Insight of Velayudhan, cwrdm

E P F Pension

2011-02-09T18:37:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Employees Provident Fund Pension is a welfare measure introduced by Government of India mainly for personals working in private companies. When I was working in Beena Rubber Works, Thirurkkad, Angadippuram in 1979, workers union under CITU submitted a memorandum for introducing Contributory Provident Fund Scheme in the company. At that time a small scale Industry can function without CPF for about five years and after that they have to provide these facilities to their employees. In order to evade from this demand they closed the factory in the name of pollution and restarted the company in Pangh as Glen View Rubber Works and Beena Rubber Works was shifted to Yadavgiri, Mysore. The employees were retrenched and I was posted in Mysore. Even though I was not getting CPF, I was paid Rs 800/- plus free lodging in Mysore.

During my tenure in Mysore I got an interview card from Employment Exchange, Calicut for the Interview of Technical Assistant in CWRDM and I attended the interview. The interview board consisted of Executive Director Er P Kumaraswamy, Water Management (Agri) Division Head Dr V K Vamadevan, Water Quality and Environment Division(now Environment Studies Division) Head i/c Dr S A Abbasi (now Professor,Center for Pollution Control and Environmental Engineering, School of Engineering & Technology, Pondicherry University) and Registrar Shri Paulose. Myself, Ms Joycee Syriac (now working in Rubber Board) and Mr K Lakshmanan (now Retired) were selected and got appointment in Water Management (Agri) Division. After joining in CWRDM I also became a member of Employees Provident Fund. My pay scale was Rs 380-640 and the total amount was Rs 693 /- only, still I preferred CWRDM because it was an autonomous Research Institute established by Government of Kerala which is near to my residence and my presence in the family at that time was essential as my father was ailing from paralysis.

Employees Provident Fund authorities introduced Family Pension Scheme in 1971 (FPS-71). In this scheme no pension is available when the member is alive. After the death of the member spouse only gets pension. An amount of 3.34% was collected for pension fund. This system ceased when new Employees Pension Scheme (EPS-95) came in to existence. The new scheme came in to existence with effect from 15th November 1995. Under this scheme an amount of 8.33% of wages (maximum wages considered for this purpose is Rs 6500) is collected for this fund and Government also contributes 1.16% of wages to this welfare fund (ie; maximum amount that is collected per head for this fund is 541+75=616 ). Under this new scheme member gets pension, even though it is very meager. After the death of the member, his spouse and two children below the age of 25 also gets pension. The maximum amount of salary considered for pension scheme is Rs 6500 and hence full pension available after 35 years of service since 15th November 1995 is Rs 3250 only. Even if you are getting a salary of Rs 50,000 per month you will get only Rs 3250/- as pension per month. This is a strange socialism applied to the employees working in some of the quasi Government organizations and private companies.

A Government employee gets half of their pay plus dearness allowance as full pension for a service more than 29 years in State Government Department, but it is not applied to Quasi Government Organisations. After each 5 year, pay revision occurs and the pension is updated. These facilities are also not avalable to PF Pensioners even thouh at the time of starting the scheme it was stated that revision will occur at an interval of 10 years. Now more than 15 years elapsed and no revision has occured but curtailed the benifits like Commutation and Capital Return Benifits given in the initial stages. Those who have opted for commutation is also suffering because even after completion of commutation period (ie 100 months) the full pension is not reinstated.

CWRDM Employees Association on 15th December 1980 submitted a memorandum to Dr Subba Rao, Honorable Minister for Irrigation and Chairman of Governing Body of CWRDM, along other things, to introduce pension scheme instead of Contributory Provident Fund. Latter all Unions demanded for introducing pension scheme to the employees working under Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment. I also attended some of the meetings conducted by KSCSTE in this regard. This is a long pending request to the Kerala Government and now Honorable Finance Minister Dr T M Thomas Isaac in his Budget Speech held on 10th February 2011 has stated that "Pension Scheme would be extended to employee in Science & Technology Institutions. Independent pension funds would be established for this purpose in different Institutions. However Governments commitment would be limited to a fixed quantum". This is a good improvement but it is not praise worthy because the permanent employees are fully paid from Government fund and hence the Government itself has to find provision for payment of pension also. In the case of PF Pension and Central Government New pension Scheme 10% of the wages goes to Pension Fund but here the contribution is 12% and hence Government itself has to look after the welfare measure. Science & Technology Institutions are not profit bearing institutes and hence if funds from Government part is "limited", then at the old age pensioners may not get pension properly and they will be put in disaster. Kindly avoid such circumstances in the name of Pension!!!

With best wishes,

ktv

Sincerity

2011-02-01T01:36:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

For the last one week the performance of BSNL broadband is not satisfactory, yesterday and today morning again I tried to log in but it was in-vain. Now it seems OK .

On 31st December 2010, our MOS staff Shri Krishnan kutty retired from cwrdm service and I was unable to attend the farewell function. He served the centre about 30 years. He was appointed as Driver and latter opted for rain-gauge reader in MOS. He had one son and one daughter. I wish him and his family all success in the years to come.

Yesterday Shri K C Mohammed retired from service after completing 30 years of successful carrier in cwrdm. He is a very dedicated man with utmost sincerity and discharged his duties with a smiling face which made him acceptable to all directors during the tenure 1980 to 2011. Our Registrar Col.(Rted) Yohannan rightly pointed out the words of Lord Buhda " A man is remembered by his deeds, not by his words". Shri K C Mohammed joined in cwrdm in 1980 and the lion-share in cwrdm service is spent in ED's secretariat serving different Executive Directors starting from Executive Director Er Kumaraswamy to the present Executive Director Prof Dr K V Jayakumar. Tarangam president pointed out that he is the 113th staff retiring cwrdm service. Shri K C Mohammed had one son and one daughter. His son is conducting a catering service "Chillies". I wish him and his family all success in the years to come.
with best wishes
ktv

Chemistry - our life, future

2011-01-06T04:03:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Chemistry is a branch of science which deals with the composition and properties of different kinds of matter which constitute the universe. The science of Chemistry has played a very important role in the advancement of civilization, mitigating the problems of man kind and in fostering the happiness of human beings. Ayurveda, the science of Indian medicine include the use of plant and metallic preparations. Charaka, Sushruta and Nagarjuna are the Indian chemists who systematized the science immensely. Innumerable medicines both preventive and curative are the gifts of chemistry to humanity. 18th and 19th centuries witnessed rapid development of chemistry in all directions. In the field of agriculture, the chemist has developed fertilizers and insecticides for large scale cultivation of land and protection of crops from pests and diseases which made green revolution possible. Chemical researches on textile fibers have invented synthetic fibers, dyes etc.

