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Delhi High Court Slams ‘Freebie Culture’ Over IAS Coaching Centre Deaths, Summons MCD Commissioner

July 31, 2024, 3:33 pm

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday strongly criticized the Delhi government’s “freebie culture” in light of the recent deaths of three civil service aspirants due to flooding in the basement of Rau’s IAS coaching center in Old Rajinder Nagar on July 27. The court expressed concerns about the government’s failure to upgrade the city’s infrastructure, particularly its drainage system, amidst a growing population.

Court Orders Immediate Action on Encroachments

The court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner, the deputy commissioner of police (DCP), and the investigating officer to appear in court on Friday. It also ordered the removal of all encroachments on drains in Old Rajinder Nagar by Friday, stressing the urgency of addressing the issue.

Tragic Incident at Rau’s IAS Study Circle

The incident, which occurred on July 27, claimed the lives of three UPSC aspirants: Shreya Yadav from Uttar Pradesh, Tanya Soni from Telangana, and Navin Dalwin from Kerala. They were trapped in the flooded basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle. The court is hearing a plea for the constitution of a high-level committee to investigate the incident, with the next hearing scheduled for Friday at 2:30 PM.

High Court Warns of Possible CBI Investigation

A division bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela emphasized the need to fix responsibility for the incident. They warned that if local authorities failed to do so, the investigation might be transferred to a central agency such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC). The court highlighted the severity of the incident as a case of infrastructure failure and negligence.

Demand for Accountability

The court demanded the presence of the investigating officer, the concerned DCP, and the MCD commissioner with all relevant files on Friday. The court criticized the investigation’s progress, calling it “strange” and highlighting that actions were being taken against “passersby” rather than holding MCD officials accountable. The court stated that someone needs to be held responsible, noting that only one MCD official had been jailed so far.

Infrastructure Concerns

The Delhi High Court also expressed dissatisfaction with the civic authorities’ failure to upgrade the century-old infrastructure. The court pointed out the disconnect between liberalizing laws and failing to modernize infrastructure, labeling the civic authorities as “bankrupt.” The bench criticized the lack of spending on infrastructure and questioned the administrative capacity to govern the city effectively. They highlighted the ongoing issues of unauthorized construction despite buildings being officially sealed.

This tragic incident has brought to light the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades and accountability within the city’s civic administration, as well as the potential repercussions of governmental negligence.

Parliament Debates Deaths At Rau’s IAS: Calls For Action And Investigation

July 29, 2024, 3:08 pm

Both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha have discussed the tragic deaths of civil services aspirants at Rau’s IAS basement library in Delhi.

In the Rajya Sabha, Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar expressed concern about the commercialization of coaching centers. He mentioned that coaching has become a business, with ads frequently appearing in newspapers. Dhankhar decided to have a brief discussion on the incident and will meet with party leaders to address the issue.

In the Lok Sabha, the issue was raised during Zero Hour. BJP MP Bansuri Swaraj criticized the AAP government, accusing it of “criminal negligence” regarding the deaths. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who visited the hospital where the injured are being treated, called for financial compensation for the victims. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and Congress MP Pappu Yadav also demanded an investigation into the incident.

Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) commissioner Ashwani Kumar announced that a junior engineer had been fired and an assistant engineer suspended due to lapses related to the incident. On Monday, bulldozers were seen clearing illegal encroachments on the streets of Karol Bagh, where Rau’s IAS Study Circle is located.

Delhi BJP workers protested outside the AAP office, blaming the AAP government for the incident. A public interest litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking a high-level investigation into the deaths and the MCD officials who allegedly ignored a complaint from June 26. The PIL also called for the formation of district-level committees to address illegal commercial constructions.

No Action On Complaints: Karol Bagh Residents Point Finger At Delhi Administration

July 29, 2024, 12:17 pm

The drowning deaths of three students at Rau’s IAS Study Circle in Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar have sparked outrage among local residents, who accuse the authorities of negligence and failure to address the illegal use of basements.

On June 26, Karol Bagh resident Kishor Singh Kushwaha lodged a complaint with the Delhi Public Grievance Monitoring System (PGMS), highlighting the unlawful operation of classes in the basement of the coaching institute. Despite submitting two follow-up reminders on July 15 and July 22, the issue remained unresolved.

Kushwaha stated, “Had the administration acted promptly, this tragedy might have been prevented. The area is plagued by illegal basement operations lacking the necessary NOCs and safety measures. This negligence by the administration is unacceptable.”

Another local resident, Ashok Sharma, criticized the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for its inaction regarding frequent waterlogging in the area. “The MCD is aware of the waterlogging issues in this area but has failed to address them. Operating libraries in basements is prohibited, yet the MCD allowed it to continue,” Sharma said.

Attempts to contact MCD officials for comments on the complaint and their inaction were unsuccessful.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday when the basement of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, which had been converted into a library, filled with water during a sudden downpour. The three deceased students, Tanya Soni, Nevin Dalvin, and Shreya Yadav, were trapped inside the flooded basement.

The authorities’ failure to enforce safety regulations and address infrastructure issues has raised serious concerns about the safety of similar establishments across Delhi.

Video: Rau’s IAS Faculty’s Reaction To Flooding During Live Class

July 29, 2024, 11:16 am

In a tragic incident at Rau’s IAS coaching centre in Delhi’s Old Rajendra Nagar, three UPSC civil services aspirants lost their lives due to rain-induced flooding. The victims, Tanya Soni, Nevin Dalvin, and Shreya Yadav, were trapped in the basement library of the coaching centre during a sudden downpour on Saturday.

This Video has been Removed from the Playlist of their YouTube Channel
We All Know Why!!!! pic.twitter.com/nYAPfaBw9j

— tweetsforupsc (@factsforupsc) July 28, 2024

A video circulating on social media reveals a faculty member at Rau’s IAS initially downplaying the severity of the situation during a live class. In the footage, the instructor is informed about the flooding and the issues it caused, such as blocked sewer lines and broken gates. Despite this, the faculty member chose to continue the lecture, stating, “The sewer line is blocked, roads are jammed, and the gate is broken. I’ve been informed to end the class early; otherwise, we won’t be able to reach home. So, what to do? Let’s continue with the lecture and see what happens.” He eventually ended the class midway, which had started at 6 pm.

WATCH THE VIDEO:

Video ?️ pic.twitter.com/Roo9EDd2Fr

— ????? ????? (@vipinyadavin) July 28, 2024

The coaching centre has since removed the video from its YouTube channel. Rau’s IAS issued a statement expressing deep condolences and confirming full cooperation with the ongoing investigation. “Our thoughts are profoundly with the families during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement read.

The Delhi Police have arrested the owner and the coordinator of Rau’s IAS Study Circle, charging them with culpable homicide and other offenses. Authorities cited inadequate drainage systems, lack of safety measures, and non-compliance with norms as contributing factors to the tragedy.

Atul Garg, Director of Delhi Fire Services, reported that emergency services received a call around 7:10 pm about the flooding and students trapped in the basement. Firefighters faced challenges as rainwater continued to flow into the basement, initially increasing the water level to 12 feet. Once the flow subsided, they managed to lower the water level to 8 feet and recover the bodies of the deceased students.

This incident has sparked concerns about safety protocols and emergency preparedness in educational institutions. The investigation continues as the authorities seek to determine the full extent of the negligence involved.

Controversy Erupts Over Pune IAS Officer’s Address and Business Ties

July 17, 2024, 4:13 pm

Puja Khedkar, a probationary IAS officer in Pune, is facing scrutiny over discrepancies in her application for a disability certificate, specifically concerning her residential address linked to Thermoverita Engineering Pvt Ltd, a defunct company. According to municipal records, Khedkar submitted a ration card indicating Thermoverita as her residential address, despite no family ties to the company’s ownership or board. The land on which Thermoverita was located is owned by Khedkar’s mother, Manorama Khedkar, and is classified as commercial property by the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation. Importantly, there is no residential structure on this property.

Further investigation revealed errors in the ration card, stating ‘plot’ number 53 instead of the correct ‘gat’ number 53, which corresponds to the company’s land. Additionally, property tax amounting to approximately Rs 2.8 lakh has reportedly gone unpaid for the past three years. Despite Thermoverita ceasing operations in 2019, it retains registration for Khedkar’s Audi, equipped with government beacon and Maharashtra government stickers.

Authorities emphasize the mandatory requirement of submitting accurate local address proof for disability certificate applications, yet hospital officials reportedly do not verify addresses provided by applicants. Documents from the Union ministry of corporate affairs confirm Thermoverita’s inactive status since 2019, raising questions about the legitimacy of Khedkar’s residential claim tied to the company.

Pune Police Visits To Khedkar Bungalow Unanswered Amid Rioting Probe

July 15, 2024, 4:29 pm

Early on Sunday morning, teams from both Pune Rural and Pune City police arrived at the Baner residence of Manorama Khedkar, mother of trainee IAS officer Puja Khedkar, seeking to question her about a recent rioting incident. Despite two visits at 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., the officers left without any interaction as their calls at the gates went unanswered.

Pune Rural Superintendent of Police, Pankaj Deshmukh, informed the Times of India, “We aimed to interrogate Manorama Khedkar regarding a rioting and threatening case filed by the Paud police, following a farmer’s complaint from Dhadawali in Mulshi taluka.”

The case, registered on Friday night, involves a video from June 5, 2023, showing Manorama brandishing a pistol during a confrontation with farmers over a land dispute, accompanied by private bouncers.

On Saturday, police gathered statements from witnesses in Dhadawali and conducted a spot inspection. The following morning, officials from Paud police and the Rural police’s local crime branch attempted to visit Manorama’s bungalow. “We also sought information about the private bouncers and others present during the incident,” Deshmukh added. Despite their efforts, there was no response from inside the locked gates.

Pune police commissioner Amitesh Kumar announced on Saturday that Manorama’s .25 bore Webley and Scott pistol license, issued in 2000 for self-defense, was under scrutiny. The police intended to deliver a notice demanding an explanation for the alleged misuse of the firearm, with the threat of revoking the license.

Senior Inspector Shailesh Shankhe and his Chatushrungi police team made a second visit to the bungalow at 10 a.m. to serve the notice. Again, there was no response, prompting the officers to paste the notice on the gate before departing.

The notice details the rioting case and accuses Manorama of violating her firearm license terms. It demands a response within ten days, warning of license cancellation if she fails to comply.

Rahul Gandhi: Backward Classes Underrepresented in IAS

April 29, 2024, 6:58 pm

In a recent public address in Gujarat’s Patan, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over the underrepresentation of backward classes in India’s administrative structure, particularly in the Indian Administrative Service (IAS). Gandhi highlighted that out of 90 IAS officers running the Indian government, only three belong to backward classes, pointing to a disparity in influential positions within key ministries and departments.

Gandhi’s remarks come amidst a broader conversation about equal opportunities and representation for marginalized communities in governance. He emphasized that the distribution of budgetary funds, crucial policy decisions, and the implementation of major infrastructure projects are largely influenced by these 90 IAS officers, revealing a significant gap between their population share and decision-making power.

“Your population is 90 per cent, but your share is 6 rupees and 10 paise out of 100,” Gandhi stated, underscoring the need for a more equitable distribution of resources and decision-making authority.

The Congress party, in line with these concerns, has been advocating for a nationwide caste census to accurately enumerate the socio-economic conditions of various castes and sub-castes. This census would serve as a crucial step towards ensuring fair representation and addressing systemic inequalities across government institutions.

Gandhi’s criticism also extends to the limited presence of backward class individuals in sectors beyond government, highlighting the need for broader societal inclusivity and opportunities for marginalized communities.

The Congress party’s election manifesto includes promises to pass a constitutional amendment to raise the cap on reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) and conduct a comprehensive Socio-Economic and Caste Census to inform policies aimed at promoting social justice and equality.

As discussions around representation and inclusivity gain traction, Gandhi’s remarks add to the ongoing dialogue on fostering a more inclusive and representative governance structure that reflects India’s diverse population and addresses the needs of marginalized communities.

Navneet Kumar Sehgal takes charge as chairman of Prasar Bharati

March 16, 2024, 1:38 pm

Retired Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer Navneet Kumar Sehgal has been appointed as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati for a term of three years or until he turns 70, whichever comes first, succeeding Surya Prakash.

According to an order from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, “In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 4 of the Prasar Bharati (Broadcasting Corporation of India) Act, 1990 read with sub-section (4) of Section 4 and sub-section (1) of Section 6 of that Act, the President, on the recommendation of the Selection Committee, is pleased to appoint Navneet Kumar Sehgal, IAS (retd.) as the Chairman of Prasar Bharati Board with effect from the date of his assuming charge of the post for a term of three years or until he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.”

Navneet Kumar Sehgal is a retired IAS officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

In a separate development, the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Prasar Bharati, the national public service broadcaster, and the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) initiative of the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.

This collaboration aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of leveraging digital innovation to empower rural India. USOF has been instrumental in providing high-speed broadband and mobile connections to Gram Panchayats (GPs) and villages across the country.

