This blog is meant for use by members of the Association for news and views. Send comments / suggestions / views to e-mail Id: aiaipasp.ors@gmail.com

Saturday, September 29, 2012

World Heart Day 2012:-How to keep your child’s heart healthy

Helping your child become heart healthy is important to maintain his health in childhood and throughout adult life. Teaching a child healthy techniques will help him carry these techniques with him into adulthood, thereby cancelling any future health issues once he or she has left your care. Children who make heart healthy choices will decrease their chances of developing heart disease later in life.

First of all, get that oh-let-my-child-have-what-he-loves out of your head. He is a kid, not you; be very cautious about what is going down his food pipe. Stop spoiling his eating habits 


Include fruits and vegetables in your child's diet. Fruits and vegetables are high in fiber and fiber has been shown to provide you with nutrients that can protect your child against future heart disease. Make sure your child eats at least five, 1/2 cup servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Avoid adding sugar, dips or high fat spreads to your child's fruits and vegetables.


Exercise Kiddo!


Set aside time in your child's day for her to get exercise. Make sure the exercise is fun and enjoyable to her. Regular exercise is important to maintain a healthy heart. Encourage your child to get at least 60 minutes of physical activity a day.


Let them Jump Kick and Run...In fact you can join them too!


Participate in physical activity with your child. Watch your child's sporting events. Take walks as a family after dinner. Go on family bike rides during the weekend.


Cut Back on screen time


Avoid letting your child use the Internet, watch television or play video games for more than two hours a day. Help your child pick what they want to watch or play each day. Make them turn off the media after the two-hour time period.


Brushing


Get your child to take care of her teeth. Poor oral hygiene can contribute to the development of heart disease later in the child's life because the bacteria on your child's teeth and gums can get into the bloodstream and negatively affect the arteries. 



Make sure your child brushes her teeth in the morning and before going to bed. Help your child to floss on a daily basis. Ensure that your child attends regular checkups with the dentist.


Salt Less

Limit your child's salt intake. Consuming too much salt can put the child at risk for developing cardiovascular disease later in life, reports HelpGuide.org. Use spices instead of salt to add flavor to foods. Avoid giving your children processed, canned or frozen foods because these tend to have high salt contents.

Junk the Junk


Remove foods that are high in trans fats and saturated fats from your child's diet. Both these fats cause the bad cholesterol called LDL to increase. Foods that tend to be high in trans and saturated fats include chips, whole milk dairy products, red meat, solid fats and packaged foods. Replace the unhealthy fats with unsaturated fats that come from foods such as olive oil, beans, fish, nuts and avocados.


The Smaller the Better

Limit your child's portions to help him avoid overeating. Do not make your child eat everything on his plate if he says he is full.

Evade Tobacco exposure and stress

Smoking doesn't just happen. Its peer pressure, advertisements, machismo, adult role models. Set an example yourself by avoiding cigarettes. Talk about it to your children when they're at the age that they can comprehend and perhaps subconsciously engrain the idea that cigarettes are a no-no for their heart and lungs.

Source:-The Times of India

Kelkar Committee Report Uploaded on Finance Ministry Website to Invite Comments from all Sections of the People

On August 6, 2012, the Union Finance Minister Shri P.Chidambaram  had made a statement on the economic situation and on the policy measures that were under consideration of the Government. Referring to the fiscal situation, the Finance Minister had said:

        “We intend to unveil, shortly, a path of fiscal consolidation. I would like to make it clear           that the burden of fiscal correction must be shared, fairly and equitably, by different    classes of stakeholders. The poor must be protected and others must bear their fair share         of the burden. Obviously, adjustments must be made both on the revenue side and on the   expenditure side. We have asked Dr. Vijay Kelkar, Dr. Indira Rajaraman and Dr. Sanjiv         Misra to assist the Government in formulating the path of fiscal consolidation and we             expect that the work will be completed in a few weeks.”
        The aforesaid Kelkar Committee submitted its report on September 3, 2012.
       
The Committee has reached certain conclusions and has made a number of recommendations.

The main conclusion of the report is that “We cannot over-emphasize the need and the urgency of fiscal consolidation.”

    The report is under consideration of the Government and the Government has not yet taken a view on the report or on any of the recommendations.

    The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Arvind Mayaram said that some recommendations appear contrary to the declared objective of the Government of ‘sustained and inclusive growth’.  He said that the Government is of the view that in a developing country where a significant proportion of the population is poor, a certain level of subsidies is necessary and unavoidable, and measures must be taken to protect the poor and vulnerable sections of the society. It is in this view that the Government has reiterated its intention to implement the promise of food security for all, he added. The Secretary Shri Mayaram further said while taking a final view on the various recommendations of the report, the Government will bear in mind that the goal is to achieve high growth, inclusive development, and economic and social justice for all.