The year 2011 is celebrated as the Inter National year of Chemistry (IYC2011) as an initiation of International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC) and United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). It involves Chemical societies, academicians and institutions world wide, and relies on individual initiatives to organize local and regional activities.

The year 2011 is also the 100th year of the noble prize awarded to Madame Marie Curie, and it is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of women to science. Moreover it is the 100th year of founding of the International Association of Chemical Societies, providing a chance to highlight the benefits of international science collaboration.

The International Year of Chemistry-2011 will celebrate the achievements of chemistry and its contribution to the well-being of humankind under the unifying theme 'Chemistry - our life, our future'. Its slogans are Clean Air. Safe Water, Healthy Food, Dependable Medicine, Advanced Materials, Eco-friendly Products, and Sustainable Energy. The opening ceremoney of IYC210 will be solomnised at UNESCO head quaters at Paris, France on 27-28 January 2011.

Participate in the competitions and cotribute for the awareness of achievements in chemistry. Log on http://www.chemistry2011.org/

With best wishes
ktv

Chirakkal Sree Shiva Bhagavati Temple

2010-12-17T05:07:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Chirakkal Sree Shiva Bhagavati Temple, Payyadimethal near Palazhi, Kozhikode-673019 is our ancestral temple. In swarnaprasnam it is observed that this Temple is about 800 years old. The renovation and punaprathista was performed during 17-21April 2010.

The Temple Complex is comprised within 69.75 cents of land situated east bank of Mampuzha river. The main temples in the temple complex are Shiva Temple and Bhagavati Temple faced to each other which is a rare event in Kerala. The other daitees are Ganapathi, Sasthavu, Gurudevan, KaliyachanGurukkal, Karimkutty, Pookutty, Thalasillavan and Villi. Near by the Temple Complex there is a Nagathan Kotta and Naga Prathista.

പ്രദാന വഴിപാടുകള്‍
വിളകുമാല, പുഷ്പാഞ്ജലി, സ്വയംവരപുശ്പന്ജലി, രക്തപുഷ്പാഞ്ജലി, ഭാഗ്യസൂക്തപുശ്പന്ജലി, ആയുര്സൂക്തപുശ്പന്ജലി, ജലധാര, മലെര്‍നിവേധ്യം , കുവളമാല , താമരമാല , തുളസിമാല ,ഇളനീരഭിഷേകേം , ത്രുമാധുരം നെയ്വിളക്, കര്പുരരധാന, വെള്ളനിവേധ്യം ശിവങ്കല്‍, വാഹനപൂജ, ഉണ്ടാമല , ഷീരധാര , പാല്‍കൊടുക്കള്‍, ചോറുണ്, പാല്‍പായസം, വിശേഷല്‍പൂജ, അപ്പനിവേധ്യം , കെടാവിളക്, ചുറ്റുവിളക്,
വിവാഹം, മുട്ടരുക്കല്‍, മൃതുഞ്ഞയഹോമം, ദീപസ്തഭംതെളിയികള്‍ തുടങ്ങിയവയാണ് പ്രദാന വഴിപാടുകള്‍.

Voice of Evictees

2010-10-30T19:08:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Today one more of our staff, Shri. P Sasi, retired from cwrdm service. Shri P Sasi joined in cwrdm-subcentre at Cheemeni in Kasergod district on 16th June 1992. In the welcome address performed by 'Tarangam' president and Head,ESD, Shri P Jayakumar has pointed out that shri Sasi is the 110th personal retiring from cwrdm service and reduced the staff strength of cwrdm to half without much recuipment. He hopped that the cwrdm authorities will take necessary steps for the recruitment of the vacant posts.

Shri P Sasi joined in cwrdm as part-time staff and worked about 7 years in that post and latter appointed as full time staff. As a result he was not benefited the actual 18 years of service he rendered in cwrdm even though he has worked as 'full time' staff in cwrdm-subcentre,Cheemani in Kasargod District because his place of work was too distant from his residence in Kozhikode. Hence he stayed 24 hours in the sub-centre itself. He got the job under evictees category from whose land the cwrdm started.

In 1960 about 156 acres of land was taken by Kerala Government for the establishment of Calicut University but at the time of Chief Minister Shri C H Mohammed Koya(October12,1979 to December, 1979) it was transfered to Thanjippalam in Malappuram District and the land was handovered to cwrdm.

As per GO MS No 47/77/ Plg dt 30-11-77 the Government have ordered that all appointments to the Research & Development Institutions established under Science & Technology Wing except appointments to technical categories of posts whose basic salary is Rs 500/-and above to be made through the nominees of Employment Exchange observing communal reservation rules. Since the evictees were agitating against the appointment of persons other than those whose land have been acquired by the Calicut University and subsequently taken over by the centre and this matter was reported to Government by the Executive Director of cwrdm and the Government ordered by GO MS 11/83/LAR dated 26-2-1983 that persons whose lands have been acquired for establishing cwrdm will be sponsored for the posts of Helper, Driver, Sweeper, Sweeper-cleaner, Watchman, Assistant grade-II, typists and Stenographers. But the authorities filled the above said posts without considering the evictees until Shri M R Venugopal, Working President of cwrdm Employees Association started Hunger Strike in March, 1988. As a result of this agitation the authorities unwillingly agreed to implement CSIR promotion rules and appointments for evictees and they tried to topple this agreement also. But at last towards the end of 1991 the authorities are forced to implement it. Late Com: C P Balan Vaidyer played a major role in implementing it. As a result of the grudges on the part of authorities, they have posted these partime staff in cwrdm-subcenters at Kasergod, Kannur, Palakkad, Manimalakunnu, Kottayam and Thiruvananthapuram which was actully againt rules.

The most impotent thing in human beings is that after getting the benefits we will forget the blessings showered on us by others. As a result of these type of attitudes we are unable to utilize the full benefits we are actually expected to get.

