Andhra Pradesh

Low interest rates

The interest rates on National Savings Certificates, Kisan Vikas Patra and other schemes of the Postal Department are the lowest compared to the bank, nationalised or private. Hence, the income on these schemes has gone down considerably.

The agents are also not able to motivate public on this due to less interest and less commission to them. The banks are giving loans on NSC and KVP certificates at a rate of 12 to 14 per cent. As the procedure is cumbersome, the people are forced to run from bank to post office umpteen number of times. Instead, the post offices should give loans on NSC and KVP certificates. This will help the post office in earning huge revenue, as well as help the common man.

Mohd. Nazeeruddin

Eluru

Chiranjeevi is doing a lot of spade work by sending his brothers to districts to find out the pulse of the people about his entry into politics. And, there are also reports that he is encouraging people to defect established political parties. Now, the people are eager to know how his party would be different from other parties, if he encouraged defections. Definitely, these experienced leaders are power mongers, as they are deserting the political parties, which groomed them.

How can he cope with this power mongers, and offer good governance when the society is reeling under the kleptocracy, is a big question before the people.

S. Vijaya Seshsu

Kothagudem

To improve nutrition levels and also to attract more and more rural students, the mid-day meal scheme was first introduced by the Centre in government schools. The scheme was originally addressed to the students up to fifth class, and later extended up to eighth class.

Now, the government is proposing to extend noon-meal scheme up to tenth class. In this context, the authorities are requested to take stock of the existing conditions in the rural areas. Caste disparities in cooks, misappropriation of funds and cooking material and enormous work load on headmasters are some of the problems associated with the scheme, which need to be addressed immediately.

I. Subash Samuel

Ulavapadu

Ganja cultivators’ free run continues in the dense interiors of Nallamalla. Tribesmen in the remote areas of Peda Dornala and Pullalacheruvu in Markapuram mandal of Prakasam district have taken to ganja cultivation on a massive scale. But, the excise officials kept away from treading deep due to fear of naxalite.

The police too have not taken interest in controlling the ganja cultivation. The smugglers are employing innocent tribesmen to carry loads of ganja on their heads to designated spots. There is a need for joint operations to monitor the ganja cultivation, smuggling and other related activities. More so, the government should device some schemes so that tribals would not depend on the smugglers for their livelihood.

J. Chaitanya

Ongole

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