plan minutely, execute professionally, delegate generously, act impartially. Then watch

If you have any complaint about bribe and scam for central govt CBI, Chennai,044-28255899 /28251798. FOR TN STATE DVAC Headquarters, No.293, MKN Road, Alandur, Chennai–600 016. tele +91-44-22321090 / 22321085 / 22310989 / 22342142 Fax : +91-44-22321005, E-mail: dvac@nic.in My mobile no.9884782686, 9884477807 gopalakrishnanvelu.blogspot.com, gopalakrishanvelu.blogspot.com, https://twitter.com/gopalakrishanv

Saturday, December 31, 2011

Shri.Modi Narendra damodardas of Gujarat- incorrect information furnished to election commission rti application

Shri.Modi Narendra damodardas , permanent account (PAN) number AAHPM 8993N of Gujarat has furnished wrong information on the PAN (Income Tax) to Election Commission while filing nomination to the Assembly elections for MANINAGAR constituency in 2007. The PAN in the affidavit filed by him as found in the website of Election Commission was got verified with the Income Tax Department under RTI Act 2005.

The PIO has informed that the PAN is an invalid one. Hence it is a clear case of incorrect information to the Election Commission.

His above act attracts the specific provisions of Representation of the People Act as well as the IPC. He is liable to be initiated with criminal proceeding under Chapter III (electoral offences), Section 125A of Representation of the People Act and u/s.171 (G) of the Indian Penal Code.

The relevant copies of affidavit and the reply from the PIO of IT Dept. are enclosed.

Accordingly we request the appropriate authorities to initiate criminal proceedings against Shri.Shri.Modi Narendra damodardas for his act of furnishing wrong information as above.

Shri.Modi Narendra damodardas of Gujarat- incorrect information furnished to election commission affvdait

Shri.Modi Narendra damodardas of Gujarat- incorrect information furnished to election commission pio reply

Friday, December 30, 2011

PIO of income tax refusing to give copy of Income tax returns of Shri. Sonia Gandhi

PIO of income tax refusing to give copy of Income tax returns of Shri. Sonia Gandhi for my RTI application. PIO rejecting under sec 8(1)(j)of RTI act.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

why president of india, not informed property details of her Husband?

*. chief justice of india submitting details of his wifes property.
*. Prime of india submitting his wifes property detail.
*.Chief election commissioner submitting his wifes property detail.
*. Group D govt servant submitting assets details about his spouse and dependent.
*. even the candidate contesting for the ward member post submitting details of assets of his/her spouse and his/ her dependent

why president not informed property details of Husband? since he
living with her from the time of appointment. president of india, should be role
model for citizen of India. Why she not disclosed the assets of her husband? even there was No rule/ACT.

there was no rule, that the chief justice of india has to disclose the
asset of him and dependent. but he has disclose property of him and
his wife.

Shri. PratibhaPatil, President of india, school leaving certificate

In school leaving certificate of president of India, shri Pratibha Patil, in row of nationality not mention about her nationality. why she not submitted her Transfer certificate issued after completed her degree?. why she got duplicate certificate from RR vidyalaya for submitting president election?
Smt. Patil received her early education from RR Vidyalaya, Jalgaon and later obtained her Master’s degree in Political Science and Economics from the Mooljee Jetha College, Jalgaon. Later, she obtained the degree of Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) from Government Law College, Bombay (Mumbai). While in college, she took active part in sports, excelled in table tennis and won several shields at various Inter-collegiate tournaments. Even as an MLA, she pursued her studies as a law student.

MLA /MP furnished incorrect information in his affivdavit ,public can make complaint

MLA /MP furnished incorrect information in his affivdavit, public can file complaint to police, there was provision Republic people Act,section 125A. see enclosed letter

Sunday, December 25, 2011

To express your willingness to go to jail for the Jan Lokpal bill,

To express your willingness to go to jail for the Jan Lokpal bill,
please click and register http://www.jailchalo.com

OR Register using SMS

Send "Jail " to 575758.
e.g. Send "Jail Mumbai" if you are a resident of Mumbai.
sms cost rs.three only.

Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Wrong info on income could land politicians in jail

Wrong info on income could land politicians in jail
Mahalingam Ponnusamy TNN, 23 nov 2011, chennai edition,page no.8

Chennai: More than 50 MLAs of the previous assembly who contested in the 2011 assembly elections have not given their total income in the affidavit filed before the election commission. And legal experts say that they can be prosecuted for giving a false statement in a sworn affidavit.
Chief electoral officer Praveen Kumar insists that the total gross income should be declared in the affidavit, whereas many candidates have chosen to declare only their taxable income. Some have not declared their agricultural income, which is non-taxable.
“Anyone can file a criminal case under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, against those who produce wrong information in their affidavit and if found guilty they can be put behind bars for a year,” said chief electoral officer Praveen Kumar.
But he added that the election commission does not have any role in checking the veracity of the information filed in the affidavits.
He said that a recent Supreme Court order allows the returning officer to accept the wealth details of the candidates without verification but other grounds like age and community must be verified.
Representation of the People Act, Chapter III (electoral offences), Section 125A speaks about the penalty for filing false affidavits. The section explains that a person who “…fails to furnish information relating to subsection (1) of section 33 A (asserts) or gives false information which he knows or has reason to believe to be false, be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine, or with both,”
These offences are also punishable with a fine under Section 171 (G) of the Indian Penal Code that deals with elections.
D Nagasaila, an advocate with the People’s Union for Civil Liberties, said there is no mechanism to check and ensure that the data furnished by the candidates are genuine.
“Candidates feel encouraged to give wrong information since there is no follow up action on the affidavits,” Nagasaila told Times Of India.
LAWFUL ACTION

• Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, anyone can file a criminal case against those who give wrong information in their sworn affidavit

• Section 125A of the act says if found guilty, defaulters can be put behind bars

• These offences are also punishable with a fine under Section 171 (G) of the Indian Penal Code that deals with elections

• However, the election commission does not have any role in checking the veracity of the information filed in the affidavits

• A recent SC order allows the returning officer to accept wealth details of candidates without verification but other grounds like age and community must be verified

tn, MLA income

TDS|Tax|Tamil Nadu assembly|tamil nadu|salary|RTI|MLA
In TN, MLAs’ incomes go under-reported

Mahalingam Ponnusamy, TNN |chennai edition,pageno.1 Nov 23, 2011, 01.52AM IST

CHENNAI: Income tax sleuths are known to keep a hawk eye on collecting taxes especially from businessmen and the middle class. But there is no mechanism in place to ensure that the people's representatives pay taxes on the salary they get from the government.

With tax not being deducted at source, more than half the MLAs in the last assembly who contested again this year have underreported their Rs 6 lakh-ayear salaries in the affidavits filed with the election commission. Some, however, reported receiving much more than their income from the government. Ask income tax officers about the oversight and they put the onus on the legislative assembly secretary.

In a response to an RTI query, tax officials said: "No TDS returns have been filed by the Tamil Nadu State Legislative Assembly after deduction of tax from their salary."

An MLA in the Tamil Nadu assembly typically received a gross monthly salary of nearly Rs 50,000 in 2009-2010. Some 100 MLAs contested again in the 2011 assembly elections and filed affidavits with the election commission. Of these, 53 did not mention the annual income received from the government in their affidavits and eight said they did not have a PAN (permanent account number).

Chief electoral officer Praveen Kumar told TOI that candidates should have declared their gross income in the space provided in the affidavit. Those without a PAN include transport minister V Senthil Balaji, T Velmurugan, an ex-MLA who was expelled from the PMK, and R Chinnaswamy, elected from Singanallur constituency.

Six MLAs, including PMK state president G K Mani, who had a PAN, have reported that they did not have any taxable income. But, according to the RTI response from tax officials, only around Rs 5,000 of the MLAs' income was non-taxable. When TOI contacted some of the MLAs, they said they were unaware of the tax limit and procedures.

"The government is paying salary only after deducting tax amount. There is no need to file taxes personally and I don't have any assets in my name," said T Velmurugan, whose affidavit says he neither has a PAN and nor any income. There are defaulters in all the major parties.

Fifteen DMK MLAs out of the 30 who contested in 2011, 19 from AIADMK and 13 from Congress showed their income to be less than Rs 6 lakh. Striking a different note, H Vasanthakumar and Peter Alphonse of the Congress, S R Raja and P Moorthy of the DMK, and K A Sengottaiyan of the AIADMK declared incomes of over Rs 6 lakh. Sengottaiyan has declared his family income, too, in the affidavit.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

RTI rulings on I-T returns not uniform

RTI rulings on I-T returns not uniform

Test Of Public Interest Is Interpreted Differently By Income Tax Officials
10th nov 2011

Mahalingam Ponnusamy TNN

Chennai: Is it possible for a citizen to access details of income tax returns filed by individuals and organizations by invoking the Right To Information (RTI) Act
The answer is both yes and no.For,too much discretion vested with the income tax authorities as well as officials designated as public information officers (PIO) under the RTI Act has resulted in utter lack of uniformity on results.
For instance,information relating to a Chennai-based charitable trust Muthamizh Peravai was furnished to RTI activists,whereas the details of IT returns filed by another trust Manitha Neyam Charitable Trust were denied to activists.Incidentally,the first trust is run by former chief minister M Karunanidhis nephew P Amirtham,whereas the second trust belongs to AIADMK leader and the new mayor of Chennai Saidai Duraisamy.
Whenever applications are filed seeking details of I-T returns of individuals or organizations,officials turn to Section 8(j) of the RTI Act for guidance.The provision says the officer could part with the information if he is satisfied that the larger public interest justifies the disclosure of such information.It also adds that information which cannot be denied to the Parliament or a state legislature,shall not be denied to any person.The assessee,whose I-T returns are sought by the applicant,too is given an opportunity to object or permit furnishing of such information.Of course,even in case of objection,the public information officer has the authority to overrule objections and disclose information.
The I-T Act accepts that the department is dutybound to supply information sought by legislature.Then,why do they hesitate to furnish the information to public, asked V Gopalakrishnan,an activist who filed an RTI application with the I-T department seeking copies of I-T returns.Recently,the department refused to furnish a copy of the I-T returns of Manitha Neayam Charitable Trust,founded and run by Chennai mayor Saidai Duraisamy and his family members.The Manitha Neayam IAS,IPS free coaching centre was established under this trust in December 2006.
In a stark contrast to this refusal,the same I-T department parted with information relating to another highprofile trust recently.Though Muthamizh Peravai at Mylapore is managed by the Kalaignar TV director and former CM Karunanidhis nephew Amirtham,activists were able to get information about its I-T returns.The annual tax returns of bigger political establishments such as the Indian National Congress (INC) too had been obtained under the RTI Act,say activists,lamenting the whimsical refusal of the I-T department to disclose information relating to Manitha Neyam Charitable Trust.
There are no clear and uniform decisions on such applications.Some public information officers at I-T department furnish the return details,but most others refuse to furnish the documents, Gopalakrishnan said.
Goplakrishnan sought the I-T returns and balance sheet submitted by the Manitha Neayam Charitable Trust from 2000 to 2011.In a reply dated October 21,the chief public information officer in I-T department said: The information sought for is filed before me in a fiduciary relationship and nothing in the (RTI) petition indicates the involvement of any larger public interest.As such,the information sough for cannot be furnished.
As per Section 138(b) of the I-T Act an income tax authority may furnish information relating to I-T returns if he is satisfied that it is in the public interest to do so.

Monday, September 19, 2011

DMK allotted plots after disbanding quota plan

Sep 19, 2011 - G. Jagannath | Age Correspondent | chennai

It has come to light that the previous DMK government allotted Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) plots to 20 persons under the government discretionary quota (GDQ) at Shollinganallur Phase-3 scheme on January 20, 2011, a week after GDQ was scrapped, as announced by the governor in his address to the Assembly.
According to the documents provided by the public information officer of TNHB’s Besant Nagar division, out of 82 allotments of plots and flats made under the GDQ since 2006, 20 were made on January 20 this year.
“The allotment is illegal since it was made after the governor’s announcement in the Assembly,” RTI activist V. Gopalakrishnan, who exposed the irregularities in the allotment of houses, flats and plots of the board under GDQ, said, demanding the cancellation of the allotments immediately.
In his customary address on January 7 this year, then governor Surjit Singh Barnala said, “The system of allotting houses and plots under the GDQ in vogue for the past several years in TNHB is being put to an end from today.” As per the system that was in vogue since 1979, 85 per cent of plots, flats or houses of the board was sold through draw of lots, which would be governed by the rules of reservation prescribed by the state government. The remaining 15 per cent was given through the GDQ.
One among the 82 beneficiaries in Shollinganallur was Union minister M.K. Alagiri’s son Dayanidhi, who got a 4,114 sq ft plot. State housing minister R. Vaithilingam told the Assembly recently that the board’s rules were violated to allot land worth `60.34 lakh at Shollinganallur to Dayan-idhi under “social worker category” on February 7, 2007. Mr Gopalakrishnan urged TNHB to cancel all the GDQ allotments after the governor’s address in January

Saturday, September 17, 2011

duraisamy trust it returns

RTI Application under sec 6(1) of RTI Act-2005
From 19/09/2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
Chennai-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Under Right to Information ACT 2005,
Income Tax department,
121, Aayakar Bhavan, first floor,
Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

Sir,

Sub: Under the RTI ACT 2005 sec 6(1), request for furnish information and attested photo
copy.- regarding.
Ref:1.PIO, ITO (PR), O/o CCIT, Chennai I, Chennai-34, Lr.No.RTI/11-12/PRO date 10/06/2011.
2. PIO, circle 31(1), CR.Building, I.P.Estate, New Delhi. Lr.no.F.NO. ACIT/CIRCLE 31(1)/2011-12/101 DT 25/05/2011.
3. PIO,IT, ward III(1), salem, Lr.No.RTI/6. Ward-III(1)/SLM/ 2011-12 dated 07/06/2011.
4. Deputy Director of income tax (exemptions)-1, Ch-34, Lr.no.DDIT(E)-I/RTI/2011-12 DT 12/08/2011.

--------

1.Kindly supply copy documents submitted for registration of charitable trust under section 12A(a) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and for grant of approval of fund under section 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax act, 1961. (of list of authors, list of Trustees, certified copy of Trust deed, accounts certified by charted accountant (balance sheet, receipts and payments, Account and income and expenditure account Manitha neyam charitable Trust, #28, 1st Main Road, C I T Nagar, Chennai – 600 035.

2.Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and Balance sheet submitted from year 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-4, 2004-05, 2005-06,2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 by "Manitha neyam charitable Trust, #28, 1st Main Road, C I T Nagar, Chennai – 600 035 ( Manitha Neyam Trust, Approved by Ministry of Social Services, Sri Lanka - Registration no: L 30401.Registered in England and Wales - Charity no: 1085903, 501(c)(3) Tax Exempt Charity in the USA - Tax ID no: 04-3479881).

I ENCLOSED INDIAN POSTAL ORDER OF RS.10 TOWARDS RTI FEE. NO.99E 877422

ENCLOSURE: REF CITED ABOVE

V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,

duraisamy AIADMK IT returns

RTI Application under sec 6(1) of RTI Act-2005
From 19/09/2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
Chennai-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Under Right to Information ACT 2005,
Income Tax department,
121, Aayakar Bhavan, first floor,
Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

Sir,

Sub: Under the RTI ACT 2005 sec 6(1), request for furnish information and attested photo
copy.- regarding.
Ref:1.PIO, ITO (PR), O/o CCIT, Chennai I, Chennai-34, Lr.No.RTI/11-12/PRO date 10/06/2011.
2. PIO, circle 31(1), CR.Building, I.P.Estate, New Delhi. Lr.no.F.NO. ACIT/CIRCLE 31(1)/2011-12/101 DT 25/05/2011.
3. PIO,IT, ward III(1), salem, Lr.No.RTI/6. Ward-III(1)/SLM/ 2011-12 dated 07/06/2011.
4. Deputy Director of income tax (exemptions)-1, Ch-34, Lr.no.DDIT(E)-I/RTI/2011-12 DT 12/08/2011.
--------

1. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and Balance sheet submitted from year 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-4, 2004-05, 2005-06,2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 by S. Duraisamy s/o samyappan, pan no.AFUPD6476L.

2. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and Balance sheet submitted from year 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-4, 2004-05, 2005-06,2006-2007, 2007-2008, 2008-2009, 2009-2010 and 2010-2011 by Maliga Duraisamy, pan no.AEOPM0212L.

I ENCLOSED INDIAN POSTAL ORDER OF RS.10 TOWARDS RTI FEE. NO.99E 877423

Encolsed reference above cited

V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,

Friday, September 16, 2011

Plot for Alagiris son under scanner

Plot for Alagiris son under scanner

Mahalingam Ponnusamy TNN

Chennai: Durai Dayanidhi,son of Union minister M K Alagiri,is under the state government scanner for getting a plot from the Tamil Nadu Housing Board (TNHB) under the governments discretionary quota (GDQ) during the DMK regime claiming that he was a social worker.
Documents with TOI show that the ministers son had declared in his TNHB application in 2007 that neither he nor his family owned a residence or plot anywhere.But an affidavit that Alagiri filed while contesting the 2009 Lok Sabha elections lists two plots in the name of Dayanidhi in Chennai one worth Rs 36.38 lakh on Tiger Varadachariyar Road in Tiruvanmiyur and another worth Rs 1.96 crore on Beemanna Mudali Street in Mylapore,besides a farmhouse at Etchambakkam in Tambaram taluk and a house in Kodaikanal.
The encumbrance certificate for the Tiruvanmiyur property obtained by TOI shows that it was bought by Alagiri on March 24,2004,in Dayanidhis name.The certificate shows the value of the property as Rs 97.65 lakh.The first purchaser,A Ramachandran,bought the unoccupied plot from the Tamil Nadu Housing Board on February 5,2004,and a month later transferred it to Dayanidhi.Alagiri signed the sale agreement as Dayanidhi was a minor then.
ATNHB reply to an RTI application shows that Dayanidhi concealed this information to buy a 4,114-sqft plot from the TNHB at Sholinganallur in Kancheepuram district under the GDQ in 2007.Such allotment is done only for people who dont own a residence or land in corporation limits or first and special grade municipalities.To buy the land,Dayanidhi apparently gave a false affidavit,saying he or his family members didnt own a house or plot.Alagiris affidavit says he owns four plots and three houses,while his wife has five plots,two commercial buildings and a flat at Madhavaram.
The allotment was made through a government order (No.36) of the housing and urban development department on February 2,2007.As per TNHB rules,the allotment would stand cancelled if it is proved that the applicant gave wrong information to obtain it.
V Gopalakrishnan,an RTI activist who collected the documents,said Dayanidhi got the allotment under the social worker category though he is a businessman,with a partnership in film production house Cloud Nine Movies.

Landing in trouble

Durai Dayanidhi bought 4,114sqft plot from TNHB in Sholinganallur
In 2007,he gave an affidavit saying he or his family members did not own a house/plot

But MK Alagiris election affidavit in 2009 listed four properties in Dayanidhis name

These include two plots in Chennai,a farmhouse in Tambaram & a house in Kodaikanal

Alagiri son paid.24L for land

Dayanidhi paid Rs 24,13,800 as initial deposit for the allotment and continued paying Rs 68,600 a month to clear the balance dues.He mentioned his annualincome asonly Rs 9 lakh in the application form.The government never bothered to check if the applicant owned a residence.Most of the allotments were made without assessing the repaying capacity of the applicant, said Gopalakrishnan.
The TNHB,which has a large land bank,had the GDQ system,under which 15% of allotments could be done by the government.Single /deserted women,widows,social workers,physically handicapped persons,defence personnel,ex-servicemen,eminent persons in the field of science,arts,literature,economics,public administration and sports,freedom fighters;government servants with unblemished service records,employees of PSUs,central government undertakings and nationalized banks,PF institutions,journalists,university staff,and employees of local bodies and municipalities were eligible for getting allocations under the GDQ.The quota was scrapped by the erstwhile DMK government earlier this year after the housing board land allocation scam broke out.

anna university dination and quotes

RTI APPLICATION U/S 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.
From 16-09-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
CHENNAI-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
(under the RTI ACT-2005),
Anna University,
Guindy,
Chennai-.

Sir,
Sub: Under the Right to Information Act 2005, sec 6(1) . I request you to furnish
Some of the information.–regarding.
Ref: 1..............., B.E., Mechanical, ..............
2. Donor’s name, amount from 01/01/2005 to 15/9/2011.
-----
1. kindly supply list of students name, roll no, Engg cut off mark and name of quota student admitted in First Year and second year for B.E., B.Tech and B.Arch (all discipline) for academic year 2009-10, 2010-11, 2011-12 in Anna University. In any form or electronic form (CD, DVD, Pen drive).

2. kindly inform or supply relevant portion speaks about names of various quota and percentage or total number of seat to be allotted in Anna University.

3. kindly inform name of quota seated allotted, cut off mark of ---------------- B.E., Mechanical, ...............

4. Kindly supply list of donor name, address, kind of donation (employment/supply of equipment/ instrument/ construction of building/ by way cash, etc.,), value of donation, donation given to the Anna University from 01/01/2005 to 15/09/2011. In any form or electronic form (CD, DVD, Pen drive).

5. Kindly supply list students name, roll no, name and address of industry/company admitted in industrialist quota in Anna University from 01/01/2005 to 15/09/2011. In any form or electronic form (CD, DVD, Pen drive).

Yours,

(V.GOPALAKRISHNAN

Saturday, August 27, 2011

Elderly don't get pension without paying bribes

Elderly don't get pension without paying bribes
Mahalingam PonnusamyMahalingam Ponnusamy | Aug 27, 2011, 02.58AM IST

CHENNAI: It's taken two years and 50 trips to government offices but 67-year-old G Namachivayam still hasn't got his old-age pension.

He says he is tired of visiting the Purasawalkam taluk office and the Collector's office on Rajaji Salai. "My application is being delayed because I refuse to pay the bribe of Rs 4,000," he said. "The officials have done their verification, but I was asked to pay a bribe through touts. I refused. So I have to keep making trips to meet officials," he said.

For people like Namachivayam, Anna Hazare is a hero. Hundreds of senior citizens have been waiting for years to get their pension from the Purasawalkam division. M Raniyammal, 65, said, "Officials visited my house a few months ago, but I still haven't got my pension. I see well-off people living in private apartments getting old-age pension."

Sources in the collector's office premises said about 50 touts operate on campus. "You can get anything from the office if you are ready to pay. Most officers do not accept applications directly from the elderly. They are in league with the touts," said V R A Viswanath, an RTI activist.

There are also complaints that pension does not reach on time. C Vasanthakumari, a beneficiary, said: "I have not got pension for the past eight months. I have gone to the taluk office several times and even paid a bribe." But she does not want to complain as she is afraid of losing the benefit permanently.

"We can't eradicate corruption from our system but we are strict with touts. We have ordered raids and their arrest," said district revenue officer K A Annamalai.

Another complaint is that postmen who deliver the pension demand Rs 20 to Rs 40. The CBI recently arrested 11 postmen. "Most postmen deduct Rs 20 to Rs 40 as commission before giving pension to the beneficiaries. In Chennai district, there are 2.36 lakh pensioners under the OAP scheme. The surprise check on Monday was confined to the disbursement of pension to 52,000 pensioners in three post offices," said V Gopalakrishnan of Fact India.

"We are introducing a system through which pension will be paid into a bank account rather than through the post offices," Annamalai said.

Indian National Congress, RTI query

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/in-8-yrs-cong-income-up-by-seven-times/837785/0

In 8 yrs, Cong income up by seven times

Gopu Mohan Tags : Indian National Congress, RTI query, financial health, V Gopalakrishnan, income tax documents Posted: Sat Aug 27 2011, 01:13 hrs Chennai:

What can power do to a political party’s financial health? Quite a lot, it seems. An RTI query by a Chennai-based activist shows that the income of India’s longest-ruling national party, the Indian National Congress, increased from Rs 69.55 crore in 2002-03 to a whopping Rs 467.57 crore in 2010-11.

Documents accessed by activist V Gopalakrishnan show that the jump is even more evident when figures from 2003-04 are compared with the next financial year, 2004-05 — the period when the UPA-I assumed power at the Centre.

The Congress’s income during this period grew from Rs 61.49 crore to Rs 153.03 crore, a 150 per cent growth in just one year. Again, from Rs 220.82 crore in 2008-09, its total income rose to 496.87 crore in 2009-10 — more than double — a period during which it fought and won a second general election.

The voluminous income tax documents show that in the last financial year, the party received Rs 95.90 crore as donations and Rs 326.71 crore as collection from sale of coupons, besides money received as rent, interest on deposits, membership fees and application fees.

The list of donors include a number of infrastructure firms, including those involved in construction, power generation, cement, telecommunications, chemicals, engineering, coal, vehicle manufacturing and at least one media holding company. Sterlite Industries, belonging to Vedanta Group, whose project is facing problems in Orissa, is also among the donors.

The list also includes individual donors, starting from party president Sonia Gandhi (who donated Rs 79,068 by way of two cheques of UCO Bank, New Delhi); and including Sachin Pilot (Rs 60,000); K Rahman Khan (Rs 24,000); M S Gill (Rs 32,000), Oscar Fernandes (Rs 23,000); Prithviraj Chavan (Rs 24,000); and S M Krishna (Rs 38,500) among others.

Curiously, there are big ticket donations by electoral trusts, the addresses of which indicate that these belong to Indian industry behemoths.

Incidentally, one of the donors, an NRI businessman named Sunny Varkey, received Padma Shri award in 2009, a year after he had contributed Rs 1 crore through a bank in Bangalore.

congress has given interest free loan to the associated journals ltd is the holding company that publishes national herald, congress' mouthpiece. (http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2003-10-21/lucknow/27195240_1_interim-order-writ-petition-interim-payment) Rs.5.72 crore in the year 2002-2003

Govt alleges hsg scam by DMK regime

Govt alleges hsg scam by DMK regime
26 august 2011, toi, chennai edition, page no.6

Allocations Will Be Cancelled: Min

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: The Tamil Nadu housing and urban development minister R Vaithilingam on Friday alleged that former DMK ministers, police officials and party functionaries had caused huge loss to the state ex-chequer while purchasing houses and land across the state under a government scheme.
He said a total of 300 houses of the Tamil Nadu Housing Board meant for government employees had been converted as housing projects under the public quota and allocated to family members of DMK chief M Karunanidhi and his loyalists. The minister assured the assembly that a probe would be conducted to identify these allocations. He said such allotments would be cancelled and houses will re-allotted to government employees.
Based on the housing board’s replies to RTI queries of an activist, the media published details of irregularities in the allocation of houses and plots under the Government Discretionary Quota (GDQ). Activists moved the high court against the alleged illegal allotments. In July, under the AIADMK government, the directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption registered a case against former state intelligence chief ADGP MS Jaffar Sait, his wife and daughter, and raided premises belonging to him and his associates, who included the son of governor SS Barnala and son of Karunanidhi’s former political secretary K Rajamanickam.
The minister said that DMK bigwigs, including former minister Arcot Veerasamy and K Ponmudi, illegally purchased TNHB land at low costs, violating the rules. The minister alleged that the DMK government had allotted four plots meant for low income group to Sait, who had constructed a building and sold it illegally.
A HIG plot at a Sholinganallur housing project was allocated to MK Alagiri’s son Durai Alagiri, who has been referred to as a social worker, the housing minister said.
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Monday, August 22, 2011

TN governor barnala

Raj Bhavan’s refusal to share information irks RTI activists
Mahalingam PonnusamyMahalingam Ponnusamy, TNN | Aug 16, 2011, 07.19AM IST

CHENNAI: Three separate Right to Information petitions filed with the Raj Bhavan here have received responses stating that "the requested information is not available in this office," irking the activists concerned.

While one wanted to know if the governor had a special quota in state-owned universities and in job placements in government offices, another sought information pertaining to any business transactions between universities and companies owned by the son of Tamil Nadu governor Surjit Singh Barnala and the third demanded information about visitors to Raj Bhavan.

C Arul Ramalingam, who sought information on any special quota for the governor in universities and in placements at government offices, said, "The reply from Raj Bhavan simply said that information requested was not available." He had also asked, in the same petition, for copies of the oaths taken by the governor and chief minister but didn't get them, he said. "According to the State Records Act, copies of the oath must be sent to libraries and museums," Ramalingam added.

V Gopalakrishnan, another RTI activist who wanted to know the business transactions between universities and companies owned by the Governor's son, said: "As per Section 6 (3) of the RTI Act, if the recipient of an RTI query does not have the necessary information, he has to direct it to the department concerned. But if officials in Raj Bhavan don't forward such queries to those concerned than how can those in smaller offices follow ?" "We have strong evidence about the transactions, but we want to know whether the governor is aware since he is the chancellor of universities in the state," Gopalakrishnan added.

tamilnadu governor barnala bats for son

Barnala Bats for Son
Surjit Singh Barnala faces charge of getting son's firm university contracts

Lakshmi Subramanian Edition: August 29, 2011

Governor Surjit Singh BarnalaSurjit Singh Barnala has been embroiled in a conflict of interest controversy roughly two months after his scheduled term as Tamil Nadu governor ended. Awaiting a new nominee who will succeed him, Barnala is alleged to have influenced universities and colleges in the state to procure surveillance cameras and examination automation software between 2006 and 2010 from his son Jasjit Singh Barnala's company Barnas International. As governor, Barnala is chancellor of all state universities.

Barnas International's office in Chennai was raided by Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) officials on July 26. DVAC sources said they have secured evidence of the governor's office favouring Jasjit's firm on the supply of products to universities and colleges across the state.

India Today has copies of the documents. They clearly state that 40 per cent of Barnas's earnings is from supplying cameras and examination automation software to universities and colleges. Though 133 companies, from hospitals to hotels and retail outlets to garment showrooms, figure on the firm's client list, more than 40 per cent of its clients are colleges and state universities, including seven schools, 25 private colleges, nine state universities and 16 departments of Anna University.

Jasjit Singh BarnalaBarnas is the sole distributor of products from Hong Kong-based audio-visual company TeleEye. Jasjit is the chairman and managing director (CMD) of the company. Barnala aide M. Najimudeen is its director.

"This is a clear case of conflict of interest and of the chancellor's office bending the university system. Because of its close proximity to the chancellor, Barnas has ensured that all state universities buy cameras and automation software from it," says S. Krishnaswamy, the convenor of the Tamil Nadu Federation of Universities' Faculty Associations.

The Barnas office in ChennaiThe equipment sold by Barnas to the educational institutions was priced low to avoid the tender process. The Tamil Nadu Tender Transparency Act, 1998, gives heads of university departments the authority to directly purchase a product if it is below Rs 5 lakh without floating a tender. Recorded minutes of a meeting held by the Madurai Kamaraj University Syndicate on September 24, 2009, accessed by India Today, state that Barnas was entrusted with automation work of the examination process at a cost of Rs 4.95 lakh. Every product sold to universities by the firm is priced below Rs 5 lakh.

"There is no centralised body in state universities to make bulk purchases. This paves the way for such irregularities," says a former technical adviser for World Bank Projects for the Tamil Nadu government.

Dr R. Radhakrishnan, the former vice-chancellor of Anna University in Coimbatore, who was suspended on charges of corruption, claims he was pressurised by Barnala's office to purchase the cameras and software: "I was suspended only because I did not bow to the chancellor's office."

Raj Bhavan sources claim that the governor has been deliberately pulled into this controversy because the J. Jayalalithaa-led government does not want him to continue-his tenure ended on June 19. Jayalalithaa's political rival, DMK chief M. Karunanidhi, and Barnala are known to be close. "The governor has every right to continue in office till the Union Government nominates another person," says a Raj Bhavan official.

Jasjit floated his company in 2006 in Chandigarh with a share capital of Rs 8 lakh, according to records with the Registrar of Companies. In 2010, its reserves went up to Rs 50.47 lakh.

N. Shivaji Rao, Vice-President, Operations, Barnas International, says the firm always goes through the tender process and supplies products only if it is awarded the tender. "We have not used any influence anywhere to supply our products. Ours are quality products," he says. "Universities and colleges comprise just 20 per cent of our clientele. There is no conflict of interest. We have been dragged into such controversies only because our CMD's father is the governor," he adds. The documents tell a different story, especially on Barnas's claim that it always chooses the tender route and that colleges and universities constitute only 20 per cent of its clientele.

Replying to a query filed under the Right to Information Act on Barnas's transactions with various universities, Barnala's Deputy Secretary K. Vivekanandan said, "None of the information required by you is available with this office."

Friday, August 12, 2011

DHAYANITHI S/o of M.K.ALAGARI

From Chennai-78
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN 29/07/2011
7, Pammal Nalla Thambi street,
M.G.R.Nagar,
Chennai-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Under Right to Information ACT 2005,
Tamilandu Housing Board,
Beasant nagar division,
Chennai-20.

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI ACT 2005 sec 6(1), request for information and copies.- regarding.
Ref: Allottee name : DHAYANITHI S/o of M.K.ALAGARI a plot was alloted in the
Sholinganallur village, plot area: 382.22 sq.metre, survey no.399/1B and survey
no.387 allotted by TNHB, Beasant Division, Chennai.
-------
1. A)Kindly inform whether below items available/ documents(sl.no i to ix) submitted by the allottee in your office and B)supply a copy of
(i) Government allotment order, filled Application form
(ii) provisional allotment order and Regular allotment order,
(iii) Native certificate,
(iv) Address proof document,
(v) Identity proof,
(vi) Age Proof,
(vii) Income certificate or salary certificate,
(v) certificate for which category (Social worker certificate/ unblemished government servant/ defence certificate/very important person in society certificate, central government certificate and other certificates),
(vi) initial deposit Paid Receipts and other amount paid ( till Date) to TNHB
(vii) Lease cum sale agreement
(viii) Allottee permanent account number (PAN) issued by the income tax dept,
(ix) copy of sale deed
submitted in TNHB, Beasent Nagar Division for the plot allotted to DHAYANITHI S/o of M.K.ALAGARI in Sholinganallur village, plot area: 382.22 sq.metre, survey no.399/1B and survey no.387.

2. kindly supply me copies of first approved (by CMDA) layout copy of Sholinganallur (all phase) developed by the TNHB.

3. kindly supply me copies of Revised approved (by CMDA) layout copy of Sholinganallur (all phase) developed by the TNHB. From year 01/01/2005 to 31/07/2011.

rti app kalyana sundaram and sri meenga

From Chennai-78
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN 12/08/2011
7, Pammal Nalla Thambi street,
M.G.R.Nagar,
Chennai-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Tamilandu Housing Board,
Beasant nagar division, Chennai-20.

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI ACT 2005 sec 6(1), request for information and copies.- regd.
Ref: 1.G.O.no. (2D)no. 727 date 15/7/2008 issued by HUD.
2. Allottee name : Sri Meenga, HIG plot no. H3/124 was alloted in the
Sholinganallur village, allotted under the GDQ in TNHB, Beasant Division,
3. Allottee name : Kalyana Sundaram, plot no. 53, Coastal Road, Beasant nagar allotted under the Auction by TNHB, Beasant Division, Chennai.
-------
1. A)Kindly inform whether below items available/ documents(sl.no i to ix) submitted by the allottee in your office and B)supply a copy of
(i) Government allotment order, filled Application form
(ii) provisional allotment order and Regular allotment order,
(iii) Native certificate, (iv) Address proof document,
(v) Identity proof, (vi) Age Proof,
(vii) certificate for Social worker (v) Lease cum sale agreement
(vi) Income certificate or salary certificate,
(vii) initial deposit Paid Receipts and other amount paid ( till Date) to TNHB
(viii) Allottee permanent account number (PAN) issued by the income tax dept,
(ix) copy of sale deed
submitted in TNHB, Beasent Nagar Division for the HIG plot no.H3/124 allotted to Sri Meenga in Sholinganallur village.

2. kindly inform name of allottee, plot/flat/house no, cost of plot/flat/houses, survey no., allotted (regular allotment order issued) under GDQ from 01/04/2006 to 1/02/2011 in Sholinganallur village(all phase).
3. A)Kindly inform whether below items available/ documents(sl.no i to ix) submitted by the allottee in your office and B)supply a copy of
(i) advt for auction for below commercial plot and filled Application form
(ii) provisional allotment order and Regular allotment order,
(iii) Native certificate, (iv) Address proof document,
(v) Identity proof, (vi) Age Proof,
(vii) Income certificate/salary certificate, (v) Lease cum sale agreement
(vi) initial deposit Paid Receipts and other amount paid ( till Date) to TNHB
(vii) land selling price fixed derivation (present market price given by contractor/construction company/land valuvers, guideline value,etc., for below said plot)
(viii) Allottee permanent account number (PAN) issued by the income tax dept,
(ix) copy of sale deed
submitted in TNHB, Beasent Nagar Division for the commercial property plot no.53, Coastal road, beasant nagar, allotted to Kalyana Sundaram by auction .

V.GOPALAKRISHNAN

governor conduct rule and assetsdetails

RTI APPLICATION U/S OF 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.
From 13-08-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.Nagar,
Chennai-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Office of President of India,
New Delhi,

Sir,
Sub: Under the Right to Information Act 2005, sec 6(1) . I request you to furnish information about family members and movable and immovable assets of Shri. Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Tamilnadu.
----
1. kindly inform whether there is any conduct rules for Governors . If so kindly supply copy of it.

2. kindly inform whether there is any conduct rules for Chancellor for university, Tamilnadu. If so kindly supply copy of it.

3. Kindly inform whether movable and immovable assets of Shri. Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Tamilnadu and his family was submitted from 03/11/2004 to 15/08/2011.

4. Kindly supply copy of a present movable and immovable assets of Shri. Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Tamilnadu and his family members.

5. Kindly inform name of family member residing with Shri. Surjit Singh Barnala, Governor of Tamilnadu. and relationship to Governor from 3rd November 2004 to date.

6. Kindly inform is there is any Law/ Act/ Government notification/ Government order/court order /any orders/ by president of India office stating that Tamilnadu Governor (office) secretariat has given exemption from Forwarding RTI application as per sec 6(3) of RTI Act. to any other public authority if rti applicant sought some information about other Public authority. B). If yes means, kindly supply copy of it.

7. Kindly inform whether Governor of State, Organisation / company of Governor can take part in concern state govt tender or supply any software/ hardware/surveillance camera/ materials to govt University/ state government office/ govt college/police department/any public authority of state when he was Governor of the concern State. If yes means, kindly supply copy of it.

8. Kindly inform whether Governor of State, Organisation / company of Governor son can take part in concern state govt tender or supply any software/ hardware/ surveillance camera/ materials to govt University/ state government office/ govt college police department/any public authority of state when he was Governor of the concern State. If yes means, kindly supply copy of it.

9. Kindly inform whether Governor of State, Organisation / company of Governor family member can take part in concern state govt tender or supply any software/ hardware/ surveillance camera/ any materials to govt University/ state government office/ govt college/ police department/any public authority of state when he was Governor of the concern State. If yes means, kindly supply copy of it.

10. Kindly inform whether Governor of State, Organisation / company of Governor close friend can take part in concern state govt tender or supply any software/ hardware/ surveillance camera/ any materials to govt University/ state government office/ govt college/ police department/any public authority of state when he was Governor of the concern State. If yes means, kindly supply copy of it.

11. Kindly inform whether Governor of State, one of the Managing Director of Governor son company can take part in concern state govt tender or supply any software/ hardware / surveillance camera/ any materials to govt University/ government office/ police department/ Govt College/ any public authority of state when he was Governor of the concern State. If yes means, kindly supply copy of it.

12. Kindly inform whether Governor of State, one of the Managing director (A) of Governor son company (X) and he (A) is full time Managing Director and other company (Y) can take part in concern state govt tender or supply any software/ hardware/ surveillance camera/ any materials to govt University/ state government office/ govt college/ police department/ any public authority of state when he was Governor of the concern State. If yes means, kindly supply copy of it.

If any information not available, kindly forward to concern office/department as per sec 6(3)of RTI Act.
I enclosed postal order no. 92E 556719 Rs.10/- towards RTI fee.
Yours

(V.GOPALAKRISHNAN)

governor conduct rule and assetsdetails

tn governor assets rti app

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

tn govsson

RTI APPLICATION U/S OF 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.
From 03-08-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
CHENNAI-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Tamilanadu Governor office,
Raj Bhavan, Guindy,
Chennai-

Sir,
Sub: Under the Right to Information Act 2005, sec 6(1) . I request you to furnish
Some information regarding tender awarded/purchase of software/ hardware/video sureveillance camera/ services/purchase of any materials from Governor’s son company and governor son’s friend company by Ministry of education, Anna university, Tamilnadu Agriculture university, Madurai kamaraj university, Mettur thermal power plant tneb, Alagappa university, Chennai city police, Annamalai university, Jerusalem college of Engg, AAlim mohammed Salegh college of Engg, Tagore Engg college, srivenkateswara college of engg Technology.
----
M/s. Datavision21 Learning Technologies Private Limited,
cin no. U72900TN2009PTC071944(Governor’s sons friend company)
1. kindly inform total numbers of tenders awarded to M/s. Datavision21 Learning Technologies Private Limited, cin no. U72900TN2009PTC071944 from 01/01/2005 to 31/07/2011.

2. kindly inform total amount of Rupees sanctioned/ disturbed to M/s. Datavision21 Learning Technologies Private Limited, cin no. U72900TN2009PTC071944 from 01/01/2005 to 31/07/2011

M/s. BARNAS international private limited, cin no. U24230CH2005FTC029150, Governor’s son company)
3. kindly inform total numbers of tenders awarded to M/s. BARNAS international private limited, cin no. U24230CH2005FTC029150,from 01/01/2005 to 31/07/2011.

4. kindly inform total amount of Rupees sanctioned/ disturbed to M/s. BARNAS international private limited, cin no. U24230CH2005FTC029150, from 01/01/2005 to 31/07/2011

M/s. Baynes computer Academy, vepery, Chennai, (Governor’s son company)
5. kindly inform total numbers of tenders awarded to M/s. Baynes computer Academy, vepery, Chennai from 01/01/2005 to 31/07/2011.

6. kindly inform total amount of Rupees sanctioned/ disturbed to M/s. Baynes computer Academy, vepery, Chennai from 01/01/2005 to 31/07/2011.

7. Kindly inform whether Tamilnadu Governor (chancellor of university) aware that tender awarded to the above companies by the Tamilnadu public authority,university/colleges.
If any information not available, kindly forward to consent office/department
Yours
(V.GOPALAKRISHNAN)

Friday, July 8, 2011

cbi rti application

Transparency in administration Make corruption past

RTI APPLICATION U/S OF 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.
From 04-07-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
CHENNAI-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
CBI- ACB
Shasthri bhavan,
Haddows Road,
Chennai.

Sir,

Sub: Under the Right to Information Act 2005, sec 6(1) . I request you to furnish
the case detail of Former Regional Passport officer, Sumathi RaviChandran.

Ref : 1. Case id no.R-020/2009 ACB, Chennai dt 24 April -2009. Sp report dated 10-05-2010.
-----
I request you to furnish information about number case filed regarding Bribe, disapproriate assets, scam in issusing Takkal passport and misuse of office against the Former Regional Passport officer, Sumathi RaviChandran and Her husband Dr. Ravichandran Health Officer in Corporation of Chennai.

1.Kindly inform no. of case filed against the Former Regional Passport officer, Sumathi RaviChandran and Her husband Dr. Ravichandran Health Officer in Corporation of Chennai.
by ACB, Chennai from 01/01/2009 to 30/06/2011. Kindly inform case Id no. date.

2. kindly supply copy of sanctioned letter for Former Regional Passport officer, Sumathi RaviChandran and and Her husband Dr. Ravichandran Health Officer in Corporation of Chennai.
send by the sanctioning authority to ACB, Chennai.

3. kindly inform whether Director general of posts, Dak bhavan, new Delhi has send sanction letter for case id no R-020/2009 ACB, CHENNAI 24-april-2009. If sanctioned by authority, kindly supply copy of it.

4. kindly inform number of sanction pending from the sanctioning authority for the Former Regional Passport officer, Sumathi RaviChandran and and Her husband Dr. Ravichandran Health Officer in Corporation of Chennai. Kindly inform sanction pending authority name and address.

Yours

(V.GOPALAKRISHNAN)

I enclosed ten rupees postal order towards RTI fee . postal order no.

cbi rti application

Friday, July 1, 2011

ips officer illegal occupying quarters

http://www.tnpolice.gov.in/pdfs/ips_list.pdf
IGP QUARTERS

N.Tamil selvan No.1, IGPs Quarters nill
p.c.lallawsanga No.2, IGPs Quarters Nill
Md.ShakeelAKHTER 19891039 FLAT NO.3 IGPs Quarters Having own in his wife at manapakkam, house let out forRent house Rs.35,000/p.a.
Sathish kumar dogra Flat no.4/48, IGPs Quarters Nill
m.s.jaffar sait No.5, IGPs Quarters Having own plot in his name in mogappair, house let out forRent house Rs.2,000/p.m (built area 248.41 sq.metre nearly one ground)
Sarabjit singh No.6, Igp quarters Nill
s.k.upadhay No.7, IGP quarters Nill
Dr.k.Radhakrishnan No.8, IGPs Quarters N.A.
Mithilesh kumar jha No.9, IGPs Quarters Nill
VIJAYAKUMAR 19871083 FLAT NO.10, IGPs Quarters Nill
FLAT NO.11. igp quarters
Narinder pal singh Flat no.12, IGPs Quarters Nill

DIG quarters

sanjeev kumar Flat no.1, block-1, DIG quarters Nill
KANhu charan mahali 19891081 No.2, block-1,DIG QUARTERS Nill
SANJAY ARORA 19881011 NO.3, block-1,DIG Quarters Nill
N.CHENBAHARAMAN19902088 NO.4, block-1,DIG QUARTERS Nill
SUNIL KUMAR 19881073 NO.5 , block-1, DIG Quarters Nill
K.N.SATHIYAMURTHY 19972097 FLAT NO.6, BLOCK-1, DIG QUARTERS Having own in his wife at manapakkam, house let out forRent house Rs.50,000/p.m from November 2008.
DR.K.JAYANTH MURALI 19911037 NO.1, BLOCK-2,DIG QUARTERS Having own house, plot no.30 at manapakkam, house let out forRent house Rs.5,01,308/per annum
R.C.Kudawla No.2, block-2, DIG Quarters Nill
R.S.NALLASIVAM 19952095 FLAT NO.3, BLOCK NO.2, DIG QUARTERS Nill
I.RAJA FLAT NO.4, BLOCK-2, DIG QUARTERS Nill
P.SAKTHIVELU 19942156 FLAT NO.5, BLOCK-2, DIG QUARTERS nill
M.N.MANJUNATHA 19911046 NO.6, BLOCK-2, DIG QUARTERS Nill

SP/DC QUARTERS

B.SHAMOONDESWARI NO.1, DC QUARTERS
K.JOSHI NIRMAL KUMAR NO.2, DC QUARTERS Nill
SONAL V.MISRA 20001001 FLAT NO.3, DC QUARTERS Nill
E.SELVIHEMA PIRAMILA FLAT NO.4, DC QUARTERS
A.RADHIKA NO.5, DC QUARTERS Nill
B.VIJAYAKUMARI FLAT NO.5, DC QUARTERS Nill
S.SANTHI NO.6, PH ROAD, KILPAUK
M.VIJAYALAKSHMI NO.6, DC QUARTERS
K.SOKKALINGAM 19932086 NO.7, SP/DC QUARTERS
R.SAMUTHIRPANDI 19992052 NO.7, DC QUARTERS Having own house in his name at manapakkam,
N.BASKARAN 19992051 FLAT NO.8, DC QUARTERS Nill
N.DEVARANI NO.9, DC QUARTERS
S.LAKSHMI(srilakshmi Prasad) NO.12, DC QUARTERS Having own house in mylapore and pallavaram, getting rent of rs.30,000/-
K.SHANMUGAVEL 19982099 IPS OFFICERS QUARTERS,KILPAUK

I-T dept relents, furnishes details of ex-MLA’s returns

Publication: The Times Of India Chennai; Date: Jun 6, 2011; Section: Times City; Page: 5

I-T dept relents, furnishes details of ex-MLA’s returns
Jeeva | TNN

Chennai: The income-tax department, which had been refusing to furnish details of I-T returns to right to information (RTI) applicants, has finally chosen to do so under the RTI Act.

The department has furnished the I-T returns of D Ravikumar of the Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi (VCK), the former MLA of Kattumannarkoil in Cuddalore district, for the accounting years 2008-09, 2009-10, in response to an RTI application by V Gopalakrishnan, an activist in KK Nagar. Disclosure of details of Ravikumar’s I-T returns gains importance as the department has been rejecting the RTI applications seeking income-tax returns of public servants.

Last month, the department dismissed the RTI requests of Gopalakrishnan, when he sought the I-T returns of DMK president M Karunanidhi, Union home minister P Chidambaram, Union textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran, Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi and former telecom minister A Raja, as all of them had objected to the disclosure. And, in the case of an RTI query seeking the I-T returns of Union fertilizers minister MK Alagiri, the department rejected it without even calling for his objection.

The I-T returns of Ravikumar, furnished by the incometax office in Cuddalore, shows that he got Rs 5.75 lakh as salary and allowances as an MLA during 2009-10 and the value of his assets was about Rs 31 lakh as on March 31, 2010.

However, the income-tax department’s Chennai office has refused to furnish the I-T returns of Ravikumar’s party as the VCK objected. Strongly opposing the applicant’s request, the VCK said: “The information sought by the applicant is personal in nature and also consists of important and sensitive details of the party, along with information pertaining to persons and entities associated with the party.”

The department in its RTI reply said it had asked the party’s objections, if any, under Section 11 of the RTI Act. The provision says that a PIO, where he intends to disclose any information or record on a RTI request which relates to or has been supplied by a third party and has been treated as confidential by that third party, shall give a written notice to such third party. And the objection, if any, of the third party should be considered while taking a decision about disclosure of information.

I-T returns not confidential: Official

Politicos I-T returns not confidential: Official
June 16, 2011
Deccan chroncile
June 15: Contrary to the common reasons cited to reject applications under the RTI Act for copies of I-T returns of assessees, a central public information officer (CPIO) attached to the chief commissioner of income tax said that the Income Tax Act has no provision to treat the returns filed by assessee as confidential. The I-T department had refused to disclose I-T returns filed by assessee including politicians stating that it is “private information”, “confidential or third party information”, “covered under fiduciary relationship”, “unwarranted invasion of privacy” and “does not involve public interest”.

The PIO stated this in reply to a RTI petition filed by a city-based activist C. Selvaraj. To a query on fiduciary relationship between officials of IT department and assessee, the PIO said, “There is no direct definition for “fiduciary relations” in I-T Act. The information relating to assessees can be supplied as per section 138 of I-T Act. Any authority that contravenes the section 138 in giving information is punishable under section 280 of the I-T Act. Further information respecting assessee is published as per section 287 of the act.”

The RTI Act clearly states that all the information, which cannot be denied to the State Legislature or the Parliament, shall not be denied to any person. When asked whether the IT department would provide the IT returns of assessee to the Parliament or the Assembly or not, the CPIO said, “The department is duty bound to supply any information sought by the legislative authorities such as the Parliament.” Right to information activist V. Gopalakrishnan, who unsuccessfully filed petitions seeking returns of various Tamil Nadu politicians including former chief minister M. Karunanidhi, former telecom minister A. Raja and Rajya Sabha MP Kanimozhi, said most of petitions were rejected on the basis that it was confidential or third party information.

“The replies given to Mr Selvaraj’s queries only shows that the public information officers in the I-T department are ignorant of their I-T Act.”

I-T returns not confidential: Official

service tax received from assessese

Transparency in administration Make corruption past
RTI APPLICATION U/S 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.
From 14-06-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
CHENNAI-78.
To
The Public Information Officer,
(under the RTI ACT-2005),
Commisioner of Service Tax,
M.H.U.Complex, No.692, Anna Salai
Nandanam, Chennai-600035
Sir/ madam,
Sub: I request to furnish Revenue received and not received from assessee, which is ready available IN ELECTRONIC FORM and CD, in your office copies under 6(1) of RTI Act-2005.
------
1.kindly supply the list of name, address, service tax no., registered as service Tax assessee, service tax paid ( Revenue received from the Assessee) from 1/4/2005 to 31/03/2011. (supply in electronic form or CD, yearwise).
2. kindly supply the list of name, address, service tax no., registered as service Tax assessee, service tax not( Revenue not received from the Assessee) paid from 1/4/2005 to 31/03/2011. (supply in electronic form or CD, yearwise).
3.kindly arrange for inspection and take photo copies for the above serial no. 1 and serial no.2.
I enclosed Indian postal order of Rs.10/- towards RTI fee, 92E 556859
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,

mla salary

Transparency in administration Make corruption past
RTI APPLICATION U/S 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.

From 26-05-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
CHENNAI-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
(under the RTI ACT-2005),
Legislative Assembly dept,
Secretariat, St. George Fort,
Chennai-9.

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI Act 2005, sec 6(1) . I request furnish information
About salary, allowance, sitting allowances, benefits, TDS, etc., for MLA’s,
Tamilnadu from 01-01-2006 to 25-05-2011 –regarding.
-----
1. Kindly supply copy of relevant Government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for salary, allowances, benefits increase for MLA,s from 01-01-2005 to 25-05-2011.

2. A). Kindly inform whether TDS reduced from the Salary of MLA,TN from year 01/01/2006 to 25/05/2011. If no means B) Kindly supply copy of relevant government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for not reducing the TDS from the Salary of MLA.

3. A). Kindly inform whether TDS reduced from the allowance Salary of MLA (from year 01/01/2006 to 25/05/2011). If no means B) Kindly supply copy of relevant government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for not reducing the TDS from the Salary of MLA.

4. Kindly supply information in compact Disc (monthwise) list containing name of MLA,s name of constituency, salary drawn/paid, amount of TDS reduced, Pan number of MLA, allowances paid (all allowances), benefit given to them, etc., from 01/01/2006 to 25/05/2011.

5. Kindly inform break up details (Basic, DA,HRA, etc.,) of Salary of MLA, TamilNadu from 01-01-2005 to 25-05-2011.

V.Gopalakrishnan

MLA salary

rajya sabha mp salary

Transparency in administration Make corruption past
RTI APPLICATION U/S 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.

From 14-06-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
CHENNAI-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
(under the RTI ACT-2005),
RAJYA SABHA
Parliament of India,
New Delhi.

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI Act 2005, sec 6(1) . I request furnish information
About salary, allowance, sitting allowances, benefits, TDS, etc., for member of RAJYA SABHA’s, from 01-01-2006 to 31-05-2011 –regarding.
-----
1. Kindly supply copy of relevant Government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for salary, allowances, benefits increase for member of RAJYA SABHA from 01-01-2005 to 31-05-2011.
2. A). Kindly inform whether TDS reduced from the Salary of member of RAJYA SABHA from year 01/01/2006 to 31/05/2011. If no means B) Kindly supply copy of relevant government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for not reducing the TDS from the Salary of member of RAJYA SABHA .
3. A). Kindly inform whether TDS reduced from the allowance Salary of member of RAJYA SABHA (from year 01/01/2006 to 31/05/2011). If no means B) Kindly supply copy of relevant government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for not reducing the TDS from the Salary of member of RAJYA SABHA.
4. Kindly supply information in compact Disc or any electronic form (monthwise) list containing name of member of RAJYA SABHA , salary drawn/paid, amount of TDS reduced, Pan number of member of RAJYA SABHA , allowances paid (all allowances), benefit given to them, etc., from 01/01/2006 to 31/05/2011.
5. Kindly inform break up details (Basic, DA,HRA, etc.,) of Salary of member of RAJYA SABHA from 01-01-2005 to 31-05-2011.
6. Kindly inform whether Income tax returns or balance sheets of individuals/ organization/ Trust/ Factory/institution, etc., submitted in Income tax department, if the parliament sought the copy of it, whether income tax dept has to supply to Parliament or not.
I enclosed the Indian postal order of Rs.10 towards RTI fee 92E556606

V.Gopalakrishnan

MP salary (lok shabha)

Transparency in administration Make corruption past
RTI APPLICATION U/S 6(1) OF RTI ACT-2005.

From 14-06-2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
No.13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
CHENNAI-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
(under the RTI ACT-2005),
LOK SABHA
Parliament of India,
New Delhi.

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI Act 2005, sec 6(1) . I request furnish information
About salary, allowance, sitting allowances, benefits, TDS, etc., for member of LOK SABHA from 01-01-2006 to 31-05-2011 –regarding.
-----
1. Kindly supply copy of relevant Government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for salary, allowances, benefits increase for member of LOK SABHA from 01-01-2005 to 31-05-2011.
2. A). Kindly inform whether TDS reduced from the Salary of member of LOK SABHA from year 01/01/2006 to 31/05/2011. If no means B) Kindly supply copy of relevant government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for not reducing the TDS from the Salary of member of LOK SABHA .
3. A). Kindly inform whether TDS reduced from the allowance Salary of member of LOK SABHA (from year 01/01/2006 to 31/05/2011). If no means B) Kindly supply copy of relevant government order/circular/ proceedings / Act / Rule / resolution, etc., for not reducing the TDS from the Salary of member of LOK SABHA.
4. Kindly supply information in compact Disc or any electronic form (monthwise) list containing name of member of LOKSABHA , salary drawn/paid, amount of TDS reduced, Pan number of member of LOK SABHA , allowances paid (all allowances), benefit given to them, etc., from 01/01/2006 to 31/05/2011.
5. Kindly inform break up details (Basic, DA,HRA, etc.,) of Salary of member of LOK SABHA from 01-01-2005 to 31-05-2011.
6. Kindly inform whether Income tax returns or balance sheets of individuals/ organization/ Trust/ Factory/institution, etc., submitted in Income tax department, if the parliament sought the copy of it, whether income tax dept has to supply to Parliament or not.
I enclosed the Indian postal order of Rs.10 towards RTI fee 92E556853

V.Gopalakrishnan

sun tv, kalingar tv, westgate (ROC)

RTI Application under sec 6(1) of RTI Act-2005

From 24/05/2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
Chennai-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Under Right to Information Act 2005,
Registrar of companies,
Fifth Floor, Shastri Bhawan,
26 Haddows Road,
Chennai – 600006

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI ACT 2005 sec 6(1), request for furnish information in compact disc.- regarding.
-------

1. Kindly supply information in C.D (soft copy) copy of income tax returns and balance sheet submitted from year (a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e) 2010-2011 by Kalaingar TV Pvt ltd, (CIN NO. U92100TN200PTC063806),
2. Kindly supply information in C.D. (soft copy) copy of income tax returns and BALANCE SHEET submitted from year a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e)2010-2011 by SUN TV NETWORK LIMITED, ,(CIN NO. L22110TN1985PLC012491),
3. Kindly supply information in C.D (soft copy) copy of income tax returns and balance sheet submitted from year (a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e) 2010-2011 by WEST GATE LOGISTICS PRIVATE LIMITED, (CIN NO. U63090TN2004PTC054563),
4. Kindly supply information in C.D (soft copy) copy of income tax returns and balance sheet submitted from year (a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e) 2010-2011 by ROYAL FURNITURES PRIVATE LIMITED, (CIN NO. U36100MH1992PTC066019),

(V.GOPALAKRISHNAN)
I ENCLOSED INDIAN POSTAL ORDER OF RS.10 TOWARDS RTI FEE. NO.92E555100

suntv, kalingar tv, westgate and dhayalu and rajajithi ammal It returns

RTI Application under sec 6(1) of RTI Act-2005

From 24//05/2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
13/7, Pammal Nalla Thambi Street,
M.G.R.NAGAR,
Chennai-78.

To
The Public Information Officer,
Under Right to Information Act 2005,
Income Tax department,
121, Aayakar Bhavan, first floor,
Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI ACT 2005 sec 6(1), request for furnish information and attested photo
copy.- regarding.
Ref: Central information commission, Decision no. CIC/LS/A/2009/000647/SG/5887. APPEAL NO.CIC/LS/A/2009/000647. Dt 14 dec 2009.
-------

1. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and balance sheet submitted from year (a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e) 2010-2011 by Kalaingar TV Pvt ltd, (CIN NO. U92100TN200PTC063806),
2. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and BALANCE SHEET submitted from year a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e)2010-2011 by SUN TV NETWORK LIMITED, ,(CIN NO. L22110TN1985PLC012491),
3. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and BALANCE SHEET submitted from year a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e)2010-2011 by WEST GATE LOGISTICS PRIVATE LIMITED,(CIN NO. U63090TN2004PTC054563),
4. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and balance sheet submitted from year (a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e) 2010-2011 by M.K.DAYALU AMMAL PAN AEYPD9640M
5. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and balance sheet submitted from year (a) 2006-2007, (b) 2007-2008, (c) 2008-2009 (d) 2009-2010 (e) 2010-2011 by RAJATHY AMMAL PAN ACCPR4494D

(V.GOPALAKRISHNAN)
I ENCLOSED INDIAN POSTAL ORDER OF RS.10 TOWARDS RTI FEE. NO.92E556851

MUTHAMIZH PRAVI CHARITBLE TRUST and m.k.alagiri trust

RTI Application under sec 6(1) of RTI Act-2005
From 29/06/2011
V.GOPALAKRISHNAN,
13/7, PAMMAL NALLA NALLA THAMBI STREET,
MG.R.NAGAR, CHENNAI-78

To
The Public Information Officer,
Income Tax department,
121, Aayakar Bhavan, Nungambakkam, Chennai-34.

Sir,
Sub: Under the RTI ACT 2005 sec 6(1), request for furnish information and attested photo
copy.- regarding.
Ref: 1.Central information commission, Decision no. CIC/LS/A/2009/000647/SG/5887. APPEAL NO.CIC/LS/A/2009/000647. Dt 14 dec 2009.
2. PIO, CCIT, CHENNAI-I, CH-34, Lr. No. RTI/11-12/PRO dt 10/06/2011.
-------
1. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and Balance sheet submitted from year (a)2000-2001, (b) 2001-2002, (c)2002-2003, (d)2003-2004, (e)2004-2005, (f) 2005-2006, (g)2006-2007, (h) 2007-2008, (i) 2008-2009 (j) 2009-2010 by MUTHAMIZH PRAVI CHARITBLE TRUST, 35, DR. RADHAKRISHNAN SALAI, MYALPORE, CH-4.

2. Kindly supply copy of income tax returns and Balance sheet submitted from year (a)2000-2001, (b) 2001-2002, (c)2002-2003, (d)2003-2004, (e)2004-2005, (f) 2005-2006, (g)2006-2007, (h) 2007-2008, (i) 2008-2009 (j) 2009-2010 by M K Alagiri Educational Trust, 25, SATHYASAI NAGAR, MADURAI-625 003.

3. Kindly supply copy documents submitted for registration of charitable trust under section 12A(a) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and for grant of approval of fund under section 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax act, 1961. (of list of authors, list of Trustees, certified copy of Trust deed, accounts certified by charted accountant (balance sheet, receipts and payments, Account and income and expenditure account MUTHAMIZH PRAVI CHARITBLE TRUST, 35, DR. RADHAKRISHNAN SALAI, MYALPORE, CH-4.

4. Kindly supply copy documents submitted for registration of charitable trust under section 12A(a) of the Income Tax Act, 1961 and for grant of approval of fund under section 80G(5)(vi) of the Income Tax act, 1961. (of list of authors, list of Trustees, certified copy of Trust deed, accounts certified by charted accountant (balance sheet, receipts and payments, Account and income and expenditure account M K Alagiri Educational Trust, no.25, Sathya sai nagar, Madurai-625 003.

(V.Gopalakrishnan)
I ENCLOSED INDIAN POSTAL ORDER OF RS.10 TOWARDS RTI FEE. NO.92E556858

Monday, April 25, 2011

Leaders refuse to reveal I-T details

Leaders refuse to reveal I-T details
Karuna, Maran & Chidambaram Seek To Protect Tax Info From RTI Applicant
Jeeva | TNN 26th april 2011 page no.4, chennai edition
Chennai: After former chief justice of India KG Balakrishnan objected to disclosure of his income tax returns under the Right To Information Act, Tamil Nadu chief minister M Karunanidhi, Union home minister P Chidambaram and Union textiles minister Dayanidhi Maran have now sought to protect their income details from being furnished to an RTI applicant.
The three made clear their objection after V Gopalakrishnan of KK Nagar filed an RTI application last month seeking copies of their I-T returns from 2006-07 to 2010-11.
In separate communications to the public information officer of the incometax office in Chennai, they said the details furnished in their I-T returns were “personal and confidential” and should not be disclosed to the applicant.
The information officer had earlier sought their objection, if any, on furnishing the I-T returns to the applicant as it was a ‘third party information’.
Karunanidhi’s authorised representative T Sivasubramanian, in a letter on April 12, objected to the proposed disclosure of information to the applicant. He said: “Under Section 8(1)(j) of the RTI Act, information which relates to personal information the disclosure of which has no relationship in any public activity or interest or which would cause unwarranted invasion of privacy of the individual is exempted from the disclosure.”
Chidambaram, in his communication to the I-T department on April 11, said: “There is no larger public interest that could warrant disclosure of information relating to my income-tax returns. The applicant’s request is in the nature of a fishing enquiry and the request is not intended to serve any public interest.”
Maran said, “Income-tax returns filed by me are highly confidential in nature and I consider the disclosure to be an unwarranted invasion of my privacy. The information being personal in nature, the disclosure thereof will cause serious prejudice to me and therefore I object the disclosure to any third parties. The disclosure may cause harm or injury to my interest.”
Accepting their objection, the department rejected the application last week, saying the “RTI query has no relationship with any public activity or interest and there is no larger public interest involved in disclosing the information.”
For Union fertilizer minister MK Alagiri, whose I-T returns were also sought by Gopalakrishnan, the income tax office in Madurai rejected the RTI application without even calling for Alagiri’s objection.
The information officer quoted five decisions of the Central Information Commission in support of his rejection of the application on April 20.
As the Central Information Commission itself had given orders for and against the disclosure of IT-returns in several cases, Gopalakrishnan said he was planning to challenge the rejection of his application.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Post unfilled, file your appeal later, RTI activist told

Post unfilled, file your appeal later, RTI activist told

Jeeva | TNN 23 april 2011

Chennai: V Gopalakrishnan, a right to information (RTI) activist from MGR Nagar, got a strange reply from the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission (TNERC) last year to his appeal under the RTI Act.
“The official in the post of first appellate authority retired from service a month ago. The post will be filled up soon. Hence you can file your appeal once the post is filled up,” the TNERC’s public information officer replied to Gopalakrishnan.
Gopalakrishnan had sought information on a number of aspects about the functioning of the TNERC.
Gopalakrishnan then moved the Tamil Nadu Information Commission. “TNERC cannot give such a reply to an RTI appeal. It should have designated an existing official to function as an appellate authority till the post was filled,” Gopalakrishnan said.
Admitting his plea, the commission in January 2011 directed TNERC to provide the information to him within 15 days. It also observed, “TNERC should have someone holding charge of the post of appellate authority. It should avoid giving such replies in future.”
The TNERC, on its part, didn’t want to bow down to the information commission’s order.
It moved the Madras high court contending that the information commission had no jurisdiction to any order on the first appeal pass such an order.
“The Tamil Nadu Information Commission can pass orders only on second and final appeals under the RTI Act and it cannot decide on the first appeal filed by an applicant. The information commission’s order is liable to be quashed as it had encroached the TNERC’s jurisdiction,” TNERC said.
It has also included the Tamil Nadu Information Commission as a respondent.
The TNERC said it had filled up the post of first appellate authority when the applicant took up the issue before the information commission.
The Madras high court recently granted a stay to the information commission’s order and the matter is scheduled to come up for hearing in the first week of June.

Saturday, April 16, 2011

Former TN CEO extends support to Hazare

Former TN CEO extends support to Hazare
PTI | 10:04 PM,Apr 07,2011
Chennai, Apr 7 (PTI): Fasting social activist Anna Hazare has found a supporter in former Tamil Nadu Chief Electoral Officer Naresh Gupta, as the noted retired bureaucrat today extended his support to the cause. The former IAS officer participated in a prayer meeting this evening here in support of Hazare and said his struggle will bring about a change in the society, sources said. Gupta also extended his support to activists C Selvaraj and V Gopalakrishna who are on a solidarity fast with the Gandhian activist. The former CEO is also associated with 'The Forum for Electoral Integrity' - a forum for strengthening the electoral process.

Anna in Thambi land

Anna in Thambi land
TNN, Apr 7, 2011, 12.05am IST
CHENNAI: V Gopalakrishnan, an anti-corruption crusader in Chennai, recently wanted to know how to get police permission for a hunger strike during the time of elections. Electrified by Anna Hazare, Gopalakrishnan felt that something dramatic needs to happen to focus people's attention on corruption and create a mass effect. Peering from behind a mass of paperwork relating to his right to information (RTI) applications, Gopalakrishnan asked: "I am ready to start my fast even if nobody joins me."

Social activist Anna Hazare's continued fast in New Delhi has come as a morale-booster for campaigners such as Gopalakrishnan. While these activists have been succcessful in their local villages and towns, their individual efforts have remained isolated, receiving little publicity in the media. The activists are hoping for an Anna Hazare moment in Tamil Nadu.

"Hazare's fast has inspired me and we are also eager to do something to attract the attention of the rulers to root out corruption," said N Baskaran, a senior citizen in Pollachi. Baskaran chose to voluntarily resign his village administrative officer job unable to bear with the corruption in governance to become a right to information (RTI) campaigner.

For R Balakrishnan, a resident of Mambedu village in Tiruvannamalai, who has been fighting against irregularities in stone quarries and revenue offices in his district, RTI has come as a weapon to fight against stone quarry irregularities and corruption at revenue offices in his district. "As corruption has taken new forms now, Hazare's agitation shows that we need to intensify our movement," he said.

With Assembly polls nearing, many activists are turning their attention to politics and the conduct of elections. The Anti-Corruption Movement (ACM) in Chennai, which has been working on electoral reforms, is now demanding that the election commission should display asset affidavits filed by candidates in every polling booth. "`In a country where a huge population does not have internet access, it is not enough to upload the affidavits on the EC website. People should know the antecedents and details of assets of the candidates before they vote,'' said S M Arasu, state general secretay of ACM.

Taking the movement forward, Makkal Sakthi Katchi, the state unit of Lok Satta Party founded by Dr.Jayaprakash Narayan, has fielded candidates in 36 constituencies in Tamil Nadu in the coming assembly polls. "When promises of freebies and cash have become the centre of election campaign, our aim is to create a new political culture in Tamil Nadu, for which wehave invited educated people to enter politics and not be mute spectators,'' said Senthil Kumar Arumugam, Makkal Sakthi Katchi candidate for Velachery constituency.