Forgot Your Android Pattern Lock | Full study of Pattern Lock | Video Tutorials

What is Pattern Lock or Maze Lock ?

A Pattern lock screen is a user interface element used by various operating systems now a days. Pattern Locking on device such as Smart
phone, Tablets, Laptops etc reduces the sudden access to those device without the administrator privilege. Locking a device using Pattern locks are same as that of putting traditional usernames and passwords. The options are available for all android, windows and apple based Smart phones.

What to do if you forgot this saved pattern locks? 

Today in this article, we will discuss how to unlock a pattern lock
in android based device. Note that this article not related to any type of hackking. If you are not the real user of the device you can’t unlock the device, as this is based on email which is registered for your android device.

Easy Unlocking in 3 steps using Google Account

Easy way to unlock your Pattern lock on android device.

1. Draw the pattern 5 times in any way. After five times you will got a message “You have incorrectly drawn your unlock pattern 5

times. Please try again in 30 Seconds”.

2. After 30 seconds, you can see another option named “Forgot pattern” . While pressing forgot pattern you can see a window asking
your email address and password with which you registered your android device.

3. Give the email address and password there. Now you can see the option to reset your pattern lock. This is the easy and simplest
way to reset your forgotten pattern lock on any android device.

4. If any doubt persist you need to boot in recovery and do a factory reset.

How to Change Pattern Lock?

Follow these simple steps:

1. Under Screen unlock pattern, select Change unlock pattern. To change the unlock pattern, users will have to type in the current unlock pattern.

2. Now, type in the new unlock pattern and press Continue.

3. Then retype the new unlock pattern again to verify and click on Confirm.

The video will help those people who have an Android phone, and would like to learn how to change the unlock pattern for their mobile security.

Trick to break Pattern Lock ? Without Google Account

This method is based on ADB interface and can be applied to any non-rooted smartphone & tablet and some rooted device also. There is no need to sign in into Google Account or any internet. It needs only a computer or a laptop & device specific drivers installed in it. Follow the steps unlock your device with some simple commands.

Follow the simple steps to break the Pattern lock 

1. First, You must have USB Debugging enabled on your cell or device you want to unlock.

2. Now, move to Settings > Developer options

3. Here, you need to place tick on Android Debugging

4. Download these Zipped Files in your Computer or Laptop
Download adb Drivers, Tools.zip download link : 
code: adb devices
(If you get no devices, download the drivers for your device)
HTC 32 bit here : 
HTC 64 bit here : 
Samsung Galaxy S3 users check here : 
5. Now, unzip the downloaded content. You will find these files:
adb.exe
AdbWinApi.dll
AdbWinUsbApi.dll
6. Connect your mobile with Computer or Laptop, or to whatever the device you want to use for unlocking purposes. Make sure your devices must be fully charged.
7. Now, in the folder containing your downloaded files, hold shift button & right click on empty space.
8. Select Open command window here option.
9. You will get CMD, in command prompt, type these command to ensure that if your device is properly connected or not.
adb devices (to check whether devices are connected properly or not).

10. Now type following commands one by one (and hit enter after each command).

adb shell
cd /data/data/com.android.providers.settings/databases
sqlite3 settings.db
update system set value=0 where name=’lock_pattern_autolock’;
update system set value=0 where name=’lockscreen.lockedoutpermanently’;
.quit

11. Just restart your mobile after step 10.

12. You will see that it is still locked, just draw any pattern. It will open easily. Now Change your Lock.

Check out this video for more :

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[History] Life of Napoleon Bonaparte | Quotes by Napoleon | Download Life Facts in PDF

Who was Napoleon Bonaparte

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French military and political leader who rose to prominence during the latter stages of the French Revolution and its associated wars in Europe. Napoleon Bonaparte rose from obscurity to becomeNapoleon I, Emperor of France and became one of the greatest Military Commanders in history. Napoleon’s crushed one enemy after another until he seemed invincible. For 20 years, many European nations fought against him. He conquered much of Europe. He is both a historical figure and a legend.Early life.Napoleon Bonaparte was born on 15 August 1769 in Corsica into a gentry’s family. He completed his education in military school, so rapidly promoted and in 1796 was made Commander of French Army in Italy, where he forced Austria and its allies to make peace. In 1798, he conquered Ottoman-ruled Egypt in an attempt to strike at British trade routers with India. He was stranded when the British at the Battle of the Nile destroyed his fleet.

Napoleon I, was Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1815. His legal reform, the Napoleonic Code, has been a major influence on many civil law jurisdictions worldwide, but he is best remembered for his role in the wars led against France by a series of coalitions, the so-called Napoleonic Wars. He established hegemony over most of continental Europe and sought to spread the ideals of the French Revolution, while consolidating an imperial monarchy which restored aspects of the deposed Ancien Régime (old system). Due to his success in these wars, often against numerically superior enemies, he is generally regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time, and his campaigns are studied at military academies worldwide.
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Napoleon I, was Emperor of the French from 1804 to 1815. His legal reform, the Napoleonic Code, has been a major influence on many civil law jurisdictions worldwide, but he is best remembered for his role in the wars led against France by a series of coalitions, the so-called Napoleonic Wars. He established hegemony over most of continental Europe and sought to spread the ideals of the French Revolution, while consolidating an imperial monarchy which restored aspects of the deposed Ancien Régime (old system). Due to his success in these wars, often against numerically superior enemies, he is generally regarded as one of the greatest military commanders of all time, and his campaigns are studied at military academies worldwide.
READ MORE >>

Some Milestones from History

1. 1793 – Important role played in the French defeat of the British at Toulon, for which he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier General.

2. 1799 – Overthrew the French Government and became first consul of the provisional government.

3. 1804 – Established France as an Empire with himself as the Emperor.

4. 1805 – Led French troops to victory over the Austrian and Russian armies in Austerlitz (now in Czech Republic).

5. 1808 – Invaded Spain and proclaimed his brother Joseph, the king, touching off the six year long Peninsular war.

6. 1812 – Invaded Russia, but was forced to retreat after losing more than four-fifths of his army.

7. 1814 – Was forced to abdicate unconditionally after a coalition of European countries captured Paris, was exiled to the island of the Elba.

8. 1815 – Returned to Paris after escaping from Elba and again declared himself the emperor.

9. 1815 – Was defeated during the final battle at Waterloo.

10. 1815 – Abdicated second time and was exiled to the island of Saint Helena.

Excerpt taken from Larger Than Life by Sushil Handa.

Famous 100+ Quotes by Napoleon Bonaparte : 

Some Interesting Facts from His life

1. Napoleon killed over a thousand people with a cough. In 1799 he was deciding whether to release 1,200 Turkish prisoners of war when he coughed and said, “Ma sacre tough!” (my darned cough) which sounded to officers like “Massacrez tour!” (Kill them all!). So they did.

2. He was granted sovereignty over the island of Elba during his first exile

3. He repeatedly defeated military forces superior in size to his own.

4. He maintained many of the Egalitarian principles of the French revolution including equality before the law and freedom of religion.

5. He created French Satellite of kingdoms in Holland, Italy, Germany, Spain etc and placed his brothers and other relatives on their thrones.

6. In 1812 , he assembled largest army yet seen in Europe.

7. In a tradition called for the Pope to crown to the Emperor, he took the crown from Pop Pius VII’s hands and placed it on his own head.

Download Full Life History : 

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Marijuana Facts | Everything you need to know about Cannabis or Bhaang | PDF Download

What is Marijuana or Cannabis [Bhaang] ?

Marijuona commonly known as Bhaang or Ganja in India. Bhaang is a term widely in India which refers to number of intoxicating products made from cannabis. It is a green, brown and grey mixture of dried, shredded flowers and leaves of the Hemp plant (Cannabis sativa). Bhaang has been used as an intoxicant for centuries in the Indian sub-continent. In India and Nepal, it is used during some Hindu occasions like the Holi festival, where consuming bhaang is a standard practice at that time. There are number of other names viz. pot, dope, weed, grass, ganja and chronic. The historian Richard Davenport-Hines lists Thomas Bowrey as the first non-Indian to document the use of bhaang to the World.

In India, it is not considered a drug, but a traditional sleeping aid and appetizer. It is also part of many ayurvedic medicinal preparations e.g. bhaang powder is available at ayurvedic dispensaries. Bhaang Ki Thandai, a cold beverage, is a drink popular in many parts of sub-continent, made by mixing bhaang, almonds, black pepper, milk and sugar.

In Western Countries, it is generally smoked in hand-rolled cigarettes called joints or sometimes in emptied-out cigars called blunts. It can also be smoked from a pipe or bong (a water pipe). Some people ingest it with food or drink. It contains hundreds of chemical compounds.

What constitute Marijuana ?

The main ingredient which is also a main cause of intoxication, is Tetra-9-hydrocannabinol (THC). Hashish (hash) is made from the concentrated resin or sap of the hemp plant. Its THC content is higher than marijuana. It’s generally smoked from a pipe or bong but can also be added to a joint or a regular cigarette.

 

Marijuana in Indian History

People are using Bhaang in India since Vedic times, and is an integral part of Hindu culture. Sadhus and Sufis use Bhang to boost meditation and to achieve transcendental states. Bhang or cannabis is also used amongst Sufis as an aid to spiritual ecstasy.

The Nihang sect of the Sikh community consume bhang for pain relief from battle wounds. In Sikhism, it is strictly prohibited to consume for pleasure, a rule which is followed very loyally. It started as an ayurvedic medicine whose main use for the Nihangs was to aid in reducing pain from battle wounds, and also as a digestive aid, called Sukhnidhan

Immediate Effects of Marijuana

It affects the central nervous system in two ways: as a hallucinogen and as a depressant. If you eat or drink marijuana, it usually takes longer to feel the effects, but the effects will be stronger and last longer than when smoking it because then THC is absorbed into the fatty tissues of your body. You then feel high, which can range from feelings of calm and happiness to feeling silly and giddy or anxious. When taking high doses, it’s even possible to experience hallucinations. The high usually lasts from 2 to 4 hours but THC is detectable in your body for up to 15 days.

Cannabis can be much more potent today than in the past due to cultivation techniques and genetic engineering to increase its THC content. Its effects may be more intense as a result. THC is naturally found in cannabis in concentrations ranging from 0.5%-3%. With more sophisticated growing techniques the concentration of THC has been increased to 6%- 30%.

Medical Harms

Smoking marijuana has the potential to be more harmful than cigarettes. Although it does not contain nicotine, it does contain 50 to 70 percent more carcinogenic compounds, including tar, than cigarettes. It also produces high levels of a particular enzyme which converts certain hydrocarbons into their carcinogenic or malignant forms. Its smoke is clearly more carcinogenic than cigarette smoke, it is difficult to predict whether actual incidence rates of induced cancers are likely to be as high as they are for cigarettes. Some of its harms include: - Effects of smoke on lungs [Smoking] - Immune system effects [Drinking, Eating, Smoking] - Pregnancy [Drinking, Eating, Smoking] - Mild depression, anxious or panic feelings, irritability - Distorted perceptions and hallucinations

 

Some Myths About Marijuana

1. Marijuana is harmless. No, it is equally harmful as other drugs, it causes memory loss, distorted perception, trouble with thinking and problem solving, and anxiety.

2. It is not addictive. It was once believed that it was not addictive; many people still believe this to be the case. But recent research shows that use of the drug can indeed lead to dependence.

3. It is not as harmful to your health as tobacco. People think of it as a benign natural herb, the drug actually contains many of the same cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco.

4. It is used to treat cancer and other diseases. It is true that THC, the primary active chemical in marijuana, can be useful for treating some medical problems. Synthetic THC is the main ingredient in Marinol but still there persists doubts behind this belief.

About Recent Researches

1. Harvard University researchers report that the risk of heart attack is five times higher than usual in the hour after smoking marijuanaa.

2. The National Institute of Health, America found that a person who smokes five joints per week may be taking in as much tar and cancer-causing chemicals into their lungs as someone who smokes a pack of cigarettes every day.

3. Smoking the weed weakens the immune system and raises the risk of lung infections.

4. The National Institute on Drug Abuse, America found that critical skills related to attention, memory and learning are significantly impaired among the users, even after they had not used the drug for at least 24 hours.

5. Its use has been linked with depression and suicidal thoughts in addition to schizophrenia. Its use doubles the risk of developing depression and triples the incidence of suicidal thoughts among youth.

6. Researchers at Sweden’s Karolinska Institute have identified the potential for the smoking during pregnancy to damage the fetal brain, exerting adverse effects on nerve cells that could potentially impose life-long cognitive and motor deficits.

Detailed Report on Marijuana :

 

Marijuana Facts

1. It was actually used for medicinal purposes in Ancient China, to treat the 'illness' of absent-mindedness.

2. Marijuana is illegal but has never caused any direct deaths from use. Cigarettes and alcohol kills millions yet both are legal and found everywhere.

3. Marijuana is safer than peanuts.

4. It is now being used to treat Post Traumatic Stress disorder along with several other anxiety disorders.

5. It is proven to slow down tumor growth, especially in the lungs, breast, and brain.

6. Marijuana smoking is illegal but it is Pain Reliever & Anti-Depressant in the world. Cigarette smoking is legal but it is cause of death in the world.

7. Marijuana usage prior to sex for both the male and the female has been known to increase sexual pleasure.

8. Sex and marijuana taken in conduction can help prevent migraines.

9. It was used as a "truth serum" on the people under investigation, by an American intelligence agency, in the early 1940s.

10. It helps people focus more.

11. It improves creativity.

12. A new marijuana-flavored soda is being produced.

13. Marijuana is not a gateway drug but cigarettes are. Studies show cigarette smokers are 68% more likely to do hard drugs than pot smokers.

