<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/centre-tells-bengal-government-to-initiate-disciplinary-proceedings-against-kolkata-police-chief-195345">The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals</a>, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday.&nbsp;

The current political crisis between the Centre and West Bengal started Sunday after the CBI turned up unannounced at Kumar's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.&nbsp;

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the CBI's turning up unannounced was a "destruction of the federal structure".

She then announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna.&nbsp;

Kumar had sat in on the dharna with Mamata, which is what the Centre is taking objection to.

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MHA Sources: Centre has taken a dim view of serving officers of uniformed forces taking part in dharna. MHA has asked the WB government to take action against the officers who had participated in dharna in Kolkata on 4th February as per All India Services (Conduct) Rules. <a href="https://t.co/t9oUaiwOH0">pic.twitter.com/t9oUaiwOH0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093463910428987392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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MHA sources: In addition, a number of measures are also being initiated against defaulting officers such as withdrawing medals. Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list &amp; bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government. <a href="https://t.co/ao65ga92T0">https://t.co/ao65ga92T0</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1093464624220000256?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 7, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Centre says Kumar sitting in on the dharna was against the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, which govern the conduct of all central government officers.&nbsp;

The MHA sources said Thursday that similar action may be taken against four other officers who sat in on Mamata's dharna.&nbsp;

The sources added that "Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list and bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government."&nbsp; &nbsp;

The MHA is the controlling authority of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. It had already on February 5 asked the West Bengal government to take disciplinary action against Kumar. &nbsp;

The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday. The current political crisis between the Centre and West Bengal started Sunday after the CBI turned up unannounced at Kumar's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.

The Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar's medals, the news agency ANI quoted sources in the Ministry of Home Affairs as saying on Thursday. The current political crisis between the Centre and West Bengal started Sunday after the CBI turned up unannounced at Kumar's home, accusing him of slow-walking the investigations into the Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said the CBI's turning up unannounced was a "destruction of the federal structure". She then announced her "Save the Constitution" dharna. Kumar had sat in on the dharna with Mamata, which is what the Centre is taking objection to. MHA Sources: Centre has taken a dim view of serving officers of uniformed forces taking part in dharna. MHA has asked the WB government to take action against the officers who had participated in dharna in Kolkata on 4th February as per All India Services (Conduct) Rules. pic.twitter.com/t9oUaiwOH0 — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × MHA sources: In addition, a number of measures are also being initiated against defaulting officers such as withdrawing medals. Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list & bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government. https://t.co/ao65ga92T0 — ANI (@ANI) February 7, 2019 × The Centre says Kumar sitting in on the dharna was against the All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, which govern the conduct of all central government officers. The MHA sources said Thursday that similar action may be taken against four other officers who sat in on Mamata's dharna. The sources added that "Centre may also remove names of delinquent officers from the empanelled list and bar them for a certain period from serving in the central government." The MHA is the controlling authority of Indian Police Service (IPS) officers. It had already on February 5 asked the West Bengal government to take disciplinary action against Kumar.

Centre may take back Kolkata Police chief's medals: Home ministry sources 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday asserted that the government is committed to complete the NRC process in Assam within the stipulated time and will ensure that no foreigner is included or any Indian citizen excluded.

He also said the home ministry wants that the National Register of Citizens, a list of Assam's residents, is completed with fairness and for this the state government has been provided with all necessary assistance, including funds.

"Our government is committed to complete the update of NRC within the stipulated time so that no foreigner is included in it and no Indian is left out," he told PTI here.&nbsp;

His comments came hours after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/assams-national-register-of-citizens-supreme-courts-slams-centre-says-it-is-hell-bent-on-destroying-process-195312">Supreme Court came down heavily on the government</a>, saying it is not cooperating in the NRC process and seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the exercise.

The court also reiterated that the July 31 deadline for the completion of NRC exercise will not be extended.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday asserted that the government is committed to complete the NRC process in Assam within the stipulated time and will ensure that no foreigner is included or any Indian citizen excluded.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday asserted that the government is committed to complete the NRC process in Assam within the stipulated time and will ensure that no foreigner is included or any Indian citizen excluded. He also said the home ministry wants that the National Register of Citizens, a list of Assam's residents, is completed with fairness and for this the state government has been provided with all necessary assistance, including funds. "Our government is committed to complete the update of NRC within the stipulated time so that no foreigner is included in it and no Indian is left out," he told PTI here. His comments came hours after the Supreme Court came down heavily on the government, saying it is not cooperating in the NRC process and seems the entire effort of the MHA is to destroy the exercise. The court also reiterated that the July 31 deadline for the completion of NRC exercise will not be extended.

Centre committed to complete NRC within stipulated time: Rajnath Singh

The Centre has told the West Bengal government to begin <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/cbi-mamata-standoff-supreme-court-asks-kolkata-police-commissioner-to-join-probe-says-he-cant-be-arrested-195215">disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar</a>.&nbsp;

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs told the Bengal government Tuesday that Kumar had sat in on the dharna with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — and that that was in contravention of the All India Services (Conduct) rules, 1968 and All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.&nbsp;

The home ministry is the controlling authority of Indian Police Service officers.&nbsp;

The current political crisis between the Bengal government and the Centre was triggered after a CBI team showed up Sunday at Kumar's home. The CBI accused the Kolkata Police chief of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes.&nbsp;

Five members of the CBI team were detained on Sunday, but later released.&nbsp;

Mamata had announced her dharna — saying it was to "Save the Constitution" — after Sunday's fracas. She had said the CBI showing up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home was a "destruction of the federal structure".&nbsp;

The CBI has taken Kumar to the Supreme Court, accusing him of destroying evidence in the investigations. On Tuesday, the court ordered Kumar to join the CBI investigation. It also ordered that he could not be arrested.&nbsp;

On Monday, when the CBI made the charge that Kumar was destroying evidence, the court said there was nothing in its submission to prove the claim. It added however that it would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI put forward any evidence to prove its claim.&nbsp;

It was the Supreme Court that had handed the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes to the CBI. The SIT (special investigation team) team investigating the alleged scams was being headed by Kumar.&nbsp;

The Centre has told the West Bengal government to begin disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs told the Bengal government Tuesday that Kumar had sat in on the dharna with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — and that that was in contravention of the All India Services (Conduct) rules, 1968 and All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969.

