The Indian state till recently denied information about its functioning and decision-making to its citizens, ironically, using laws made during the colonial period. Apart from being an anomaly in a democratic set-up, it created an adverse impact on the quality of governance, accountability, and transparency. It was only in 2005, after a prolonged freedom of information movement, that this situation was finally rectified. The government enacted the landmark Right to Information Act 2005, and gave to all its citizens the right to access information held by or under the control of public authorities. This Handbook is meant to serve as a practical guide to the implementation of the Act. The book begins by locating the Act in the context of a global movement for freedom of information (FOI), and discusses the efforts made by international bodies for adoption of FOI. It also presents a detailed comparative study of FOI in five countries—the US, the UK, Canada, South Africa, and India. In subsequent chapters, the book adopting a step-by-step approach, discusses the provisions of the Right to Information Act, how citizens should make use of the right to information, the comprehensive guidelines for public authorities and their obligations under the Act, which includes relevant central information commission decisions, the role of the public information officers (PIO), who are to be appointed as per the provisions in the Act by all public authorities, the exemptions allowed under the Act, and, finally, the appellate authorities to whom a citizen can appeal in case of unsatisfactory response by the PIO.
This book is a comprehensive work which incisively analyses, from a theoretically informed perspective, crucial aspects of India’s journey from partial divestiture to privatisation, accompanied by case studies of enterprises being privatised in FY 2022. Naib begins with the economic role of the state followed by theoretical and empirical evidence on the state versus private ownership in the first two chapters. Next, an overview of public sector in India including the New Public Sector Enterprise Policy for Atmanirbhar Bharat-2021 is discussed, before a broader examination of the global experience with privatisation is done. Naib then goes on to explore India’s journey from partial divestiture to privatisation from 1991 to 2021 in four time slots based on the political party in power. The book also looks at big ticket privatisation and asset monetisation proposed in FY 2022. Many criticised the design of National Monetisation Plan as it may lead to concentration of wealth, increasing inequalities, asset stripping, and consumers paying higher charges. The book closes by presenting six instances of big-ticket privatisations ranging from airlines, airports, banks, insurance, as well as industries such as petroleum and telecoms. The book’s timely data and analysis of key developments will interest researchers in the fields of divestiture and privatisation in India.
Ladakh, for centuries, has been a land of mystery for the people of many ethnicities. Notwithstanding a rich historical background, Ladakh today is a vastland with its own unique culture and traditions. Known by many names like the Land of Lamas, Moon land, Land of High Winds, Cold Desert and the like; Ladakh is truly the Nature's workshop, studio and art gallery all rolled in one. This book is dedicated by the author to Rigzin Namgyal Kalon, the man who did wonders for the development of the Ladakh region. Ladakh and many generations to follow would always be grateful to him and all that he did for this region and the people, irrespective of their place, caste, creed or religion. For Ladakh, with all its glory and splendid isolation; the twentieth century has been a period of great trials and tribulations, crisis and opportunities; and in the final analysis a number of downs and many moreups. The region has flourished but is still not clearly out of the woods. The author with his personal experience in the region has brought out these facets of the region in great details.
The relations between India and Pakistan have been strained right from the partition days and Jammu and Kashmir has always been the focus point of any discussion between the two countries. Many efforts have been made to normalise the relations, however, no tangible results have been forthcoming. Some hopes were seen during the tenure of Sheikh Abdullah as Chief Minister, however, the events took a downward turn after his death in 1982. The situation in J&K deteriorated and militancy took its roots across the state in a big way. Good governance is an integral part of any effective government. However, in a conflict situation and disturbed environment, where the lives and interests of ordinary people are under pressure, the issue of a functioning government becomes even more crucial. This is exactly where the governance system failed the people of the state when the trouble started. By the beginning of 1990, the administration in Srinagar and some other towns of the Valley had almost collapsed. Jammu and Kashmir has been struggling with the scourge of terrorism for three decades now. This has caused untold miseries to the people of the state; with thousands losing life and many more getting hurt. The turmoil has also resulted in huge losses to public and private properties. This book attempts a panoramic overview of the peace process, in different stages and phases over the past seven decades, between India and Pakistan from 1947 onwards; with special reference to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The author, having been involved in many of these processes very closely, has covered these details in most authentic and unbiased manner.
It is said that the best way to learn is to do so while laughing. It’s also said that laughter is the best medicine and a healthy sense of humour can help treat many ailments. In Military Anecdotes, author Col Sudhir Jee Sharma presents a humorous look at Soldier’s Life. He seeks to introduce readers to the lighter side of Soldier’s experiences. Believing that the Military life all over the world is more or less same, this book has been designed for readers all over the world. This book has been written in simple language so as to amuse readers from Non Military background as well. Through this book, Sharma takes you on an uproarious journey from the Air Force, Army, Navy to Russian Army & DRDO, then peeks into life of a Sepoy to a General ,exposes you to stringent yet beautiful experiences from recruitment to Retirement and provides you entry into day to day life of Soldiers and their families. It’s great that Sharma has also been able to procure anecdotes from British Raj Days. All readers are sure to get their bite of fun and humour here in the form of text and illustrations both.Entertaining and engaging, this collection of anecdotes celebrates military life in India and around the world. Five Most Dangerous Things in Army:- A Jawan saying: “I have understood...” A JCO saying: “Leave it to me...” A Captain saying: “Based on my experience...” A Doctor saying: “Trust me...” A Major saying: “I was thinking...” A General saying: “I am here to help...”