    The Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Shri Arvind  Mayaramsaid that the Government welcomes an informed debate on the report submitted by the Kelkar Committee. Hence, this report is being uploaded on the website of the Ministry of Finance at www.finmin.nic.in, he informedShri Mayaram said that the Government invites all sections of the people to send their comments to the email address: feedbackonkelkar-mof@nic.in.

Source-PIB

CHQ News:-DPC for promotion to JTS Gr. A cadre.

The CRs / APARs of about 146 Officers have already been called for and scrutinized at Directorate for convening DPC for promotion to JTS Gr. A cadre. The file is kept ready for convening DPC. The tentative date from UPSC is awaited. There are about 44 vacancies. 

Retirement on Superannuation

Shri Hadu Sethi, ASPOs(HQ), Berhampur Division, Berhampur is retiring  on 30.09.2012(A/N) on superannuation.

On the occasion of his retirement from Govt. Service, All India Association of Inspectors and Assistant Superintendents of Posts , Odisha Circle Branch bids him a respectful farewell and wishes him agood-health and peaceful life in his post-retirement days

Friday, September 28, 2012

Government says no ban on issue of new LPG connections

The government today said it has not banned issue of fresh cooking gas (LPG) connections and there was only a temporary three-week hiatus in new allotments pending elimination of duplicate connections.

State-owned oil firms are carrying out a massive nationwide exercise to eliminate users having multiple connections at the same addresses. Pending this, new allotments are on hold, an official said.

"When a customer applies for a new LPG connection, the gas distribution agency after scrutiny sends an intimation letter informing of the allotment being made. In all cases where such intimation letter has already been sent, new connections will be issued. That is a commitment," he said.

While new applications will continue to be accepted, the intimation or allotment letters would not be issued just yet.

"We are updating software at company end as well as at the gas agency end to take into account the recent decision of the government to restrict supply of subsidised LPG cylinders to six per household in a year. This will take minimum of three weeks," he said.

Also, there are four different prices of LPG now - one rate for the subsidised cylinder, one for extra bottles that a household may buy after exhausting the entitlement of six subsidised cylinders, one rate for charitable and other institution and fourth a commercial price for LPG used in establishments like hotels.

Besides, the oil firms are also eliminating duplicate connections -- only one LPG connection on one address is allowed and the rest are being disconnected.

"All this is taking some time and in the meanwhile oil companies will not issue allotment letters to new consumers," he said adding the entire process would take 20-25 days.

Source:-The Economic Times 

Implementation of Redesigned Network for First Class Mail-Sorting and Closing of bags by BPCs and MBCs handling Outward Bulk Mail

To view Department of Posts, Mail Business (Development & Operations) Division letter No.30-7/2012-D dated 28-9-2012 please Click here. 

PLI Mela scheduled to be held 28-10-2012 now postponed to 4-11-2012

Now, CO has issued corrigendum vide No.LI/Misc-2/09-10/Ch-IV dated 28-9-2012 regarding rescheduling of PLI Mela to 4-11-2012 which was earlier scheduled to be held 28-10-2012. 

CS writes to CPMG for postponement of PLI Mela scheduled to be held on 28-10-2012.


No.AIAIPASP/Corr-1/9/2012
Dated    28-09-2012
To
          Shri S.K. Chakrabarti
Chief Postmaster General
          Odisha Circle
Bhubaneswar-751001

Sub:-  Request for postponement of PLI Mela scheduled to be held in each Divisional Head Quarter of the Circle on 28-10-2012.    

Respected Sir,

As per C.O. Notice No.LI/Misc-2/09-10/Ch-IV dated 25-09-2012, one PLI Mela is scheduled to be held in each Divisional Head Quarter of the Circle on 28-10-2012.    

It is to mention that 22nd October, 24th October and 27th October, 2012 are Govt. Holidays for Mahastahami, Vijaya Dasami and Id-ul-Zuha respectively. Similarly, 23rd October and 29th October are restricted Holidays for Mahanavami and Laxmi Puja respectively. Organization of PLI Mela during the above period will definitely dampen the festive mood of the staff.  

I, on behalf of this Association, request you to kindly postpone the PLI Mela scheduled to be held in each Divisional Head Quarter of the Circle on 28-10-2012, so that all the Staff can utilize their valuable time during the holidays in enjoying the festival with their family.
I, on behalf of this Association, would also like to request you to explore the possibilities of holding the PLI Melas in working days in accordance with the repeated instruction issued in the matter by the Directorate recently.  
With profound regards,
Yours faithfully,

(Pitabasa Jena)
Circle Secretary
Copy to for kind information to:-
1.    Shri P.K. Bisoi, Postmaster General, Sambapur Region, Sambalpur-768001.
2.    Shri S.P. Rajalingam, PMG, Berhampur Region, Berhampur-760001.
3.    Shri Pawan Kumar Singh, DPS (BD & Tech), C.O, Bhubaneswar-751001.

(Pitabasa Jena)
Circle Secretary

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Levy of Service Tax on Transportation of Goods by Rail from 1st October 2012

In compliance of the provisions contained in Finance Bill 2010 and subsequent notifications issued by Ministry of Finance, the Service Tax in case of transportation of goods by rail, which was exempted upto 30th September 2012, would now be levied on total freight charges with effect from 1st October 2012. 

Since an abatement of 70% has been permitted on freight for the taxable commodities by the Ministry of Finance, the Service Tax will be charged on 30% of the total chargeable freight inclusive of all charges (like busy season charges, development charge etc.,) would be calculated as follows:- 

i) Service Tax of 12% will be charged on 30% of freight (equivalent to 3.6% on the total freight charges) 

ii) Education Cess of 2% on Service Tax will be added (equivalent to 0.072% on total freight) and 

iii) Higher Education Cess of 1% on Service Tax will also be added (equivalent to 0.036% on total freight) 

iv) Total Service Tax implication will be (i)+(ii)+(iii)=3.708% on the total freight charges. 

Certain commodities have been exempted from payment of service tax as per Ministry of Finance notification. The list of such commodities and further details on the modalities of levy and collection of Service Tax on transportation of goods by rail, may be ascertained from Indian Railways’ web site i.e. www.indianrailways.gov.in 

The amount of Service Tax collected by Railways would be deposited with the Ministry of Finance as per prescribed procedure. 

Source:-PIB

Levy of Service Tax on Railway Passengers Travelling in AC Class/First Class from 1st October 2012

In compliance of the provisions contained in Finance Bill 2012 and subsequent notifications issued by Ministry of Finance, the Service Tax in case of railway travel, which was exempted upto 30th September 2012, will be levied on the fare of passenger services in the following classes from 1st October 2012

(i) AC First Class, (ii) Executive Class, (iii) AC-2 tier Class, (iv) AC-3 tier class, (v) AC Chair Car class, (vi) AC Economy class and (vii) First Class.

Since an abatement of 70%  has been permitted on passenger services by Ministry of Finance,  the Service Tax will be charged on 30% of total fare including reservation charge, development charge, superfast surcharge which would be calculated as follows:-
i)                    Service Tax of 12% will be charged on 30% of fare (equivalent to 3.6% on the total fare)
ii)                  Education Cess of 2% on Service Tax will be added (equivalent to 0.072% on total fare) and
iii)                Higher Education Cess of 1% on Service Tax will also be added (equivalent to 0.036% on total fare)
iv)                Total Service Tax implication will be (i)+(ii)+(iii)=3.708% on the total fare.

      On Concessional value tickets/PTO tickets etc. service charge will be levied on 30% of the total fare actually being paid by the passengers.

The Service Tax will also apply to tickets issued in advance for journeys to commence on or after date of implementation of Service tax.  In the case of tickets already issued excluding service tax,  the service tax on total fare including development charge, superfast surcharge, reservation fee, etc. date of implementation of Service Tax will be recovered  either  by TTEs in the train or by the Booking Offices before commencement of the journey by the passengers. Commercial Inspectors and TIAs have been instructed to visit all important stations and ensure that service tax is levied on tickets issued as per the revised rates. Commercial Officers have also been asked to make surprise checks at the stations and ensure that Service Charges are levied from date of implementation of Service Tax.

The amount of Service Tax collected from passengers will be deposited with the Ministry of Finance as per procedure.  Finance Departments of Zonal Railways have been instructed for proper accountal and remittance of Service Tax amount to the Government.

In case of refund of passenger fare, if any, refund of Service Tax shall be claimed by the passenger from the concerned Service Tax authority.  No refund shall be made by the Railways on this account.  For the purpose of claiming refund, Chief Commercial Manager (CCM)  office of concerned Zonal Railway shall issue a certificate to passenger detailing the amount of refunds to be signed by an Officer authorized by CCM, which shall be countersigned by the Dy. Chief Account Officer (DCAO) or officer authorized by them for this purpose.

Source:-PIB

New Speed Post Tariff w.e.f. 1st October, 2012


CHQ News:-CWC at Shirdi (Maharashtra) on 12th and 13th October, 2012.... Details about venue.

