Release of Revised MNOP Script ( Dated 23.02.2012 )

Release of Revised MNOP Script

It is decided to keep both POS and SpeedNet MNOP Updation Script at a single point download. This script has to be used at all the offices using POS and SpeedNet.

Based on the latest Sorting Extract / Orders received from the Directorate and IC Hub Data received from Circles, the Revised MNOP Script is released and the details of the releases are as follows.

This script will contain the entire Hub Master data as per the requirement /modifications - including all the previous revisions. This document shows only the latest revisions. 

Source : ftp://ftp.ptcinfo.org/MNOP_Hubs_UpdationScripts_POS_SpeedNet/

e-payment for all govt transactions over Rs 1,000

ALL GOVERNMENT PAYMENTS OVER RS 1,000 SHOULD BE MADE OR RECEIVED ELECTRONICALLY.

New Delhi, Feb24,2012 (TNN): A Nandan Nilekani-headed panel has recommended that all government payments over Rs 1,000 should be made or received electronically as this would help reduce graft and bring about greater transparency and accountability.

The final report of the task force on Aadhar-Enabled Unified Payment structure has also recommended that beneficiaries of all social safety net programmes such as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act and recipients of direct subsidy transfer payments (cooking gas, fertilisers, kerosene, etc) can benefit by receiving their payments electronically, directly into their accounts at either banks or post offices.
In order to reduce the use of cash in the economy, the task force has said that government and government owned institutions accept electronic payments at all locations where they collect payments from citizens, without any additional surcharge.

Windows 7 Tips,Tricks and Cracks

Key Board Shortcuts:

ALT + G Display Gadgets On Top Of Other Windows
ALT + P Display Or Hide The Explorer Preview Panel
review Photos In Windows Explorer
Windows key + Left key ock The Current Windows To The Left Side Of The Screen
Windows key + Right key ock The Current Windows to the right side of the screen.
Windows Key + Plus Key esktop Magnifier
Windows Key + Minus Key: Zoom out (in desktop)
Windows Key + Up Key :Maximize Or Restore The Foreground Window
Windows Key + Down Key :Minimize The Active Window
Windows Key + T :Move through theTaskbar icons(Alt + Tab in XP for moving across opened programs)
Windows Key + Home Key :Minimize Everything Except The Current Window
Windows Key + Shift Key+
Left or Right Key :Toggles between monitors if you have multiple screens installed.
Ctrl + Shift+application :Run any application as a administrator

Features which are present in WINDOWS 7 ONLY but not in XP

1.Normally file copy happens in a single thread,which takes more time,which happens much disadvantageous in case of dual core processors or higher ones.But ,in order it to make a multi threaded program with n number of threads ,you can specify “/MT[:n]” in command line.The optimal value of n will be equal to number of processors.

2.Press the Windows key and type Gpedit.msc. Go to Computer Navigation -> Windows Settings -> Security Settings -> Application Control Policies -> AppLocker. Right click on one of the options and create a new rule.Through this,you can block the users of executing vulnerable scripts and other harmful executables.

3.Effective power management can be done by pressing the Windows Key and typing “POWERCFG –ENERGY –OUTPUT <path\filename>”,which will create a file called energy-report.html in the folder.You can then view the power options for all devices and can compare with the specified ratings.

4.Hold down Shift, right-click the drive and “Open in New Process” which can open even a folder as a new process if it can cause you a crash and terminate all your works.

Courtesy : saparavur.blogspot.in

Volumetric Weight Calculation:

Volumetric Weight:

