Date:23/12/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/12/23/stories/2008122352320300.htm

Tamil Nadu

Accept applications by post

In its advertisement published in newspapers , the ‘Indian Overseas Bank’ has invited applications before 31.12.2008 from eligible candidates to fill 1000 clerical staff vacancies in branches across the country. The bank has categorically instructed that eligible candidates should apply only ‘online” through their web site and no other means / mode of applications will be acceptable.

While the candidates belonging to urban areas have easy access to Internet the rural area applicants, with no such facilities, will not be able to apply thus losing their right to apply.

N. Sekaran,

Paramakudi.

Abnormal levy of service tax

The levy of 12 per cent service tax and the connected levy of surcharges thereon amount to 12.36 per cent bringing to the government exchequer crores of rupees. Several heads had been added to ‘service’ category from time to time. Unlike Income tax and other taxes, even a common man pays service tax through his nose. This includes even basic amenities like a personal telephone or bank charges on a demand draft meant for an educational purpose of a student.

The levy of service tax is yet another reason for price hike of essential commodities because it contributes to overhead expenditure on establishment of any trade.

Asmabagh Anvardeen,

Ramanathapuram.

Set up kerosene bunk

There is only one kerosene bunk in Ramanathapuram that too in the eastern end of the town. The family card holders who are put up in the western side have to go all along 4 km to get kerosene.

This causes inconvenience to cardholders, including hiring of autorickshaws. Nearly 9,000 cards have been attached to the existing kerosene bunk. Moreover, in almost all other PDS outlets kerosene is being supplied in the ordinary litre measure instead of the cone measure, resulting in irregularities.

Though several appeals have been made to authorities, no step has been taken so far to set up an additional kerosene bunk, preferably near Chemmankundu Oorani.

G. Nagasamy,

Ramanathapuram.

Re-lay road

The recent torrential rain in Paramakudi has worsened the woes of the residents of Bharathi Nagar area. The TWAD authorities and contractors damaged the road for laying water pipelines. Even after the completion of the work, the road has not been re-laid so far.

V. Rajendran,

Paramakudi.

Basic amenities needed

Thendral Nagar is one of the fast developing extension areas in Rajapalayam with most of its residents being salaried people. On behalf of the residents of Thendral Nagar area, I request the authorities concerned to establish basic amenities like roads, electricity and proper drinking water facility.

M. Thirumurugan,

Rajapalayam.