14. In America, more than 40 percent of teens try the weed before they graduate from high school.

15. It is the most frequently used illegal drug in the United States.

16. It has adverse effects on many of the skills required for driving a car. Driving while high can lead to car accidents.  

17. In 2008, marijuana was reported in over 374,000 emergency department visits in the involving people between the ages of 12 and 17. 

18. It is addictive. About 1 in 11 people who try it, and 25–50 percent of those who use it every day, become addicted to marijuana.

Detailed Report on Cannabis :

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How to check your Answer Sheet through RTI in PTU

The candidates can fill the re-evaluation form for the subject in which they think checkers hadn't checked their papers correctly by giving a nominal amount. Other alternative of not spending this amount is to file an RTI (right to information) , ya exactly RTI in PTU. In RTI the students can file an application under RTI act 2005 to the PTU which will entitle them to get a photocopy of their answer sheet and then they could check the marking of the examiner themselves.

The filling of RTI is simply an application seeking the photocopy of the answer sheet under the subject "seeking information under RTI act 2005". This application will accompany a Rs.10 postal order which will be easily available from any post office across INDIA.The reply from the university will be available on your address which will be given by you in the application within 1 month of time. A nominal photocopying cost has to be beard by you to get a reply.

 

The following point to be taken care of while filling an RTI

• Always write subject line "application under RTI act 2005 seeking following information".
• Write postal order no in the application and attach it with the application.
• Write your address in which you want to get a reply from university or any other organization. 
• Try to post your application through speed post or registered post as their delivery receipt information could be held to get a surely response.

 

There is a protocol set by the PTU for filing the RTI , consist of some rules and regulations need to be followed by the information seeker.

Rules and regulations for inspection / photocopy of answer book under RTI Act

1. Candidate can apply for RTI application for inspection/photocopy of answer book by depositing Rs. 10 /- ( fees as per RTI rules). 
2. Candidate must send RTI application along with duly filled Performa (Annexure-‘A’) and must attach his / her I.D proof. 
3. An answer sheet consist of 32 pages so candidate has to send Rs. 64 /- for each answer book (@ Rs 2/- per page) in the form of bank draft in the name of Registrar PTU payable at Jalandhar, along with application for getting the photocopy / inspection of answer sheet. 
4. The required information will be sent to you on your postal address within one month after the receiving of your application. 
5. As per university regulations and RTI act, the information related to answer book prior to the 6 month from the date of conduct of examination cannot be given. 
6. Incomplete application shall be rejected and information shall not be provided. 
7. The student has to abide by the judgment of Honorable Supreme Court in CWP No- 6454 of 2011 titled C.B.S.E versus another’s versus Sandeep Bandopadhya and others. Kindly go through this judgment before applying for such type of information. 

 

Download Performa for RTI : Click Here

Download RTI Application Form : Click Here

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PTU RTI Procedure to obtain Result | RTI for Inspection / Photocopy of Answer Sheet

There is great advantage of RTI that can be availed by the students of colleges under Punjab Technical University to inspect their results by requesting the photocopies of their concerned examination answer-sheet.

Here is RTI Procedure for PTU to obtain the information : 

A. Application obtaining information : (Section 2 (m), 6 and 27)  

1. A person, who desires to obtain any information admissible under the Act, shall make an application in Form ‘A’ to the State Public Information Officer along with a fee, as specified in sub rule (1) of rule 5 of these rules.
2. On the receipt of an application, made under sub-rule (1), the State PublicInformation Officer shall give a receipt in token thereof to the applicant in Form ‘B’. 
3. Each public authority shall maintain the information register in Form ‘C’ in respect of the records of requests received from applicants for seeking information under the Act. 
4. The application, received without requisite fee, shall not be entertained and shall be liable to be rejected straightway without giving any notice to the applicant.  

B. Deposit of fee : (Section 6) 

1. The fee paid in the following modes, namely : a. by Crossed Bank Draft/Banker;s Chequie/IPO or cash in favour of Registrar, Punjab Technical University payable at Jalandhar from where the information is to be obtained; or b. in cash with the Registrar, Punjab Technical University Jalandhar ; Name of the bank and account no. is given below: Name of Bank : HDFC Bank (Online) Account No. : 00461450000197 
2. The amount of fee shall be credited to the account as referred to in clause (c) of sub- rule (1): Provided that the Board, Corporations and other Autonomous bodies of the State, may get the amount of requisite fee deposited in their own accounts maintained by them.
3.  On receipt of an application, submitted under sub-rule of 3, the State Public Information Officer shall scrutinize the application and shall assess how much fee is required to be paid by the applicant for obtaining the information. 
4. The fee, assessed under sub-rule (3), shall be informed to the applicant by the State Public Information Officer in Form ‘D’ within a period of ten days from the receipt of application. 
5. The intimation of rejection of an application of the applicant seeking information under the Act, shall be intimated by the State Public Information Officer concerned, in Form ‘E’.

C. The amount of fee collected under this rule, shall be maintained in the Cash register as specified in Form ‘F 3. Quantum of fee : (Section 6 and 7) 

1. An application for obtaining any information under sub-section (1) of section 6 shall be accompanied with a fee of rupees ten only. 
2. The following fee shall be charged for providing information under sub-section (1) of section 7, namely : a. Rupees two for each page in A-4 or A-3 size paper, created or copied; and b. Actual charge or cost price of a copy in larger size paper; c. Actual cost or price for samples or models; d. For inspection of records, no fee for the first hour; and a fee of rupees five for each fifteen minutes (or fraction thereof) thereafter; e. For information provided in diskette or floppy rupees fifty per diskette or floppy; and f. For information provided in printed from at the price fixed for such publication or rupees two per page of photocopy for extracts from the publication.
3. The applicant shall, while depositing fee under sub-rule (2) of rule 4, shall also submit a self addressed envelope duly stamped for supplying the information. Stamps on the envelope shall be affixed according the mode supplying the information, as duly desired by the applicant i.e. through ordinary registered or speed post.

D. Procedure to be followed in deciding appeal : (Section 19 (10)) Before deciding an appeal, the Commission shall :

a. serve notice to the concerned persons;
b. entertain any evidence in support of appeal, which may be oral or in writing from the concerned persons;
c. examine on oath or by having affidavits from the persons concerned;
d. peruse or inspect the documents or any records or copies thereof;
e. inquire through the authorized officer the facts of an appeal or may require facts in detail, if it so deems appropriate, hear the State Public Information Officer or nay other senior officer, who had decided the first appeal, as the case may be; and
f. receive evidence on affidavits from the officer senior in rank to State Information Officer who had decided the first appeal or from any other officer or person authorized in this behalf from whom the evidence may be deemed necessary.

E. Mode of serving notice : (Section 19 (10))

The commissioner may serve notice to the person concerned in any of the following modes, namely :
a. by hand delivery (dasti) through process server; or
b. by registered post with acknowledgement due; or
c. by publication in the news paper;

F. Order by the Commission : (Section 19 (10)) 

a. The Commissioner shall make order in writing and pronounce the same in the presence of the concerned parties.
  b. After the decision is pronounced by the Commissioner, it shall intimate the same to the complainant and the State Information Officer of the Department or the public authority concerned.

 

G. Repeal and Saving : 

The Punjab Right to Information Rules 2006 are hereby repealed: Provide that any order made or action taken under the rules so repealed shall be deemed to have been made or taken under the corresponding provisions of these rules.

Download RTI Form for PTU, Jalandhar : Click Here

More Information on RTI in PTU : Click Here

 

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RBI Bank Ombudsman Role | Frequently Asked Questions Answers

Banking Ombudsman Scheme , 2006 

Banking Ombudsman Scheme came into existence in order to facilitate the customers resolving their issues/problems related to the services delivered by the bank. There is a basic introductory list of frequently asked questions launched by the RBI in introduction to its various basic aspects and they are :-

  FAQs on the Banking Ombudsman Scheme

A. What is the Banking Ombudsman Scheme?

The Banking Ombudsman Scheme enables an expeditious and inexpensive forum to bank customers for resolution of complaints relating to certain services rendered by banks. The Banking Ombudsman Scheme is introduced under Section 35 A of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 by RBI with effect from 1995.

B. Who is a Banking Ombudsman?

The Banking Ombudsman is a senior official appointed by the Reserve Bank of India to redress customer complaints against deficiency in certain banking services.

C. How many Banking Ombudsmen have been appointed and where are they located?

As on date, fifteen Banking Ombudsmen have been appointed with their offices located mostly in state capitals. The addresses and contact details of the Banking Ombudsman offices have been provided in the annex.

D. Which are the banks covered under the Banking Ombudsman Scheme, 2006?

All Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks and Scheduled Primary Co-operative Banks are covered under the Scheme.

E. When can one file a complaint?

One can file a complaint before the Banking Ombudsman if the reply is not received from the bank within a period of one month after the bank concerned has received one s representation, or the bank rejects the complaint, or if the complainant is not satisfied with the reply given by the bank.