The Centre has told the West Bengal government to begin disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs told the Bengal government Tuesday that Kumar had sat in on the dharna with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee — and that that was in contravention of the All India Services (Conduct) rules, 1968 and All India Services (Discipline and Appeal) Rules, 1969. The home ministry is the controlling authority of Indian Police Service officers. The current political crisis between the Bengal government and the Centre was triggered after a CBI team showed up Sunday at Kumar's home. The CBI accused the Kolkata Police chief of slow-walking the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes. Five members of the CBI team were detained on Sunday, but later released. Mamata had announced her dharna — saying it was to "Save the Constitution" — after Sunday's fracas. She had said the CBI showing up unannounced at the Kolkata Police chief's home was a "destruction of the federal structure". The CBI has taken Kumar to the Supreme Court, accusing him of destroying evidence in the investigations. On Tuesday, the court ordered Kumar to join the CBI investigation. It also ordered that he could not be arrested. On Monday, when the CBI made the charge that Kumar was destroying evidence, the court said there was nothing in its submission to prove the claim. It added however that it would come down very heavily on Kumar should the CBI put forward any evidence to prove its claim. It was the Supreme Court that had handed the investigations into the alleged Saradha and Rose Valley ponzi schemes to the CBI. The SIT (special investigation team) team investigating the alleged scams was being headed by Kumar.

Centre tells Bengal government to begin disciplinary proceedings against Kolkata Police chief

Indian citizenship would not be granted to any foreigner without the consent of state governments concerned after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.

Ministry spokesperson Ashok Prasad said every application for Indian citizenship will be enquired into by the deputy commissioner or district magistrate concerned, who will carry out due diligence and submit it to the state government concerned.

“The state government also has to conduct an enquiry through its agencies. Only then, an individual will be granted Indian nationality. Without the state government’s recommendations, no one will be given Indian citizenship,” Prasad said.

The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019, being strongly opposed by a large section of people and organisations in the Northeast, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians — from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after they have stayed in India for seven years, instead of 12 years at present.

This is applicable to those who came to India before December 31, 2014. The six religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were earlier given a special dispensation for grant of long term visas.

People belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism, Jain, Parsi and Christian religions from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan will have to prove they belonged to any of the three countries and were persecuted on religious lines among other things for Indian citizenship.

A large section of people and organisations in the Northeast have opposed the Bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of all illegal immigrants irrespective of religion.

There have been sporadic protests against the Bill in the region ever since it was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has already said the Bill will apply to all States and Union Territories and the beneficiaries can reside anywhere in the country.

“The burden of these persecuted migrants will be shared by the whole country. Assam alone would not have to bear the entire burden and the government is committed to giving all help to the state government and people of Assam,” Singh had said.

Home Ministry sources said the ministry is considering a proposal to provide incentives to those people who want to settle anywhere in India, except the Northeast.

Indian citizenship would not be granted to any foreigner without the consent of state governments concerned after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday.

Indian citizenship would not be granted to any foreigner without the consent of state governments concerned after the passage of the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, the Home Ministry said on Tuesday. Ministry spokesperson Ashok Prasad said every application for Indian citizenship will be enquired into by the deputy commissioner or district magistrate concerned, who will carry out due diligence and submit it to the state government concerned. “The state government also has to conduct an enquiry through its agencies. Only then, an individual will be granted Indian nationality. Without the state government’s recommendations, no one will be given Indian citizenship,” Prasad said. The Citizenship Amendment Bill 2019, being strongly opposed by a large section of people and organisations in the Northeast, seeks to provide Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities — Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists and Christians — from Bangladesh, Pakistan and Afghanistan after they have stayed in India for seven years, instead of 12 years at present. This is applicable to those who came to India before December 31, 2014. The six religious minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan were earlier given a special dispensation for grant of long term visas. People belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhism, Jain, Parsi and Christian religions from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan will have to prove they belonged to any of the three countries and were persecuted on religious lines among other things for Indian citizenship. A large section of people and organisations in the Northeast have opposed the Bill saying it will nullify the provisions of the Assam Accord of 1985, which fixed March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for deportation of all illegal immigrants irrespective of religion. There have been sporadic protests against the Bill in the region ever since it was introduced and passed in the Lok Sabha on January 8. Home Minister Rajnath Singh has already said the Bill will apply to all States and Union Territories and the beneficiaries can reside anywhere in the country. “The burden of these persecuted migrants will be shared by the whole country. Assam alone would not have to bear the entire burden and the government is committed to giving all help to the state government and people of Assam,” Singh had said. Home Ministry sources said the ministry is considering a proposal to provide incentives to those people who want to settle anywhere in India, except the Northeast.

Indian citizenship won’t be given without state govt’s consent after Citizenship Bill passage: Home Ministry

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes.&nbsp;

The diplomats discussed land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side, among other issues.&nbsp;

The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry that coordinates with the concerned authorities, including the local government. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the nodal ministry for the building and the development of the corridor on the Indian side.

According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Corridor to Pakistan. The meeting may happen between the third week of January and February first week. Pakistan would accept the proposal and invite for a meeting, as and when proposed.&nbsp;

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In his letter to Rajnath Singh, the Punjab Chief Minister has requested the central government to put in place a simple procedure which would facilitate “khulle darshan deedar” of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, in keeping with the traditional Sikh Ardas (prayer). <a href="https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg">https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1085142976622481408?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 15, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to scrap the condition of mandatory passport for devotees and put simple procedures in place.&nbsp;

This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the holy Gurudwara.&nbsp;

The Punjab CM suggested that any valid government document, such as the Aadhaar card, should be used for identification purposes. In the letter, he called on the central government to create adequate infrastructure at the border crossing to handle a large number of pilgrims. He added that the land proposed to be acquired should factor in both present and future requirements.

The Indian government on November 22 approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, India informed Pakistan about its decision and urged Islamabad to develop a corridor on its side from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented the Indian government at the ground-breaking ceremony for development of Kartarpur Corridor on the Pakistan side. 
&nbsp;

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present.

