Assam State disabled employees getting raw deal

The disabled employees of the Assam Government have alleged that they are getting a raw deal from the Government and despite repeated requests, the concessions and benefits given to the Central Government employees are not given in the state as yet. The disabled employees made it clear that they are keen on working like any other employee and the only thing they want is certain privileges to overcome their disabilities.The State Government Disabled Employees’ Parishad recently submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister highlighting the discrepancies and sought his intervention in this regard. The Parishad had earlier submitted a memorandum to the Sixth State Pay Commission enlisting their demands but most of the demands were not granted by the Commission.The Parishad, in the memorandum to the Chief Minister, said that the 6th Central Pay Commission provided disability allowance of Rs 1,000 per month, but in case of State Government, the Pay Commission only granted the same allowance of Rs 500 per month.The memorandum said that the child care allowance for the disabled employees should be increased to Rs 2000 from Rs 500 and the quota in the State Government jobs for disabled persons in Government jobs should be increased from three percent to six percent. The memorandum said that the interest subsidy of four percent recommended for disabled persons to procure disabled friendly vehicles is not at all adequate as the cost of such vehicles is much higher due to the modifications required.Members of the Parishad said that in its memorandum to the 6th State Pay Commission, it had demanded several other concessions required for the disabled persons but most of the demands were not met. The Parishad demanded that the disabled employees should be exempted from professional tax and the disabled persons should be provided with quarters near their work place. If the Government is not able to provide quarters to the disabled employees near the work place, they should be provided additional house rent allowance, the Parishad demanded. The Parishad further demanded that the disabled employees should be given 24 casual leaves a year instead of 15 and they should be exempted from certain duties like election duties. The disabled employees should be provided LTC in every two years to enable them to go for regular medical check up outside the state and they should be allowed to travel in ASTC buses at concessional rates. But the Parishad alleged that most of the demands are not met by the State Government and the Pay Commission also failed to make such recommendations.

GUWAHATI, Jan 7 –

Source URl:-http://www.assamtribune.com/scripts/details.asp?id=jan0810/at012

Private gratuity limit set to go up

The Centre is planning to raise the ceiling for the payment of gratuity to private sector employees to Rs 10 lakh from Rs 3.5 lakh, bringing them on a par with their government peers.
The Union cabinet, scheduled to meet on Saturday, is likely to take a decision on the proposal of the labour ministry.
The move, which has been in the pipeline for several months, follows the Sixth Pay Commission’s recommendation to raise the limit for central government employees.
The cabinet’s approval will ensure equal gratuity benefits for both government and private employees.
Gratuity is a statutory benefit governed by the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972. Under the act, an employer must pay employees a certain amount if they leave their jobs after at least five years. The sum is 15 days of salary — the base is the last drawn income — for every year of service subject to a limit of Rs 3.5 lakh.
Trade unions had been demanding a higher ceiling for the private sector. Some trade unions had also insisted against fixing any upper ceiling, but the labour ministry said this would put a burden on the employers, sources said.
The ministry had held consultations with various stakeholders on raising the ceiling, the sources said.
The gratuity act applies to factories and other establishments employing 10 or more people.
Since gratuity is an income, an employee has to pay taxes on it. However, gratuity up to Rs 3.5 lakh is exempted under the provisions of Section 10(10) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
During the last session of Parliament, the Centre had amended the gratuity act to clarify the definition of an employee. According to the new law, anybody who is earning a wage is characterised as an employee and is liable to receiving gratuity. Teachers were brought within the ambit of the act in the last session of Parliament, providing benefit to over 60 lakh teachers.
During the budget session, the government plans to bring a comprehensive bill to broaden the scope of gratuity benefits to cover unorganised labour

New Delhi, Jan. 7:

SOurce URL:- http://www.telegraphindia.com/1100108/jsp/business/story_11957772.jsp

6th pay meet In INMPHAL

In connection with the State Government's decision to implement recommendations of the 6th Pay Commission from April, the Under Secretary (PIC) has convened a meeting with officials of seven departments on January 11 .The departments intimated for the meeting include Sericulture, Transport, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, IPR, MOBC, Planning and Adult Education.

Imphal, January 07 2010:

Source: The Sangai Express

Source URl:-http://www.e-pao.net/GP.asp?src=Snipp10..080110.jan10

Pay Hike Consequences in IMPHAl

The state cabinet’s decision yesterday to pay its employees per the 6th Pay Commission’s recommendation is commendable but we hope the government has taken care it has the means to do this. The whole state has witnessed what it can mean to not care about this in the wake of the 5th Pay Commission and the then government’s decision to implement it without first closely checking its bank balance is adequate to meet what it promised. Granted even the last government was forced into doing what it did by striking employees who stopped all services, including quite atrociously very essential ones. Those of us already in the news business at the time, and by the call of the profession had to follow events during those troubled times blow by blow, would remember having even to watch the momentous event in the sporting history of Manipur – that of Ngangom Dingko, winning the Asian boxing title – on televisions in homes or offices which possessed generator sets. Fortunate for the media, the generator is an essential accessory of the business. Probably the present government is trying to avoid such a situation, and probably its promise too still does not have the assurance of monitory support from the Centre and it is acting only on a presumption this support would have to come sometime or the other.But if the strike by state employees demanding pay hike at a par with Central employees was bad the last time around, the consequences of conceding to pay outside of means was no less disastrous. It was literally a case of jumping out of the frying pan into the fire. Until the next Finance Commission took care of the rather intimidating budgetary shortfall, the state was literally in hell. Government salaries were held up for as many as six months at a time, pension queues outside banks were a perennial pitiful sights, the state government’s credit balance at the RBI made banner headlines in local newspapers, clearance of bills for government contracts job remained inordinately delayed, living on credit became a norm, the market lost practically all its liquidity for government salaries form the major share of the money circulating in it, and although no real survey was ever done, there probably would have been a number of small subsistent businesses which were unable to absorb the shock and had had to close shops. The scenario was reportedly the same in many other states. Reports in the media at the time, including a cover story by India Today, if we recall correctly, said 15 state governments were either broke or were on the verge of it. These included among others, West Bengal and Maharashtra. The crucial difference however was that the shock on the people because of the government going broke in Maharashtra for instance was not the same as the government going broke in Manipur. This is so because in the former, there is a self sustaining economy outside of the government and this independent economy although obviously hit hard, would not be in any immediate danger of being destroyed. The same could not have been said of Manipur, and cannot still be said.

Source: IMPHAL FREE PRESSPosted: 2010-01-08

Source URl:-http://www.kanglaonline.com/index.php?template=headline&newsid=2300&typeid=0

Cricket: Pakistan coach wants separate squad for T20

Pakistan coach Intikhab Alam has joined the chorus with captain Muhammad Yousuf in blaming the Twenty20 format for the Sydney debacle and advocated the need for a separate squad for the shortest version of the game."I see a bleak future for Test cricket as far as Pakistan is concerned as the rise of Twenty20 cricket is ruining our standards in Pakistan," he said after Pakistan lost the three-match Test series against Australia, who snatched a remarkable 36-run victory over the visitors."The way I see it, the best solution is to have a separate T20 squad because when you play too much T20 cricket, it leads to players losing the skills of patience and temperament to play long innings and stay at the crease that is required in Test matches," he said.
Karachi, Jan 8 (PTI)
STAFF WRITER 15:13 HRS IST
Source URl :-http://www.ptinews.com/news/458732_Cricket--Pakistan-coach-wants-separate-squad-for-T20

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Honda Launches Entry Level Small Car at the 2010 Delhi Auto Expo

