IOC penalises 25 erring gas agencies Distributors Penalised For Selling Domestic LPG Cylinders To Commercial Establishments

times of india, chennai edition 29th may 2009 page no.2

IOC penalises 25 erring gas agencies
Distributors Penalised For Selling Domestic LPG Cylinders To Commercial Establishments
Julie Mariappan | TNN

Chennai: The Indian Oil Corporation has taken “stern action” against 25 distributors in the city for their alleged role in diverting domestic cylinders for commercial use during the last two years. The IOC, however, has not specified the nature of action. During repeated raids following complaints from the public, it was discovered that distributors themselves were involved in the business of selling domestic cylinders to commercial establishments at a higher price.
“Action has been taken against erring distributors and penalty imposed as per policy of the Indian Oil Corporation,” IOC deputy general manager G Ramkumar said in his reply to an RTI query, while confirming that diversions were made by authorised dealers of Indane between February 2007 and December 2008. The list of charges against distributors include diversion of domestic cylinders to non-existing customers, releasing unauthorised connections, collecting excess charges while supplying refills and behaving rudely with customers.
The distributors penalised for various malpractices include Kavitha Gas Agency, TUCS Limited (at Teynampet, Pallavaram, Shenoy Nagar, Villivakkam, Nungambakkam and Tiruvanmiyur), Barathi Gas, Nanda Gas, Naveen Gas Agency, Triloks Gas Agency, Sri Jayam Indane Gas, Sri Ma Kripa Gas Agency, Prarthana, South Madras Gas Agency, Super Flame, Rajesh Gas, Vaishnavi Agency, Padma Gas, Mahaganapathy and Trilok.
“The number of raids conducted by vigilance personnel of IOC is minimal. The department conducts raids only once in a month in most cases, even though diversion of cylinders for commercial purposes is so rampant these days,” said V Gopalakrishnan, an activist who had filed the RTI application.
Indane’s domestic cylinders of 14.2 kg each are supplied at a subsidised rate of Rs 314.75 per cylinder, while commercial cylinders of 19 kg are priced at Rs 830 in the market. “The cost difference enhances the chances of diversion of cylinders,” says D Johnson, a resident of Mylapore. Most of the tea shops in commercial areas such as N S C Bose Road in Broadway, Kodambakkam, K K Nagar, Mylapore and Ekkaduthangal are supplied with domestic cylinders. In the central business district, delivery boys of TUCS indulge in diversion of domestic cylinders in broad daylight, residents allege.
In its recent circular to all field level officials and LPG distributors, the office of the chief area manager said they should not insist on a 21-day waiting period before the customer books another cylinder. “But dealers are neither aware of such directions nor are they properly educated on customer relations. They turn down requests rudely despite being told about the circular,” M Leeladevi, a resident of Pammal Nallathambi Street, said.

School in a soup for taking fee sans receipt

times of india. chennai edition, 27/05/9 page no.6
Chennai: A government-aided school in K K Nagar came under the scanner of the education department on Tuesday after some of its officials demanded money for providing transfer certificates (TCs). After the intervention of the Department of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DV&AC), the district education officer conducted an inquiry.
The Kalaignar Karunanidhi Nirmala Girls Higher Secondary School on Kamarajar Salai is a government-aided institution till Class 10. Classes 11 and 12 are self-financed. On Tuesday morning, several parents and children who came to collect TCs were shocked when some teachers asked them to shell out Rs 200 as maintenance fee.
“They had collected Rs 5,800 as fees, including maintenance charges, at the beginning of the year. But they are again demanding money and that too without giving any receipt,” said Subramanian, a parent who refused to pay.
He said one of the teachers even claimed that the school’s clout extended to the chief minister’s office. “The school has been taking Rs 100 and Rs 200 during the year for various reasons. But the transfer certificate is necessary for the future of children and hence the parents give the money without questioning,” he said.
Another parent who gave the money said, “We did not want to have any problems and so we gave Rs 200.” Subramanian then informed his friend Gopalakrishnan, a member of Federation of Anti-Corruption Teams (FACT) India. The latter informed inspector Jeevanandham of the DVAC who alerted the district education officer.
Around 11.15am, the district education officer reached the school, conducted an inquiry and ordered the school to stop collecting money and also took an audit of the total money taken from parents.
“As Classes 11 and 12 are run by the management, they could have collected money to run the institution. Had a receipt been given there would not have been any problem. I have asked the school administration to return the money taken from parents and not to collect the amount from others,” the officer said.
V Panchamoorthy, another parent, said the authorities refused to return the money when his daughter went to collect it. “They said it was donation money and refused to refund it,” he said.
The school authorities told the Times of India that they were collecting maintenance fees as was usually done at the end of the academic year.