1. Wherever the postage, tariff or charges are fixed for a postal article based on weight , the weight shall mean the gross weight or the volumetric weight whichever is more.
2. Gross Weight: Gross weight is the weight shown by a standard weighing scale. When the Article is appropriately placed on to or suspended from the said scale.
3. Volumetric Weight: volumetric weight of the article shall be arrived at from the volume of that article using the appropriate formulae.
4. Exception: Volumetric weight need not be determined in following cases.
(a) If the sum of the length, breadth and height is not more than 90 centimeters, and any of the dimensions is not more than 60 centimeters.
(b) In case of an article is in roll form (Cylindrical) if the length and diameter each are less than 90 centimeters.
These exceptions will also applicable to Speed Post article.
5. Procedure for calculation of volume: Measure each dimension in centimeters rounded off to next higher centimeter.
(a) (i) Cuboids (e.g. square or Rectangular): Its Dimensions means length, Breadth and height.
(ii) Cylindrical rolls: Dimensions means diameter of its circular base and length.
(b) Articles other than above shapes should not be accepted.
(c) Formula for calculation of volumetric weight.
(i) Cuboids (e.g. Square, Rectangular)
Volume = Length X Breadth X Height
(ii) Cylindrical Roll.
Volume = 0.785 X (Diameter of Circular base)2 X Length
The Volume so arrived at in cubic centimeters should be rounded off to the next higher whole number.
6. Formula to calculate volumetric weight: When the volume is calculated in cubic centimeters, the formula to determine the volumetric weight in kilograms shall be :
Volumetric Weight in Kilo Gram = (Volume in Centimeters)3 ÷ 6000
Volumetric weight so arrived at shall be rounded off to the next higher kilogram.
7. Postage or tariff or charges for the Postal articles shall be determined with reference to weight i.e. gross weight or volumetric weight, whichever is more.
8. Postage/Tariff charts for all kinds of postal articles may be worked out beyond the corresponding weight (as in gross weight) limits for calculation of due postage/Tariff.
9. The maximum weight and size limits for different kinds of postal articles are prescribed in Clause 100, 124, 125, 128(2), 129(2), 132, 137(d) and (e), 146(1) and (2) of Post Office Guide Part-I.
(DG Posts letter number 8-9/2007-D Dt. 16/2/09 and 4/3/09 and letter number 51-04/2009-BD & MD Dt. 24/3/09)
Examples:

Book packet in cuboids shape weighing 5 Kg (gross Weight) and with 60 Cms. Length, 30 Cms. Breadth and 30 Cms. Height.
Gross Weight: 5 Kg.
Volumetric Weight = Length X Breadth X Height
                                                6000
                              = 60 X 30 X 30
                                      6000

                               = 54000     = 9 Kg.
                                   6000

Additional postage beyond 5 Kg. and upto 9 Kg.
First 50 Gms. = Rs. 4/-
Remaining 8950 Gms. = Rs. 537/-
(@ Rs. 3.00 for 50 Gms.
Or part thereof) Total = Rs. 541/-

Courtesy : systemassistant.blogspot.in

Department of Posts- Rules & Manuals of Postal Operations and Services.

The following Rules and Manuals are used in respect of Postal Operations and services:

1. POST OFFICE GUIDE PART-I

The Post Office Guide Part I relates to Inland Post and the information required by the public.


2. POST OFFICE GUIDE PART-II

Post office Guide part-II relates to Foreign Post.

Mails and parcels , broad delivery standards are as follows :

2 days Inter metro ( Delhi, Mumbai,Kolkatta, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad.) Within city/ town / district.
3 days Inter State capitals, Within the State
3-5 days Inter State
One to two days extra for registered, insured and money order delivery.
Speed Post and Express Parcel Post are time bound; the standards will be specific to the location and time of booking.
e-Post – one day transmission between post office from where e-post was booked to the nearest e-post centre and then the delivery standards for normal mail up to destination will apply.

iMO instant transmission, payment on the spot when the receiver reaches the post office with 16 digit iMO number and photo identity.

3. POST OFFICE GUIDE PART-III

It has two volumes containing the list of Post offices.

4. POST OFFICE GUIDE PART-IV

Post office Guide Part-IV relates to Post office Savings Bank and Post office Saving Schemes.

5. POSTAL MANUAL VOLUME–I

Postal manual volume –I contains the Acts and Rules:- The Indian Post office Act 1898 The Indian Post office Rules, 1933 The Government Savings Banks Act 1873 The Post office Cash Certificates Act 1917 The Post office Savings Banks (Nomination) Rules, 1960 The Government Savings Certificates Act, 1959 The Government Savings Certificates Rules, 1960 Post Boxes order, 1956

6. POSTAL MANUAL VOLUME–II

Volume II Contains Rules relating to: - Organization Appeal and petition, Institutions and defense of civil suits, Criminal proceedings, Employment of Govt. pleader, Compensation for loss of property, Medical aid, Security deposits, Stock, Forged, counterfeit and defaced postage stamps, coins and currency, Printings, Contracts, Buildings, Budget estimates and control and

Misc. rules relating to official display of National flag, National anthem and National song, Naming and Changing of name of Post office, Correspondence, Cover containing official documents, Initial and signing the documents, Erasing, Case mark system, Personal files, Manual correction slip, Admittance of stranger, Maintenance of order and tidiness in office, Inland Postal Service articles, Transmission of official correspondence by foreign Post, Service money order, Reports and returns, Secret and confidential papers, Books and publications, Maps, Annual Reports, Behavior with Public, Publication for sale, Departmental Identity Card, Thumb and finger impression, Deep changing of surname, Uniforms, Production of record before Courts.

7. POSTAL MANUAL VOLUME III

This postal manual contains rules on Disciplinary matters.

8. POSTAL MANUAL VOLUME-IV (WITHOUT APPENDICES)

This Postal manual contains general rules relating to staff maters and Establishment.

9. POSTAL MANUAL VOLUME-IV (APPENDICES)

Exams

10. POSTAL MANUAL VOLUME V

This volume contains the rules on the following subjects: - Definitions Miscellaneous Rules Investigation Transmission of mails under the weighment system and appendices relating to rules for treatment of Navel Mail by Post and RMS offices Issue of Sorting List and Conventions Period of Preservation of Records

Courtesy : systemassistant.blogspot.in/

Concession Available to Central Government Women Employees

Provision for protection of women as kept in CCS Conduct Rules,1964

            Rule 3.3(c) of the Central Civil services (Conduct) Rules 1964 explicitly prohibits acts of sexual harassment of any women women at her work place. For this purpose, "Sexual harassment" includes such unwelcome sexually determined behavior, whether directly of indirectly or otherwise, as (a) physical contact and advances, (b) demand or request for sexual favours, (c) Sexually coloured remarks, (d) showing any pornography or (e) any other unwelcome physical, verbal or non verbal conduct of a sexual nature

 Rule 13-A of the said rules says, no Govt servant shall:-

(i) Give or take or abet the giving or taking of dowry
(ii) Demand directly or indirectly, from the parent or guardian of a bibe or bridegroom, as the case may be, any dowry

Age Relaxation for appointment

        widows, divorced women and woman judicially separated from their husband and who are not remarried are allowed age concession up to the age of 35 years (40 years for member of SC/ST) for posts of Group 'C' & 'D' filled through SSC / Employment exchange (O.M) No 15012/6/98-Esst(D), dated 21.12.1998) 

Maternity Benefits

A female Government employees with less than two surviving children is granted maternity leave for 180 days. In continuation of maternity leave, a female govt servant can also take any leave due and admissible for a period of two years. In case of miscarriage including abortion, the female employee is entitled to leave not exceeding 45 days* during entire service. 

Child Care leave

The women employees having minor children and who have exhausted earned leave are granted child care leave (admissible in different spells) for a maximum period of two years (i.e 730days) during their entire services for taking care of up to two children, whether for rearing or to look after any of their needs like examination, sickness etc In continuation of the child care leave, a female govt servant can also take any leave due and admissible for a period of one year. 

Child Adoption Leave

A female Govt employee with less than two surviving children is granted on valid adoption of a child below the age of one year Child Adoption leave for a period of 180 days. In continuation of Child Adoption leave a female Govt servant can also take any leave due and admissible for a period one year

Special allowance to women with disability

Women employees with disablties are paid Rs 1000 per month as special allowance for child care.the allowance is payable from the time of the child birth till the child is two years old for a maximum of two children 

Posting of Husband and wife at the same station

The Govt of India has issued detailed instructions to its offices to ensure the posting of the husband and wife at the same station so as to enable them to lead a normal family life and to ensure the education and welfare of their children

To facilitate posting of couple in the same station, it has been approved that in case of a women officer, whose husband is posted under the Govt of India, the "cooling off" period may waived up to six months so that she may get a posting at the station where husband is posted. 

 * For the Women employees having disabled children, the child care leave is admissible upto age of 22 years.

** Women employees are fully exempted from the payment of fees for attending any examination /test/interview

Courtesy : satirur.blogspot.in

A brief on Entitlement of Central Government Employees for General Pool Residential Accommodation

What is General Pool residential accommodation?

Government residential accommodations under the administrative control of Directorate of Estates in Delhi and at 31 stations outside Delhi constitute the General Pool residential accommodation (GPRA). Allotment of GPRA is governed as per provisions of the Allotment of Government Residences (General Pool in Delhi) Rules, 1963 and executive instructions issued there under.

Who is eligible to apply?

All Central Government employees and the employees working under the Government of NCT of Delhi, who are working in the offices, which have been specifically declared eligible for General Pool, are entitled for allotment of accommodation from General Pool.

What are entitlements for various types of accommodation?

The General Pool accommodation has been classified in 11 categories (excluding Hostel accommodation). The entitlement of an applicant for a particular type is determined with reference to the
basic pay drawn by him on 1st January of the current calendar year.

The eligibility Grade pay / Basic Pay for various types of accommodation is as under:

Type of Residences	Grade Pay / Basic Pay
I	Rs.1,300, Rs.1,400, Rs.1600, Rs.1650 and Rs.1,800
II	Rs.1,900, Rs.2,000, Rs.2,400 and Rs.2,800
III	Rs.4,200, Rs.4,600 and Rs.4,800
IV	Rs.5,400 to Rs.6,600
IV (Spl)	Rs. 6,600
V-A (D-II)	Rs.7,600 and Rs.8,000
V-B (D-I)	Rs.8,700 and Rs.8,900
VI-A (C-II)	Rs.10,000
VI-B (C-I)	Rs.67,000 to Rs.74,999
VII	Rs.75000 to Rs.79,999
VIII	Rs.80,000 and above

The eligible Grade pay notified for Hostel Accommodation.

Type of Hostel	Grade Pay
Single Suite (Without Kitchen)	Rs.4,200 and above
Single Suite (With Kitchen)	Rs.4,200 and above
Double Suite	Rs.5,400 and above
Working Girl Hostel	All lady officers without limit of emolument shall be eligible

(a) The eligibility of an officer for Government Accommodation shall be determined as per grade pay of such officer in his present post held in the Government of India.

(b) the date of priority in respect of lower type accommodation i.e Type-IV shall be date of joining in the service of the Government of India,

(c) the inter-se seniority for higher type accommodation shall be considered on the basis of following principles, namely:

(i) firstly the Grade Pay of the officer;

(ii) secondly the priority date within the same Grade Pay. In this case the priority date shall be the date from which the applicant continuously drawing his existing Grade Pay;

(iii) where the priority date of two or more officers is the same, the inter-se seniority of the officers shall be determined on the basis of the basic pay i.e, the officers who have a higher pay shall be senior in the waiting list,

(iv) where the priority date and the basic pay ot two or more officers are the same, the earlier date of joining in the service of the Government of India shall be the next determining principle of inter-se seniority,

(v) where the priority date, basic pay and date of joining in the service of the Government of India of two or more officers are the same, the officer retiring earlier may be accorded higher priority over the officer retiring later,

(d) the principle of determining the inter-se seniority of two or more officers as specified in sub-clause (ii) of clause (c) shall be implemented from the 1st January, 2010.

(e) where Type-V and Type-VI accommodation has not been classified as Type V-A and Type V-B and Type-VI-A and Type-VI-B respectively, all the officers eligible for Type-V shall be grouped together and similarly those eligible for Typ-VI shall also be grouped together,

(f) in the case of Secretary to the Government of India and Additional Secretary to the Government of India, the date of joining in the Government of India at Delhi shall determine their inter-se seniority subject to condition that no junior batch officer of the same service shall get priority over his senior batch officer. Where the date of joining is the same, the date of retirement shall determine their inter-se seniority on the principle that the earlier date shall be given priority over the later date. Other than All India Services (AIS), the date of joining the Government of India, irrespective of the place of posting and service/batch seniority, shall determine the inter-se seniority,

(g) officers entitled for Type-V and above accommodation shall also be eligible to apply for accommodation below their entitlement subject to the condition that such accommodation shall not be below Type-IV Spl. accommodation. However, the officers eligible for D-II and Type-IV Spl. shall also eligible to apply for Type-IV accommodation.

Source: estates.nic.in via http://www.gconnect.in/

Income Tax Deduction on your Children’s Education u/s. 80C and 80E of the Income Tax Act, 1961

The cost of educating our children is rising consistently. It’s a matter of concern for all of us. One relief is the tax benefit provided for spending on children’s education. The Income Tax Act provides a direct deduction on account of fees paid for the education of dependent children. The act also provides for deduction on account of interest on loans taken for higher education of children.

Under Section 80C on Tuition Fees Paid

This deduction in respect of school fees is covered under Section 80C of the I-T Act. A parent can claim a deduction of payment made for tuition fee to any university, college, school or any other educational institution.

The deduction on payments made towards tuition fee can be claimed up to Rs 100,000, together with deduction in respect of insurance, provident fund and pension.