A meeting to discuss the modalities on the Kartarpur corridor took place at the Home Ministry on Tuesday. Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba chaired the meeting in which Chief Secretary Punjab, DG BSF, DG Intel Punjab and Indian envoy to Pakistan Ajay Bisaria were also present. The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes. The diplomats discussed land acquisition for the corridor on the Indian side, among other issues. The Home Ministry is the nodal ministry that coordinates with the concerned authorities, including the local government. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways is the nodal ministry for the building and the development of the corridor on the Indian side. According to sources in Pakistan, India is likely to propose a formal meeting on the Corridor to Pakistan. The meeting may happen between the third week of January and February first week. Pakistan would accept the proposal and invite for a meeting, as and when proposed. In his letter to Rajnath Singh, the Punjab Chief Minister has requested the central government to put in place a simple procedure which would facilitate “khulle darshan deedar” of Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, in keeping with the traditional Sikh Ardas (prayer). https://t.co/sOANbgxdtg — ANI (@ANI) January 15, 2019 × Meanwhile, Punjab CM Amarinder Singh has written to Home Minister Rajnath Singh on the Kartarpur corridor and requested him to scrap the condition of mandatory passport for devotees and put simple procedures in place. This, he said in the letter, will enable "khulle darshan deedar” of the holy Gurudwara. The Punjab CM suggested that any valid government document, such as the Aadhaar card, should be used for identification purposes. In the letter, he called on the central government to create adequate infrastructure at the border crossing to handle a large number of pilgrims. He added that the land proposed to be acquired should factor in both present and future requirements. The Indian government on November 22 approved the building of the Kartarpur corridor on the Indian side from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district till the border. On the same day, India informed Pakistan about its decision and urged Islamabad to develop a corridor on its side from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. Vice President Venkaiah Naidu laid the foundation stone for the corridor on the Indian side on November 26, 2018. Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan laid the foundation stone on November 28 in Pakistan. Union Minister of Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State (IC) for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri represented the Indian government at the ground-breaking ceremony for development of Kartarpur Corridor on the Pakistan side.

Meeting on Kartarpur corridor takes place in Home Ministry; diplomats discuss land acquisition 

All foreigners have to respect Indian law and those found in violation are liable to be punished but that does not mean they are blacklisted forever, a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-ready-to-hold-assembly-polls-in-jammu-kashmir-rajnath-singh-186991">Home Ministry</a> official said on Friday after a Reuters journalist was denied entry into India for allegedly violating visa rules.&nbsp;

The action against Cathal McNaughton, chief photographer at the news agency's Delhi office who was recently sent back from the airport here after his arrival from an overseas trip, is not permanent and can be&nbsp;reviewed after six months or a year, the official told PTI.

"Everybody has to follow law. For violation, the consequence is the same for everybody. Foreigners should respect Indian law. If any Indian visits abroad and violates the law of that country, he or she is also liable to be punished," the official said.&nbsp;

McNaughton, an Irish national who won the Pulitzer Prize in May 2018, allegedly travelled to restricted and protected areas in Jammu and Kashmir without permission. He also reported from the state without valid permission.

"He may be a winner of some awards, but that does not give him the licence to violate Indian laws. The Ministry of External Affairs regularly informs foreign journalists about Indian rules and regulations. And in certain places, a foreigner is required to take permission. If you violate these rules and regulations, we are bound to take action," the official warned.

"If somebody is denied entry, it does not mean that he is blacklisted forever. It may be reviewed after six months or one year," he said.

Another official said foreign correspondents also require prior home ministry approval to film in restricted and protected areas such as border districts, defence installations and other places of strategic importance, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.

According to visa rules for foreign journalists, "A foreign journalist, TV cameraperson etc, including a foreign journalist already based in India, who desires to visit a restricted or protected area or Jammu and Kashmir or the North Eastern States, should apply for a special permit through the Ministry of External Affairs (External Publicity Division)".

Under normal circumstances, India grants foreign journalists visas for up to three months. In rare cases, a six-month journalist visa, with a single or double entry, can be issued.

The MHA and the MEA have also held discussions to review protocols on foreign journalists. In May this year, the MEA reminded foreign journalists based in India that they require permission to travel to areas protected under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958.

The areas are -- all of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Rajasthan, all of Sikkim and parts of Uttarakhand.

All foreigners have to respect Indian law and those found in violation are liable to be punished but that does not mean they are blacklisted forever, a Home Ministry official said on Friday after a Reuters journalist was denied entry into India for allegedly violating visa rules.

All foreigners have to respect Indian law and those found in violation are liable to be punished but that does not mean they are blacklisted forever, a Home Ministry official said on Friday after a Reuters journalist was denied entry into India for allegedly violating visa rules. The action against Cathal McNaughton, chief photographer at the news agency's Delhi office who was recently sent back from the airport here after his arrival from an overseas trip, is not permanent and can be reviewed after six months or a year, the official told PTI. "Everybody has to follow law. For violation, the consequence is the same for everybody. Foreigners should respect Indian law. If any Indian visits abroad and violates the law of that country, he or she is also liable to be punished," the official said. McNaughton, an Irish national who won the Pulitzer Prize in May 2018, allegedly travelled to restricted and protected areas in Jammu and Kashmir without permission. He also reported from the state without valid permission. "He may be a winner of some awards, but that does not give him the licence to violate Indian laws. The Ministry of External Affairs regularly informs foreign journalists about Indian rules and regulations. And in certain places, a foreigner is required to take permission. If you violate these rules and regulations, we are bound to take action," the official warned. "If somebody is denied entry, it does not mean that he is blacklisted forever. It may be reviewed after six months or one year," he said. Another official said foreign correspondents also require prior home ministry approval to film in restricted and protected areas such as border districts, defence installations and other places of strategic importance, national parks and wildlife sanctuaries. According to visa rules for foreign journalists, "A foreign journalist, TV cameraperson etc, including a foreign journalist already based in India, who desires to visit a restricted or protected area or Jammu and Kashmir or the North Eastern States, should apply for a special permit through the Ministry of External Affairs (External Publicity Division)". Under normal circumstances, India grants foreign journalists visas for up to three months. In rare cases, a six-month journalist visa, with a single or double entry, can be issued. The MHA and the MEA have also held discussions to review protocols on foreign journalists. In May this year, the MEA reminded foreign journalists based in India that they require permission to travel to areas protected under the Foreigners (Protected Areas) Order, 1958. The areas are -- all of Arunachal Pradesh, parts of Himachal Pradesh, parts of Jammu and Kashmir, parts of Rajasthan, all of Sikkim and parts of Uttarakhand.

