The Civil Services Day on 21 st April is an annual ritual celebrated year-after-year. For the past two years, it is a two-day extravaganza, not one as before. I attended the first Civil Services Day on April 21, 2006. Attendance was compulsory. Usual rhetorics, sermons by dignitaries. All very de-motivating, uninspiring. Sheer waste of public time, public money with no value addition to  attitudinal change in “rededicating themselves to the cause of citizens and renew their commitment to public service and excellence in work “. 5-star coffee/ tea and lunches  are the star attractions. Junior bureaucrats rushing to shake hands with the high and mighty, falling over each other to have favourite picks in lunch.

The 2007 event was a repeat of 2006. Come 2017, awards to  500 civil servants  against 100 last year. Considered a “quantum leap “. What were the short listing criteria? Who were members of the Jury? How were selections made? Was it based on pick-and-choose, arbitrary and  discretionary considerations? The anguish expressed by other Services, is justified.  Selection of theme, manipulated to highlight achievements of single Service .

DOP&T ,PG & AR will have much to explain. Let it upload details of total expenditure on mega event including to-and fro travel expenses, officers’ absence from public duty . Time to introspect. Mollycoddling of civil servants should be strictly no- no. Let civil servants celebrate the Day by observing punctuality and work harder.

If BJP-led MCDs continue to functions as it were during the last decade, voting for Modi in MCDs elections was the Hobson's choice, resulting in BJP’s victory.

Audit reports have brought out serious financial irregularities,

It indicts all 3 MCD Commissioners, their officers and staff as incompetent, inefficient and corrupt. Misuse of authority, insensitivity to genuine public issues, are considered as matters of right.

No transparency, no accountability. LG, too weak to rein in officers and wayward staff .

The unethical elements steeped in collusive and coercive corruption, are brazenly staying-put without fear of punishments.

Personal experiences galore. Specific complaints against encroachment on public land remain unattended to by East and South MCDs. DDA continues to top the list of corruption due to vested interests.

Complaints made to PMO, LG, Delhi and Vice Chairman DDA, have had no effect in North, East and South MCDs. It merely invited backlash in the form of threats, further inaction. CVOs are timid.

Services delivery mechanism at cutting-edge levels is non-existent.Work is possible through touts, roaming around DDA and Corporation offices. Anti- corruption agencies are blissfully unaware of the goings on

Personality Tests (Interviews) for Civil Services (Mains)-2016 are underway in UPSC. The interviewees are stripped of pens, wrist watches, mobile phones or some concealed devices, fearing illegal recording. Just and fair. But, why are interview Board members exempted? They allegedly keep searching for questions to be posed to the aspirants? Thanks to the Google search engine. Mobiles are not always switched off but kept on silent mode. Vulnerability to outside pressure is open to question. This adversely and avoidably impacts the credibility of a Constitutional body like the UPSC, that is considered just and fair . Appropriate steps  need be taken by the authorities concerned. Similar remedial measures should  apply to other recruitment bodies including the Staff Selection Commission , an arm of DOP&T, headed PM Modi, himself.

Art of Living (AOL)'s 3-day World Culture Festival on Yamuna's flood plains in Delhi, last year, is in the news again for wrong reasons.News report in a section of media (HT,April 26 : “Art of living hits back at NGT panel over Yamuna report “ ) is disturbing. Interestingly, the musical extravaganza was organized with assistance of Times Group. TOI has not picked up the story. The job involves removal of huge debris, de-compaction of site, restoration of natural topography and contours, removal of temporary roads, re-planting of natural vegetation etc.NGT’s expert committee estimates Rs 42 crores investment for restoration work spanning over 10 years. Let us seek answers to following questions :--

(a) Will the AOL Foundation agree to pay for restoration work?

(b) Is C&AG as chief auditor of govt agencies involved in restoration job, seized with the matter ?

(c) One wonders, whether PM Modi's visit to the mega event is not misused as a licence against recovery of restoration charges.

(d) Unless, the court orders suo motu revovery proceedings as GOI does not seem to be in the loop,it is quite possible that Kejriwal might cite this as a precedent to bolster up his refusal to pay Rs 97 crores of public funds, illegally siphoned off  from Delhi’s budget and misused for advertisements in the Punjab/ Goa assemblies’ elections.

The controversy cannot rest here due to heavy public exchequer. The public has reasons to feel outraged in the face of the constitutionally guaranteed doctrine of  Equality before the Law

My motive is not to hurt anyone’s sentiments. If anyone feels hurt due to difference in opinions, I seek apologies in advance

The news item ( IE dt April 20,2017)- “China renames six places in Arunachal, says ‘1st batch “, is disturbing. This is to protest against Dalai Lama’s visit to Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh. Tantamounts to violation of India’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. No point trusting China that has blocked India's entry into Nuclear Suppliers’ Group and in becoming a permanent member of UN Security council. It openly supports Pakistan’s refusal to deport Azhar Masood to India besides making frequent incursions into our territory, claiming Tawang , Arunachal Pradesh, as part of south Tibet. We must react against overt and covert threats from China. These are acts of extreme provocations. An open affront to India. MEA mandarins must re-visit India’s foreign policy. An immediate diplomatic reposte to China is imperative. 

Let India confer Bharat Ratna on Dalai Lama.

Sonu Nigam has tweeted singling out " Azaan" from masjids as a noise pollutant. Calls it ' gundagardi , cacophony and forced religionness ". Moronic comments.

Highly intolerant, Unfair, immature, unjust and discriminatory. Must be BOOKED immediately for his naivete and for disturbing communal harmony. He must learn to shut up and put up What about night-long “Bhagwati Jaagran “at every nook and corner by the hindus, kirtan in Gurudwaras and so on. Is God hard of hearing?

No one criticises Persistent vehicular, loud speakers / public address system and other noise- producing instruments during religious and marriage celebrations in conformity with permissible norms.

Provisions in Central Motor Vehicle Rules banning multi-tone/ musical horns, are misused by trucks and buses particularly in residential colonies.

What are the Police, DMs doing to enforce Supreme Court / NGT's Anti- Noise pollution guidelines?

Sushma Swaraj warned Pakistan : "Sabak ke liye tayyar raho " Teaching lessons to Pakistan? What are the available options? Approaching Pak’s Supreme court with an appeal, diplomatic pressure, Entebbe style, Surgical strike or God forbid, the nuclear strike? Kulbhushan Jhadav’s trial was a charade without providing Consular access to him. More serious is Pak’s failure in providing him legal assistance through a defence counsel. India must do whatever is considered holistically appropriate from security angle. But, take swift action-- In hours, days, but, not week. Country is outraged at the gravest provocations.  Approaching ICJ , UNO or showing a cry-baby face to the US, USSR and the world-at-large, will hit country’s dignity in the comity of nations. All soft options. 

Following pro- active steps need be taken :

(i)Revive active support to Baluchistan’s freedom movement. PM Modi has not taken follow-up action after the historic announcements.

(ii) India’s candy floss diplomacy is tertiary in the given circumstances. Dialogue with Pak’s elected govt. would be meaningless. Pak’s civilian govt. is irrelevant;

(iii)  Let the indian army talk to their Pakistani counterparts in the language, they would understand. It is time for retaliation;

(iv) Arrest all hurriyat leaders, the Abdullahs, Junaid Mattu, Mustafa Kamal of National Conference and their supporters. And, of course, the stone –pelters. No kid-glove treatment for them;

(v) Shame to Indian pro-Pak liberals, sympathizers, peaceniks, who chose to sip ‘ chai on April 11, 2017, with Abdul Basit,Pak’s high commissioner, who has been consistently justifying death sentence to Jadhav. No room for Track-II diplomacy;

(vi) Belgium has alerted against more 26/11 type terror attacks in India;

(vii) India must declare Pakistan a terror state, before appealing to other countries  do the same;

(viii)  Issue travel advisory to Indians for taking necessary precautions during business trips to countries neighbouring Pakistan. Getting close to international borders could invite abductions by Pak army.

Sushma Swaraj warned Pakistan : "Sabak ke liye tayyar raho " Teaching lessons to Pakistan? What are the available options?

Approaching Pak’s Supreme court with an appeal, diplomatic pressure, Entebbe style, Surgical strike or God forbid, the nuclear strike? 

Kulbhushan Jhadav’s trial was a charade without providing Consular access to him. More serious is Pak’s failure in providing him legal assistance through a defence counsel.

India must do whatever is considered militarily appropriate from security angle. But, take swift action-- In hours, days, but, not week.

Country is outraged at the gravest provocations. 

Approaching ICJ , UNO or showing a cry-baby face to the US, USSR and the world-at-large, will hit country’s dignity in the comity of nations.

Following pro- active steps need be taken :

(i) Revive active support to Baluchistan’s freedom movement. PM Modi has not taken follow-up action after the historic announcements

(ii) India’s candyfloss diplomacy is tertiary in the given circumstances. Dialogue with Pak’s elected govt. would be meaningless. Pak’s civilian govt. is irrelevant.

(iii)  Let the indian army talk to their Pakistani counterparts in the language, they would understand.It is time for retaliation.

(iv) Arrest all hurriyat leaders, the Abdullahs, Junaid Mattu, Mustafa Kamal of National Conference and their supporters. And, of course, the stone –pelters. No kid-glove treatment for them.

(v) Shame to Indian pro-Pak liberals, sympathizers, peaceniks, who chose to sip ‘ chai ’ on April 11, 2017, with Abdul Basit,Pak’s high commissioner, who has been consistently justifying death sentence to Jadhav. No room for Track-II diplomacy.

(vi) Belgium has alerted against more 26/11 type terror attacks in India.

(vii) India must declare Pakistan a terror state, before appealing to other countries  do the same.

(viii)  Issue travel advisory to Indians for taking necessary precautions during business trips to countries neighbouring Pakistan.Getting close to international borders could invite abductions by Pak army.

China's growing proximity to the US,its war-like posturing betraying brinkmanship, threats of military intervention fuelled by Dalai Lama's visit to Tawang, AP, claimed as part of illegally occupied south Tibet.

Dangerous portents for India.

Can India trust the US and its NATO allies in case of war?

Recall America's 7th fleet in Bay of Bengal during 1971 war.

Bangladesh, Srilanka could possibly remain neutral.

Pakistan might open multiple fronts against India.

North Korea would play dirty Harry. 

Could India count on Russia like in the past?

Japan, Myanmar, the Philippines,Vietnam, Malaysia and Afghanistan could be on India's side. 

So, India will have to fend for itself.

Time to activate Baluchistan, Sindh ,POK, Baltistan and Gilgit, Tibet and China’s muslims

In a serious indictment, Shunglu committee has charged Kejriwal government with gross abuse of power. More and more skeletons are tumbling out of the cupboard by the day. Despite solid evidences, the accused is having a free run, calling it an act of political vendetta. Height of brazenness. Why can’t Delhi’s Lt. Governor recommend to the President sacking of ruling political dispensation to be replaced by LG’s rule assisted by chosen bureaucracy.

The following couplet fits aptly on Kejriwal and his corrupt associates.

“Nizaam-e-maikada aaj bigda hua hai doston ;

Unhe hi jaam milta hai, jinhe peena nahi aata...!!!”

Watched Ravindra Gaikwad's speech  on Lok Sabha channel during Zero hour proceedings.

Din and noise forced frequent adjournments.

Threatening gestures by Shiv Sena MPs  was  reprehensible.

Remorseless VIP seems to be on weak wickets. No apology, no regrets.

Let the Law take its course and establish the truth. The court alone can decide on quashing the FIR or book the accused.

Dadagiri on Civil servants may invite a backlash.

Let Delhi police continue its investigation on the basis of FIR. Why was MP not arrested by DP after registering FIR. This is baffling ?

Will the accused agree to undergo Narco-analysis test to facilitate investigation?

Delhi CM is irrepressible, impulsive and confrontationist. Throwing basic norms of human dignity to the wind, he had called PM Modi a psychopath, ex-LG as a sycophant, headmaster, principal, Hitler. During centenary celebrations of Delhi high court in Dec ,2016, the loose cannon accused the ruling dispensation of tapping phones of top judges when PM, former CJI, Law minister and top judges of high courts and Supreme court, were present. Instead of taking suo motu cognizance of allegations, ex-CJI thanked CM for land allotment. The identity of judge(s) who had alleged tapping of judges phones has not been revealed, till date. Defamation is not a Fundamental right. Forcing LG,Delhi to release Rs 3. 42 crores as fee for CM’s defence counsel in defamation case filed by Arun Jaithley, is not legally tenable. Another insult to human dignity. Taking law into his own hand, public thrashing of an AI officer by a snooty MP, is reprehensible, unpardonable. Taking pride in slapping AI staffer with slippers 25 times, the remorseless MP insisted on travelling by non-existent Business class at tax-payers’ cost. opposition’s brazen insistence on lifting the ban on air travels, is unjust ,unfair.

Law-makers turn law-breakers. No VIP tag, extra privileges for them. These worthies are not fit to become our role models? Time to stand up and take notice. Feeling discriminated against; the citizens of India need Judicial protection under Rule of law.

Draft RTI rules 2017 superseding 2012 Rules have been circulated by GOI to invite comments from civil society. Views of public-at-large in rural India have not been sought. Why restrict it to internet-friendly users? Why, no press notice for wider reach and invite views of all stake holders? An exercise in futility and Self- deception. A strategem to distract people' attention from its growing demand for bringing Political parties, Judiciary and political Executive within the purview of the proposed RTI Act 2017.

A highly regressive step, a ploy to discourage RTI applicants and make them vulnerable to Mafia, adversely impacted by RTI applications. Any RTI applicant could be forced by the mafia  either by pecuniary allurements or physical threats, to withdraw or amend the original application under the proposed amendment.

Attempt at total dilution of present rules to benefit big business houses, the bribe-givers, bribe-takers, blackmailers, black marketeers, mafias, builders etc.

RTI Act 2005 is toothless. Its new avtaar will be gumless.

Hypocrisy par excellence. The present political dispensation and its elite bureaucratic doormats are expected to be more honest in their endeavour for transparency.?

If, it is not possible to enhance the scope of present RTI Act 2005 and Rules 2012, why not give the Act, a quiet burial ?India, perhaps, does not deserve it.

Ethical Governance is irrelevant. Let corruption continue with vengeance.

I have only cuss words to offer to Delhi voters who reposed their faith in their one time icon called Kejriwal and were rewarded in return with the wrath of the majority. Municipal elections are due in Delhi. A mistake, if repeated, is a sin and a sign of moronery. There is a total chaos in the national capital.

Kejriwal, the fraudster, control freak, confrontationist, a failed bureaucrat, a waiting-to-be jailed politician. Charges of nepotism, corruption, money-laundering, molestation against AAP MLAs, fake degree. Illegal appointments in violation of Recruitment Rules, awarding building contracts illegally to friends and relatives, fake remunerations to fake, non-existent employees, awarding building contracts to friends and relatives.

Kejriwal’s latest misdemeanour --Snoopgate. Furtive investigations on his detractors with payment of remunerations to sting operators out of public exchequer. Objective- blackmailing.

Keeping journalists in good humour by appointing them in Board of Governors of DU colleges. All in the name of transparency and public interests.