But, there are certain conditions to get this. It can only be claimed in respect of two dependent children and for fees to an educational institution within India and, for tuition fee only. Payment as donation or development fee to an educational institution does not qualify.

The following are the deduction allowed under tuition fees

• Fees paid to regular educational institution irrespective of the class attended by the child.
• Payment of fees to play schools or creches will be allowed as deduction.
• Fees for admission are excluded from amounts eligible for deduction.
• The deduction is allowed only for two children.
• Deduction is available of paid basis.
• Adopted Child’s tuition fees is also eligible for deduction

The following are the deduction not allowed under tuition fees

• Deduction is not allowed for private tuition, coaching center.
• University College School or other educational institution must be situated in India. It can be affiliate to any foreign university.
• A late fee is not eligible for deduction.
• Development fees or donation is not eligible.
• Payment of fees for overseas education is not allowed.
• Fees for admission are excluded from amounts eligible for deduction.
• Transport charges, hostel charges, Mess charges, library fees charges incurred for education are not allowed
• Spouse’s tuition fees is not allowed for deduction.

Under Section 80E on Interest paid on Education loan

You can also get the benefit of direct deduction on the interest paid for a loan taken for the purpose of higher education. This is available under Section 80E of the I-T Act. This benefit can be claimed for a loan taken for education of yourself, your spouse, your children and the child for whom you are a legal guardian. It can be claimed for eight years in a row, beginning from the year when the interest payment starts.

As the benefit can be claimed by the parent as well as the child, the person taking the education can start claiming this deduction once he starts earning and paying the interest himself. There is no cap on the amount up to which the deduction can be claimed.

The loan in this regard can be taken from any financial Institution or charitable institution recognised by the central government. It can be claimed on a loan taken for education anywhere in the world.

So if you are going to take a loan on education keep in mind these factors to avail the tax benefits:-

1-These deduction is available only to individual and not for H.U.F.

2-Deduction amount-The deduction amount is only the interest paid on the loan of higher  studies and there is no limit. You can get tax benefit on entire amount of interest paid but not the PRINCIPAL.

3-Deduction only will be available if interest is paid out of tax chargeable income.

4-Deduction only be available if the loan is taken from financial institutes or approved charitable institutes. Loan taken by family or relatives not included.

5-Loan should be taken for higher studies means any full time course of graduate or post graduate course. After +2 full time course would be eligible for it.

6-Deduction available only to self or dependent like spouse & children. From A.Y 2010-11 Relative also includes student for whom the individual is the legal guardian

7. Deduction period: – Deduction shall be allowed in computing the total income in respect of the initial assessment year* and seven assessment years immediately succeeding the initial assessment year or until the interest is paid by the assessee in full, whichever is earlier.The maximum tenure to get the tax benefit is 8 years.

8-The study can be anywhere in the world and not necessary to be in India.

JOINT CONSULTATION AND COMPULSORY ARBITRATION FOR CENTRAL GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES..

THE MACHINERY FOR JOINT CONSULTATION AND COMPULSORY ARBITRATION

The Scheme for Joint Consultation  and Compulsory Arbitration for the Central Government Employees was introduced in the year 1966 on the lines of the Whitely Councils of the United Kingdom.  This is a declaration of joint intent regarding the common approach of the Government of India on the one hand and the employees’ organisations on the other for joint consultation and smooth working.  The basic objectives of the Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) are as under:-

To promote harmonious relations between the government and its employees.

• To secure the greatest measure of cooperation between the government in its capacity as employer and the general body of its employees in matters of common concern; and
• To increase the efficiency of the public services, through a collaborative endeavour, to narrow the area of “unresolved differences” and widen the ambit of agreement on substantive issues of common concern.
   

The JCM scheme  provides for a three tier machinery:-

(i) the National Council as the apex body; (chaired by the Cabinet Secretary)

(ii) Departmental Councils at the level of individual Ministries / Departments including their attached and subordinate offices and  (chaired by respective Secretaries)

(iii) Regional / Office Councils to deal with mainly the local problems at the level of each individual office, depending on its structure. (chaired by Head of office of respective organisations) The scope of the JCM Scheme includes all matters relating to:

• conditions of service and work,
• welfare of the employees and
• improvement of efficiency and standards of work, provided, however, that

(i) in regard to recruitment, promotion and discipline, consultation is limited to matters of general principles; and

(ii) individual cases are not considered.

Under the scheme, there have been continuous interactions with staff unions at the national level as well as at the departmental level and a number of important issues have been resolved amicably through mutual discussions. Forty five meetings of the council have been held since the inception of the scheme in 1966.