Executive Director Dr Jayakumar presided over the send off function. Registrar Col.(retd) Yohannan and Dr Pradeepkumar, Ex cwrdm-Chemeni-subcentre Head and present MOS Head spoke vividly on their initial trrifying and then the enjoyment life at Cheemeni. Dr N K JOseph, Head, Surface water division pointed out that Shri Sasi is a hard worker and a great devotee of God. He is an active member of Manathanath Annapoorneswari Temple. Dr K R Prasennakumar, Working President of cwrdm Employees Association and Dr Dinesan, Working President of cwrdm Employees Organisation also spoke on the ocction. Shri M T Anilkumar, Tarangam Secretary expressed vote of thanks. After photocession and planting of tree, we accopanied Shri Sasi to his residence at Chemancherry. Shri Sasi's wife is a home maker and they have two married daughters and their son is working abroad. I wish him a happy and prosperus retired life.

with best wishes
ktv

Election Duty

2010-10-12T19:32:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

First Nayanar Ministry came to power on 25th January 1980 as a result of the election held on 21st January 1980 and it didn't complete its tenure and consequently a bi-election to Kerala Legislative Assembly took place on 9th May 1982 and Karunakaran Ministry came in to power on 21st May 1982 .

I joined in cwrdm on 1st October 1980 and my first appointment for election duty was in 1982 for the bi-election to Kerala State Legislative Assembly. I was appointed as First Reserve Polling Officer. Since Reserve Polling Officer has nothing to do till he is called for somebody's place as the original person has not attended the election duty with sufficient reasons. So, normally few Reserve Persons will get actual election duty. The Reserve Personals should sit there until all Election Duty assigned personals have left with their complete crew. I was not called for the duty till all Election Duty assigned personal left and I was freed from Reserve Duty at about 3 pm on that day.

In December 1984 Loksabha Election took place and this time I was appointed as First Polling Officer and my Presiding Officer was an School master who was not having previous experience as Presiding Officer and hence he contacted his experienced friend who was not posted for that election duty. He gave all guidances and I also gathered necessary precaution and actions we have to take in-order to act as "One day King". We have put distinguishing marks on the top right hand corner of both on the back of counter foil and also on the back of the ballot papers alloted to our polling station.Half of the ballot papers were signed by the presiding officer and kept in his safe custody. Filled all forms and covers with Polling station No, Name of Constituency etc. and pasted labels on Ballot box . Towards the end of the poll an arrangement was made so as to avoid unused but signed ballot papers by signing the Ballot Papers by the Presiding Offer in-situ. The poll ended peacefully and we have packed all the materials and arranged the forms according to FORM No 22 (receipt for return of election Records and Materials after poll). Generally people appointed for Election Duty will not go through these forms the day before polling and they will try to fill these things after the poll, at that time all will be in a hurry to reach their destination, resulting confusion and in a hurry they go to receiving center and at the receiving station they will ask one by one and we will not be able to produce things properly. If a single person has committed this mistake, all others have to suffer!!!

After this election, in almost all elections, I served as Presiding Officer and I didn"t experience any difficulty in discharging my duties as Presiding Officer. I got wholeharted support from my collegues, polling agents and political parties in the conduct of election. The only difficulty I phased is in the receiving centre. This is due to the lack of proper decision and directions from authorities. The directions given in rehearsal class will some times contradict when we go to handover the materials to the Receiving Authorities and more over we will be forced to give different materials in different counters also. This also creates utter confusion in the midst of haste crowed, who were eager to dispose the materials and leave the place. If the authorities take some more precautions and give proper written directions (some times they do) apart from HAND BOOK this confusion will be averted and the election duty will become a nice experience and employees will accept election duty wholeheartedly.

Nowadays election duty is a compulsion and most of the persons getting election duty memo tries to get a medical certificate from a doctor and approaches the authorities for getting exemption from duty. It is a very sad plight!!!

In the last Panchayat election held on 26-09-05, I was posted as Presiding Officer in polling station No 2/1 Ekarool, Unnikulam, Balussery. As per the directions prevailed at that time, apart from other things, I submitted three covers containing ballot paper accounts (one for Grama Panchayat-GP, one for Block Panchayat-BP, and one for District Panchayat-DP), One cover cotaining Paper Seal account, One cover containing the declaration of the Presiding fficer, three covers containing presiding officers Diary and one cover containing aquittance Roll of TA to polling personals. These covers need not be sealed and the officials in the collecting centre will veryfey the contents on receipt itself. Packet-I STATUTARY COVERS, Packet-II NON STATUTORY COVERS are to be sealed.PACKET-III and PACKET - IV need not be sealed

It is a strange experience that every employee should try to acquire and imbibe in their mind for the inspiration during the relaxing period of retired life. It will surely give a sense of satisfaction much above the routine duties discharged during their official tenure.

with best wishes
ktv

Unpleasant Truths

2010-07-19T07:47:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Today 19th July 2010 farewell ceremony of Smt Pushpa was conducted in lieu of 30th June 2010 as she was infected with some ailments and it was not took place on that day . She actively participated in Tarangam activities and almost all functions held in cwrdm started with her prayer. She is a good singer graced with very pleasant voice. She worked almost all Divisions in CWRDM and all of them appreciated her competance in discharing the duties assigned to her. Her husband had already retired from Legal Metrology Department and they have a son and a daughter. She joined in CWRDM as Typist in 1980 and retired as Typist even though cwrdm adopted Secretariat pattern as carrier improvement rules for administrative staff in the beginning but later it was switched over to KFRI pattern and paved all types of anomalies and disparities among the equals. She was one of sch victims and Registrar in Charge and Head, Surface Water Division Dr N K Joseph pointed out this fact and said that he tried to implement at least one designation change coupled with promotion to this category, but it was in-vain. Actually Thechnical Officer and Technical Assistant Category also suffers the same injustice.

Dr. Jalaja, Scientist, ESD opened that it is better to avoid unpleasant truths from these type of sorrowful occasions as it will only increase the gravity of sadness in the sorrowful eve. What she said is true but the authorities want to show that they have tried to do something for the staff, at least during their retirement. Now a day all things are becoming a show and we are only the actors.

The farewell ceremoney was welcomed by Shri M R Venugopal, President, Tarangam and Scientist & in Charge of RSC. Dr P Jayakumar, Executive Director, presided over the function. Dr Madhavan Komath, Scientist,CWAL also spok on the occation. Tarangam General Secretary E G Soman expressed vote of thanks.

Smt. Pushpa and family and my family mentained a acordial relationship and we wish them a wealthy, healthy and prosperous life.

with best wishes to all,
ktv.