Come and see the theft of water on the streets of a thirsty city

times of india, chennai edition, 28/05/09, page no.3
Come and see the theft of water on the streets of a thirsty city
Vivek Narayanan | TNN

Chennai: Around noon, as the summer sun beats down mercilessly, a regular trade is on at Kamarajar Salai in K K Nagar. A woman sits on a stone near a sintex tank, waiting. Soon, a bullock cart carrying a tank halts near her. The cart driver fills his tank with water from the sintex tank, gives the woman Rs 30 and drives off.
The ‘trade,’ which has been going on in K K Nagar for the past several months has now spread to areas like Tondiarpet and Mylapore and even to commercial localities, including T Nagar.
The water in the sintex tank is supplied by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) or Metrowater to places where there is no proper piped water supply. There are 2,200 such tanks in the city; most of them located near slums.
“The water filled in tanks on bullock carts is supplied to hotels in various parts of the city,” said Gopalakrishnan of the Federation of Anti-Corruption Teams (FACT) India.
A bullock cartdrawn tank can carry 18 buckets of water and for each tank, the driver pays Rs 30 to the person who steals water from the sintex tank. The driver then sells the water to hotels and other commercial establishments for Rs 75 per tank.
“The water is filled in the tanks in accordance with the demand for the particular area. When the water is pilfered thus from tanks and sold outside, the residents are left with no water. As such, one family gets only two or three buckets a day,” said Mugilan of K K Nagar.
A senior Metrowater official, pointing out that such “sale” was illegal, said: “We have two teams to keep track of the supply and distribution of water. They have been issuing spot fines too. We will look into the issue and stop the supply of water till this pilferage is curtailed.”

BLATANT THEFT: 1) A man comes on a bullock-cart with a barrel to a Metrowater public water tank on Kamarajar Salai in K K Nagar, where a woman is waiting. 2) She fills cans of water for the man. 3) He fills the barrel and leaves within a few minutes after paying the woman Rs 30

Encroachments invite danger from vehicles

times of india, 22may 2009, chennai edition, page no.3

(http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Scripting/ArticleWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=TOINEW&BaseHref=TOICH/2009/05/22&PageLabel=3&EntityId=Ar00302&ViewMode=HTML&GZ=T)

Encroachments invite danger from vehicles
Julie Mariappan | TNN

Chennai: Hardly a day passes without an accident occurring on the Taramani Link Road. Hundreds of motorists from Velachery, Pallikarnai and Medavakkam have a tough time navigating the stretch as several families have encroached the road. A broad estimate reveals that at least 300 families have made the roadside their home for more than a decade.
The families, initially about 50 of them, were brought by a contractor engaged by the Chennai Metrowater Supply and Sewerage Board to lay pipelines in Velachery.
“From 100 metres, they have encroached on more than a kilometre now. But the government is not interested in rehabilitating them,” said S Kumararaja, general secretary, Federation of Velachery Residents Welfare Association. Encroachments are not confined to the Taramani Link Road. There are squatter families on P T Rajan Salai and Kamarajar Salai in K K Nagar; 11th Avenue in Ashok Nagar; and Rattan Bazaar near N S K Bose Road in Parry’s. They vie for space with cabs at night. A spurt in the number of accidents involving pavement dwellers in recent months has only exposed the lackaidaiscal attitude of government machinery, said activist V Gopalakrishnanan. “In spite of our repeated attempts to evict them we couldn’t succeed as the hutment dwellers enjoy political backing,” a Chennai Corporation senior official said.

