Delhi HC to decide on EVMs

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Thursday, 15 December 2011 00:41

Rakesh Ranjan | 

The Delhi High Court will on January 10 next take a call on whether the upcoming Assembly elections in five States will be conducted through the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) or e-ballot papers.

Taking a note of the urgency involved in the matter given the Assembly polls in Uttarakhand, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Manipur early next year, the court allowed the plea of petitioner Subramanian Swamy for urgent disposal of the matter.

Janata Party president Swami had alleged that voting through EVMs lacked transparency and either paper printouts should be incorporated in the EVMs or the Election Commission should return to the ballot paper system to avoid tampering at the time of polls.

This assumes significance in wake of the controversy surrounding the use of EVMs in India amid allegations that they are not tamper-proof. The row over the issue had intensified after the general elections in 2009 with several Opposition parties including the BJP demanding that polls in India be conducted through ballot papers. Similar demand was made prior to the local body elections in Gujarat and Maharashtra.

Arguing before a division bench of acting Chief Justice AK Sikri and Justice Rajiv Sahai Endlaw, Swamy insisted that ‘transparency’ had to be given priority over ‘efficiency’ in the poll process.

He said that the electronic database in the EVMs is controlled by micro-processor chips that are not tamper-proof. He cited instances of other European democracies where ballot paper continues to be the mode of voting despite being technologically advanced than India.

The counsel appearing for the Election Commission sought to convince that paper trail or the use of ballot papers was not feasible as not only it would require immense expenditure but also result in cutting down forests given the huge quantity of paper that would be required for the purpose.

“There are 10 lakh voting centres in the country and 73 crore voters. Voting through ballot papers would require huge expenditure besides cutting down of trees. We are still exploring the possible modifications in the EVMs. The EVMs have a benefit that electronic database in them can be reconstructed anytime,” the counsel said.

Interestingly, an expert  committee appointed by the EC is considering introduction of “paper trail” so that voters can get a printout that will show symbol on which the vote was cast. The voter will be required to put it in a box before leaving the polling booth. For this, the a small printer can be installed along with the EVMs.

The technical expert committee on EVMs, headed by Prof PV Indiresan, former Director of IIT-M has also held discussion with officials of the Bharat Electronic Limited and Electronic Corporation.

The EC appointed the committee on October 8 last when at an all-party meeting   majority of political parties backed the proposal to have a ‘voter verifiable paper trail’ in EVMs to counter the charges of tampering. The BJP had been in the forefront of this demand.

Referring the matter to the three-member committee, the EC in its Press note said, “Several political parties have suggested the possibility of incorporating a ‘voter verifiable paper trail’ in EVMs to be explored.”

In the background of severe indictment of EVMs and the fact that Indirsan committee is yet to take a final call on the matter, the stout opposition to the proposal by EC counsel seen as a surprising development.

Soursece--The Pionior

all roads lead to KBC winner's house

by Jennie A woman wants Rs.20 lakh for her daughter's wedding, a man wants another Rs.20 lakh to meet an emergency, a priest wants donation in return for divine blessings, Sushil Kumar, whose tryst with KBC has Click here to read more on our site

CENTRAL WORKING COMMITTEE MET AT GAZIABAD.

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  AILRSA CWC meeting was held on 30/11-01/12-2011 at NDLS in AILRSA BHAWAN.A delegate com.M.N.PRASAD, Tank ,George, Gautham and Kanakaiahwith com Vasudev acharya ( standing commitee chairman / Rly. board ) met with labour minister for adjudication   Talk held in positive manner and Labour ministry will pass the order today .

 Com unite for your right and privilege.

G.N.SHAW. Jt.General Secretary/SCR/GTL.

What is the differences between EPF, GPF and PPF?

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Hari Kishan Nimmu

7:04pm Nov 26

                                                                         

EPF-Employees Provident Fund              GPF -General Pension Fund
PPF -Public Provident Fund

GPF - General Provident Fund which is for the Government Employees 

 
PPF - Individuals can save to a maximum of Rs.60000/- in a year in the account. Account can be maintained in a Post Office. 

EPF - Employees Provident Fund for Private sector where 12% of Employees share and 12 % of Employer's share of Basic Salary + DA is deducted and remitted to PF Authorities

PF vs PPF: What's the difference ?

1. What is PPF and PF?
EPF/ PF (Employees Provident Fund / Provident Fund)

The Employee Provident Fund, or provident fund as it is normally referred to, is a retirement benefit scheme that is available to salaried employees.

Under this scheme, a stipulated amount (currently 12%) is deducted from the employee's salary and contributed towards the fund. This amount is decided by the government.

The employer also contributes an equal amount to the fund.

However, an employee can contribute more than the stipulated amount if the scheme allows for it. So, let's say the employee decides 15% must be deducted towards the EPF. In this case, the employer is not obligated to pay any contribution over and above the amount as stipulated, which is 12%.

PPF (Public Provident Fund)

The Public Provident Fund has been established by the central government. You can voluntarily decide to open one. You need not be a salaried individual, you could be a consultant, a freelancer or even working on a contract basis. You can also open this account if you are not earning.

Any individual can open a PPF account in any nationalised bank or its branches that handle PPF accounts. You can also open it at the head post office or certain select post offices.

The minimum amount to be deposited in this account is Rs 500 per year. The maximum amount you can deposit every year is Rs 70,000.

2. What is the return on this investment?

EPF: 8.5% per annum

PPF: 8% per annum

3. How long is the money blocked?

EPF

The amount accumulated in the PF is paid at the time of retirement or resignation. Or, it can be transferred from one company to the other if one changes jobs.

In case of the death of the employee, the accumulated balance is paid to the legal heir.

PPF

The accumulated sum is repayable after 15 years.

The entire balance can be withdrawn on maturity, that is, after 15 years of the close of the financial year in which you opened the account.

It can be extended for a period of five years after that. During these five years, you earn the rate of interest and can also make fresh deposits.

Save tax and get rich

4. What is the tax impact?

EPF

The amount you invest is eligible for deduction under the Rs 1,00,000 limit of Section 80C.

If you have worked continuously for a period of five years, the withdrawal of PF is not taxed.

If you have not worked for at least five years, but the PF has been transferred to the new employer, then too it is not taxed.

The tenure of employment with the new employer is included in computing the total of five years.

If you withdraw it before completion of five years, it is taxed.

But if your employment is terminated due to ill-health, the PF withdrawal is not taxed.

PPF

The amount you invest is eligible for deduction under the Rs 1,00,000 limit of Section 80C.

On maturity, you pay absolutely no tax.

5. What if you need the money?

EPF

If you urgently need the money, you can take a loan on your PF.

You can also make a premature withdrawal on the condition that you are withdrawing the money for your daughter's wedding (not son or not even yours) or you are buying a home.

To find out the details, you will have to talk to your employer and then get in touch with the EPF office (your employer will help you out with this).

PPF

You can take a loan on the PPF from the third year of opening your account to the sixth year. So, if the account is opened during the financial year 1997-98, the first loan can be taken during financial year 1999-2000 (the financial year is from April 1 to March 31).

The loan amount will be up to a maximum of 25% of the balance in your account at the end of the first financial year. In this case, it will be March 31, 1998.

You can make withdrawals during any one year from the sixth year. You are allowed to withdraw 50% of the balance at the end of the fourth year, preceding the year in which the amount is withdrawn or the end of the preceding year whichever is lower.

For example, if the account was opened in 1993-94 and the first withdrawal was made during 1999-2000, the amount you can withdraw is limited to 50% of the balance as on March 31, 1996, or March 31, 1999, whichever is lower.

If the account extended beyond 15 years, partial withdrawal -- up to 60% of the balance you have at the end of the 15 year period -- is allowed.

Loco train tougher to pilot than a plane: Trivedi

Sachin, Aamir to spread message of railway safety

Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi, who is a pilot-turned politician, said here on Monday that a loco train was tougher to pilot than an aeroplane.

Addressing the 56th annual week function of the railways, Mr. Trivedi said he had come to this conclusion after his experience at a railway simulator centre in Chennai.

Driver's limitations

“I didn't know that a train with prescribed carriage and running at a fairly good speed will, after applying brakes, run almost a kilometre before coming to a grinding stop, but people usually blame the loco pilot without understanding his limitations every time there is an accident at a manned or unmanned level crossing,” he said.“People expect it to stop like cars,” he said, stressing that the drivers were not to blame most of the time. “The need is to spread awareness among the people,” said Mr. Trivedi. He had discussed the issue with cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar and Bollywood star Aamir Khan.

The railways intend to use the services of the two to spread the messages of railway safety to make the general public contribute their bit to avert accidents and fatalities.

Mr. Trivedi pointed out that not one single person had been killed in Japan in railway disasters during the past 47 years even when some of the coaches had turned turtle.

Much like military personnel, railway personnel too make sacrifices, he said, pointing to those who were felicitated for their acts of bravery also. In saving passengers, one railway man sacrificed his life while another lost a lower limb and an upper limb.

“The thrust will be on improving the railway electronic signalling system, as part of the modernisation plan, to not only ensure better and safe running of trains but also speed up and add more trains on the same routes,” he said.

 ( Courtesy-The Hindu , New Delhi 21 Nov. 2011 )

INDIA TODAT...14 NOV 2011 ABOUT RAILWAY CONDITION.

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Bhavna Vij-Aurora  November 5, 2011 | UPDATED 11:48 IST

Railways on Track to Disaster

Populist measures, stubborn refusal to hike passenger fares threaten Indian Railways

Rescue workers at the site of the accident in Arakkonam, Tamil Nadu, on September 13, in which 10 people were killed.

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Seven months into financial year 2011-2012, Indian Railways threatens to go the Air India way, staring at a deficit of over Rs.3,000 crore and losing Rs.18 crore a day. Its cash reserves are down to a meagre Rs.75 lakh from Rs.13,431 crore in 2008 when Lalu Yadav exited as minister. Rising establishment costs and salary bill, populist measures, a stubborn refusal to hike passenger fares and no new sources of revenue have brought Railways to this pass. It spent nearly Rs.96 for every Rs.100 it earned last year, what is known as the Operating Ratio. It is now expected to cross 100 per cent, unprecedented in the past two decades.

 

 

 

Major works and projects are suffering as contractors and suppliers haven't been paid their arrears. Basics like fishplates that connect the tracks, couplers to join the wagons and skids that stop the train from rolling down the track are not being supplied since mid-2010. Hygiene at train stations has declined, with brooms in short supply at railway stores. There is little money to issue contracts for cleaning of tracks in the station area, resulting in excreta accumulating in stations with heavy footfalls such as New Delhi.

Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi has sought a loan of Rs.2,000 crore from the Centre. Sources in the ministry laughed at talk of the money being returned. They say the money is actually to pay the salary bill, which amounts to over Rs.4,500 crore every month. The Sixth Pay Commission has taken the annual salary bill of Railways to a hefty Rs.55,000 crore.

Railways had announced a 78-day productivity bonus to its 13.75 lakh employees for the festival season amounting to Rs.1,100 crore. Sources now say 30 per cent of the amount might be paid to the employees in cash and the remainder put into their Provident Fund. "Railways spends 68 per cent of its funds on establishment costs, including salaries for the 13.75 lakh employees and 12 lakh pensioners, and 20 per cent on the electricity and diesel bill. It has just around 12 per cent of the total outlay available for running and enhancing services, improving safety, replacing old worn-out assets and providing for passenger amenities," says an official in the Railways' finance department.

The crux of the problem, say railway officers, is the populism over several years. While there are no new sources of income, sops like izzat passes, loss-making Yuva trains and concessions for various categories have made things worse. Passenger fares have not gone up in nine years with freight charges being irrationally high, causing Railways to lose out even on freight traffic to the road sector. Passenger fares are being subsidised to the tune of Rs.20,000 crore every year.

Stalled running on empty There are no funds to carry out even regular maintenance work No money to put into the Depreciation Relief Fund, used for replacing and strengthening old assets including tracks, locomotives, bridges and signals. No money to put into the Development Fund for improving passenger and staff amenities. Railways failed to float capital bonds, as promised by then minister Mamata Banerjee in her Budget speech, to replace overaged assets and for doubling of track and gauge conversion. Railways has failed to fill 1,40,000 safety-related vacancies. Payments to contractors and suppliers withheld. Supplies of crucial equipment like signalling cables, fishplates and skids for tracks have been withheld.

There is no alternative to enhancing fares. Even the railway employees' unions, hitherto opposed to any kind of rationalisation of passenger fares, have changed tack. Fearing finances going awry, two major unions, the All India Railwaymen's Federation and the National Federation of Indian Railwaymen, have made a case for raising fares by 20-40 per cent.

 

 

The Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and Planning Commission have been pushing for a hike in passenger fares. The Consultative Committee on Railways, in its report released in August, advocated raising fares "within reasonable limits to offset the inflationary trend and diesel price increase".

Railway Minister Trivedi admits that there is a pressing need and an increasing demand to hike passenger fares. "We don't want to go the Air India way,'' he stresses. He talks of a dynamic passenger fare policy but is not clear yet about what the policy will entail, whether it will be based on demand and supply-the criterion used to increase freight charges by 6 per cent on October 15-or be linked to increase in diesel cost. "There is no concrete plan yet but it has to be done intelligently,'' Trivedi says. One view is to increase only upper class fares and another to hike them across the board.

Dynamic pricing policy, if implemented across the board, will be a disaster. It can be done only in ac coaches and that too during peak season. It won't earn much revenue since over 90 per cent passengers travel in non-ac unreserved and sleeper coaches. Lalu had successfully introduced dynamic pricing in Tatkal tickets but the measure attracted a lot of criticism. His successor, Mamata Banerjee, subsequently did away with it.

Railways also faces a backlog of vacancies: 1,26,044 posts in the safety category and 14,896 for unmanned level crossings across the country. These include vacancies for top posts such as member (traffic) and a dozen general managers. There aren't even enough people to man ticket counters at a premier station like New Delhi. Railwaymen are increasingly looking at greener pastures. More than 50 officers have quit in the past two years. Companies like Larsen & Toubro, Adani Group and Reliance are the favoured destinations.

Dinesh Trivedi and Mamata Banerjee Back on TrackRailway Minister Dinesh Trivedi's recipe for change Set-up a Stations Authority of India (SAI) on the lines of the Airports Authority of India. No mention of source of funds for the proposed SAI. ARailway Safety Board on the lines of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation to prevent accidents. Out-of-the-box thinking as increasing passenger fares can backfire politically on Government. Designer uniforms for the driver and co-driver of the train so that they can take pride in their job. Two expert committees have been set up-one under Sam Pitroda on modernising Railways and a Safety Review Committee under Anil Kakodkar, former chairman of Atomic Energy Commission.

Rail Bhavan officials say there is simply no question of expanding services and improving passenger amenities. Railways has failed to put in any money into the Development Fund, which is meant towards better services and amenities. No money has gone into the Depreciation Reserve Fund, meant for track renewal, gauge conversion and signal modernisation, either. The Railway Safety Fund and the Capital Fund are both empty. Trivedi's predecessor, Mamata, failed to fulfil her 2010-2011 Budget promise of floating capital bonds to generate revenue for the Capital Fund.

 

 

"With contractors not getting their payments, all work is piling up," said a railway official. Mamata's Budget announcement of constructing 1,000 km of new line every year has also not materialised. Even the 500 km constructed over the last two years is not operational. Work on enhancing capacity of the three platforms handling suburban train traffic at Chennai station has been suspended. Lifts at Ahmedabad station couldn't be installed as the division ran out of money. Trivedi wanted the railway hospital near New Delhi Railway Station to be upgraded but hasn't been able to spare Rs.5 crore needed for it.

Safety is a big casualty as corners are cut. Even routine track patrolling is suffering. Track maintenance, replacement of over-aged assets and signalling system is being neglected. Safety projects like anti-collision devices (SCDS), envisaged in 2001, have been put on the back burner even though over 300 people have lost their lives in train accidents since May 2009.

A concerned PMO has sought a detailed safety plan from Railways. Rail Bhavan sources say the requirement is to the tune of Rs.70,000 crore. Rail Bhavan sources say they will now seek a generous grant from the exchequer outside the Rail Budget.

The list of reneged promises, first under Mamata Banerjee and now her successor and close aide Trivedi, is becoming longer by the day.

Read more at: http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/indian-railways-rs-3000-cr-deficit-passenger-fare-hike/1/158704.html

5 Powerful food that lower your Blood pressure.

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5 Powerful Foods that Lower Your Blood Pressure
Are you eating enough of these 5 amazing foods that help reduce high blood pressure?
by Frank Mangano
Consumer Health Advocate
Author of the popular book:  Blood Pressure Miracle
Did you know that stroke and coronary heart disease still remain to be on the list of the top three main causes of death in the USA?  It's time to take your health seriously so you don't fall victim to these!
What is High Blood Pressure and how does this come into play?
According to the National Institute for Health, blood pressure levels of 140/90 mmHg or more can be classified as hypertension.
The worst part about having high blood pressure is that the condition can sometimes be present without any symptoms and before we know it, the damage is already extensive. Serious problems that have been associated with high blood pressure include kidney failure, heart attack, heart failure and stroke.
What are the Risk Factors Associated with High Blood Pressure?
Blood pressure can be influenced by a lot of factors – age, race, family history, tobacco use, sedentary lifestyle, diet, binge drinking, and stress levels. Chronic conditions such as sleep apnea, diabetes and high cholesterol levels can also precipitate the development of hypertension.
What can You Do to Lower Blood Pressure?
You don't need potentially dangerous drugs to control and reduce your blood pressure. Controlling blood pressure levels could be as simple as doing lifestyle modifications and eating healthier.
If you are a smoker, quit. If you drink heavily, try to practice self-control. At work, take the stairs instead of the elevator. And if you have been obsessed with sweet, sugary foods as well as processed fast-food meals, then modify your eating habits as well. Learn to eat the right kinds of food before it's too late.
Below are 5 of my top picks for powerful foods that could help you lower your blood pressure levels:
1. Artichokes
The use of artichokes has been implicated in the lowering of cholesterol levels in the blood. Since hypercholesterolemia is one of the risk factors for high blood pressure, this information is actually good news.  Three clinical trials conducted separately by Dr. Barbara Wider supports this fact. In Cochrane Database of Systemic Reviews’ October 2009 issue, where the result of the study was published, it was shown that patients who were diagnosed with hypercholesterolemia and given Artichoke leaf extract exhibited a decrease in their blood cholesterol levels.
Artichokes taste amazing steamed (generally steam for about 1 hour) and then dip each piece into a mixture of olive oil, grass-fed butter, and garlic.  Delicious!
2.  Bananas
A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine says that incorporating bananas in your day-to-day meals can actually cut stroke-related deaths by as much as 40 percent. A 1997 study at Johns Hopkins University recommended eating at least five bananas daily to achieve the desired effect, and that is to lower elevated blood pressure levels. However, a study conducted by Indian researchers at the Kasturba medical college revealed that people who eat two bananas a day, for one whole week, can lower their blood pressure levels by 10 percent.
Bananas are rich in potassium, which is responsible for the proper functioning of the heart.  It works with sodium to maintain balance of the body’s fluids, which is an important factor in the regulation of blood pressure.

3.  Beets
A research study conducted by scientists from Barts and The London School Medicine revealed that simply drinking one 500 ml glass of beetroot juice each day can produce astounding health benefits, especially to the heart.
Beetroot juice has been found to lower high blood pressure levels. Professors Amrita Ahluwalia and Ben Benjamin, from the William Harvey Research Institute and Peninsula Medical Center, respectively, led the research efforts, which revealed that the consumption of dietary nitrate that is found in beetroot has BP-lowering effects in as fast as 1 hour after ingestion, with the effect lasting for up to 24 hours. The result of the study was published in the March 2008 issue of Hypertension.
You can try beetroot juice, or also try baked beets sliced on salads or as a side dish to dinner.

4.  Cocoa
A study conducted by researchers from Germany’s University Hospital of Cologne revealed that cocoa can significantly lower high blood pressure levels. Study results were published in the Archives of Internal Medicine. The beneficial heart effects of cocoa are attributed to its flavonoid content, specifically procyanids.
Because cocoa is most commonly found in chocolate, people falsely assume that eating a lot of chocolate could be good for the health. Keep in mind that cocoa in chocolates have undergone a lot of processing, and it has been mixed with loads of sugar, so this is not totally healthy. The best way to take advantage of the health benefits offered by cocoa is to choose raw cacao – it is good for the heart, the brain and the liver.  Raw cacao nibs go great in smoothies!  Also use organic cocoa powder in smoothies or homemade hot cocoa sweetened with stevia instead of sugar.

5.  Garlic
Researchers from South Australia’s University of Adelaide have conducted studies, which provide solid proof that the consumption of garlic can indeed help lower elevated blood pressure levels. Garlic supplements in powder form were given and results revealed that it produced a reduction in systolic blood pressure. Garlic has been known all over the world as a very important herb, especially with its heart-protecting capabilities. It helps lower blood cholesterol levels and prevents blood from forming clots (which could lead to heart attack and stroke).
Furthermore, the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences journal has published the results of a laboratory test showing how garlic juice can lead to a decrease in blood pressure levels. Eating the equivalent of 2 cloves of garlic each day can significantly contribute to the health of the heart.
Check this out to discover over 37 additional herbs, spices, and powerful foods that KILL high blood pressure.
 
Courtesy---www.Truth About Abs.com

KEEP TABS ON LIFESTYLES OF OFFICIALS:CBI

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The central Bureau of investigation (cbi)has asked the vigilance wings of various central governament departments, banks,public sector units and the railways to prepare an "agreed list" of corrupt officials,points of corruption in departments and undesired contact men.

speaking to vigilance officials on saturday,CBI Joint Director V.V.Lakshminarayana said that they must keep a tab on the lifestyles of officials and must also block the points of corruption.

"While we are unable to keep a check on the agreed list due to shortage of man power,we should not post them(officials on the list) in sensitive places and points of corruption," he said.

"Lists of undesirable contact men moving in departments that involve middlemen shall be prepared and officials will be asked to be cautious about them," Mr.Lakshminarayana added.

CBI Joint Director,stressing on the needs of surprise checks in government offices, said," During my college and school days we used to hear about the then chief minister N.T.Rama Rao conducting surprise checks on hospitals at midnight.NTR's checks had put lot of fear among corrupt officials.We should do such kind of surprise checks in departments to prevent corruption."He added that CBI has decided to conduct joint surprise checks along with the departments.

Mr.Lakshminarayana said that in departments like railways there was the possibility of corruption in the tendering process and for banks it was housing loans.

SOURCE: DECCAN CHRONICLE

e-Payment portal Inagurated to-day

Vigilance control device installed in locos

safety aspect: Vigilance control device fitted in an Alco type diesel locomotive at the Diesel Loco Shed in Tiruchi . — Photo:M.Moorthy 

 

 

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Today's Paper » NATIONAL » TAMIL NADU

TIRUCHI, October 26, 2011

R.Rajaram

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In a major step aimed at enhancing rail safety and preventing accidents, Southern Railway authorities have embarked on the task of installing Vigilance Control Device (VCD) in all non-micro processor controlled ‘Alco' type diesel locomotives.

The micro controller based multi-resetting stand alone VCD is a safety device that will keep the Loco Pilots in a state of high alert throughout the journey. The VCD have so far been fitted in 16 out of the 40 diesel locomotives housed in the Diesel Loco Shed, Tiruchi. They are being installed in locos hauling mail and express trains. Eighty four VCDs have till now been distributed to the Southern Railway Zone. 

Connected to the electrical power supply and air brake systems in the engine, the VCD installed right front of the Loco Pilot provides cyclic alert to the driver once in 60 seconds and applies penalty brakes in the 95{+t}{+h}second if the per-defined warnings are ignored by the Loco Pilot, railway officials here told The Hindu .

Railway officials say a loco pilot carries out any one of the operations such as pressing the horn button; application of formation brake; increasing or decreasing the level of dynamic brake; changing the notch position and throttle; operation of sanding valves and pressing the VCD reset switch while on journey. Explaining the functioning of the VCD, railway officials say the LED lamp in the safety device would start blinking after 60 seconds if the driver remains idle without performing any of the above operations. 

The LED lamp would keep blinking for 17 seconds to alert the driver. If the Loco Pilot fails to perform any of these operations or acknowledge the VCD warning, the device would then give a buzzer sound for the next 17 seconds to caution the driver.

If the warnings are still ignored, the VCD will apply penalty brakes. The DMR (Dead Man Relay) valve is de-energised to reduce the engine speed to idle and the governor cuts off fuel supply leading to the stoppage of the entire formation. 

The penalty brakes can be released only after 34 seconds of time and the throttle handle should be brought to idle, says a senior railway official. The VCD automatically resets the alerting cycle when the pre-defined locomotive operations are on or when the reset switch of the device is pressed, the official added.

( all over in India - this vigilance device is installed )

APPLICABILITY OF MINIMUM PAY / STEPPING UP OF PAY-CLARIFICATION BY MINISTRY OF RAILWAY.

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Please go through this letter. Many employees in your depots  can get benefit

.

SBT Staff Union calls for withdrawal of PFRDA Bill

The three-day national conference of state bank of  travancore staff union  which held on Monday, in a resolution urged the Union government to withdraw the Provident Fund Regulation and Development Authority (PFRDA) Bill-2011 for participatory pension scheme to government employees.

It said if the Bill was passed, government employees who joined service after 2004 would not be eligible for the existing Central government employees' pension. This would also deprive the employees of Provident Fund and Gratuity benefits.

Under the new Bill, the government employees would have to join the participatory pension scheme as against the existing pension scheme based on basic salary and Dearness Allowance (DA).

The Bill is also for handing over the pension fund to private financiers that will be disastrous as there is no guarantee that the money would be returned to ensure reasonable pension to the retiring government employees, the resolution said.The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011 is being introduced in Parliament to provide for the establishment of a statutory Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) to promote old age income security by establishing, developing and regulating pension funds, to protect the interests of subscribers of various pension fund schemes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011 was introduced in the Lok Sabha on 24 March, 2011 and the same has been referred to the Standing Committee on Finance on 29 March, 2011 for examination and report thereon.

The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority Bill, 2011, inter alia, provides for:
(a) establishing a statutory regulatory body to be called the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority which will undertake promotional, developmental and regulatory functions in respect of pension funds;

(b) empowering the PFRDA to regulate the National Pension System, as amended from time to time;
(c) empowering the PFRDA to perform promotional, developmental and regulatory functions relating to pension funds (including authorizing and regulating intermediaries) through regulations or guidelines, prescribing the disclosure standards, protecting the interests of subscribers to schemes of pension funds;
(d) authorizing the PFRDA to levy fees for services rendered, etc., to meet its expenses;
(e) empowering the PFRDA to impose penalties for any violation of the provisions of the legislation, rules, regulations, etc.

Originally, the Bill was prepared by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), in 2005. But it was brought by the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government led by the Congress in 2007. It could not be presented in Parliament as it was opposed by the Left parties on whose support the UPA government then survived. But now the Bill is brought by the UPA government with the support of the BJP.

Train driver held in accident case ( THE HINDU NEWS )

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News » States » Tamil Nadu

CHENNAI, October 14, 2011  S. Vijay Kumar

 

The Railway Police on Thursday arrested A. Rajkumar, driver of a suburban train that met with an accident near Arakkonam on September 13, under Section 304 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) of the IPC, police sources said. 

The Chennai Beach-Vellore Cantonment Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) rammed the Arakkonam-Katpadi passenger train near the Chitheri railway station in Vellore district, which left 11 persons dead and several others injured. 

After documentary and technical evidence revealed negligence of the driver, a special team led by Deputy Superintendent of Police V. Ponram arrested Rajkumar at the Moore Market Complex when he was about to board a train to Avadi on Thursday evening, the sources said. 

Adequate evidence

 

According to the Inspector General of Police (Railways) Sunil Kumar, investigators had adequate evidence against the driver.

Though Rajkumar claimed that he had crossed the signal in green, investigation and statement of experts proved there was no possibility of the signal turning green as there was another train moving in the section. His claim that he had not used the phone were proved wrong by call details records. 

Mr. Kumar said there was standing instruction that train drivers should not use their mobile phones while on duty unless in case of an emergency. 

“In this case, he was speaking with his friend on personal matters. He might have crossed the red signal either deliberately or due to distraction caused by the use of mobile phone.” 

Police investigated all angles, including the possibility of sabotage. “We examined many railway officials and recorded their statements. Southern Railway extended good cooperation by sharing information,” he said. 

An investigator said that the accident was a clear case of negligence. The driver was speaking on phone just before the accident. 

Instead of slowing down on seeing the signal in yellow, he crossed it at high speed (about 97 kmph). He then jumped the red signal and rammed the passenger train that was moving slowly. 

Rajkumar was produced in court at Arakkonam and has been lodged in Vellore Central Prison, the sources said. 

Keywords: Arakkonam train tragedy, driver arrest, Railway Police

Some more trains cancelled or diverted..

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 In view of the rail roko called by TAJC  between October 15 to October 17  , some of the trains have been  partially cancelled / diverted . The passenger holding confirmed ticket of trains that have been partially diverted / cancelled or fully cancelled are advised by railways authority to apply for refund on the IRCTC  web site www.irctc.co.in

 DC CORRESPONDENT/HYDERABAD . OCT.14

RBE No. 134/2011 -- Dated 30-09-2011 , PRODUCTIVITY LINK BONUS OF RAILWAY WILL BE PAID IN PRIORITY...

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careless-those.

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Anup Ghosh

8:24pm Sep 28

yesterday, One of the cl-ass 1 LP From MB Division Died During Duty on 13308 Kissan Exp...The Senior ADRM & DME & Loco Inspector were travelling in the Loco...LP Told them that He is not feeling well & want to have treatment at Rampur....But ADRM & DME did`n let him out from the loco at Rampur....They told him that He can get treatment at Bareilly jun.. they informed the Doctor of BE stn....At BE stn, LP got out from the loco & laid down on a bench, after that no one did`n came expect only a "JHOLA CHAAP" Pharmacist....The LP died on that Bench after suffering for 2 hrs.....The Loco Inspector had drive that train From MB to BE.....Now all the LP of MB & BE r going to do a strike against ADRM & DME & Loco Inspector......Their demands r 

1.Put a FIR against ADRM & DME & Loco Inspector

2.Loco inspectors r not allowed to drive a train or Loco, so loco inspector have to give clarification to DRM of MB division.

3.The Doctor of BE stn. should be suspended..(He was gone with his wife on a dinner, while LP was suffering to death on the BE stn.)

But the senior railway official is matter ko Dabaane ki koshish kar rahe hai.....

Signal error caused train accident?

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Kalyan Gaddameedi 7:36pm Sep 21 Investigation Into Arakkonam Collision Focuses On ‘Signal Flew Back Error’ Arun Janardhanan TNN Chennai:After blaming the EMU driver for the Sitheri train collision that killed ten people last Tuesday, investigating railway officers are now studying the probability of a momentary malfunctioning of the signaling system. They call it the ‘signal flew back error.’ Sources said the last signal the Chennai-Vellore Cantonment EMU--which rammed the rear end of the Arakkonam-Katpadi passenger train--passed might have shown green for a few seconds, while in real it should have been red. A ‘signal flew back error’ is when the system shows a wrong signal and turns to the right signal in a few seconds. “The driver might have seen the wrong signal, and by the time the signal corrected itself, the engine would have passed it,” the official said. According to railway’s first inquiry report on the Sitheri accident, signals between Arakkonam and Sitheri had shown the right colours. “We found that the signals after Arakkonam station showed ‘attention’ (double yellow) and ‘caution’ (single yellow) alerts as a passenger train was on hold about 7km ahead on the same line. But the last signal is suspected to have shown green due to the error, and the driver might have increased the speed,” the official said. An official in the signal and communication department of Southern Railway said lightning or minor glitches in the network can cause such an error. “From the data we have collected from all the signals along the stretch, it looks like a system error is probable. The driver has had enough experience and seemingly no intention to commit an accident,” said a higher official of Southern Railway. Officials compare it with a recent train accident near Beijing in China where a bullet train ploughed into the back of another that had stopped due to a signal error. “There the signaling device malfunctioned due to lightning and failed to turn from green to red,” said the official. A day after the accident, A Rajkumar, motorman of the EMU, had told TOI from his hospital bed that he did not violate signals. Later, he told railway investigating officers that the first three signals were yellow, but the last one showed green. This, he has reportedly told officers, was when he increased the speed. Officials, who initially blamed him for the disaster, are now taking his statement seriously as the ‘signal flew back error’ theory has gained credence. Additional divisional railway manager John Thomas said commissioner of railway safety S K Mittal is going through the signal records. The inquiry report is expected to be out in four days.

Arakkonam rail mishap

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Anup Ghosh posted in All India Loco Running Staff.

Anup Ghosh The departmental probe into the Arakkonam rail mishap that claimed 10 lives began on Friday, with the recording of statements including that of MEMU driver Rajkumar, whose actions have come under the scanner after the preliminary report suggested “human error”. “We have already seen him (Rajkumar) in the hospital. He is injured, he is able to speak partly,” Commissioner of Railway Safety, S.K. Mittal, said. “All the evidences will be examined in proper detail, all the witnesses will be examined and we will submit the report quite early,” he said. Southern Railway has asked the public to come forward and give evidence till Saturday if they have any knowledge relating to the accident on Tuesday when the Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) train rammed into a stationery passenger train. Rajkumar’s evidence assumes significance in the wake of railway authorities saying the driver of the MEMU train had jumped a few signals and ignored speed restrictions. Union Railway Minister Dinesh Trivedi had announced a comprehensive probe to ascertain if the accident occurred due to human error or technical fault. Railway Board Chairman Vinay Mittal had said that according to preliminary report it could be a human error. “The driver (of MEMU train) apparently had passed a few signals at yellow and a few at red also and has collided with the passenger train waiting for signal clearance at a speed in excess of 90 km per hour. Apparently just before the impact he jumped out of the train,” Southern Railway General Manager Deepak Krishan had said.

RAILWARS SAFETY PANEL.................

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DACCAN CRONICAL NEWS..ON 17-09-2011 

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Anup Ghosh posted in All India Loco Running Staff.

Anup Ghosh 9:05pm Sep 9 The first ever air conditioned double-Decker train is likely to be launched shortly on the Howrah-Dhanbad route as it has obtained all necessary clearances from the Chief Commissioner Railway Safety (CCRS) after successful trial runs. "The problems encountered during trial runs like coaches touching the edge of the platform have been sorted out and the Howrah-Dhanbad AC double-Decker train with eight coaches would be flagged off soon," said a senior Railway Ministry official. The train will have complete sitting accommodation with each coach having a capacity of 128 passengers as compared to 78 passengers in Shatabdi chair cars, thus increasing the sitting space by almost 70 per cent. Though the AC double-Decker coaches are designed to run between 130 km and 160 km per hour, CCRS clearance has been given to run the train between 100 km and 110 km per hour. While the width of normal coach is 3,245 MM, AC double- decker coach has 3,135 MM width. "The kinetic profile of double-Decker coaches were infringing upon certain platforms during the initial trial runs. That is why those platforms were being modified on Howrah-Dhanbad route," he said. The official added that railways conducted successful trial runs after the modification of platforms and space for the two decks has been generated by optimally using the well space between the two bogies. The fare structure and timings of the first AC double-Decker train are being worked out, he said.

Railway Recruitment Policy

Functioning of Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) has been reviewed in October 2009 and instructions for streamlining the working of Railway Recruitment Boards have already been issued in order to make the system of recruitment more transparent and fair. Under the new methodology, examination for the particular post will be held on the same date simultaneously by all the Railway Recruitment Boards and in addition to Hindi, Urdu and English, the question papers shall be set in local languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India falling within the jurisdiction of that Railway Recruitment Board. Fee for Railway Recruitment examinations has also been waived for women candidates, minorities candidates and candidates belonging to economically backward classes having annual family income of less than Rs. 50,000/- 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri K. H. Muniyappa in written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today. 

Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2011

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Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2011

            The Union Public Service Commission will be conducting the Combined Defence Services Examination (II), 2011 at 41 Centres throughout the country on 18.09.2011 (Sunday).  Admission Certificates to the candidates have been dispatched.  Letters of rejection to the candidates stating reason(s) for rejection have also been issued.  If any applicant has not received any of the above mentioned communication, he/she may contact UPSC Facilitation Counter on Telephone Nos.011-23385271, 011-23381125, or 011-23098543 on working days.  The candidates can also send FAX Message on Fax No. 011-23387310.

            Information regarding venue of the examination is also available at the Union Public Service Commission’s website at http://www.upsc.gov.in.  The eligible candidates who have not received the Admission Certificates may download the “Venue Information” from the above mentioned website and use is for appearing in the examination.  The candidates intending to appear in the examination using downloaded “Venue Information” are advised to carry three identical photographs (each photograph for each session), otherwise they may not be allowed to take the examination.  They should also carry proof of their identity such as Identity card, Election Identity Card, Driving License etc. to the venue of Examination.

