The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Readers' Mail

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Monday, Jul 19, 2004

Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Readers' Mail

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

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 The seigniorage on silver oak was also withdrawn.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.

Bus services

Sir, — The population of Marathahalli is growing fast, thanks to International Technology Park Ltd. (ITPL) and other industries. But adequate bus services are not operated from the area. People now depend on small private vans for commuting. After 6 p.m., there are very few buses from ITPL to Marathahalli. The BMTC should increase the number of services between ITPL and Marathahalli.

N. Raju,

Bangalore.

Mangalore.

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Readers' Mail