Foreign journalists violating Indian laws liable to be punished: Home Ministry

As many as 9,000 phones and 500 e-mails were intercepted each month in 2013 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, an RTI has revealed.

"On an average, between 7500-9000 orders for interception of telephones are issued by Central Government per month," reveals a November 2013 RTI addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The reply to another RTI addressed to the ministry details that 300-500 orders for interception of e-mails were issued per month by the UPA government

"On an average, 300 to 500 orders for interception of e-mails are issued by Central Government per month," read the reply to the RTI from August 2013.

The application filed in November 2013 also sought a list of agencies authorised for lawful interception monitoring. As per the reply, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing&nbsp;and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Directorate of Signal Intelligence (for service areas of Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Assam) are allowed to obtain data through interception.

The said list is similar to the agencies mentioned in Centre's notification of December 20, 2019 which empowered government bodies for mass surveillance. The RTI also stated that the interception of communication was being carried out in accordance with the Telegraph Act of 1885 and Telegraph (Amendment) Rule of 2007- a clause that finds a mention in the clarification issued by the government over the December 20 order.

"The notification (of December 20) is analogous to the authorisation issued under the Telegraph Act. The entire process is also subject to a robust review mechanism as in case of Telegraph Act," government's clarification issued on Friday stated.

The recent government order had initiated a war of words between the Centre and opposition parties, with many alleging the centre of intruding into people's privacy. The Centre, however, maintained that similar rules were in existence since 2009.

On 20 December, same order of authorisation was repeated that was existing since 2009. You are making a mountain where a molehill does not exist," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha on Friday in response to Congress leader Anand Sharma's charge.

Sharma had remarked that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is converting India into a surveillance state with this order. "Through this order, the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state. It is the ultimate assault on fundamental rights and right to privacy. It is also in direct conflict with the Supreme Court judgement that the right to privacy is a fundamental right," the Congress leader had said.

Further intensifying the Opposition's attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had tweeted, "Converting India into a police state isn't going to solve your problems, Modi Ji. It's only going to prove to over 1 billion Indians, what an insecure dictator you really are."&nbsp;

As many as 9,000 phones and 500 e-mails were intercepted each month in 2013 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, an RTI has revealed. "On an average, between 7500-9000 orders for interception of telephones are issued by Central Government per month," reveals a November 2013 RTI addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs.

As many as 9,000 phones and 500 e-mails were intercepted each month in 2013 during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government, an RTI has revealed. "On an average, between 7500-9000 orders for interception of telephones are issued by Central Government per month," reveals a November 2013 RTI addressed to the Ministry of Home Affairs. The reply to another RTI addressed to the ministry details that 300-500 orders for interception of e-mails were issued per month by the UPA government "On an average, 300 to 500 orders for interception of e-mails are issued by Central Government per month," read the reply to the RTI from August 2013. The application filed in November 2013 also sought a list of agencies authorised for lawful interception monitoring. As per the reply, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Narcotics Control Bureau, Directorate of Enforcement, Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT), Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), National Investigation Agency (NIA), Research and Analysis Wing and the Commissioner of Police, Delhi and Directorate of Signal Intelligence (for service areas of Jammu and Kashmir, North-East and Assam) are allowed to obtain data through interception. The said list is similar to the agencies mentioned in Centre's notification of December 20, 2019 which empowered government bodies for mass surveillance. The RTI also stated that the interception of communication was being carried out in accordance with the Telegraph Act of 1885 and Telegraph (Amendment) Rule of 2007- a clause that finds a mention in the clarification issued by the government over the December 20 order. "The notification (of December 20) is analogous to the authorisation issued under the Telegraph Act. The entire process is also subject to a robust review mechanism as in case of Telegraph Act," government's clarification issued on Friday stated. The recent government order had initiated a war of words between the Centre and opposition parties, with many alleging the centre of intruding into people's privacy. The Centre, however, maintained that similar rules were in existence since 2009. On 20 December, same order of authorisation was repeated that was existing since 2009. You are making a mountain where a molehill does not exist," Finance Minister Arun Jaitley told the Rajya Sabha on Friday in response to Congress leader Anand Sharma's charge. Sharma had remarked that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is converting India into a surveillance state with this order. "Through this order, the BJP government is converting India into a surveillance state. It is the ultimate assault on fundamental rights and right to privacy. It is also in direct conflict with the Supreme Court judgement that the right to privacy is a fundamental right," the Congress leader had said. Further intensifying the Opposition's attack, Congress president Rahul Gandhi had tweeted, "Converting India into a police state isn't going to solve your problems, Modi Ji. It's only going to prove to over 1 billion Indians, what an insecure dictator you really are."

RTI reveals as many 9,000 phones, 500 emails intercepted each month during UPA

The opposition parties on Friday said the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-empowers-security-intelligence-agencies-for-mass-surveillance-185626">Home Ministry order authorising 10 Central agencies</a> to intercept, monitor, and decrypt "any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer"&nbsp;is unconstitutional and against fundamental rights.

The Congress, the CPI(M), the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Trinamool Congress spoke out against the order, which they said was issued on Thursday.&nbsp;

Congress leader Anand Sharma said the order was against the right to privacy, which was a fundamental right.

"The government has done it by stealth and we collectively oppose it. This gives unlimited powers to all these agencies to monitor every information that interests them and complete surveillance which is unacceptable in a democracy," he said.&nbsp;

Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav termed the order unconstitutional and said the present government should refrain from making such moves with just a few months left for the general elections.&nbsp;

"This government has only a few months left and it should not dig potholes for itself as a new government will be installed in the centre soon," he said.

TMC's Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said the move was 'draconian'&nbsp;while RJD's Manoj Jha said that it was a cause of concern for not just parliamentarians, but for every Indian.&nbsp;

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury voiced his opposition on Twitter.

