Karnataka - Mangalore   

Readers' Mail

Mark cards

Sir, — Last year, the Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University, B. Hanumaiah, said in a radio phone-in programme that the examination section of the university would be computerised next year.

But even the mark cards issued this year are handwritten and lack clarity.

The marks have been entered in red ink in many cards.

Hence their photocopies are not clear.

The students are thus forced to attest copies of the mark cards for sending applications and other purposes.

This has inconvenienced many of the students.

The university should, therefore, give computerised mark cards at the earliest.

Manohara N. Gowda,

Mangalore.

Loan default

Sir, — Special courts should be opened to prosecute borrowers who have defaulted on loans taken from non-banking financial companies.

The defaulters have become rich at the expense of investors such as senior citizens or those from the middle class or economically weaker sections of society.

The authorities should take steps in this regard and ensure that the guilty are brought to book.

S.K. Achar,

Udupi.

Age limit

Sir, — A person is deemed a senior citizen only after the age of 65, and he is eligible for tax rebates under the Income Tax Act and the additional interest of 0.5 per cent on savings only when he attains that age.

In the 2003-04 Railway Budget, this age limit for men was brought down to 60 on par with that of women for giving concession in ticket fare.

It is hoped that before the Finance Bill is passed by Parliament, the Union Finance Minister will also consider fixing the age limit at 60 for granting the benefit of tax rebates under the Act.

Acharya K.V.

Bangalore.

Social values

Sir, — The much-politicised controversy over textbooks in social sciences will not do good to anyone unless objectivity is maintained and the issue is depoliticised.

Historical facts cannot be suppressed just to please a community or a political group.

Objectivity should be given its due at any cost. This is the only way to deal with the problem.

But if deliberate attempts are made by historians to cause insult or pain to a community, there should be protest against such moves.

What is needed is ensuring healthy social values in social science textbooks which promote peace, harmony and respect to all scriptures and religious leaders.

This will lead to a stable government and progressive society.

Mumtaz Ali Khan,

Bangalore.

Timber fee

Sir, — The reported levy of Rs. 200 a cubic metre on timber from private holdings ( The Hindu , July 11) will be counterproductive as it will discourage growing of trees. Around 1986, when I was Secretary, Department of Forests, the Government withdrew the restriction on felling of 12 species, including silver oak.

The seigniorage on silver oak was also withdrawn. The Government was of the view that this would lead to planting of more trees.

A fee was levied for each lorryload and not per cubic metre.

The latter will work out to Rs. 2,000 a lorryload.

The move to levy this money will not encourage planting of trees.

S. Parmeswarappa,

Bangalore.

Mangalore.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Karnataka

News: Front Page | National | Tamil Nadu | Andhra Pradesh | Karnataka | Kerala | New Delhi | Other States | International | Opinion | Business | Sport | Miscellaneous |
Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Updates: Breaking News |

Stories in this Section

• Mangalore roads are motorists' nightmare
• Private bus operators accused of violating norms
• Timekeeper system suspended on two routes
• Award for Yakshagana artiste
• Engagements
• Readers' Mail

Copyright © 2004, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu