Tamil Nadu

Maritime University

The Union Minister of Shipping T.R. Balu had said in Tuticorin in November 2008 that the Centre had earmarked Rs. 800 crore for the construction of a Convention Centre in the National Maritime Academy. But he did not reveal the place where the Maritime University would be set up.

Hence I request the concerned authorities to start the Maritime University either at Rameswaram or at Mandapam considering the naturally available potential.

G. Nagasamy

Ramanathapuram.

The prices of petroleum products were revised upwards on the ground that the prices of crude oil barrels went up in the international market. Now that the prices of crude oil has come down by almost fifty percent and consequent effect should be that the fuel prices have to be brought down by the Central government. But unfortunately, the Union Minister for Petroleum has stated at a press conference that the prices will not be cut. Why this kind of disagreement on the part of the government and why should the innocent consumer pay a higher price in India when the cost of crude oil has been drastically reduced? Let the government first cut the petrol and diesel rates by Rs. 5 per litre and take the option of price rise as and when the crude oil prices shoot up. All decisions of a popular government should be based on reasons.

Asmabagh anvardeen

Ramanathapuram.

In Paramakudi Railway Station 12 drinking water pipes 6 each in two plat forms were erected by the railway authorities at the time of gauge conversion. No drinking water has been supplied through the pipes. Hence the commuters are facing hardship for drinking water. But there is a separate drinking water pipeline from the Vaigai river to the railway station previously. Will the authorities renew the pipeline and supply water through the 12 pipes at the station.

V. Rajendran

Paramakudi.

Various small savings schemes offered by the post office were once very popular with the public because of the high rates of interest compared with what the banks then allowed on their deposits. The Postal Department very proudly advertised that they were giving higher rates of interests than the banks. But, at present, the picture is totally different. Those who parked their hard earned savings in the post office schemes have to be now content with the very low interest they are entitled to. The most favoured monthly income scheme (6 years) yields now a pittance of 8% without any loans. Senior citizens who invested in the 5-year senior citizen savings scheme get just 9% when banks give 10.5% to 11% for 1 to 3 years with extra benefit to the senior citizens. Why does the government allow this disparity to continue? Should it not increase the small savings schemes interest rates in consonance with what is being done to the bank deposits? It is regrettable that the poor investors from rural areas who prefer post office to banks are denied a fair return.

G.K.S. Kandasubramanian

Sivaganga.

Life certificate, Non-marriage certificate are submitted through the pension paying Indian Bank, Rajapalayam by the EPF pension holder to the PF Commissioner, Madurai every year during November. Printed certificate forms would be supplied regularly by the PF Commissioner Office. But, for the last two years, the photocopies of the forms are sold near the bank premises in a shop for Re. 1/- per copy.

Whether the printed form supply was stopped by PF Office, the pension holders would like to learn.

S. Neerathiungam

Rajapalayam.

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