Tamil Nadu   

Pension

The Sixth Central Pay Commission’s recommendation relating to the period of repayment by pensioners of the capitalised value of pension that status quo is to be maintained, implying that recovery of the fixed monthly instalments is to be effected for 15 years, is illogical and unreasonable by all accounts. The Fifth Central Pay Commission’s recommendation in the matter a decade ago aimed at reducing the period to 12 years was quite realistic and based on facts, as the amount recoverable in 15 years will be nearly double the amount paid to a pensioner. It is relevant to mention here that some of the State Governments, taking into consideration the above aspect, restore commuted portion of pension in periods varying from 10 years to 12 years. It is expected that the Government of India, being consistent with the Fifth Central Pay Commission’s recommendation which was logical and reasonable, will reduce the period of recovery of capitalised value of pension from the present 15 years to 12 years, ignoring the Sixth Central Pay Commission’s recommendations.

P. Nanjan,

Nilgiris.

I refer to the news item ‘Reflective information boards installed in Ooty’ (April 20). With the erection of the boards at strategic points in the Nilgiris, the tourists can plan their trips according to their tastes and within their budgets. Simultaneously, arrangements could also be made for the distribution of booklets carrying brief information and a couple of maps, through information counters at the busstand and even through shops at a reasonable price.

P. U. Krishnan,

Udhagamandalam.

People of Erode are happy that Erode Corporation has repaired ruts, pits, dips etc. on the road to ensure a smooth surface. But the repair work has been done perfunctorily. Small-sized blue metal has been used to cover the damage without any binding material like tar. Blue metal gets detached easily from the patch and is scattered on the road when a vehicle runs over it. A few days later, the roads will look damaged again. Is there someone to supervise the repair?

V. Pasupathi,

Erode.

It is welcome news that senior citizens in Tamil Nadu will soon get free bus passes. It is hoped that the passes will be issued to all senior citizens without any condition. Railways can also consider extending free passes to the senior citizens as the number of travelling senior citizens is negligible and the loss of revenue will be minimum.

C. Bhaskaran,

Erode.

This refers to the report ‘Assembly focuses on better infrastructure in schools’ (April 25). The discussion in the Assembly on school education largely focussed on the need for better infrastructure and improved sanitation facilities in schools, particularly in girls’ and co-education schools, across the state. The government initiative to strengthen infrastructure in schools is commendable. The discussion felt that the student-teacher ratio should be 1:30. According to All India Council for Technical Education, the faculty-student ratio in engineering colleges should be 1:15. Similarly, the student-teacher ratio in schools should be 1:20 or 1:25.

Only then can quality education be provided to students. Apart from the regular curriculum and syllabus, soft skills training should be given to them to improve their communication skills. Multinational software companies recruit only those with a sound knowledge in subjects and an excellent communication skill. V. Joseph Emmanuvel

Tiruchengode. (Readers can mail to cbereaders@thehindu.co.in with address and phone number)

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