund. The matter is under consideration,” Army CPIO Lt Col Rajiv Guleria said in an RTI response to Dehradun-based Prabhu Dandriyal.

The photographs of the 67th Army day event are posted on the website of Prime Minister’s Office showing cheque titled “one day’s pay of all ranks of Indian Army” being handed over to Modi by Suhag in the presence of Defence Minister Mahohar Parrikar.

Dandriyal has now sent his RTI petition to the Prime Minister’s Office seeking to know what happened to the Rs 100 crore cheque which is said to have been donated by the Army chief to the Prime Minister.

“When by March 20 no amount of contribution was taken from the salaries, then how did the Army chief submit the fund of Rs 100 crore to PM relief fund. This is why I have sought clarification from the PMO by filing another RTI,” Dandriyal told a news agency.

PTI

‘No sign’ of Army cheque donated to PMO

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT – NEW DELHI, May 15, 2015- The Hindu
Months after Chief of Army Staff General Dalbir Singh presented a cheque of over Rs.100 crore to the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund, the Army says it has no information of any such donation.

On January 15 this year, Gen. Singh presented Prime Minister Narendra Modi the cheque “raised by officers and soldiers of the Army donating a day’s salary each” on the 67th Army Day. The photo of Gen. Singh presenting the cheque is on the website of the Press Information Bureau, as is an accompanying press release.

After reading media reports about several Army men expressing unhappiness about the Gen. Singh’s decision to hand over the cheque without first taking their consent for the deduction, Dehradun-based activist Prabhu Dandriyal filed an RTI petition with the Army on March 20.

Mr. Dandriyal told The Hindu that he sought information on the whether the cheque has been deposited in the fund, details of the bank, the account head of the Army from where the money had been debited, and if the cheque was not deposited, then whether it had been returned to the Army.

On May 12, a response from Lt. Col. Rajiv Guleria, the Public Information Officer said: “…no amount on account of contributions from salary of any Army personnel has yet been donated to the Prime Minister Relief Fund. The matter is under consideration.”

Mr. Dandriyal has now sent an RTI query to the PMO. An Army spokesperson refused to comment on Thursday.

The mystery of Rs100 crore donation by Army to PM Relief Fund

MONEYLIFE DIGITAL TEAM | 14/05/2015 07:09 PM |100crchquePM Modi was seen as receiving Rs100 crore from Army as donation towards PM’s Relief Fund. However, a reply received from Army HQ under RTI says no such money was donated

15 January 2015: Prime Minister Narendra Modi (was seen in a photo published by Press Information Bureau -PIB) received a cheque of Rs100 crore from Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar and Army Chief General Dalbir Singh towards Prime Minister’s Relief Fund on the 67th Army Day. Interestingly, the photograph when enlarged by us shows that it was a mock cheque handed over by the Army Chief. It has no amount mentioned. Instead, it says, “One day’s pay of all ranks of Indian Army”.Army Day

So what happened to the donation? Was the money donated? Was it collected from Army officers and soldiers and handed over to the PM Relief Fund?

20 March 2015: A reply received Right to Information (RTI) Act says the Army has yet to donate Rs100 crore toward the PM Relief Fund!

According to a PIB release on 15 January 2015, the Indian Army donated Rs100 crore and the amount was raised by officers and soldiers donating a day’s salary each. The cheque of Rs100 crore was handed over to PM Modi by General Dalbir Singh at the traditional ‘At Home’ at Army House on the 67th Army Day.
Dehradun-based Prabhu Dandriyal filed an RTI seeking details about the Rs100 crore donation given by the Army to PM Relief Fund. On 20 March 2015, he received a reply from the RTI Cell of the Army. army reply rgardidonation

The reply sent by Lt Col Rajiv Guleria for Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) of Indian Army says, “It has been intimated by concerned agency that no amount on account of contributions from salary of any Army personnel has yet been donated to the Prime Minister Relief Fund. The matter is under consideration.”
Therefore, the question remains as to whether the PM Relief Fund received Rs100 crore donation by Army or no. There could be three possible scenarios. One, the donation was given, but someone may have forgotten to collect/deposit the actual cheque. Second, the PIO from Army not have received correct information and hence gave incorrect information. Three, the PIO may have given wrong or misleading information.

According to Shailesh Gandhi, former Central Information Commissioner and RTI activist, it is impossible for the PIO to provide misleading or wrong information. “However, the PIO may not have realised the impact of this information,” he said.