F. When will one s complaint not be considered by the Ombudsman ?

One s complaint will not be considered if:

a. One has not approached his bank for redressal of his grievance first.
b. One has not made the complaint within one year from the date one has received the reply of the bank or if no reply is received if it is more than one year and one month from the date of representation to the bank.
c. The subject matter of the complaint is pending for disposal / has already been dealt with at any other forum like court of law, consumer court etc.
d. Frivolous or vexatious.
e. The institution complained against is not covered under the scheme.
f. The subject matter of the complaint is not within the ambit of the Banking Ombudsman.
g. If the complaint is for the same subject matter that was settled through the office of the Banking Ombudsman in any previous proceedings.

G. What is the procedure for filing the complaint before the Banking Ombudsman?

One can file a complaint with the Banking Ombudsman simply by writing on a plain paper. One can also file it online (at “click here to go to Banking Ombudsman scheme” or by sending an email to the Banking Ombudsman. There is a form along with details of the scheme in our website.However, it is not necessary to use this format.

H. Where can one lodge his/her complaint?

One may lodge his/ her complaint at the office of the Banking Ombudsman under whose jurisdiction, the bank branch complained against is situated.
For complaints relating to credit cards and other types of services with centralized operations, complaints may be filed before the Banking Ombudsman within whose territorial jurisdiction the billing address of the customer is located.
Address and area of operation of the banking ombudsmen are provided in the annex.

I.Can a complaint be filed by one s authorized representative?

Yes. The complainant can be filed by one s authorized representative (other than an advocate).

J. Is there any cost involved in filing complaints with Banking Ombudsman?

No. The Banking Ombudsman does not charge any fee for filing and resolving customers’ complaints.

K. Is there any limit on the amount of compensation as specified in an award?

The amount, if any, to be paid by the bank to the complainant by way of compensation for any loss suffered by the complainant is limited to the amount arising directly out of the act or omission of the bank or Rs 10 lakhs, whichever is lower.

L. Can compensation be claimed for mental agony and harassment?

The Banking Ombudsman may award compensation not exceeding Rs 1 lakh to the complainant only in the case of complaints relating to credit card operations for mental agony and harassment. The Banking Ombudsman will take into account the loss of the complainant s time, expenses incurred by the complainant, harassment and mental anguish suffered by the complainant while passing such award.

M. What details are required in the application?

The complaint should have the name and address of the complainant, the name and address of the branch or office of the bank against which the complaint is made, facts giving rise to the complaint supported by documents, if any, the nature and extent of the loss caused to the complainant, the relief sought from the Banking Ombudsman and a declaration about the compliance of conditions which are required to be complied with by the complainant.

N. What happens after a complaint is received by the Banking Ombudsman?

The Banking Ombudsman endeavours to promote, through conciliation or mediation, a settlement of the complaint by agreement between the complaint and the bank named in the complaint.
If the terms of settlement (offered by the bank) are acceptable to one in full and final settlement of one s complaint, the Banking Ombudsman will pass an order as per the terms of settlement which becomes binding on the bank and the complainant.

O. Can the Banking Ombudsman reject a complaint at any stage?

Yes. The Banking Ombudsman may reject a complaint at any stage if it appears to him that a complaint made to him is:
• not on the grounds of complaint referred to above
• compensation sought from the Banking Ombudsman is beyond Rs 10 lakh .
• requires consideration of elaborate documentary and oral evidence and the proceedings before the Banking Ombudsman are not appropriate for adjudication of such complaint
• without any sufficient cause
• that it is not pursued by the complainant with reasonable diligence
• in the opinion of the Banking Ombudsman there is no loss or damage or inconvenience caused to the complainant.

P. What happens if the complaint is not settled by agreement?

If a complaint is not settled by an agreement within a period of one month, the Banking Ombudsman proceeds further to pass an award. Before passing an award, the Banking Ombudsman provides reasonable opportunity to the complainant and the bank, to present their case.

It is up to the complainant to accept the award in full and final settlement of your complaint or to reject it.

Q. Is there any further recourse available if one rejects the Banking Ombudsman’s decision?

If one is not satisfied with the decision passed by the Banking Ombudsman, one can approach the appellate authority against the Banking Ombudsmen’s decision. Appellate Authority is vested with a Deputy Governor of the RBI.

One can also explore any other recourse and/or remedies available to him/her as per the law.

The bank also has the option to file an appeal before the appellate authority under the scheme.

  R. Is there any time limit for filing an appeal?

If one is aggrieved by the decision, one may, within 30 days of the date of receipt of the award, appeal against the award before the appellate authority. The appellate authority may, if he/ she is satisfied that the applicant had sufficient cause for not making an application for appeal within time, also allow a further period not exceeding 30 days.

S. How does the appellate authority deal with the appeal?

The appellate authority may
i. dismiss the appeal; or
ii. allow the appeal and set aside the award; or
iii. send the matter to the Banking Ombudsman for fresh disposal in accordance with such directions as the appellate authority may consider necessary or proper; or
iv. modify the award and pass such directions as may be necessary to give effect to the modified award; or
v. pass any other order as it may deem fit.

T. What are the grounds of complaints?

The Banking Ombudsman can receive and consider any complaint relating to the following deficiency in banking services (including internet banking):
• non-payment or inordinate delay in the payment or collection of cheques, drafts, bills etc.;
• non-acceptance, without sufficient cause, of small denomination notes tendered for any purpose, and for charging of commission in respect thereof;
• non-acceptance, without sufficient cause, of coins tendered and for charging of commission in respect thereof;
• non-payment or delay in payment of inward remittances ;
• failure to issue or delay in issue of drafts, pay orders or bankers’ cheques;
• non-adherence to prescribed working hours ;
• failure to provide or delay in providing a banking facility (other than loans and advances) promised in writing by a bank or its direct selling agents;
• delays, non-credit of proceeds to parties accounts, non-payment of deposit or non-observance of the Reserve Bank directives, if any, applicable to rate of interest on deposits in any savings,current or other account maintained with a bank ;
• complaints from Non-Resident Indians having accounts in India in relation to their remittances from abroad, deposits and other bank-related matters;
• refusal to open deposit accounts without any valid reason for refusal;
• levying of charges without adequate prior notice to the customer;
• non-adherence by the bank or its subsidiaries to the instructions of Reserve Bank on ATM/Debit card operations or credit card operations;
• non-disbursement or delay in disbursement of pension (to the extent the grievance can be attributed to the action on the part of the bank concerned, but not with regard to its employees);
• refusal to accept or delay in accepting payment towards taxes, as required by Reserve Bank/Government;
• refusal to issue or delay in issuing, or failure to service or delay in servicing or redemption of Government securities;
• forced closure of deposit accounts without due notice or without sufficient reason;
• refusal to close or delay in closing the accounts;
• non-adherence to the fair practices code as adopted by the bank or non-adherence to the provisions of the Code of Bank s Commitments to Customers issued by Banking Codes and Standards Board of India and as adopted by the bank ;
• non-observance of Reserve Bank guidelines on engagement of recovery agents by banks; and
• any other matter relating to the violation of the directives issued by the Reserve Bank in relation to banking or other services.
A customer can also lodge a complaint on the following grounds of deficiency in service with respect to loans and advances
• non-observance of Reserve Bank Directives on interest rates;
• delays in sanction, disbursement or non-observance of prescribed time schedule for disposal of loan applications;
• non-acceptance of application for loans without furnishing valid reasons to the applicant; and
• non-adherence to the provisions of the fair practices code for lenders as adopted by the bank or Code of Bank’s Commitment to Customers, as the case may be;
• non-observance of any other direction or instruction of the Reserve Bank as may be specified by the Reserve Bank for this purpose from time to time.
• The Banking Ombudsman may also deal with such other matter as may be specified by the Reserve Bank from time to time.

Hope this will make clear the most of the aspects of Ombudsman role in the banks.

For more details Visit : RBI OMBUDSMAN FORUM

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Right to Information ( RTI ) Act | Frequently Asked Questions Answers

Right to Information Act

This act came into existence on 12 October , 2005 . Right to Information Act 2005 mandates timely response to citizen requesting for government information. This act has empowered the Indian people with a weapon to fight for their rights, some of the key points clarification has been given by the RTI Portal in the form of RTI FAQ which has been listed below.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs) ON RTI

Q.1. What is Information?

Information is any material in any form. It includes records, documents, memos, e-mails, opinions, advices, press releases, circulars, orders, logbooks, contracts, reports, papers, samples, model, data material held in any electronic form. It also includes information relating to any private body which can be accessed by the public authority under any law for the time being in force.

Q.2 What is a Public Authority?

A “public authority” is any authority or body or institution of self government established or constituted by or under the Constitution; or by any other law made by the Parliament or a State Legislature; or by notification issued or order made by the Central Government or a State Government. The bodies owned, controlled or substantially financed by the Central Government or a State Government and non-Government organisations substantially financed by the Central Government or a State Government also fall within the definition of public authority. The financing of the body or the NGO by the Government may be direct or indirect. 

Q.3 What is a Public Information Officer?

Public authorities have designated some of its officers as Public Information Officer. They are responsible to give information to a person who seeks information under the RTI Act.

Q.4 What is an Assistant Public Information Officer?

These are the officers at sub-divisional level to whom a person can give his RTI application or appeal. These officers send the application or appeal to the Public Information Officer of the public authority or the concerned appellate authority. An Assistant Public Information Officer is not responsible to supply the information. The Assistant Public Information Officers appointed by the Department of Posts in various post offices are working as Assistant Public Information Officers for all the public authorities under the Government of India.

