Tamil Nadu   

Reader's Mail

Passport application

The Tiruchi passport office refused to receive the passport application form I sent on the premise that as a rule forms sent through private couriers will not be entertained. When contacted by phone, an official said they did not refuse it and there was no such rule and it may be sent again. When I sent it again through the same courier service, it was returned citing the same reason. Later I sent the form through registered post of the postal department.

Couriers charged me only Rs.8 for the service while the postal department charged Rs.45. When the couriers give better service to the public at lower rates than the postal department, the government forces people to avail the service of the latter, instead of reducing the high postal charges? Such actions prove that government does not act on the basis of public interests.

L. Sathasivam,

Rajapalayam

Telephone directory

Telephone directory is not available here for the past five years. Whenever we enquire for a copy, the stock reply is "no stock."

Why not the telecom department sell it at a reasonable price like the railway timetable, for each region. It will be a great favour to the public.

A.K. Tharien,

Oddanchatram

Under-utilised GH

Though the Government Headquarters Hospital at Periyakulam is well equipped with full strength of staff, several departments such as ophthalmology, ENT and orthopaedics are not utilised much. These departments do not perform many surgeries as well. Doctors in these departments, who have much spare time, could be made to conduct medical examinations in nearby schools. The students would also be benefited if defects were detected and rectified at an early stage itself.

R.S. Mani,

Periyakulam

Taxing issues

Large bullock carts were used in the past to remove garbage. The streets were clean. Now, slim pushcarts have taken over the job. But a huge quantity of waste is lying around street corners, to be rummaged by stray dogs and pigs.

Tarred roads are invisible, buried as they are underneath accumulated sand. Debris and construction materials remain heaped or strewn about on the roads. Damaged toilets spill the filth to freely flow on to roads and people walk on fatalistically. Now, if the tax people pay is not to be returned by way of civic amenities for better and healthier living, what is the very purpose of paying it? Let the administration think over these matters.

G.K.S. Kandasubramanian,

Sivaganga

No lady doctor

More than 350 patients (600 during rainy season), who hail from various villages, get treated at the Government Hospital in Ayikudi on a given day. At this 12-bed hospital, established during the Travancore Maharajah's reign in the last century, there is no lady-doctor. This is causing hardship to women.

A. Muppidathiraj,

Tenkasi

Librarians' woe

The Government opened 625 village libraries in 1996 and appointed staff on a consolidated pay of Rs.1,000. They are not eligible for causal leave, any allowance or benefit. If these librarians take leave, owing to sickness or any other purpose, they lose Rs.50 a day. These librarians work full-time. But an unqualified salesman at an IMFL shop earns much more than these librarians.

These librarians went to court and got verdict in favour of them. But despite many petitions having been sent to officials and the Minister concerned, no action has been taken. With so many permanent staff superannuating, posts are lying vacant all the time. Meanwhile, 500 more libraries have been opened last year, which are being run by unqualified locals with a daily wage of Rs.40. Action must be taken to set right these anomalies.

Eswar Subbiah,

Sattankulam

Rajapalayam

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

Stories in this Section

Move apex court to get Cauvery water: former Advocate-General
Fire delays train services
Get ready to join the heritage walk
Rich tributes to a missionary
Donning a different role
Nothing can deter him
Now, the focus turns to health
In need of repair
Infectious diseases research centre opened in Vellore
Sharp rise in cooking gas refill bookings
Court upholds CAT order on service rules
Reader's Mail

Copyright © 2005, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu