The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Visakhapatnam News : Reader's Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, May 17, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Visakhapatnam

Reader's Mail

Reservation charges unfair

Sir,_The South Central Railway is collecting advance reservation charges irrespective of the status of the passenger, whether the accommodation is confirmed, reservation against cancellation (RAC) or wait-listed.

The RAC category passengers are not entitled to refund of reservation charges even if they were not given berth. As they are provided with only sitting accommodation initially, it would be fair and reasonable, to collect a nominal fee of Rs. 5 from them. The balance may be collected by the TTE only if they are provided with a berth later.

Wait-listed passengers' case is more deplorable. The entire reservation charge is collected from them in the beginning itself. They are not entitled to refund if they are not given any reservation. It is unjust to deny both reservation and refund to the wait-listed passengers.

The rules regarding reservation need to be changed to restore the old practice of collecting reservation charges only after accommodation is provided.

A.V. Sambasiva Rao,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Dearness relief for Central pensioners

Sir,_The Central Government had issued an order (Finance Ministry OM No 105/1/2004 - 1C dated 1.3.04) merging 50 per cent of the 61 per cent dearness relief to the basic pension (1996) of all Central pensioners/family pensioners. This is an innovative concept which gives pecuniary benefit to the pensioners.

Accordingly, the Central Government directed all the public sector banks disbursing pension to calculate the balance of 11 per cent dearness on the merged pension and pay the increased amount from April 2004 pension payable on May 1. But the State Bank of Hyderabad, Dwarakanagar branch, calculated the dearness relief at the rate of 61 per cent on non-merged basic pension as usual and made the payments to pensioners.

I request the bank branch to calculate the pension as per the directives of the Central Government and pay arrears to the pensioners.

T. Janardhana Rao,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Involve people in development

Sir,_As the elections are over, people have shown that they are for development to make India a superpower and developed country. When a small country like Israel could come up, it is a wonder that India with its vast resources and manpower still remains a developing country.

In order to cut down the costs, people from all walks of life should come forward to render free service at least for one month in a year.

People should organise themselves as voluntary brigades at village, town and city levels for this free service keeping politics away.

S.V.N. Rajendra Gopal,

Visakhapatnam

* * *

Money order vagaries

Sir,_I frequently despatch money orders to Viswajanani Parishad at Jillellamudi in Guntur district where a branch post office functions.

But these days money orders are not being delivered properly.

The top portion containing communication to the payee is not being delivered to him, nor do I get the acknowledgement. The payee has to write to me to know why I had sent the amount.

It is said that money orders are being routed through satellite. As a result, the money-order form as originally filled by the remitter is not reaching the payee.

I request the authorities concerned to dispense with satellite messages and restore order in the delivery of money orders.

C. Venkata Rao,

Kakinada

* * *

BSNL should

emulate MTNL

Sir,_Mahanagar Telecom Nigam Limited has been giving 25 per cent concession in monthly rental with usual free calls for senior citizens (Letter No. GM IT/AOS/MS/500-20/132, dated 31.7.2003).

Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, the sister undertaking of MTNL, should also provide the same concession for its senior citizens.

The Railways has been providing concessional fare to senior citizens and also Income-Tax exemption up to Rs. 15,000. As telephone is no longer considered a luxury, particularly for senior citizens, who cannot move from place to place due to old age problems, they should be provided concession in its tariff.

V. Veerraju,

Kakinada

* * *

Question paper bungling

Sir,_In the second year BA (Sociology) paper two of the School of Distance Education, Andhra University, a short note question was asked on LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide). But in the translation, it was asked to write about `mathu mandulu' (drugs). Will the authorities award five marks to all students who had attempted this question?

G. Naveenchand,

Bhimavaram

* * *

Orissa's pride

Sir,_It is a great pride for Orissa that it has produced the IAS topper this year. Rupa Misra is the first woman from Orissa and perhaps first housewife to be the topper. She has become the source of inspiration and model for children. I congratulate her on the achievement.

T. Susant,

Berhampur

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