Recognition

2010-05-31T07:31:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Owing to some family matters I was unable to attend the retirement function that held on January 2010 and that held on 31st March 2010. On 31st January 2010, Smt Nirmala Stepan, Technical officer, Environmental Studies Division and Shri Abdulla, Driver, Construction and Maintenance Wing, retired from cwrdm service. I have expressed my best wishes personally to them. Smt Nirmala Stephan is a law graduate apart from having Science Degree. She performed her duties silently.

On 31st March 2010 two more colleagues Shri P Krishnan and Shri KG Ittoope retired from service. Shri P Krishnan, Sr Stenographer who was PA to Registrar for long time and later shifted to Construction and Maintenance Wing and lastly to Isotope Hydrology Division. Shri K G Ittoop, Electrical Engineer who was appointed as technical Assistant and through his sustained efforts got Diploma in Electrical Engineering and latter got appointment as Electrical Engineer in Construction and Maintenance Wing of cwrdm. Both of them discharged their duties very effectively and systematically. Shri Ittoop's wife is a homemaker and they had one daughter(married) and two sons of which one is married. Ishri Ittoope helped me a lot in the electrification of my house and we wish them a very happy and prosperous retired life.

Shri Krishnan's wife is employed in KSFE and his son is a Doctor (MBBS). They are very friendly to all. They have already celebrated their silver jubilee of married life and we wish them a very healthy, wealthy and happy long life. They used to visit us frequently and it is on his and his son's affectionate words that we have approached Medical College Hospital for my wifes neck lymph cyst checking and subsequent surgery.

At this point we would also like to express our gratitude to Head and Professor of Pathology Dr Sathi, wife of Shri M R Venugopal, Head, Remote Sencing Cell, CWRDM, for madams kind help and advise given to us in the surgical process and for their sisterly approach, even in the midst of their son's Entrance Examination. We are very much glad to note that their son has got 36th place in the Medical Entrance Examination which is a record in cwrdm staff members children's are considered. We congratulate Shri Kannan and his great parents.

On 31st May 2010 three of our colleagues retired from cwrdm service. Shri Remesh kumar, Messenger and Smt Sethulakshmi, Assistant Registrar(Human Resources), both from Administration Division and Shri Surendran Nair from Isotope Hydrology Division. They have served the center 32 years, 29 years and 20 years respectively. Owing to some family matters Shri Remesh kumar left the office early and the other two participated in the farewell function organized by Tharangam. Smt Sethulakshmi was the Tharangam Arts Secretary twice and do actively participate in the activities of Tharangam. She has joined in cwrdm service after relinquishing her job in Calicut University.

Shri Remesh Kumar joined in cwrdm in its beginning. His wife is a homemaker and they have one son employed in abroad. His son and my son are intimate friends and he helped us whenever we faced difficulties. We are personaly indebted to them. His fathers younger brother, Shri Shadevan sir, was our former Administrative officer on deputation from Government Sereteriat, Thiruvananthapuram. Our best wishes are for all his family and joint family members.

As far as Shri Surendran Nair is concerned, cwrdm is the third heritage. He had more than 15 years service in Army and more than seven years service in Kerala Transport Company. He had one son and one daughter, both of them married and leading a comfortable life. I wish him a happy and prosperous retired life

The function was presided by our Executive Director and Patron of Tharangam Dr K V Jayakumar. Tharangam Vice President Smt Sukumariamma welcomed the gathering and Tarangam secretary Shri E G Soman expressed vote of thanks. Dr N K Joseph, Head, Surface Water Division and in-Charge of Registrar and vice patron of Tarangam, Dr M D Nandeswar, Head, Sub-Centers, Dr Madhavan Komath, Dr T K Jalaja spoke on the occasion. In the reply speech Smt Sethulakshmi expressed thanks for the good words showered on her and said that if these good words were given as piecemeal basis it would have imparted added vigor in performing their duties in cwrdm. Now all of a sudden a splendid feast is given and she is afraid that it will create constipation. She also pointed out that Tharangam should take necessary actions for introducing new comers in the institute.

It is true that recognition or good words will always create added vigor to work, we are all self-esteemed personalities but our ancestors taught us that we should work without expectations

In Bhagavat Geetha Chapter 2 Sloka 47 says,

Karmanya vadhikaraste ma phalesu kadachana
Ma karma-phala-heturbhur ma te sangosttvakarmani

You certainly have the right for prescribed activities but never at anytime in their results. You should never be motivated by the results of the actions, nor should there be any attachment in doing your prescribed activities.

This was plainly indicted by Shri E G Soman, Secretary, Tarangam in his vote of thanks speech.

Once again I wish them all a healthy, wealthy,prosperous and happy retired life.
ktv

Water Card

2010-04-17T23:39:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Today, 18th April 2010, our Honorable Minister for water Resources of Kerala, Shri N K Premachandran, launched the Water Card to the residents of Kunnamangalam Grama Panchayat by giving a copy to Shri U C Raman, MLA. In the inaugural speech the Honorable Minister promised that the scheme will we introduced throughout Kerala by dividing into Northern, Central and Souther sectors of kerla through water authority/Ground Water Department by providing Mobile Laboratories. He also promised to provide a mobile laboratory facility to CWRDM. He stressed the need for rejuvenating the local water bodies for drinking purposes instead of solely depending on pipe water provided by utilizing distant dam water. The function was presided by CWRDM Executive Director Professor Dr K V Jayakumar and the gathering was welcomed by Dr P S Harikumar, Head, Central water Analysis Laboratory. Shri Anil Kumar, Standing committee Chairman of Kunnamangalam Grama Panchayat felicitated. The function started with the prayer of Smt. Manjula, Technical Officer, CWRDM.

The Principal Investigator of the Project is Dr Madhavan Komath, Scientist, Central Water Analysis Laboratory of CWRDM. Shri Madhavan Komath joined in Water Quality and Environment Division(later renamened as Environmental Studies Division) in 1985 as Technical Assistant and through his sustained hard work he acquired M Sc from Annamalai University through Distance Education and got his Doctorate (PhD) from Pondichery University. He is a humanitarian scientist. He expressed his views through his vote of thanks speech. He invoked the gathering to love water and if we do so the present day problem of water pollution will be over.

Water Card is a new concept introduced by Dr Madhavan Komath who was very much interested in doing scitific work relavant to common people. Once he was telling our former Executive Director Dr P Basak for introducing water testing fecility in CWRDM for common people but it was declined sice CWRDM is not a service centre. Now he has fulfilled his ambition through water card project. I congratulate him for introducing this concept to help and serve the people of Kunnamangalam Panchayat and its possible extension to other panchayats of Kerala. Dr Madhavan Komath's Water Card gives potability status of water which is entirely different from Water Card cocept of Imperial Irrigation Department of California who used water card as certificate of ownership and autherisation of agent or tenant who is autherised to receive water.

With best wishes,
ktv.

World Water Day - 22nd March 2010

2010-03-20T16:12:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

World water day is celebrated on March 22nd in every year since 1992 as an initiative proposed in Agenda 21 of 1992 United Nations Conference on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The theme of World Water Day 2010 is 'Clean Water for a Healthy World'. Apart from UN member countries, a number of NGOs have used World Water Day as a time to focus public attention on the critical water issues of our era. Since 1997 the World Water Council has drawn thousands to participate in its World Water Forum during the week of World Water Day in every three year. Already three UN world Water reports have been published and the fourth is expected on March 2012. The global water level is a constant and exists in different forms such as solid water (ice sheets,glaciers), liquid water and as gaseous water (water vapor). But due to mans interventions the availability of potable water level is decreasing and its demand is increasing as the population is increasing day by day. Nature tries to purify water by evaporating polluted water and showers as pure water through rain, but we are not utilizing it properly.

CWRDM primarily concentrates on research related to water and hence in every year it conducts water awareness programmes for the better management of water . This year it was celebrated more elaborately, under the dynamic leadership of CWRDM Executive Director Professor Dr K V Jayakumar, in four phases starting from 19th March 2010 to 23rd March 2010. The first phase was inaugurated by Honorable Minister for Water Resources Shri N K Premachandran at Thiruvananthapuram and the second phase was inagurated in CWRDM campus at Kottamparamba on 20th March 2010 by Honourable Minister for Forest Shri. Binoy Viswam and the theme was 'Water Quality Monitoring for School Children'. The function was presided by cwrdm Executive Director Prof. Dr KV Jayakumar and the gathering was welcomed by Dr P S Harikumar, Head, Central Water Analysis Laboratory. In the inaugural speech the honorable minister pointed out the present scenario of our river basins which are becoming sand beds for about six months and the people are using it as Volleyball play grounds. He stressed the need for collaborative research activities of different research organization for mitigation of problems encountered in the state and to evolve out clear cut idea about developmental activities. Development should be for the sustainable maintenance of nature and for the benefit of future generations. Dr A B Anitha, Scientist, CWRDM expressed vote of thanks. After the inaguration function Central Water Analysis Laboratory of CWRDM conducted Hands On Training Programme for the students of Calicut Corporation who tested the water samples of Mananchira for potability.

Workshop on 'Water Quality Management ' was organized on 22nd March 2010 which was inaugurated by Dr P B Salim, District Collector, Kozhikode. This was divided in to two sessions. The first session was Chaired by cwrdm Executive Director Prof K V Jayakumar and co-chaired by Dr Unnikrishna Warrier, Scientist, cwrdm. In this session four topics were discussed. The first one was 'Water Quality Status, Issues and Challenges in India and it was presented by Shri A Manoharan , Zonal Officer,CPCB, Banglore. The second paper 'Water Quality for Ecosystem and Human Health' was presented by Prof V N Sivasankara Pillai, former Director, Environmental Studies School, CUSAT. The third paper 'Emerging Threats in Water Quality' was presented by Prof Chandramohankumar, Head, Dpt. of Chemical Oceanography, CUSAT. The fourth topic 'Impacts of Climate Change on Drinking Water' was taken by Prof Thrivikramji, Former Head of Geology, Kerala University.

The second session was chaired by Prof Thrivikramji and co-chaired by Mr C M Susanth, Scientist, cwrdm. In this session seven papers were presented. The first one 'Recent trends in Water Quality Management was taken by Prof K V Jayakumar, Executive Director, cwrdm. The second one 'Water quality Management of Kerala:Issues and Challenges' taken by Dr PS Harikumar, Head, Central Water Analysis Laboratory, CWRDM. Third paper 'Integrated Water Resources Management in Kerala with special Reference to the polluted Holy River Pamba' presentd by Dr George Chackacherry, Head,cwrdm sub-centre, Neyyatinkara. Fourth topic 'Development of Ground Water Information System of Kerala' was presented by Er V P Dinesan, Scientist, Surface Water Division. Fifth topic 'Predicting Water Quality using Artificial Neural Networks' was presented by Er Gopakumar. Sixth topic 'Water Quality Mapping using Geographycal Information System' was preseneted Dr Girish Gopinath. Seventh topic 'Applications of Isotopes in Water Quality Studies' was taken by Dr A Shahul Hameed, Head, Isotope Hydrology Division, CWRDM.

The concluding session 'Young Researchers Conference' was inagurated by Dr G R C Reddy, Director of NIT, Calicut on 23rd March 2010. CWRDM Executive Director presided over the function. Dr M S Susanth, Scientist, CWRDM welcomed the young researchers came from different parts of Kerala. Dr Kamalakshan Kokkale, Joint Director, KSCSTE felicitated the functions and Dr Madhavan Komath, Scientist, CWRDM exprssed vote of thanks. About forty research papers were presented in the conference and Ms Smitha K from NIT Calicut was the Cash Prize winner who conducted researches on Cabon nano tubes for the removal of fluoride from water. The morning session was chaired by Dr N B Narasimhaprasad, Head, Ground Water Division, CWRDM and Dr Resmi , Scientist, CWRDM and the afternoon session was Chaired by Dr E J Joseph, Head, Water Management (Agri) Division, CWRDM and Dr T K Jalaja, Scientist, CWRDM. It was a remarkable conference in the sence of topics as well as in the presentation of their findings. The presentation ability of reserchers from Engineering Institutions and Medical Colleges outwaighed others. This is mainly due to the fact that for most of them it was their maiden presentation, still they showed that they are capable of tackling any challenges posed agaist the sustained upkeeping of Nature for future generations.

with best wishes
ktv

Responsibility

2010-02-27T16:20:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Today,27th February 2010, two of our staff , Shri K Sadanandan and Dr K N Remani, retired from CWRDM service. The farewell ceremony was organized by Tarangam, the official cultural organization of CWRDM. The function was chaired by our Executive Director Prof. Dr K V Jayakumar. Tarangam President Shri M R Venugopal welcomed the gathering. In the felicitation address Dr N K Joseph, Head Surface Water Division and In charge of Registrar CWRDM mentioned about two factors to be evaluated while retirement. The one is the self analysis of the individual, who retires, has contributed to the Centre which in fact every employee should ask every day before leaving the office. The other one is the responsibility of the Centre to confirm that after the retirement the employee gets sufficient remuneration (pension ) to continue his living without difficulty. He admitted that in fulfilling the second responsibility the centre has failed and hoped for the best in future.