Honda encourages us to think big with its ‘New Small Concept‘. The sharp-looking new super mini, aimed specifically at the Asian markets, was launched at the 2010 New Delhi Motor Show in India earlier this week. The all-new mini car is designed by Honda Siel Cars India Ltd, the Indian wing of the Japanese auto maker. The concept looks comfy and stylish, and it will form the basis for the new model set to go on sale in India and Thailand in 2011. Honda’s introduction of the new mini car can be attributed as a direct result of Toyota’s move to introduce Etios, its economy entry level car.
Image Credit : Auto Express
Looks wise, the new mini car from Honda is a definite keeper. The blacked out A-pillars give the impression of a wrap around windscreen, while the shapely tapered rear window enriches the dynamic profile. The concept sure rates as one among the most stylish cars in its class, thanks to a feast of slashes and creases in its bodywork. The low end car prices from Honda would slot the ’small car’ at around the 5,00,000 INR ($11,000+) range.
Image Credit : Auto Express
The car uses a wide platform, and according to the car’s designers this is to ensure that the car will be stable while traversing the bends, and to also provide ample room for at least five persons inside the cabin. According to sources at Honda, when the car goes on sale in 2011 the goal is to provide a compact and affordable family vehicle beyond the expectations of customers in emerging markets. Currently Honda has no plans to launch the mini car in the U.S. or UK market.
SOurce Url :-http://www.nitrobahn.com/conceptz/autoshows/honda-launches-entry-level-small-car-at-the-2010-delhi-auto-expo/

Vivek Oberoi launches Dilip Chhabria's Imperator at Auto Expo 2010

Dilip Chhabria, internationally acclaimed automotive designer, in association with renowned DY Patil Group, today announced the launch of India’s unique institution for Automotive Studies – the DYP – DC Center for Automotive Research and Studies at the Auto Expo 2010 in New Delhi.
Celebrated actor Vivek Oberoi unveiled the first car from DYP-DC Center for Automotive Research and Studies designed specially by Mr. Dilip Chhabria. The car is an audacious mid-engine concept purportedly to generate a new segment where a SUV need not be boxy and rugged but sexy and sensual. It is a visual treat whose goal is to spawn a new design direction and segment.
The DYP-DC Center is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and is spread over an area of 100 acres in Lohegaon, Pune. The admission process for the academic year 2010–11 will commence from February 2010. The classes will begin from first week of August 2010.
Speaking on the need for an automotive design school in India, noted automotive designer and promoter of DC Designs Ltd, Dilip Chhabria, said: “Like love, design is a matter of the heart. We aim to develop skills that embody this coupled with business and manufacturing dynamics. A unique approach to ensure the non commoditization of skills across the board, it is a boon in view of the impending huge explosion of automotive growth in our part of the world where aspirations and low per capita penetration of the automobile will ensure it.”
"Dilip Chabria designed the Imperator and launched it at the Auto Expo 2010. Renowned actor Vivek Oberoi unveiled the first car designed by Dilip Chabria. The innovative, mid engine concept is set to start a new generation of SUVs with a sensual touch"
Mr. Ajinkya Patil, Chairman, DY Patil Group, said: “We are honoured to initiate one of finest institutions of India with Dilip Chhabria and promote DYP – DC Center for Automotive Research and Studies. It will be the worldwide centre of excellence in Automotive Studies that will develop informed designers, engineering and managers who can contribute their creative output and research to India’s Automotive Industry. With Dilip Chhabria as the mentor for the students and a set of highly qualified faculty from across the globe coupled with enabling infrastructure, we are confident of achieving our goal.”
It is one of those rare institutes which, right at its inception, start at the top. It is an exceptional combination of the educational legacy of DY Patil Group and legendary automotive styling expertise of Mr. Dilip Chhabria. The Center will be a premium interdisciplinary Automotive Design, Engineering and Management institution, thus covering all the domains within Automobile Industry. This is what makes it unique and first of its kind.
Dilip Chhabria will be the chief mentor at the DYP-DC Center and will drive its ethos, design philosophy and curriculum that are rooted in the actual industry practice. DYP – DC Center for Automotive Research and Studies will start with offering undergraduate and post-graduate course in automotive styling from August 2010. The course will be for a period of 3 years and 2 years respectively.
Another special feature of the DYP-DC Center is the “Center for Research”. Research is an extremely important component of any educational process. On one side research helps to augment the quality of education and on other side, it builds bridges with the industry and society. The main objective of Center for Research will be to promote and perform a broad range of world-class research to provide solutions to the automotive industry’s most-pressing challenges. The research spectrum would include: intelligent design, future of transportation, green materials, new materials, alternative fuels; sensors and actuators; safety systems; environmental impacts; vehicle design; and human factors / ergonomics.
Over the coming three years the Center would be offering a mix of undergraduate and post graduate specializations in Automotive Design, Engineering and Management. The eligibility criteria for admission are completion of XII for under graduate courses and graduation in any discipline for post-graduate courses. The intake will be carefully selected after a rigorous entrance examination and the perceived ability of student to create a positive difference to the automobile industry.
The DYP-DC Center will be the only leading resource for the automotive industry, where students as a part of their course will also design and build an actual car.