"Why is every Indian being treated like a criminal? This order by a govt wanting to snoop on every citizen is unconstitutional and in breach of the telephone tapping guidelines, the Privacy Judgement and the Aadhaar judgement," he said.&nbsp;

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Why is every Indian being treated like a criminal? This order by a govt wanting to snoop on every citizen is unconstitutional and in breach of the telephone tapping guidelines, the Privacy Judgement and the Aadhaar judgement. <a href="https://t.co/vJXs6aycP0">https://t.co/vJXs6aycP0</a>
— Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) <a href="https://twitter.com/SitaramYechury/status/1075965497827577856?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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According to the order, the subscriber or service provider or any person in charge of the computer resource will be bound to extend all facilities and technical assistance to the agencies. Failing to do so will invite seven-year imprisonment and fine.

The agencies are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation; National Investigation Agency, Cabinet Secretariat (R&amp;AW), Directorate of Signal Intelligence (For service areas of Jammu &amp; Kashmir, North-East and Assam only) and Commissioner of Police, Delhi.&nbsp;

The opposition parties on Friday said the Home Ministry order authorising 10 Central agencies to intercept, monitor, and decrypt "any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer" is unconstitutional and against fundamental rights.

The opposition parties on Friday said the Home Ministry order authorising 10 Central agencies to intercept, monitor, and decrypt "any information generated, transmitted, received or stored in any computer" is unconstitutional and against fundamental rights. The Congress, the CPI(M), the Samajwadi Party, the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Trinamool Congress spoke out against the order, which they said was issued on Thursday. Congress leader Anand Sharma said the order was against the right to privacy, which was a fundamental right. "The government has done it by stealth and we collectively oppose it. This gives unlimited powers to all these agencies to monitor every information that interests them and complete surveillance which is unacceptable in a democracy," he said. Samajwadi Party's Ram Gopal Yadav termed the order unconstitutional and said the present government should refrain from making such moves with just a few months left for the general elections. "This government has only a few months left and it should not dig potholes for itself as a new government will be installed in the centre soon," he said. TMC's Sukhendu Sekhar Roy said the move was 'draconian' while RJD's Manoj Jha said that it was a cause of concern for not just parliamentarians, but for every Indian. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury voiced his opposition on Twitter. "Why is every Indian being treated like a criminal? This order by a govt wanting to snoop on every citizen is unconstitutional and in breach of the telephone tapping guidelines, the Privacy Judgement and the Aadhaar judgement," he said. Why is every Indian being treated like a criminal? This order by a govt wanting to snoop on every citizen is unconstitutional and in breach of the telephone tapping guidelines, the Privacy Judgement and the Aadhaar judgement. https://t.co/vJXs6aycP0 — Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) December 21, 2018 × According to the order, the subscriber or service provider or any person in charge of the computer resource will be bound to extend all facilities and technical assistance to the agencies. Failing to do so will invite seven-year imprisonment and fine. The agencies are the Intelligence Bureau, Narcotics Control Bureau, Enforcement Directorate, Central Board of Direct Taxes, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, Central Bureau of Investigation; National Investigation Agency, Cabinet Secretariat (R&AW), Directorate of Signal Intelligence (For service areas of Jammu & Kashmir, North-East and Assam only) and Commissioner of Police, Delhi.

Authorising agencies for mass surveillance unconstitutional: Opposition

Four men belonging to the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/crisis-in-cbi-delhi-police-arrest-four-ib-officials-outside-ex-cbi-director-alok-vermas-house-173337"> Intelligence Bureau were caught</a> outside the official residence of CBI director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, officials said Thursday. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
While Home Ministry officials said the four men were on "routine, covert" duties in the high-security area outside Verma's 2 Janpath residence, sources said they were taken away by police and questioned. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
The IB is entrusted with the responsibility of collecting intelligence on situations that may affect public order and internal security. Among other things, its units are "routinely" deployed in "sensitive areas", a Home Ministry official said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
At times, this is done in association with local law enforcement agencies, and at other times, a surprise element is built in, he added. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
This also enables law enforcement agencies to respond immediately to developing situations. The officials carry their identity cards since they are on "routine duties", he explained. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"This is unlike surveillance, which is done without any visible appurtenances. One unit, in the early hours of today, halted at Janpath where there was an unusual collection of people," the official said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
This was with a view to check why people had collected at the location. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
"This is a high-security zone where several protectees reside. Unfortunately, their presence was projected otherwise," another official said. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and NCP chief Sharad Pawar live near the CBI director's official residence. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Though police sources said the men were being interrogated, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma denied that police had detained and questioned them. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
In an unprecedented shake-up in the CBI's 55-year-history, both Verma and his deputy, Special Director Rakesh Asthana, were divested of their powers and sent on leave in a dramatic overnight action by the government Tuesday night. 
&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp; 
Verma knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court Wednesday, challenging the government's decision. The apex court agreed to hear his plea on Friday.

Four men belonging to the Intelligence Bureau were caught outside the official residence of CBI director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, officials said Thursday.

Four men belonging to the Intelligence Bureau were caught outside the official residence of CBI director Alok Verma, who has been divested of his powers and sent on leave, officials said Thursday. While Home Ministry officials said the four men were on "routine, covert" duties in the high-security area outside Verma's 2 Janpath residence, sources said they were taken away by police and questioned. The IB is entrusted with the responsibility of collecting intelligence on situations that may affect public order and internal security. Among other things, its units are "routinely" deployed in "sensitive areas", a Home Ministry official said. At times, this is done in association with local law enforcement agencies, and at other times, a surprise element is built in, he added. This also enables law enforcement agencies to respond immediately to developing situations. The officials carry their identity cards since they are on "routine duties", he explained. "This is unlike surveillance, which is done without any visible appurtenances. One unit, in the early hours of today, halted at Janpath where there was an unusual collection of people," the official said. This was with a view to check why people had collected at the location. "This is a high-security zone where several protectees reside. Unfortunately, their presence was projected otherwise," another official said. Former prime minister Manmohan Singh and NCP chief Sharad Pawar live near the CBI director's official residence. Though police sources said the men were being interrogated, Deputy Commissioner of Police (New Delhi) Madhur Verma denied that police had detained and questioned them. In an unprecedented shake-up in the CBI's 55-year-history, both Verma and his deputy, Special Director Rakesh Asthana, were divested of their powers and sent on leave in a dramatic overnight action by the government Tuesday night. Verma knocked on the doors of the Supreme Court Wednesday, challenging the government's decision. The apex court agreed to hear his plea on Friday.

4 men found outside CBI chief's home belong to IB, were on 'routine covert' duties: Home Ministry

Thunderstorms accompanied by squall, hail and heavy rains are likely to occur in at least 13 states and two Union Territories across the country tomorrow, the Home Ministry said.

Thunderstorm accompanied with squall and hail are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh while thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely tomorrow at isolated places in Uttarakhand and Punjab.

Heavy rains are likely tomorrow at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, a Home Ministry official said today quoting an Indian Meteorological Department advisory.

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Dust storm and thunderstorm are also likely at isolated places in West Rajasthan, a PTI reported quoting the official.

At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others were injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week.&nbsp

Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh.

Thunderstorms accompanied by squall, hail and heavy rains are likely to occur in at least 13 states and two Union Territories across the country tomorrow, the Home Ministry said. Thunderstorm accompanied with squall and hail are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh while thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely tomorrow at isolated places in Uttarakhand and Punjab. Heavy rains are likely tomorrow at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura, a Home Ministry official said today quoting an Indian Meteorological Department advisory. Thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Western Uttar Pradesh. Dust storm and thunderstorm are also likely at isolated places in West Rajasthan, a PTI reported quoting the official. At least 124 people were killed and more than 300 others were injured in five states due to dust storms, thunderstorms and lightning last week.

Thunderstorms, rains likely in 13 states, 2 Union Territories tomorrow

The Jodhpur Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Court will pronounce its verdict today in a rape case against Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman.&nbsp;

The judgement in the case will be pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Jodhpur court dismissed a petition seeking entry of media persons in Central Jail of Jodhpur for the coverage of Asaram Bapu rape case judgdment.&nbsp;

Security has also been beefed up outside Asaram rape case victim`s residence. "We have provided full security and safety to the victim and her family members and are alert," KB Singh, CO, Shahjahanpur said.

Delhi Police CPRO Deepender Pathak said that the police is alert and is in constant touch with concerned states and that adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required.&nbsp;

"Delhi police alert and in touch with concerned states. All field formations of police put on alert. Adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required. All officers will be present in their areas," Pathak said.&nbsp;

Jodhpur East (DCP) Amandeep Singh Kapoor said that all precautionary measures have been taken by the police to handle law and order ahead of the verdict tomorrow.&nbsp;

"We will not tolerate any kind of nonsense. We have taken all precautionary measures. We are confident that we will be able to handle law and order," Kapoor said.&nbsp;

A flag-march was also conducted by the security forces in Rajasthan`s Jodhpur ahead of the verdict.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day, the Union Home Ministry had reportedly asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana to tighten security and deploy additional forces.&nbsp;

These three states have a large number of followers of the self-styled godman.&nbsp;

The Ministry also told the three states to ensure that no violence takes place after the verdict.

On April 21, Jodhpur police said that Rajasthan High Court has beefed up security arrangements to ward off any untoward incident during the pronouncement of judgment in Asaram Bapu rape case.&nbsp;

The police further said that Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be imposed in Jodhpur till April 30.&nbsp;

On April 17, the court had decided to pronounce the verdict against self-styled godman in the rape case in Jodhpur Central Jail to avoid any law and order situation in the state.&nbsp;

The police had earlier filed a petition in the high court stating that Rajasthan may witness Panchkula-like violence, which broke out after the conviction of controversial godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case.&nbsp;

The Jodhpur SC/ST Court on April 7 completed its hearing in the rape case against Asaram.

Asaram, who is currently lodged in the Jodhpur Central jail, is facing trial in two sexual assault cases: one in Rajasthan and the other in Gujarat.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Visuals?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Visuals</a> from Ahmedabad: Followers of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Asaram?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Asaram</a> praying ahead of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/AsaramCaseVerdict?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#AsaramCaseVerdict</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gujarat?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gujarat</a> <a href="https://t.co/Qn96T8mNhz">pic.twitter.com/Qn96T8mNhz</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/988992210162110464?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 25, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of 15 August 2013.

Asaram was arrested after the teenage girl had filed a complaint against him.

In Gujarat, two Surat-based sisters had lodged separate complaints against the self-styled godman and his son Narayan Sai, accusing them of rape.&nbsp;

The Jodhpur Police arrested Asaram on September 1, 2013, and since then, he is in prison.&nbsp;

The verdict against Asaram, on the charge of rape, will be pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail itself. The Jodhpur Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Court had on Tuesday dismissed a petition seeking the entry of the media into the jail

The Jodhpur Schedule Caste and Schedule Tribe Court will pronounce its verdict today in a rape case against Asaram Bapu, a self-styled godman. The judgement in the case will be pronounced inside the Jodhpur Central Jail. Earlier on Tuesday, the Jodhpur court dismissed a petition seeking entry of media persons in Central Jail of Jodhpur for the coverage of Asaram Bapu rape case judgdment. Security has also been beefed up outside Asaram rape case victim`s residence. "We have provided full security and safety to the victim and her family members and are alert," KB Singh, CO, Shahjahanpur said. Delhi Police CPRO Deepender Pathak said that the police is alert and is in constant touch with concerned states and that adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required. "Delhi police alert and in touch with concerned states. All field formations of police put on alert. Adequate forces will immediately be deployed if required. All officers will be present in their areas," Pathak said. Jodhpur East (DCP) Amandeep Singh Kapoor said that all precautionary measures have been taken by the police to handle law and order ahead of the verdict tomorrow. "We will not tolerate any kind of nonsense. We have taken all precautionary measures. We are confident that we will be able to handle law and order," Kapoor said. A flag-march was also conducted by the security forces in Rajasthan`s Jodhpur ahead of the verdict. Earlier in the day, the Union Home Ministry had reportedly asked Rajasthan, Gujarat and Haryana to tighten security and deploy additional forces. These three states have a large number of followers of the self-styled godman. The Ministry also told the three states to ensure that no violence takes place after the verdict. On April 21, Jodhpur police said that Rajasthan High Court has beefed up security arrangements to ward off any untoward incident during the pronouncement of judgment in Asaram Bapu rape case. The police further said that Section 144 of Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) will be imposed in Jodhpur till April 30. On April 17, the court had decided to pronounce the verdict against self-styled godman in the rape case in Jodhpur Central Jail to avoid any law and order situation in the state. The police had earlier filed a petition in the high court stating that Rajasthan may witness Panchkula-like violence, which broke out after the conviction of controversial godman Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh in a rape case. The Jodhpur SC/ST Court on April 7 completed its hearing in the rape case against Asaram. Asaram, who is currently lodged in the Jodhpur Central jail, is facing trial in two sexual assault cases: one in Rajasthan and the other in Gujarat. #Visuals from Ahmedabad: Followers of #Asaram praying ahead of #AsaramCaseVerdict. #Gujarat pic.twitter.com/Qn96T8mNhz — ANI (@ANI) April 25, 2018 × In the case registered in Rajasthan, a teenage girl from Shahajahanpur of Uttar Pradesh had accused Asaram of raping her at his ashram in Manai village near Jodhpur on the night of 15 August 2013. Asaram was arrested after the teenage girl had filed a complaint against him. In Gujarat, two Surat-based sisters had lodged separate complaints against the self-styled godman and his son Narayan Sai, accusing them of rape. The Jodhpur Police arrested Asaram on September 1, 2013, and since then, he is in prison.

Asaram verdict today: Security heightened in 3 states, entry of media banned

More than 500 IPS officers, including DGPs and IGPs, have failed to file their property details for the year 2016, which may lead to denial of promotion and cancellation of vigilance clearance, officials have said.

According to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, all Indian Police Service officers are required to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) in a prescribed format by January 31 every year.

However, as of March 31, 2017, as many as 3,390 IPS officers had filed IPR, out of the total cadre strength of 3,905 IPS officers, a home ministry official said.

Failure to declare details of property by the IPS officers may force the home ministry to take action against the erring officials. This could include denial of promotion and vigilance clearance.

The home ministry is the cadre controlling authority of IPS officers.

Many of the IPS officers who have failed file their property returns are Director Generals of Police, Additional Directors General of Police and Inspector Generals of Police, another official said.

Facing the peculiar situation of such a large number of IPS officers not declaring property details, the home ministry has directed all state governments and Union Territory administrations to seek the explanation from all the IPS officers who have not filed their IPR.

According to the Public Servants (Furnishing of Information and Annual Return of Assets and Liabilities and the Limits for Exemption of Assets in Filing Returns) Amendment Rules, 2014, all central government employees except those working as peons or multi-tasking staff need to file property returns.

The rules are also notified under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act.

The government had also issued a form for filing these returns which also seeks declarations of cash in hand, bank deposits, investment in bonds, debentures, shares and units in companies or mutual funds, insurance policies, provident fund, personal loans and advance given to any person or entity, among others.

The employees need to declare motor vehicles, aircraft, yachts or ships, gold and silver jewellery and bullion possessed by them, their spouses and dependent children, the official said.

All Indian Police Service officers are required to file their Immovable Property Return by January 31 every year.

More than 500 IPS officers, including DGPs and IGPs, have failed to file their property details for the year 2016, which may lead to denial of promotion and cancellation of vigilance clearance, officials have said. According to the All India Services (Conduct) Rules, 1968, all Indian Police Service officers are required to file their Immovable Property Return (IPR) in a prescribed format by January 31 every year. However, as of March 31, 2017, as many as 3,390 IPS officers had filed IPR, out of the total cadre strength of 3,905 IPS officers, a home ministry official said. Failure to declare details of property by the IPS officers may force the home ministry to take action against the erring officials. This could include denial of promotion and vigilance clearance. The home ministry is the cadre controlling authority of IPS officers. Many of the IPS officers who have failed file their property returns are Director Generals of Police, Additional Directors General of Police and Inspector Generals of Police, another official said. Facing the peculiar situation of such a large number of IPS officers not declaring property details, the home ministry has directed all state governments and Union Territory administrations to seek the explanation from all the IPS officers who have not filed their IPR. According to the Public Servants (Furnishing of Information and Annual Return of Assets and Liabilities and the Limits for Exemption of Assets in Filing Returns) Amendment Rules, 2014, all central government employees except those working as peons or multi-tasking staff need to file property returns. The rules are also notified under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. The government had also issued a form for filing these returns which also seeks declarations of cash in hand, bank deposits, investment in bonds, debentures, shares and units in companies or mutual funds, insurance policies, provident fund, personal loans and advance given to any person or entity, among others. The employees need to declare motor vehicles, aircraft, yachts or ships, gold and silver jewellery and bullion possessed by them, their spouses and dependent children, the official said.

515 IPS officers fail to declare property details, may face action

The Union Home Ministry will examine in detail the Karnataka government&#39;s recommendation to grant religious minority tag to the Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community as and when it receives the proposal, an official said today.

The central government&#39;s reaction came a day after the Congress government in poll-bound Karnataka decided to recommend that religious minority tag be granted to the numerically strong and politically-influential Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community.

The issue of granting religious minority tag to the Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community will be examined as and when the Home Ministry receives the proposal from the Karnataka government, a senior home ministry official said here.

The Home Ministry is expected to forward the proposal to the Registrar General &amp; Census Commissioner for a detailed examination and suggestions, another official said.

The Karnataka government took the decision following a recommendation of an expert panel set up by the state government on the issue.

According to the expert panel, Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats are those who believe in the philosophy of Basaveshwara, 12th-century social reformer.

The demand for a separate religion tag to Veerashaiva Lingayat faiths has surfaced from the community, amidst resentment from over projecting the two communities as the same.

While one section led by Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha has demanded separate religion status, asserting that Veerashaiva and Lingayats are the same, the other group wanted it only for Lingayats.

They believe that Veerashaivas are one among the seven sects of Shaivas, which is part of Hinduism.

Of late, some Lingayats have also stated that they were open to having the Veerashaivas under their umbrella, but the Lingayat nomenclature was non-negotiable.

Karnataka State Minorities Commission had formed a seven-member committee, headed by retired high court Judge H N Nagamohan Das, on the issue which submitted its report on March 2.

The Lingayat Veerashaiva community that owes allegiance to the &quot;social reform movement&quot; initiated by Basaveshwara has a substantial population in Karnataka, especially in the northern parts of the state.&nbsp;

The BJP and several sections of the Hindu community have maintained a cautious stance, keeping away from the move to give Veerashaiva Lingayat separate religion status. They have accused the Siddaramaiah government of dividing the society to draw political mileage ahead of assembly elections due in the next couple of months.

The Home Ministry is expected to forward the proposal to the Registrar General & Census Commissioner for a detailed examination and suggestions

The Union Home Ministry will examine in detail the Karnataka government's recommendation to grant religious minority tag to the Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community as and when it receives the proposal, an official said today. The central government's reaction came a day after the Congress government in poll-bound Karnataka decided to recommend that religious minority tag be granted to the numerically strong and politically-influential Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community. The issue of granting religious minority tag to the Lingayat and Veerashaiva Lingayat community will be examined as and when the Home Ministry receives the proposal from the Karnataka government, a senior home ministry official said here. The Home Ministry is expected to forward the proposal to the Registrar General & Census Commissioner for a detailed examination and suggestions, another official said. The Karnataka government took the decision following a recommendation of an expert panel set up by the state government on the issue. According to the expert panel, Lingayats and Veerashaiva Lingayats are those who believe in the philosophy of Basaveshwara, 12th-century social reformer. The demand for a separate religion tag to Veerashaiva Lingayat faiths has surfaced from the community, amidst resentment from over projecting the two communities as the same. While one section led by Akhila Bharata Veerashaiva Mahasabha has demanded separate religion status, asserting that Veerashaiva and Lingayats are the same, the other group wanted it only for Lingayats. They believe that Veerashaivas are one among the seven sects of Shaivas, which is part of Hinduism. Of late, some Lingayats have also stated that they were open to having the Veerashaivas under their umbrella, but the Lingayat nomenclature was non-negotiable. Karnataka State Minorities Commission had formed a seven-member committee, headed by retired high court Judge H N Nagamohan Das, on the issue which submitted its report on March 2. The Lingayat Veerashaiva community that owes allegiance to the "social reform movement" initiated by Basaveshwara has a substantial population in Karnataka, especially in the northern parts of the state. The BJP and several sections of the Hindu community have maintained a cautious stance, keeping away from the move to give Veerashaiva Lingayat separate religion status. They have accused the Siddaramaiah government of dividing the society to draw political mileage ahead of assembly elections due in the next couple of months.

Will examine Karnataka government's Lingayat proposal: Home ministry

With the deployment and pulling out of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the states often becoming a tug-of-war between the Centre and state governments, the Centre has now clearly stated that CAPFs &ldquo;cannot substitute the state police force&rdquo; since their deployment is related to emergent or unforeseen crises.

This comes in the backdrop of an ongoing standoff between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the West Bengal government over the pulling out of central forces from the hill town of Darjeeling which has witnessed unrest for the past few weeks over demands of creation of a separate state.

In the past, too, there have been many instances where the Centre has found itself in situations where state governments have contested its decisions over either deployment or pulling out of central forces.

The Centre has now decided to set-up a state-level committee to examine and scrutinize the requirements of CAPF by keeping in view the internal security, previous scale of deployment, optimal utilisation of state resources, intelligence inputs and the availability of CAPFs in nearby locations.

This committee will be headed by ADG (Law &amp; Order) of the state and will co-op local representatives of the Intelligence Bureau and the CAPFs at the DIG/Commandant level.

&ldquo;The recommendation of the Committee must be specific and indicate the quantum of CAPF deployment and duration along with justification. Requests for extension of deployment and increase in the quantum must also be examined by the Committee on similar lines,&rdquo; the MHA has told the state governments.

Arguing its case, the Centre has said that &ldquo;state governments often make requests to the Centre for deployment of CAPFs even for occasions where State should normally be in a position to take all security measures from their own resources by dispatching police and state armed police&rdquo; and are &ldquo;are reluctant to de-induct CAPFs and keep requesting for extension which should not ordinarily be made unless there are adequate security for their extension&rdquo;.

With the new Standard Operating Procedures in place, the Centre hopes that the CAPFs will &ldquo;be able to meet more pressing commitments like guarding borders, fighting insurgency, anti-naxal operations and related situations which need immediate mobilization of forces&rdquo;.

It comes in the backdrop of ongoing standoff between the MHA and the West Bengal government over the pulling out of central forces

With the deployment and pulling out of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) in the states often becoming a tug-of-war between the Centre and state governments, the Centre has now clearly stated that CAPFs “cannot substitute the state police force” since their deployment is related to emergent or unforeseen crises. This comes in the backdrop of an ongoing standoff between the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) and the West Bengal government over the pulling out of central forces from the hill town of Darjeeling which has witnessed unrest for the past few weeks over demands of creation of a separate state. In the past, too, there have been many instances where the Centre has found itself in situations where state governments have contested its decisions over either deployment or pulling out of central forces. The Centre has now decided to set-up a state-level committee to examine and scrutinize the requirements of CAPF by keeping in view the internal security, previous scale of deployment, optimal utilisation of state resources, intelligence inputs and the availability of CAPFs in nearby locations. This committee will be headed by ADG (Law & Order) of the state and will co-op local representatives of the Intelligence Bureau and the CAPFs at the DIG/Commandant level. “The recommendation of the Committee must be specific and indicate the quantum of CAPF deployment and duration along with justification. Requests for extension of deployment and increase in the quantum must also be examined by the Committee on similar lines,” the MHA has told the state governments. Arguing its case, the Centre has said that “state governments often make requests to the Centre for deployment of CAPFs even for occasions where State should normally be in a position to take all security measures from their own resources by dispatching police and state armed police” and are “are reluctant to de-induct CAPFs and keep requesting for extension which should not ordinarily be made unless there are adequate security for their extension”. With the new Standard Operating Procedures in place, the Centre hopes that the CAPFs will “be able to meet more pressing commitments like guarding borders, fighting insurgency, anti-naxal operations and related situations which need immediate mobilization of forces”.

Central forces can't substitute state police: Home ministry to states

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