To view details about venue please Click here. 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Why must you drink water

Regular intake of water is essential for maintaining good health
Most of us know that up to seventy per cent of the total body weight is due to water. Although it is present in all parts of the body, it is more present in organs such as lungs and brain and fluids such as blood, lymph, saliva and secretions by the organs of the digestive system. The common belief is that we feel thirsty only when our body needs water. While this is true, recent research studies have indicated that there are several other indicators of inadequate water in some or all parts of the body. Ignoring these indicators can lead to several major diseases. Most of us spend a lot of our working hours in air-conditioned environment so naturally we don't feel thirsty but that does not mean that our body does not need water. Lack of water can lead to fatigue too. So, for your glowing health, drink enough water.

Importance of water for maintaining normal health:
Just as water helps a seed grow into a tree, it also helps our body. The flow of water inside and outside the cells generates energy. This energy is stored in body along with other chemical sources of energy in the body. The energy generated by the water in the cells helps transmit impulses in the nerves. Water content in the body influences the functions of the various proteins and enzymes that are dissolved in it.
Water helps maintain the moisture of the lining of the internal organs of the body. It maintains normal volume and consistency of fluids such as blood and lymph. It regulates body temperature.
It removes 'toxins' from the body
Water is essential for regulating the normal structure and functions of the skin. The body loses about four litres of water every day. It is, therefore, necessary to replenish this volume by drinking at least the equivalent amount of water every day. Inadequate intake of water can lead to dehydration.

Source:-The Times of India

To view this blog posting "Drinking too much water can be risky" please 
Click here. 

Submission of records /documents for convening DPC for promotion to the post of PSS Gr-“B”

Pursuant to Directorate letter No. 9-23/2012-SPG dated 23.07.2012, APARs/ records /documents of following Officers of Odisha Circle have been submitted to Directorate vide CO Letter No.2-4(1)/2012 dated 24/9/2012 for convening DPC for promotion to the post of PSS Gr-“B” for the vacancy year 2012-13.

Sl. No.
Name
All India Sl. No.
Com
Designation
1
Aswini KumarPanda
136
OC
Offtg AD(Staff), CO, Bhubaneswar
2
Prasanna Ku Sahoo
143
OC
Offtg. AD, RO, Berhampur
3
Sarbeswar Mishra
147
OC
Offtg. AD(FS), CO, Bhubaneswar
4
Bipin Bihari Mahanty
169
OC
Offtg. AD(Rectt/Accounts), CO, Bhubaneswar
5
Sitanath Das
175
OC
ASP(HQ), Balasore
6
Ramakanta Mishra
180
OC
ASP(I/C), Phulbani
7
Ajit Kumar Das
216
OC
Offtg. AD, RO, Berhampur
8
Bijay Kumar Patra
228
OC
Offtg AD(Building), CO, Bhubaneswar
9
Pramod Ku. Nanda
254
OC
Offtg Sr. Postmaster, Cuttack GPO
10
Hadu Sethi
431
SC
ASP(HQ), Berhampur
11
Bhagabat Sethi
432
SC
Offtg Supdt., PSD, BBSR
12
Chaturbhuja Meher
437
SC
Offtg Supdt., CSD, BBSR
13
Banamali Patra
505
SC
Offtg SPOs, Cuttack North
14
Ramdas Soren
518
ST
ASP(HQ), Koraput
15
Suresh Ku Mishra
----
OC
ASPOs(OD), Cuttack North
16
Banambar Sethi
----
SC
IP(PG), Koraput Divn, Jeypore


There are 522 officials in the zone of consideration. Some of them have already been promoted to PS Group- ‘B’ and some have retired now. 

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Finance Ministry for zero charges on e-transfer of funds up to Rs 1 lakh

To promote cashless transactions, the Finance Ministry has asked public sector banks to take steps to reduce the fee to zero for electronic transfer of funds up to Rs one lakh.

Currently, most banks charge a maximum fee of Rs 5 per transfer of funds up to Rs 1 lakh from one account to another through National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT) system.

Transfer of funds up to Rs 10,000 through NEFT system attract a maximum charge of Rs 2.50 per transaction.

In a recent communication to the state-owned banks, the Ministry had asked them to "take action" to reduce the NEFT charges to zero for value up to Rs 1 lakh.

However, some banks are yet to intimate the Ministry about the action taken by them to reduce the charges, sources said.

RBI has, however, retained maximum charges of Rs 15 per transaction for electronic transfer of funds beyond Rs 1 lakh to less than Rs 2 lakh,

The government has been asking banks to encourage transactions through e-payment channels so as to reduce the number of transactions through cheques and other expensive modes of transactions.

The public sector banks have also been asked to identify top 20 per cent branches in respect of business volumes to bring down the number of cheque based transactions by at least one-fifth in the current financial year.

The banks have also been asked to ensure that all payments and disbursements by them, except sundry payments, are made only electronically.

The RBI had recently said that it is "desirable" that the benefits accruing on account of increasing volume of transactions are passed on to the customers so as to incentivise greater use of the electronic payment system

Source:-The Economic Times