Standing Committee - There have been frequent interactions with the staff side through the meetings of the Standing Committee of National Council (JCM). Many issues of the employees of the major ministries / departments like Ministry of Railways, Ministry of Defence and Department of Posts have been resolved through negotiations and interactions with the unions / federations at the departmental level.

During the year 2008, a meeting of Standing Committee of the National Council (JCM) has been held on 7 March,2008. A special Standing Committee meeting to discuss the items relating to 6th Central Pay Commission was held on 7 May, 2008. A meeting under the Chairmanship of Cabinet Secretary was held on 17 May. 2008 with the Standing Committee members to discuss issues relating to the 6th Central Pay Commission.

Arbitration - An important feature of the JCM Scheme is the provision for arbitration in cases where there is no agreement on an issue between the official side and the staff side on matters relating to:-

• pay and allowances;
• weekly hours of work; and
• leave of a class or grade of employees.

Board of Arbitration (BOA) -  A  Board of Arbitration (BOA) comprising a chairman (who is an independent person) and two members,(nominated one each by staff side and official side) is functioning  under the administrative control of the  Ministry of Labour.  Awards of the Board of Arbitration are binding on both the sides, subject to the over-riding authority of the Parliament to reject or modify the awards.  Under JCM scheme, 259 references have been made to the Board so far, for settlement. Out of these 257 have been decided by BOA.  Most of the awards which were in favour of the employees, have been implemented, except a few which could not be accepted due to adverse affect on national economy / social justice.

The details of the break of 257 cases decided by the Board of Arbitration is given in table one and action taken by the government on 177 cases are given in table 2:-

TABLE-1

BREAK-UP OF 257 CASES DECIDED BY BOA

Demands of Staff Side accepted partially or fully by Award Board of Arbitration	Demands Staff Side rejected by BOA	Withdrawn by Staff Side dismissed	Amicably settled/without any	Disposed of by BOA
177	49	19	7	5

TABLE - 2

ACTION TAKEN BY THE GOVERNMENT ON 177 CASES

(MENTIONED IN FIRST COL. OF TABLE.1 ABOVE)

No. of Awards accepted and implemented by the Govt.	No. of Awards pending with the Parliament/Government	No. of Awards rejected with the approval of Parliament
156	16	5

Source: www.persmin.nic.in

RTI Queries Don't Affect Govt. Work

The time spent by government officials replying to RTI is so little that it cannot be a pretext for them to shirk that task

In August 2011, the Supreme Court made an observation which had some unintended consequences on the Right to Information (RTI) process. The judgement by Justice R.V. Raveendran is turning out to be a seemingly legitimate excuse for government officials to restrict information.

Aditya Bandopadhyay went to court when the Central Board of Secondary Education declined to provide his examination answer sheets under the RTI Act. While the court allowed access to answer sheets, it also observed that the cherished right to information should not affect administrative efficiency.

In his judgement, Justice R.V. Raveendran said: “The nation does not want a scenario where 75 percent of the staff of public authorities spends 75 percent of their time in collecting and furnishing information to applicants instead of discharging their regular duties. The threat of penalties under the RTI Act and the pressure of the authorities under the RTI Act should not lead to employees of public authorities prioritising information furnishing at the cost of their normal and regular duties.” Government officials are now using this excuse with increasing frequency saying that even the court agrees. Central Information Commissioner Shailesh Gandhi says 75 percent government staff spending 75 percent of their time on giving information would mean 56 percent (0.75 X 0.75) of their total time spent only on replying to RTI queries.

Gandhi says that at the most optimistic estimate not more than one crore RTI applications are likely to be received by all public authorities across the country in 2012. The average time to attend to each would be less than three hours. That means no more than three crore hours spent by all officials. 

Assuming that an average government employee works for just six hours a day for 200 days a year, it would mean he would work for a total of 1,200 hours in a year. That means 25,000 (3 crore divided by 1,200) employees would be required full time. The Centre and all state governments have about 1.2 crore employees. So, the total time spent by government employees on replying to RTI queries would be 0.208 percent (25,000 divided by 12,000,000).

In other words, no more than 4.6 percent officials are spending 4.6 percent of their time on giving information. This is based on conservative assumptions. Surely, government officials work for more than six hours a day! Doesn’t look like they have much space to hide.

Courtesy :  www.aipeup3chq.com