Shri Sadanandan K joined in CWRDM as Driver on 22nd October 1983. He is a dedicated worker always kept punctuality. He also served the staff of CWRDM by managing CWRDM Canteen. He has two married daughters. I wish a healthy, wealthy and a successful aftermath (retirement) carreer

Dr K N Remani joined in CWRDM on 29th November 1980 as Senior Scientific Assistant (SSA) and later appointed as Scientist in Water Quality and Environment Division and it was latter renamed as Environmental Studies Division. She became the Head of the Division. She was the topmost qualified person joined as SSA in CWRDM and such persons were given fast track promotion to Scientist- B in CSIR with effect from 1-2-1981. But this facility was not given to similar staff in CWRDM even though CWRDM accepted CSIR norms for Scientific and Technical staff of the Centre. After a lot of agitation under the leadership of Shri M R Venugopal the authorities of CWRM was forced to implement it in CWRDM, but as a vindictive measure they arbitrarily decided to implement it with effect from 23-3-1988. (The agreement made before the Honorable Minister for Irrigation and Governing Body Chairman of CWRDM Shri Baby John has agreed to implement CSIR in toto to the scientific and Technical staff of CWRDM but it was not implemented in toto.) Consequently lot of persons lost their seven years of precious service uncounted and due date of increment became March and now as a consequence of implementation of 6th Central Pay Commission, the Thuklakin predecessors, the increment date became 1st of July in every year. I don't know what justification is given for these type of vandalism.

Now the emerging trend is to convert Government Servants as slaves of political power. Even the so called unemployed youths are also very much fond of demoralizing their teachers (Asianet Programme) in the controversy about the increase of retirement age of College teachers. Will they relinquish the service benefits amassed by their predecessors when they get Government Jobs? One lady cries that the earth will perish, I am sure that Bhoomatha is not short-tempered as she is. They have to understand that it is the struggle for equality. We are very much fond of finding fault with others but will do nothing. If we want laborers, we have to search for Bhiharis, Tamilians etc. We are not interested in toiling with mud and we will find some reasons for our inactions, ie. the Goverment has fixed MPhil/PhD fas quailfication for Lecturers and hence those who have got MPhil/PhD should be posted as Lecturer in Govt. or aided Colleges!!!

I wonder why we call Indians when one state formulates retirement age as 55 the other state as 58 and Centre declares it as 60, 62, 65 etc. for the same post . Is it the constitutionally provided equality? Some of them says that retirement age should fixed as per the regional needs, then it is better to fix the tenure of Government service as 15 or 20 years and whoever completes this duration should retie without upper age limit as in the case of some Military Services.

Dr Remani didn't participate in the farewell function, I don't know whether it is a protest against the attitude of the authorities. Her husband has been retired from Legal Service and now continuing the legal profession . They have one married daughter serving as Doctor in a Private Hospital. I wish a healthy, wealthy and peaceful retired life.

With best wishes

ktv

More Crop per Drope

2010-02-12T05:58:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

CWRDM became the venue for National Seminar on' Soil, Water and Crop Management for Higher Productivity of Spices' during 11-12 February, 2010. The Seminar was Organised by CWRDM, Kozhikode and Directorate of Arecanut and Spices Development, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of India, Kozhikode under National Horticulture Mission, Government of India. The seminar was Inaugurated by Honorable Minister of State for Agriculture, Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, Government of India Professor Shri K V Thomas. The function was Chaired by Executive Director of CWRDM Professor Dr. K V Jayakumar. Director Dr M Tamil Selvan, Directorate of Arecanut and Spices development, Ministry of agriculture, Government of India, Kozhikode welcomed the gathering. Dr V A Parthasarathy, Director, Indian institute of Spices felicitated the function and Shri Babu Mathew, Scientist, CWRDM expressed vote of thanks. Delegates from Karnataka, Tamilnadu and Kerala participated in the seminar. It was divided into six sessions namely

1 Technical Session I(A)- LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT
The Chairman of the session was Dr Tamil Selvan, Co-Chairman Dr N K Joseph and Rapporteur was Shri R Gopakumar. In this session about nine papers were presented including the lead paper 'Soil, water and input management for increasing spices production' which was presented by Dr V A Parthasarathy

2 Technical Session I(B)- LAND AND WATER MANAGEMENT
The Chairman of the session was Dr A K Sadanandan, Co-Chairman Dr N Narasimha Prasad and Rapporteur was Dr A B Anitha. In this session also about nine papers were presented with lead paper on 'Integrated Nutrient and Water Management for sustainable Spice production' was presented by Dr A K Sadanandan

3. Technical Session II-VARITAL IMPROVEMENT AND PLANT PROTECTION
The Chairman of the session was Dr M Anandaraj and Co-Chairman was Dr Kamalam Joseph and Rapporteur was Dr T K Jalaja. In this session two lead papers and 9 papers were presented. The lead paper 'Plant Protection Measures for enhanced productivity of Spices' was presented by Dr M Anandaraj and the second lead paper 'Spices varities and Varital Improvements for changing land, water and crop envirornment' was presented by Dr K M Kuruvilla

4. Technical Session III-CROP MANAGEMENT
The Chairman of the session was Dr K V Peter and Co-Chairman was Dr E J Joseph and Rapporteur was Shri George mammen. In this session also two lead papers and 9 papers presented. The first lead paper 'Enhanced productivity linkd to higher farm gate price to spice farmers' was presented by Dr K V Peter and the other lead paper 'Cropwater Requirements Estimation Methods' was presented by Dr S Mohan.

5. Technical Session IV was the farmers meet and Technical session V was Panel discussion and lastly Valedictory session

About 150 delegates participated in the function

ktv

Service Pension for Employees of KSCSTE

2010-02-01T04:24:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Service Pension to the employees of research institutions established by Government of Kerala is a very long pending issue and after the inception of KSCSTE the issue regained its importance and was discussed in many forums, still, it didn't materialize. The first Nayanar Ministry was very much positive for the implementation of the same but at that time some of the scientists were not interested in it and now they also understood the importance of service pension. After the swearing in ceremony of LDF Government headed by Shri V S Achuthanandan and the appointment of new Executive Vice President Dr E P Yesodharan and Member Secretary Dr G Muraleedhara Kurup gave a new dimension to this issue. The Chief Minister has directed the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and environment to submit a proposal for service pension for the Research Institutions under KSCSTE. The office order Council (M)34/2009/KSCSTE dated 4th March 2009, the Executive Vice President has entrusted Dr G Muraleedhara Kurup for formulating a pension scheme for the employees of the Council and its R&D Institutions within a period of three months. On 23rd January 2010 the Member Secretary has submitted his report and it is now circulated for comments.