IN THIS VOLUME • Command Failures – 1947-1990: A Disheartening Continuum • South Asian Security — Lt Gen Mathew Thomas • To End with a Whimper — AP VENKATESWARAN • Pakistan’s Complicity in Terrorism in J&K: The Evidence and the Law — AG NOORANI • Defence Expenditure – Some Issues — GC KATOCH • Military Expenditure and the Poor — Air Marshal Vir Narain • The Resource Crunch & Defence Management: Sustaining and Modernising the Army in Keeping with Security Commitments — Lt Gen KK Hazari • India at the Crossroads: Issues in the Articulation of a Viable Defence Strategy — Sudhir K Arora • Nuclear Developments: Weapons and Procurement of Fissile Material — Amrita Hazarika • Operation Rhino: A Case Study — Pravin Sawhney • Some Personal Thoughts on Command — Lt Gen Mathew Thomas • The Army and the Change: Criticism and Rebuttal — Lt Gen SC Sardeshpande • Airborne Forces: Part II AB Division in its Classic Role — Maj Gen Afsir Karim • Employment of Military Helicopters: Part II The Indian Experience & Compulsions — Brig Vijai K Nair • Weapons Overview: The Artillery Division — Maj Shankar Bhaduri VIEWPOINT • What Ails the Army’s Officer Class? • Repercussions on Frequent Deployment of Armed Forces in Aid to Civil Power
IN THIS VOLUME • Commonsense Approach to Indo-US Relations • Developing Indo-US Defence Cooperation Interview with the VCOAS — Lt Gen VK Sood COMMENTS AND REACTIONS • Lt Gen IS GILL, PVSM, AVSM, MC (Retd) • Lt Gen Dr ML CHIBBER, PVSM, AVSM (Retd) • Maj Gen E D’SOUZA, AVSM (Retd) • Air Marshal VIR NARAIN, PVSM, AVSM (Retd) • The Emerging US Presidential Doctrine 1993: ‘Punitive Amerika’— Shankar Bhaduri • Indian Strategic Culture — George Tanham • Through a Minefield on Tiptoes: Defence Implications of the Evolving Indian Foreign Policy — Sudhlr K Arora • India Pakistan Reconciliation: Its Impact on International Security — Lt Gen Dr ML Chibber • An Overview of India-China Relations: From When to Where? — Surjit Mansingh • Punjab – A State under Siege — Brig HS Sodhi • Plugging the Dyke: Operation RAKSHAK in Punjab — Maj Pravin Sawhney • Private Sector Ordnance Production — Col Ashoka Purl • Air Borne Forces - Part Ill The Current Requirements — Maj Gen Afsir Karim • The Artillery Division - Part II — Shankar Bhaduri VIEWPOINT • Selection is the Name of the Game - COAS 2005 • High Himalaya: The Bayonet End REVIEWS and CRITIQUES • War in High Himalaya: The Indian Army in Crisis, 1962 Reviewed by Lt Gen IS Giu • IPKF in Sri Lanka Reviewed by Admiral JG Nadkarni
The Indian state till recently denied information about its functioning and decision-making to its citizens, ironically, using laws made during the colonial period. Apart from being an anomaly in a democratic set-up, it created an adverse impact on the quality of governance, accountability, and transparency. It was only in 2005, after a prolonged freedom of information movement, that this situation was finally rectified. The government enacted the landmark Right to Information Act 2005, and gave to all its citizens the right to access information held by or under the control of public authorities. This Handbook is meant to serve as a practical guide to the implementation of the Act. The book begins by locating the Act in the context of a global movement for freedom of information (FOI), and discusses the efforts made by international bodies for adoption of FOI. It also presents a detailed comparative study of FOI in five countries—the US, the UK, Canada, South Africa, and India. In subsequent chapters, the book adopting a step-by-step approach, discusses the provisions of the Right to Information Act, how citizens should make use of the right to information, the comprehensive guidelines for public authorities and their obligations under the Act, which includes relevant central information commission decisions, the role of the public information officers (PIO), who are to be appointed as per the provisions in the Act by all public authorities, the exemptions allowed under the Act, and, finally, the appellate authorities to whom a citizen can appeal in case of unsatisfactory response by the PIO.
This book is a comprehensive work which incisively analyses, from a theoretically informed perspective, crucial aspects of India’s journey from partial divestiture to privatisation, accompanied by case studies of enterprises being privatised in FY 2022. Naib begins with the economic role of the state followed by theoretical and empirical evidence on the state versus private ownership in the first two chapters. Next, an overview of public sector in India including the New Public Sector Enterprise Policy for Atmanirbhar Bharat-2021 is discussed, before a broader examination of the global experience with privatisation is done. Naib then goes on to explore India’s journey from partial divestiture to privatisation from 1991 to 2021 in four time slots based on the political party in power. The book also looks at big ticket privatisation and asset monetisation proposed in FY 2022. Many criticised the design of National Monetisation Plan as it may lead to concentration of wealth, increasing inequalities, asset stripping, and consumers paying higher charges. The book closes by presenting six instances of big-ticket privatisations ranging from airlines, airports, banks, insurance, as well as industries such as petroleum and telecoms. The book’s timely data and analysis of key developments will interest researchers in the fields of divestiture and privatisation in India.
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