Q.5. What is the Fee for Seeking Information from Central Government Public Authorities?

A person who desires to seek some information from a Central Government Public Authority is required to send, along with the application, a demand draft or a banker’s cheque or an Indian Postal Order of Rs.10/- (Rupees ten), payable to the Accounts Officer of the public authority as fee prescribed for seeking information. The payment of fee can also be made by way of cash to the Accounts Officer of the public authority or to the Assistant Public Information Officer against proper receipt. However, the RTI Fee and the mode of payment may vary as under Section 27 and Section 28, of the RTI Act, 2005 the appropriate Government and the competent authority, respectively, by notification in the Official Gazette,make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.

Q.6. What is the Fee for the BPL applicant for Seeking Information?

If the applicant belongs to below poverty line (BPL) category, he is not required to pay any fee. However, he should submit a proof in support of his claim to belong to the below poverty line.

Q.7. Is there any specific Format of Application?

There is no prescribed format of application for seeking information. The application can be made on plain paper. The application should , however, have the name and complete postal address of the applicant.

Q.8. Is it required to give any reason for seeking information?

The information seeker is not required to give reasons for seeking information.

Q.9. Is there any provision for exemption from Disclosure of Information?

Sub-section (1) of section 8 and section 9 of the Act enumerate the types of information which is exempt from disclosure. Sub-section (2) of section 8, however, provides that information exempted under sub-section (1) or exempted under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 can be disclosed if public interest in disclosure over-weighs the harm to the protected interest.

Q.10. Is there any assistance available to the Applicant for filing RTI application?

If a person is unable to make a request in writing, he may seek the help of the Public Information Officer to write his application and the Public Information Officer should render him reasonable assistance. Where a decision is taken to give access to a sensorily disabled person to any document, the Public Information Officer, shall provide such assistance to the person as may be appropriate for inspection.

Q.11. What is the Time Period for Supply of Information?

In normal course, information to an applicant shall be supplied within 30 days from the receipt of application by the public authority. If information sought concerns the life or liberty of a person, it shall be supplied within 48 hours. In case the application is sent through the Assistant Public Information Officer or it is sent to a wrong public authority, five days shall be added to the period of thirty days or 48 hours, as the case may be.

Q.12. Is there any provision of Appeal under the RTI Act?

If an applicant is not supplied information within the prescribed time of thirty days or 48 hours, as the case may be, or is not satisfied with the information furnished to him, he may prefer an appeal to the first appellate authority who is an officer senior in rank to the Public Information Officer. Such an appeal, should be filed within a period of thirty days from the date on which the limit of 30 days of supply of information is expired or from the date on which the information or decision of the Public Information Officer is received. The appellate authority of the public authority shall dispose of the appeal within a period of thirty days or in exceptional cases within 45 days of the receipt of the appeal.

Q.13. Is there any scope for second appeal under the RTI Act?

If the first appellate authority fails to pass an order on the appeal within the prescribed period or if the appellant is not satisfied with the order of the first appellate authority, he may prefer a second appeal with the Central Information Commission within ninety days from the date on which the decision should have been made by the first appellate authority or was actually received by the appellant. 

Q.14. Whether Complaints can be made under this Act? If yes, under what conditions?

If any person is unable to submit a request to a Public Information Officer either by reason that such an officer has not been appointed by the concerned public authority; or the Assistant Public Information Officer has refused to accept his or her application or appeal for forwarding the same to the Public Information Officer or the appellate authority, as the case may be; or he has been refused access to any information requested by him under the RTI Act; or he has not been given a response to a request for information within the time limit specified in the Act; or he has been required to pay an amount of fee which he considers unreasonable; or he believes that he has been given incomplete, misleading or false information, he can make a complaint to the Information Commission.

Q.15. What is Third Party Information?

Third party in relation to the Act means a person other than the citizen who has made request for information. The definition of third party includes a public authority other than the public authority to whom the request has been made.

Q.16. What is the Method of Seeking Information?

A citizen who desires to obtain any information under the Act, should make an application to the Public Information Officer of the concerned public authority in writing in English or Hindi or in the official language of the area in which the application is made. The application should be precise and specific. He should make payment of application fee at the time of submitting the application as prescribed in the Fee Rules.

Q.17. Is there any organization(s) exempt from providing information under RTI Act?

Yes, certain intelligence and security organisations specified in the Second Schedule, are exempted from providing information excepting the information pertaining to the allegations of corruption and human rights violations.

To Download this FAQ as PDF : click here

Learn about RTI with  RTI Quiz : click here

For more information visit official website with link : RTI OFFCIAL WEBSITE

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