Railways take Steps to Prevent Misuse of Tatkal Scheme

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Railways take Steps to Prevent Misuse of Tatkal Scheme

With a view to reduce the scope for misuse of Tatkal scheme, the following steps have been taken:- 

i) Access to Tatkal booking on all days and normal booking on the opening g day of reservation through e-tickets by the Travel Agents/Web-service agents/Web Agents of Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has been disabled between 0800 a.m. and 09.00 a.m. 

ii) It has been made mandatory to produce any one of the prescribed identity cards (in original) during the journey by any one of the passengers booked on a Tatkal ticket. 

iii) Instructions have also been issued that Senior Divisional Commercial Managers/Divisional Commercial Managers should conduct regular inspections of Reservation offices and also personally inspect passenger Reservation System (PRS) offices during the opening hours and take immediate steps to check the routing activities. 

In addition, the following two safeguards already exist in the Tatkal Scheme:- 

• Tatkal Refund Rules are stringent to reduce chances of its misuse

. • Change of name facility is not available under the Scheme. 

This information was given by the Minister of State for Railways Shri Bharatsinh Solanki in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.

Deep cruelty

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 It  is deep cruelty among police men in Uttar pradesh.How they are beating a prisoner
Cortesy-Daccan chronical /dated-23-08-2011

Anna Hazares message to the Nation for 15th and 16th August.

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To: 

Members in Support Anna Hazare against corruption!                                           

Corruption in India must stop NOW!!

  My Dear Fellow Indians,

A decisive battle against corruption has begun. We are not against any political party. We want systemic reforms. We want a corruption-free India. After all, what are the people asking for – a strong anti-corruption law which provides for honest and time-bound investigations and trials that result in jail for the guilty, confiscation of embezzled money and their dismissal from service? Are we asking too much? For two months, we were talking to the government. Government seems unwilling to take even small steps against corruption. Government appears insincere. We have met all prominent political leaders. We have tried everything. What do we do now? When I announced my indefinite fast from 16th August, the government threatened that they would crush us the way they crushed Baba Ramdev's peaceful agitation. Friends, this is a historic opportunity. We can't afford to lose it. We are determined to fight to the end. If they arrest us, we will peacefully offer ourselves. If they use batons and bullets, we will happily lay down our lives but will not leave the place. We will not retaliate. It will be a completely non-violent movement. “If you fast on 16th August, you will be crushed” – this is what they are saying. “We will impose section 144 on Jantar Mantar” – this is what they are thinking. But I say that if every citizen in this country takes off from his work from 16th August, comes on the streets in front of his house, at the crossing, with a tricolor in his hands shouting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and raising slogans against corruption, they will fall short of batons and bullets. The government may arrest one Anna Hazare but how will they arrest 120 crore Anna Hazares? They may impose section 144 at one Jantar Mantar but will they impose section 144 on the whole country? And let me tell you – the police and army is with us. At traffic signals, policemen stop us, express their support and wish us well; at Raj Ghat, the policemen donated generously for the movement! So, will you take off from your work from 16 August? Will you descend on the streets with me? This year, the country will wait for 16th rather than 15th August. In solidarity,
thanks

Anna Hazare


“WHY GOVERNMENT'S LOKPAL IS DANGEROUS???”

Government's Lokpal is targeted against those who raise their voice against corruption rather than to punish the corrupt!

The government's Lokpal bill covers only about 0.5% of public servants, yet it brings under its ambit virtually every citizen's group and organization, registered or unregistered, meant to serve the social sector. This raises a pertinent question -- whom is the Lokpal really targeted at? There are more than 1.25 crore central and state government employees. Out of this merely 65,000 Group A Central Government employees would be covered in the government bill leaving out all the lower officers and staff. This effectively means that there is no remedy against corruption that a common person faces daily in police, roads, industry, licensing, transport, roadways, municipality, rations, health services, education, pension, provident funds, Panchayat, forest department, irrigation department, etc. On the other hand, Lokpal would have jurisdiction over ALL NGOs, trusts, societies like Resident Welfare Associations(RWAs), big or small, whether registered or unregistered, whether they receive government funding or not, up to the village level! For instance, consider a group of citizens that unearths corruption of the Sarpanch and Block Development officer (BDO) in a village. The government's Lokpal can't take any action against the Sarpanch or BDO but it CAN lock up the group of HONEST active CITIZENS. Each and every association, like Resident Welfare Associations, Market Associations, even your neighborhood committees that organize festivals like Durga Puja, Ramlila, etc. would be under the purview of Lokpal. While there is no disagreement that the rot of corruption is also afflicting many societies, associations and NGOs, there already exists a plethora of laws like the Trust Act, Societies Act, FCRA, etc. to monitor them. Lokpal was originally intended for checking corruption in public servants. Regardless, if it is being extended to all associations of civil society, then why shouldn't it also cover all companies, businesses, political parties, and media houses?

Government's Lokpal Provides Greater Protection to Corrupt!

Provisions in the government's Lokpal Bill heavily favour corrupt public servants. Under this bill, a public servant accused of corruption is allowed to turn around and file a lawsuit against the complainant accusing him of filing a frivolous complaint. The government will provide a free advocate to the accused to help prove the citizen was wrong, while the citizen has to fend for himself. If the complaint proves to be frivolous, the minimum sentence FOR THE CITIZEN is TWO YEARS. But if the corruption charges are proved, the minimum sentence for the public servant is just SIX MONTHS!

Will then any citizen dare raise a voice against corruption?

Anna Hazare