unwarranted criticism

The criticism of Dinesh Karthik for not giving more strike to Tendulkar to enable him to score a century in the 3rd one dayer is not only unwarranted but is highly improper. In the game, each player has to play as per the merit of the ball and not to help the partner to achieve a milestone. If Tendulkar had made a century because of deliberate slow scoring by Karthik, it will a highly undeserving one. There are several other forgettable incidents where players have been helped by their compatriots. Way back Kapil Dev continued to be selected in the India team despite poor performance to enable him to create a record. Likewise Kumble was helped by his helpmates to take 10 wickets by bowling negatively. Such acts should be strongly disapproved.

Inflation

We hear a lot in the newspapers about inflation. Last year we were told inflation has reached its peak and this year we are told it is 0%. On the pretext of low inflation RBI has directed Banks to reduce interest rates. But we do find only a negative correlation between inflation% and price of commodities and consumable items. Last year when inflation was at its peak, rice was available at Rs 30/kg, tur Dhal Rs.60/kg, til oil Rs 110/kg. , vegetables between Rs. 16 to 22/kg, orange Rs12 per dozen, apple Rs80/kg. Today, when inflation is supposed to be 0%, rice costs Rs40/kg, tur dhal Rs100/kg, til oil Rs 200/kg, vegetables between Rs 25 to 40 /kg, orange Rs 60 per dozen and Apple Rs 120/kg. Some analysts opined that inflation is based on price of whole sale price and it will take atleast 2 months before it reflects in retail price . But even after passage of 6 months, retail prices have not come down and on the contrary are increasing. The common man, particularly Senior citizens, who live on income interest from FD, suffer most by the inappropriate method of calculation of inflation. Interest rates are brought down citing low inflation. But on the contrary prices of day to day items are high and interest rates have also come down making life miserable for common man and Senior citizen. Inflation should therefore be estimated by retail price of consumables and not by whole sale price. Newspapers should highlight this aspect in their editorials.

Woes of senior Citizen

With steep increase prices of essential commodities like rice, wheat, Dal, edible oil, vegetables and fruits (by over 50%) and rapid decline in interest rates of Bank FD's (from 11% o 7.5%), Senior Citizens were expecting some relief from the budget. But except for a paltry increase in income tax exemption rates, their expectations were thoroughly belied. The least the government could do to mitigate the sufferings of elderly, is to raise the interest rates for Senior citizens in Bank deposits and Senior Citizens Saving Scheme and Post office Monthly income schemes by 1%. Presently 15H form has to be submitted to avoid TDS when the interest in Bank FD's exceed Rs. 10000 and that in Manufacturing companies exceed Rs. 5000. These limits should be increased to Rs 20000 and Rs 10000 for Bank FD's and manufacturing companie's FD's. Private hospitals should be directed to give 50% concessions on medical treatment to them. Concession should also be given in boarding and lodging charges in Government run and private hotels like Yatri Nivas and pilgrimage tours.
N.Balasubramanian

Senior Citizen/Physically handicapped

The finance minister had discussions with business personnel and sought their views on budjet proposals for 2009. He should also meet general public, particularly Senior citizens and Physically handicapped to look into their problems and make suitable modifications in the budjet. In particular following actions will be helpful1. Many Senior citizens have no pension and live out of interest income from their Providend Fund(received at the time of retirement). As the interest rates have down steeply,. 1% higher interest rates in place of present 0.5% should be paid on interest on Fixed Deposits with Banks and Non banking Finance companies and Manufacturing units for Senior citizens.2. At present no TDS is deducted up to interest of Rs 10000 per annum. Beyond that Form 15H has to be submitted to avoid TDS. This limit should be increased from Rs. 10000 to 20000 for Senior Citizens and Physically handicapped.3. The interest on Senior citizen's Saving scheme 2004 should be increased from 9 % to 10 %.4. The interest on Monthly income scheme, National Saving Certificate and NSS of Post office should be increased by 1 % for Senior citizens and Physically handicapped.5. Income tax exemption limit for senior Citizen should be raised to Rs 3 lakhs per annum.6. A saving scheme for physically handicapped should be introduced with interest rate of 10 %7. Rebate on incometax for physically handicapped should be increased from Rs. 40000 to Rs 600008. Loans should be made available from Banks or other bodies for Senior Citizens and Physically handicapped at low interest rates for purchasing house