டொமெஸ்டிக் லப் மிசுசெது இன் city

Deccan chroncile, chennai edition, page no.6
(http://www.dc-epaper.com/DC/DCC/2009/05/23/ArticleHtmls/23_05_2009_006_003.shtml?Mode=0#)

HOUSEHOLDS BLAME ERRATIC SUPPLY, SHORTAGE ON GAS SERVICE AGENCY OFFICIALS
Consumers across the city complain about errant gas service company officials who do not deliver domestic gas cylinders on time but provide the same regularly to street-side shops. It is obvious that most fast food stalls and well-known sweet shops in T Nagar, K K Nagar and Park are using domestic gas cylinders.

It is easy for food stalls to avail of the gas cylinders, say the consumers. Mr V.Gopalakrishnan of MGR Nagar, said, “Most shops in our area use domestic gas cylinders. Shop-owners cleverly keep an empty commercial cylinder outside but use domestic gas inside the shop. Whenever we seek the service providers for refilling the cylinder, they do not respond immediately and the supply of the cylinders is delayed for no reason.” “While my service provider sometimes refuses to even record my order, claiming there is ‘no stock’, the roadside restaurants always have gas cylinders.

My cylinder is delayed by 20 days even when there is stock,” says Ms Stella George, a housewife from Kodambakkam.

Ms Dhanam of K.K. Nagar said, “The service providers don’t inform the waiting list number over phone, but provide cylinders to food stalls without fail.” On inquiry, shop-owners admit that gas cylinders are easily available to them for Rs 500 per cylinder, which is cheaper than commercial gas cylinders.

When contacted, officials of the civil supplies and consumer protection department claimed that they conduct inspection every month. “So far, we have conducted more than 40 raids and seized over 3,600 cylinders from shops in the city in the past three years,” said the officials.

ஆவின்

DC chennai edition, saturday 16may 2009 page no.5

“Everyday, the price of milk packet keeps changing.

Though I was ready to pay correct change, the salesmen have been demanding 50 paise everyday.”

Aavin milk pack ets are sold at a price higher than the MRP in various parts of the city. Though consumers lodged complaints with the complaint cell of Aavin, they did not receive any response.
Mr V. Gopal, a resident of MGR Nagar, said, “Everyday, the price of milk packet keeps changing. Though I was ready to pay correct change, the salesmen have been demanding 50 paise everyday. I have filed several complaints and did not receive any favourable response yet.” (55) of Madipakkam asked the retailer to return the change, he did not even respond. “Earlier, Aavin milk cost less than any other brand. Now, I am forced to bargain for correct change When Ms Vijayalakshmi everyday. I called the complaint cell. They assured to take action but I find no change in the retail shops.” Ms M.Vasanthi at Velachery, who has been buying Aavin milk for the past five years, said, “It is terrible to negotiate for 50 paise everyday. Though I give them correct change, they ask for 50 paise extra in the morning and evening.” Mr Vasu, public relations officer of Aavin, said, “Over 3,500 outlets are operating in the city. We have given strict warning to the retailer outlets and distributors.Weplan to inspect the shops and take action, if necessary.”