Under this MoU, USOF will ensure efficient and high-speed broadband services in rural and remote areas, while Prasar Bharati will offer bundled OTT services, including linear channels, Live TV, and on-demand content, to end consumers.

IAS Officer Poses as Patient to Inspect Health Centre in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh

March 13, 2024, 11:14 am

An IAS officer conducted an undercover inspection at a government health center in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, posing as a patient wearing a veil. The officer, Kriti Raj, the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) in the area, took this action after receiving complaints about patient inconveniences.

“I had received a complaint regarding the Dida Mai health center that the doctor was not present even after 10 am to administer an injection for a dog bite,” Raj said.

Raj revealed that she anonymously visited the health center, took an appointment, and spoke with the doctor, finding his behavior unprofessional.

“I went there anonymously in a veil. I sought an appointment and spoke with the doctor. The doctor’s behavior was not appropriate,” she stated.

During her inspection, Raj noted discrepancies in staff attendance, with some absent despite their signatures in the register. She also found that around half of the medicine stock was expired and that cleanliness and hygiene were lacking.

“Even injections were not being given properly. The staff were not working with the motive to serve people,” Raj observed.

Regarding action against the health center officials, Raj mentioned, “We have taken note of all these and we will investigate,” adding that they will be sending them a report.

Visuals from the inspection showed SDM Kriti Raj standing in a veil at the hospital with other patients and checking and segregating stocks of medicine from the pharmacy.

K Shivaram, actor and former IAS officer passes away at 70

February 29, 2024, 3:09 pm

K Shivaram, a former IAS officer who also pursued careers in acting and politics, passed away on Thursday at a Bengaluru hospital at the age of 70.

Shivaram was born on 6th April, 1953 in Urugahalli village, Ramanagar district, to drama maestro Kempaiah and his wife Chikkaboramma. He achieved success in acting and bureaucracy, but his political career never fully took off.

One of his most notable achievements was being the first person to clear the UPSC exam in Kannada.

In 1972, Shivaram obtained a job in the state government following his graduation from Government High School in Malleswaram and completion of a typing and shorthand course. The following year, he joined the police department’s intelligence wing as a police reporter.

While working, he pursued BA and MA degrees through evening and distance learning. He was appointed Deputy Superintendent of Police in 1985 after passing the Karnataka Administrative Service (KAS) test.

In 1986, Shivaram achieved a childhood aspiration when he became the first Kannada individual to pass the UPSC exam and made history.

‘Baa Nalle Madhuchandrake,’ a 1993 musical thriller directed by Nagathihalli Chandrashekar, was a successful movie that launched his film career. He decided to put more of his attention into his bureaucratic job when most of his later cinematic endeavors failed to materialize. As the regional commissioner for Bengaluru, he retired in 2013.

After retiring, K Shivaram joined the Congress party. Later, he changed to the JD(S) and ran from Bijapur in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections, losing to Ramesh Jigajinagi of the BJP. He eventually became a member of the BJP and was given a position on the state executive committee.

He is survived by his wife Vani Shivaram and a daughter, who is married to Kannada actor Pradeep.

Kayamkulam: Kerala Home Secretary’s family meets with accident; injured

January 9, 2023, 1:26 pm

Kerala Home Secretary Dr. V Venu and his wife Sarada Muraleedharan on Monday met with an accident near Kayamkulam after a truck rams their car at 12.30 am. Dr. V Venu, his wife Sarada Muraleedharan, also an IAS, and their son, driver, and two others got injured and have been admitted to a private hospital in Parumala. According to the Kayamkulam police Dr. Venu and his family are out of danger and they were traveling to Thiruvananthapuram from Ernakulam.

3 IAS officers transferred in UP

December 9, 2022, 4:04 pm

Three IAS officers have been transferred from the revenue, transport, and administration department in Uttar Pradesh. The three officers who are transferred are Rajesh Kumar (Special Secretary Revenue), Khem Pal Singh (Special Secretary Transport), and Ram Narayan Singh Yadav (Special Secretary Secretariat Administration). Kannauj police on 30 November announced the transfer of several officers.

Yogi government transfers 6 more IAS officers in UP

November 22, 2022, 6:44 pm

Yogi government for the third consecutive day again transferred as many as six IAS officers on Sunday to maintain the law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, in the last three days, 17 IAS officers have been transferred. On Sunday and Monday, 11 IAS officers were shifted.