I whole heartedly welcome this report with a humble request to the Government that kindly waive the condition to refund the EPF loans taken from Employer's contribution for HOUSE CONSTRUCTION purpose as there was no Government loan available to these employees and they have already paid a huge some of interest to private agencies for which no subsidy is obtained from government and, moreover, it is a cumbersome procedure.

Prof. Muralidhara Kurup's report is a very concise one and at the very outset itself he has pointed out the importance of Service Pension to S&T Staff. "Kerala has pioneered literacy and female education among other social advances. At the higher education and research level, Kerala has somewhat lagged, yet we have a small set of academic and scientific institutions created by the State Government that have done commendable work. ... Although the Kerala government has been generous in funding infrastructure development and providing Non-Plan grants, retirement benefits were not provided except for the mandatory EPF contribution. This, unfortunately, is a poor substitute for service pension which all teachers and staff of Universities and aided educational institutions in Kerala avail. At the National level also research Institutions like ICAR, CSIR, DRDO, BARC, ISRO etc; have provided attractive retirement benefits."

Further the report reminds the government that "The Research Institutions under KSCSTE have been established by the government to serve the State. As they have been in existence for over three decades, the government has a commitment to provide Non-Plan grants for salaries and EPF contribution. Service Pension is a reasonable social security for those who serve the State. This is applicable also for the scientists and staff of the Research Institutes created by the State."

The Conditions laid out in the Proposal are;
1. The Kerala Government may make a Cabinet decision and issue a Government Notification grantig service pension to staff of Research institutes under the KSCSTE, who have completed 10 years of continuous service as on 1 November 2009.

2. Service pension will be fixed as per Kerala Service Rules Part III, by the Accountant General in the usual way for government employees and it shall be mutantis mutantis revised as and when the State Government or the central Government revises the service pension according to the pay scales of the employees.

3. Employees who wish to opt for Service Pension in lieu of the current EPF should agree in writing to surrender their credit in the Employer's contribution and to refund the loans taken from the Employer's contribution with interest within the time frame fixed by the government.

4. The employees provident fund organisation give exemption and exclusion from EPF, the outstanding credit in Employees' Contribution will be transfered to State General Provident Fund (GPF) and it will be maintained for each employee and managed as per the GPF Rules.

5. Service Pension will be paid from the State Treasury as for regular State Government Employees and teachers in aided schools and colleges either by the Accountant General direct or through a designated officer of the planning and Economics Affairs or the Science and Technology Department of the Government of Kerala.

6. The LIC assisted Group Gratuity Scheme existing in the Institutions may be reviewed later.

7. For those provided with State Government pay scales and retiring at 58 years, pension will be fixed on the basis of their salary as in state Government service. i.e.at 55 years.

8. Detailed Rules and Regulations for implimentation of Service Pension and GPF can be drawn up as soon as policy decision is taken by the Government in the matter

It is true that EPF with 12% of salary will be more attractive on the basis of calculation but reality has shown that after few years of retirement the amount has exhausted. EPF pension will not be a sufficient source of income for persons with old age ailments with loneliness . Instances are there to quote who have committed suicide due to penury. In this circumstances I heartily congratulate the LDF Government, EVP, Member Secretary , Unions and others for their sustained endeavor to full fill the long cherished dream of Science and Technology Staff of Kerala. I congratulate all of them involved in the mission and wish all success in their endeavor to materialize service pension to the employees of KSCSTE which is a revolutionary concept that they have taken in an era of Contributory Pension which squeezes the employees in the name of pension.

If it is materialized, the V S Government will be remembered by this as in the case of Land Reforms Act of EMS Government.

With best wishes

ktv

Indian Science Congress

2010-01-07T18:02:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Kerala once again hosted Indian Science Congress after two decades. The first was held in Kochi in 1990 and now the capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram became the host city with co-organizers of the meet were ISRO and Kerala University. Kerala University is the 16th University in India prevailing the model of Western Universities established by King of Travecnore in 1937.

97th Indian Science Congress ended on 7th January 2010. It was inaugurated on 3rd January 2010 by our Honorable Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. In his inaugural address he expressed his concern over red-tapism, political interference and lack of proper recognition of good works have resulted in 'regression' in Indian Science. He urged the scientists to come out with suggestions to 'liberate Indian Science from from the shackles and dead-weight of bureaucratism and in-house favoritism'. He aptly pointed out that '..scientific capability is what will determine our ability to overcome the challenges which lie ahead'. He also noted that centre has declared 2010-2020 as the 'Decade of Innovations' to produce newer solutions to meet the needs of the society. He also pointed out that 'we need to concentrate on strengthening the linkages between academia, research and Industry. Today, each operates within its own silo. Unless we close these gaps, our research and development sector may report high performance in terms of published papers, but our challenges of the 21st century will remain unsolved.' The function was Chaired by Dr G Madhavan Nair, General President of Indian Science Congress and former Chairman, ISRO.

He also called for special efforts to encourage scientists of Indian origin working abroad to either return to India or visit Indian Universities and scientific Institutions for short periods inorder to combat brain drain.

About 7000 delegates including 2000 students from different parts of the country participated in the meet and 2000 scientific and technical papers presented in 97th Science congress and discussed about food and energy security, global warming, water scarcity, challenges in health sector etc. The focal theme of the science congress was Science and Technology challenges of 21st century- National perspective.

Indian Science Congress Association(ISCA), as in the case of Indian National congress, was formed by the initiatives of two British Chemists, namely, by Prof: J L Simonsen and Prof; P S MacMahon, in line with the British Association for the Advancement of Science. The objective of the ISCA was 1.To advance and promote the cause of Science in India. 2. To hold an annul congress at a suitable place in India. 3. To publish proceedings, journals, transactions etc. 4, To popularize science.