10,000 cast no-வோடே

Another high: 10,000 cast no-vote
Despite Training, Polling Officers Caught Unawares On Rule 49(O) Procedures
times of india 14/05/09

Chennai:More than 10,000 people in the city opted for Rule 49(O), which allows the voter to mark his presence at the polling booth, but not cast his vote for any candidate. However, in many cases election officers were caught unawares.
Despite the election department’s claims of having conducted training for polling officers, many of them had no clue about the option. A few officials who knew that it existed, however, were not familiar with the right procedure to be followed. Corporation commissioner and district electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni admitted that the turnout was unexpectedly big.
V Gopalakrishnan, a social activist, was the first at the MGR Corporation School in Chennai South constituency to ask for the Rule 49 (O) option. “The polling officer at booth 136 was totally blank. Then he asked me to ‘vote for some candidate and leave’. When I insisted on entering my refusal to vote in the 17A register, he called the zonal officer, who was equally ignorant. Finally, I called the district electoral officer and, after 90 minutes of struggle, got it done,” said Gopalakrishnan.
Dr S Murugasundaram, a dermatologist and a voter of ward 70 of Kilpauk in Chennai Central, had a similar experience when he went to vote at 8am. “The officer was rude when told about 49(O). He asked me not to create a ruckus and leave the place. However, I stood my ground and registered my refusal to vote,” he said.
Several people complained of policemen threatening them when they refused to leave the polling booths without registering their names under Rule 49(O) to prevent bogus voting in their names.
V Anandarajan of Nanganallur, which falls under the Sriperumbudur constituency, found the exercise smoother, but the officer there refused to apply indelible ink on his finger though the rule specifies that ink should be marked on the voter’s finger. All this, despite posters in front of polling booths mentioning the rule and the procedure being explained in the polling officer’s handbook (page 39).
According to Gopalakrishnan, what compounded the confusion was the use of the Tamil word ‘padivam’ (form) to describe 17A instead of ‘padivedu’ (register) under rule 49(O). Voters insisted on a form, while all they had to do was to sign in the register which others did, too, and mention in the remarks column ‘refuse to vote’.
Admitting there was widespread confusion, corporation commissioner and district electoral officer Rajesh Lakhoni said an unexpectedly large number of people opted for rule 49 (O). “Some officials may not have taken the training seriously and nobody anticipated such a large number of people choosing the option,” he said.
In Sriperumbudur constituency, residents affected by the expansion of Chennai airport had pledged to exercise the ‘no vote’ option to express displeasure at the indifference shown by political parties to their plight. But only 60 exercised it at different polling booths in Manapakkam, Gerugambakkam, Kolapakkam, Kovur and Tarapakkam in the constituency. The rest of them chose to boycott the polls, frightened of being harassed by agents of political parties.
Brinda Brighton, an office bearer of the United Peoples’ Forum for Survival, formed by affected residents, said: “People are now afraid of local agents of political parties. There is no privacy in exercising the ‘no vote’ option because we have to ask the presiding officer for form 17A and we are identified by party agents. At least in the next polls, the Election Commission should make it possible for people to exercise the option on the EVMs.”
CASTING THEIR DISPLEASURE More than 10,000 people in the city opted for Rule 49(O), which allows the voter to mark his presence at the booth but not cast his vote for any candidate
Despite the election department’s claims of having conducted training for polling officers, many of them had no clue about the option
Though residents affected by the expansion of Chennai airport had pledged to exercise the no-vote option to express displeasure at the indifference shown by political parties to their plight, only 60 exercised the right

2nd

From Chennai-78
V. GOPALAKRISHNAN,
7,Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.Nagar,
Chennai – 600078.

To
The Commissioner,
Tamilnadu State Information commission,
Chennai-18.

Respected Sir/Madam

Sub: Under the Right To Information Act 2005, sec 19(3) 2nd appeal submitting – Regarding

Ref: 1. My RTI Application letter Dated







-----
Under the RTI act 2005 sec 6(1). I requested certain information’s vide reference cited. The Public Information Officer, Appellate Authority not furnished even after lapse of more than prescribed time limit.

So I appeal to you sir under RTI Act 2005, Sec 19(3), Kindly arrange to get correct information, full information and supply the copies at free of cost under RTI Act 2005 Sec 7(6).

Please take necessary action against PIO for not furnishing information as per RTI act 2005 sec 20(1) and 20(2). And as per sec 19(8)(6) Hon’ble Commission must order for compensation for Postage, Xerox copies for 1st appeal and 2nd appeal .