The transfers which are made on Tuesday are Gaurav Dayal has given the position of Ayodhya’s Divisional Commissioner, and Yogeshwar Ram Mishra became Basti’s Divisional Commissioner.

Moreover, Navdeep Rinwa has been given the post of Divisional Commissioner of Aligarh, Muthukumaraswamy B. has been made Mirzapur’s Divisional Commissioner, IAS officer Jagdish has been given the position of MD Medical Supply Corporation Lucknow and Akhand Pratap Singh will be Special Secretary Home Department.

Earlier on Sunday IAS Mahendra Singh has been made Special Secretary of Home, IAS Sheshnath as Special Secretary of Sugar and Sugarcane Development, IAS Yogesh Kumar has been given the post of Special Secretary Agriculture Production Commissioner Branch, and IAS Renu Tiwari Additional Commissioner of Village Development has been given Additional Commissioner MNREGA charge.

However, IAS Arun Prakash Special Secretary of MSME Export Promotion has been made Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries, TK Shibu has been given the post of Additional Land Management Commissioner Revenue Council, IAS Sunil Kumar Verma as Special Secretary of Agriculture Production Commissioner Branch and IAS Anurag Patel has been given the position of Special Secretary Revenue Department.

Furthermore, the transfers have been made in the early morning to have a proper administrative hold at all places. The transfer list was released by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.

Yogi government transfers 8 IAS officers in UP

November 21, 2022, 1:36 pm

Yogi government transferred as many as eight IAS officers on Sunday to maintain the law and order in the state.

Meanwhile, IAS Mahendra Singh has been made Special Secretary of Home, IAS Sheshnath as Special Secretary of Sugar and Sugarcane Development, IAS Yogesh Kumar has been given the post of Special Secretary Agriculture Production Commissioner Branch, and IAS Renu Tiwari Additional Commissioner of Village Development has been given Additional Commissioner MNREGA charge.

Moreover, IAS Arun Prakash Special Secretary of MSME Export Promotion has been made Chief Executive Officer Khadi and Village Industries, TK Shibu has been given the post of Additional Land Management Commissioner Revenue Council, IAS Sunil Kumar Verma as Special Secretary of Agriculture Production Commissioner Branch and IAS Anurag Patel has been given the position of Special Secretary Revenue Department.

However, before the civic polls, the transfers has been done in the state.

Arun Goel takes charge as new Election Commissioner

November 21, 2022, 12:27 pm

As the new Election Commissioner of India Former bureaucrat, Arun Goel assumed charge on Monday.

Earlier on Saturday, a former IAS officer of the Punjab cadre Arun Goel was appointed as Election Commissioner.

Meanwhile, on Saturday the Minister of Law and Justice notified the appointment made by President Droupadi Murmu.

“The President is pleased to appoint Arun Goel, IAS (Retd.) (PB: 1985) as the Election Commissioner in the Election Commission with effect from the date he assumes the office,” notified said.

Moreover, on Friday from the post of Secretary, Heavy Industries Arun Goel took voluntary retirement.

However, in the election commission, Goel will join Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar and Election Commissioner Anup Chandra Pandey.

Furthermore, in May 2022 Sushil Chandra retired as Chief Election Commissioner.

You’ll also request condoms: IAS officer makes fun of a Bihar girl’s request for inexpensive sanitary napkins; NCW asks for an explanation

September 29, 2022, 5:28 pm

The National Commission for Women (NCW) on Thursday looked into the incident in Patna where an IAS officer publicly made fun of a school girl when she asked for inexpensive sanitary napkins at a workshop organized in Bihar.

The IAS, Harjot Kaur Bamrah is also the MD of Bihar Women and Child Development Corporation. The Women Commission has asked for a written explanation for the remarks made by the IAS officer.

“The reply must be communicated within 7 days,” said NCW. After coming across various social media posts regarding the “embarrassing” incident, condemning the incident, NCW said that such an “insensitive attitude” from a person in a responsible position is condemnable and “extremely shameful”.

In the event, a school girl asked if the government could provide sanitary napkins at a cheaper price. The demand was praised by so many but it did not go well with the officer. She got upset with the demand and asked if there is any end to the demands.

“Today you are asking for sanitary, tomorrow you will need jeans, then good shoes and when the question of family planning will arise, you will ask for condoms too,” she replied.
Meanwhile, ensuring action in the matter, Bihar CM Nitish Kumar also called a meeting and said that they are helping women and monitoring everything.