Url:- http://news.infibeam.com/blog/news/2010/01/07/vivek_oberoi_launches_dilip_chhabrias_imperator_at_auto_expo_2010.html

Tata To Introduce Nano In North America

Tata Technologies, a provider of engineering services outsourcing and product development IT services to global manufacturing industry, said that it will display Tata Nano for the first time in North America in Detroit on January 14, 2009. Tata Nano is the world's lowest price passenger car engineered by Tata Technologies and produced by Tata Motors in India.
Tata Nano was introduced at Delhi Auto Show in January 2009 and retails for about $2,500 in India. The model on display in Detroit is owned by Tata Technologies and is on loan from its Center for Advanced Engineering and Design in Pune, India.
Warren Harris, president and COO of Tata Technologies, said: “The innovative thinking that brought the Tata Nano to market is symbolic of what Tata Technologies has to offer the automotive industry. Tata Technologies was front-and-center in engineering and developing the Nano; working closely with Tata Motors and with a significant number of the Nano project suppliers.”
Kevin Fisher, head of global delivery at Tata Technologies, said: “Our work on the Nano is part of a sweeping wave of change within the automotive industry, the use of truly global engineering resources.”
Tata Technologies was involved from concept to launch on Nano project, working on the concept, advanced engineering, body-in-white, interior, exterior and also playing a role in approach taken to manufacturing.

Published:06-January-2010
By Staff Reporter
URl:-http://www.automotive-business-review.com/news/tata_to_introduce_nano_in_north_america_100106

WAGE REVISION IN BSNL

BIG ACHIEVEMENT - CONGRATULATIONS!
WAGE REVISION AGREEMENT REACHED - TO BE SIGNED ON 15-01-2010
In the wage Negotiation Committee meeting held today (07-01-2010), overall understanding
is reached on all major issues. The two major pending issues are settled as below:
1. Span of the Pay Scale
At present our existing Pay scales are having 15 years span. In the revised pay scales,
management initially proposed to fix 12 years span. But we achieved a great success and
now management has agreed to increase the span of the pay scales as below:
NE – 1 18 years. (All will get Promotion/Retirement before reaching 18 years Span.)
NE -2 to 4 21 Years
NE – 5 to 6 22 Years
NE – 7 to 11 21 Years.
This increase in the span of the pay scales will solve the problem of stagnation to a great
extent. We have sought for som e more improvement.
2. Uniform: Uniform will continue without any change.
The Draft of the Agreement will be given to staff side on 13
January and the Agreement will be signed on 15 January, 2010.
CONGRATUALATIONS TO ALL COMRADES!
A News from BSNLEU SITE

TARAK MEHATA KA ULTA CHASMA : Daya bhabhi wants to be BRIDE

Tarak Mehata ka ... is succefully running in SUB TV. and the main heroine of this serial is Daya bhabhi (Disha Vankani). Daya bhabhi of Tarak mehata ka.... are going to be merrage.
She registered her name in "BHAVASAR" cast Jivan Pasandgi Parichay Mela arranged in Ahmedabad Yesterday.she want to merrage in july 2010.
I want to merrage in my cast boy only thatswhy i registred my name " told disha.
she mention the dateil of her biodata in book published. she earn per month 25000 rs and height is 5ft 3inch and age is 31 years.