SBI denies RTI activist information on guidelines issued to its branches on electoral bonds
New Delhi: The State Bank of India (SBI) has refused to provide Right To Information (RTI) Act activist Anjali Bhardwaj information on its Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for sale and redemption of electoral bonds under the government scheme.
While activist Anjali Bhardwaj had sought to know the SOPs issued by the bank authorities to the branches, SBI Deputy General Manager M Kanna Babu pointed out on behalf of the bank that the SOPs were internal guidelines of the bank. Information about them did not fall under the purview of Section 8(1)(d) of the RTI Act, which relates to "information including commercial confidence, trade secrets or intellectual property, the disclosure of which would harm the competitive position of a third party, unless the competent authority is satisfied that larger public interest warrants the disclosure of such information," he has added, reports NDTV.
Bhardwaj countered the statement by accusing the SBI of evoking the exemption clause without clearing explaining how the disclosure of the SOPs would harm the competitive position of a third party, as given in the clause. She has also stated that she would counter the denial by the SBI in court.
The SBI has refused to divulge information on the SOPs to the RTI activist only a few weeks after it was severely criticized by the Supreme Court for failing to provide complete information on the electoral bonds.
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Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna blocking traffic signal project, alleges Raghupathi Bhat
Udupi: Former MLA Raghupathi Bhat has leveled serious allegations against Udupi MLA Yashpal Suvarna, accusing him of blocking the implementation of a traffic signal project at Kalsanka Junction, a key traffic point in the city.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, Bhat stated that a tender for installing traffic signals had been approved during his tenure, but Suvarna halted the work, allegedly scolding the contractor to stop the project.
"The closure of Kalsanka Junction for traffic control is unscientific and has caused significant inconvenience to the public. The project to install a traffic signal must be implemented immediately," Bhat demanded. He argued that a flyover solution proposed by some would negatively affect commercial activities on the Kalsanka-Manipal road, emphasizing the need for public consultation and thorough discussions before making a final decision.
Bhat outlined his earlier initiatives, which included proposing a 70-meter roundabout without signals at Kalsanka Junction and Bannanje Circle to alleviate congestion. He urged MPs to advocate for the inclusion of this proposal in the upcoming Union Budget.
The former MLA criticized current traffic management strategies, stating that road closures and divider installations are temporary fixes that only exacerbate public inconvenience. He insisted that installing traffic signals would be a more sustainable and immediate solution to traffic woes.
Additionally, Bhat urged the relocation of the existing jail from the old taluk office land earmarked for a new Udupi Municipal Corporation building. He requested the Deputy Commissioner to transfer the one-acre plot reserved for the deputy commissioners' office and residence to the municipal corporation at no cost to maximize space for public infrastructure development.
Former municipal council member Mahesh Thakur accompanied Bhat at the press conference.
