Clarity from the Finance Ministry
A reader from Chennai 600 028 writes:
Here is a recent Service Tax Notification. I think the beauty of the language needs to be seen by all.
(He refers to the introductory paragraph quoted below).
Government of India
Ministry of Finance
(Department of Revenue)
Notification No.26/2012 – Service Tax
New Delhi, June 20, 2012
G.S.R…(E) – In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-section (1) of Section 93 of the Finance Act, 1994 (32 of 1994) (hereinafter referred to as the said Act), and in supersession of notification number 13/2012 – Service Tax, dated 17th March, 2012, published in the Gazette of India. Extraordinary, Part II, Section 3, Sub-section (i) vide number G.S.R. 211 (E), dated 17th March, 2012, the Central Government, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest so to do, hereby exempts the taxable service of the description specified in column (2) of the Table below, from so much of the service tax leviable thereon under section 66B of the said Act, as is in excess of the service tax calculated on a value which is equivalent to a percentage specified in the corresponding entry in column (3) of the said Table, of the amount charged by such service provider for providing the said taxable service, unless specified otherwise, subject to the relevant conditions specified in the corresponding entry in column (4) of the said Table, namely:-...
Editor's Note: Any wonder everyone who has to pay Service Tax curses the confusion it causes him or her. Such gobbledygook can only ensure that confusion is worse confounded.
A way to decongest
Chennai is divided by three waterways, the Adyar, Cooum and the Buckingham Canal, and by the train track from Chengalpattu to North Chennai and Arakkonam, with limited crossovers by bridges and subways.
- The number of bridges and subways should be increased for easier cross-over of these divides. Most of the subways are choked at peak hours at present.
- Many countries have separate roads for two-wheelers. We can have one for two- and three-wheelers along the banks of the rivers which cover most areas of Chennai.
- These roads can be of 12 feet width on either side of the river banks and could be connected by causeways (roads made over Hume pipes…this will do as for most of the year our rivers are dry) at adequate intervals. This will help people to travel from one end to other without going on the main roads.
This model has been successfully implemented in Madurai along the Vailgai River and has been in use for more than two decades.
T. Sekkilar
sekkilar@gmail.com
A herbal solution
While the Corporation is tackling the 'Mosquito buzz' (MM, April 1st), Government should also ban anti-mosquito creams, coils and sprays of chemical origin. They contain nothing but harmful chemicals like 'Allethrin compound'.
In this connection, I recall a herbal combination which proved successful with 99% result at Loyola College in 2002. The Biotechnology Department of the College conducted experiments in its lab using the leaves of two trees – the Ashoka (Polyalthia longifolia) and Velikathan (Prosophis juliflora) – and offered the resultant product to the Corporation. Since there was no response and support extended from the civic body, it was dropped by the Loyola team headed by Prof. S. Vincent.
K. Ramadoss
4/1, P.E. Koil West Mada Street
Ayanavaram
Chennai 600 023
Exploring the city
Vincent D'Souza writes: A tour of Mount Road was recently organised by Cycling Yogi on the occasion of World Heritage Day (April 18th). (Visit this link.)
The yogi is a young man called Ramanujar Moulana. And I appreciate his effort because it comes from within and it celebrates our heritage.
I am hoping the Cycling Yogi group organises more such tours of the city and keeps the idea going. Another group bent on exploring the city and its heritage is Sowmya Swaminathan & Co., active on Chennai Bloggers Club.
It is 39 degrees alright, but holidays are the best time to explore this city. Do it in small groups. If you want tips, mail me at: vincentsjottings@gmail.com.
C.G. Prasad
9, C.S. Mudali Street
Kondithope
Chennai 600 079
Snakes and men
The counselling on snakes (MM, April 16th) reminded me that while I was in Kadapa, in charge of a public sector organisation that occupied several acres of land where its offices, quarters, etc. were located for several years, a corner of the land was a home for snakes. I was terribly saddened to see their home razed when I returned after a day's tour. This resulted in the following outpouring by me:
Snakes and men, nature's creation
Nothing created sans purpose of action
All to coexist with mutual appreciation
Alas! Many work for mutual destruction!
Survival of the fittest, law of Nature
Not for humans to make it a structure
To help each other and start nurture
Sure paves the path for glorious future!
Pity it is to see the stronger
Sit in judgement over the weaker
Brutal strength makes the other poorer
Keeps lives in agony and destroys altogether!
Man and serpent, wonders of creation
Funny it is both in constant fears
Trying to provoke the other's extinction
Stronger is the man , puts snakes in tears!
Lovely serpent made molehill its home
Made its young ones sleep in foam
Taught its toddling prey and roam
Fell the evil eyes right on this zone!
Fear and panic razed the molehill to the ground
Parent snakes on return from their round
To their horror and sorrow razed home they found
And dead were their offspring with misery around!
Living in harmony all with nature
Peaceful coexistence high in stature
All living and let living without torture
How to ensure for a glorious future!
N.V. Subbaraman
12/1045, Jeevan Bhima Nagar
Chennai 600 101
Editor's Note: Maybe not great poetry as such, but they are sentiments certainly worth recording.
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