Thanking you
Yours faithfully,

(V. GOPALAKRISHNAN)

RTI activists use hi-tech gadgets in fight for rights

RTI activists use hi-tech gadgets in fight for rightsMay 3rd, 2009
By Our Correspondent Vellore, May 2: A number of RTI activists have turned tech-savvy by adopting high-end gadgets to exposae malpractices and corruption in the public and private sectors.

Nearly 20 to 30 activists in Chennai, Tiruvannamalai and Vellore districts have been using gadgets such as spy cam (pen and button type with 4 GB storage capacity), spy cam (antenna model) annexed in laptops, micro voice recorders, mobile camera and mobile video recorders.

“I have been using pen-type spy camera. I can record continuously for one-and-a-half hours as the tiny device comes with a rechargeable battery with 4 GB storage facility,” said Mr V. Gopalakrishnan, an RTI activist, who exposed corruption in implementing welfare schemes in Vellore taluk office using the device.

The devices also play the role of self-protection gears for the activists, he said, adding, “When I filed an RTI application seeking information about the list of beneficiaries in welfare schemes in Vellore taluk office, two persons had approached and threatened me to withdraw the petition. But I recorded their speech using the pen-type spy camera without their knowledge and took the issue to higher officials and the police department.”

Mr Gopalakrishnan and three of his friends have also been using an antenna-type spy cam and static camera at a visiting room in their respective house or office. Mr Vinod Jain, member of FACT India, said the modern devices have been of great help to get justice. Around 10 co-members of the organisation have been using the devices during sting operations to expose malpractices, misuse of power and corruption in public and private sectors.

Lack of knowledge about the devices among the officials helps us to expose the corruption, he said. Finding the trendy spy cam handy to uncover malpractices and create crucial evidence to bring the truth to light, the activists and members of several NGOs are going for it.

மெட்ரோ வாட்டர்

CHENNAI: For a few hours each day for the past seven years, the residents of MGR Nagar have been witness to a sore sight. Untreated sewage, first
in a trickle and later in a rush and allegedly from a faulty pipeline, has been flowing into the MGR Nagar canal near KK Nagar. And, residents allege, the Chennai Metrowater Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB) or Metrowater has done nothing.

The canal, a carrier of flood water, has been providing relief to areas like MGR Nagar, Nesapakkam and K K Nagar for decades. "It appears that a Metrowater pipeline, which takes untreated sewage from the pumping station in nearby Bharathidasan Colony to the one in MGR Nagar and which runs close to the canal, is faulty. Sewage from this is damaging the entire water network," C Kandavelu, a resident, told TOI. Compounding the problem, a corporation public toilet abutting the canal lets out waste into the canal, reportedly because it does not have a proper disposal system.

About 0.6 million litres of sewage, according to official records, flows through the pipeline a day. Now, an entire canal is under threat. The Adyar river flows close to the canal. "If the government agencies themselves become offenders, to whom will the public complain?" says Neela of Bharathidasan Main Road.

On Wednesday, social activist V Gopalakrishnan had a chance to check the pumping station after he shot off an RTI application seeking details about the reported lapses. But the officials, he said, failed to provide even a route map of the pipelines going out of the pumping station. "We suspect some foul play. Why else will they hide the facts? If the pipelines are close to the canal, there is every possibility of sewage flowing in," Gopalakrishnan adds.

Also, heavy vegetation and mounds of garbage in the canal block the free flow of sewage, leading to high larval density. Residents have been forced to use various repellants as protection from mosquitoes. "No contestant for the upcoming elections has expressed concern about the state of the MGR Nagar canal. It is high time the authorities concerned woke up and acted," said M Leeladevi of Pammal Nallathambi Street, MGR Nagar.

The CMWSSB's Saidapet zone officials, on the other hand, denied any such let-out of sewage. "There is a possibility of sewage flowing out if a pipeline bursts but that hasn't happened," a senior official said. He added that a person had been deployed to look into the issue.