The first meeting of the Indian Science Congress was held during 15-17 January 1914 at the premises of Asiatic Society, Calcutta. At that time the President of ISCA was Honorable Justice Sir Asutosh Mukherjee, the then Vice Chancellor of Calcutta University. In that meet 105 Scientists from different parts of India attended and 35 papers divided into six sections, namely, Botany, Chemistry, Ethnography, Geology, Physics, Zoology were discussed under six sectional Presidents. Now there are 14 sections. They are 1. Agriculture and forestry Sciences 2. Animal, Veterinary and Fishery Sciences 3. Anthropological and Behavioral Sciences(including Archeology) and Psychology &educational sciences 4. Chemical sciences. 5. Earth system sciences 6. Energy sciences. 7. Environmental sciences 8. Information Communication & Technology(including Computer science). 9. Material science 10. Mathematical sciences(including Statistics) 11. Medical sciences(including physiology) 12. New biology(including Biochemistry, Biophysics , Molecular Biology and biotechnology). 13 Physical sciences and14. a committee on Science and society.

The silver jubilee of SCA was held in 1938 at Calcutta under the president ship of Lord Lutherford of Nelson but due to his sudden demise the chair was took over by Sir James Jeens. From this annual meet on wards foreign scientists took part in Indian Science congress.

Golden Jubilee of ISCA was held in 1963 at Delhi with Prof: D S Kothari as General president.

Diamond Jubilee was held at Chandigarh in 1973 under the President ship of Dr S Bhagavantam.

Platinum jubilee was held in 1988 under the President ship of Prof C N R Rao.

In 1976 Dr M S Swaminathan, the then General president of ISCA introduced the concept of focal theme of national relevance, which is now discussed in every section, committee and forum during the annual section

Another significant breakthrough was made in 1980 when DST,Government of India set up a permanent Task Force involving representation of ISCA and chiefs of different agencies and voluntary agencies chaired by Secretary,DST as being responsible for following up various recommendations of Focal Theme

Next Indian science Congress will be held at Chennai.

ktv

Calculate Pay and Arrears

2009-11-13T22:36:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

First of all I would like to congratulate and express our thanks to LDF Government, Honorable Finance Minister Dr Thomas Issac, Com: Kadakampally Surendran (Ex MLA), Dr E P Yesodharan (EVP), and others for their honest efforts for materializing the yearlong pending 6th Pay Revision made applicable to the technical and scientific staff of KSCSTE. The Central Government implemented it on Septemer2008 with effect from 1st January2006 and now after an elapse of one year Kerala Government has also implemented it to the employees of KSCSTE. This is the first time the Central Pay Revision is implemented after the inception of KSCSTE and hence we can expect some difficulty in materializing it through the present day official procedures.

As I have pointed out in my earlier post in September 14, 2008 that the main attraction to the 6th pay revision is the hike in HRA and Traveling Allowance (which is linked with DA). As a result of delayed implementation of the 6th pay revision both benefits are curtailed to the staff from January 2006 to December 2009. In this respect I would like to quote the words of 6th Pay Commission(page-15) "Partial implementation of these recommendations will destroy the underlying spirit, break the common thread and bring in several anomalies and inconsistencies. The report would, there fore, need to be treated in a holistic manner and the recommendations considered as a package".As far as central Government Employees are concerned they are getting the benefit of pension but that benefit is also not available to the employees of KSCSTE and hence the gravity of the loss is heavy in the case of KSCSTE employees. I hope Kerala Government will do something to protect the retired staff in their old age imbibed with ailments and loneliness.

I have put a link below which is very useful to calculate your pay and arrears. You can just click on 'calculate your pay and arrears' given below and give necessary details as required in the site and press 'Next' you will get the amount as fixed by Central Government. But you have to bear in mind that this calculation is in accordance with that of Central Government order and hence you have to deduct HRA and Traveling Allowance amount for the period September 2008 to December 2009 from the shown amount to get your approximate salary and arrears (alternately by selecting 'Staying in Quarters' and ' Availing Institute Transport' and pressing 'Next' you will get the approximate salary and arrears from January2006 to December2009 without HRA and Tr. Allowance. You have to add HRA and Tr. Allowance with effect from January 2010 onwards.) as per the Kerala State Council for Science, Technology and Environment order No. 3/2010/KSCSTE dated 08-01-2010.

You can fix your CSIR pay by multiplying old basic pay as on 01-01-2006(Basic pay in the old pay scale) by 1.86 and adding Grade Pay (GP). For PB 4 (except 14300-18300) this formula is not applicable(The factor used is nearly 2.42 )and it is tabulated as per the table provided by CSIR. Persons having Grade Pay of Rs 6600, 7600, 8700 and 8900 will also get two additional increments at the rate of 3%after their normal pay fixation and persons with Grade Pay of Rs 10,000 will get Special Pay of Rs 4000 per month. Professional update allowance for persons having Grade Pay of Rs 5400, 6600 and 7600 is Rs 10,000 per annum and for GP of Rs 8700 and 8900 is Rs 20,000 per annum and for GP of Rs 10,000 , Rs 12,000 and above is Rs 30,000 per annum.

This is the most unscientific pay revision giving no importance to seniority. Certain anomalies are also crept in the order and CSIR has already appointed an Anomaly Rectification Committee and I hope that they will rectify the anomaly.

The details i.e.,Grade,Old Pay Scale, Revised Pay Scale (Pay Band) and Grade Pay (GP) for different CSIR pay scales are given below (as per CSIR Annexture-1 of Letter No 5-1(3)/2008 darted 4th October 2008)

TA Grades
1>Old Scale 3050-75-4500>Revised Scale 5200-20200>GP 1900>PB 1
2>Old scale 4500-125-7000>Revised Scale 5200-20200>GP 2800>PB1
3>Old Scale 5500-175-9000>Revised Scale 9300-34800>GP 4200>PB2
4>Old Scale 6500-200-10500>Revised scale 9300-34800>GP 4600>PB2
(Placed in 7450-225-1150)

TO Grades
1>Old Scale 4500-125-7000>Revised Scale 9300-34800>GP 4200>PB2
(Placed in 5000-8000 with effect from 1.1.2006)
2>Old Scale 5500-175-9000>Revised Scale 9300-34800>GP 4200>PB2
3>Old Scale 6500-200-10500>Revised scale 9300-34800>GP 4600>PB2
(Placed in 7450-225-11500)
4>Old Scale 8000-275-13500>Revise Scale 15600-39100>GP5400>PB3
5>Old Scale 10000-325-15200>Revised Scale 15600-39100>GP6600>PB3
6>Old Scale 12000-375-16500>Revised Scale 15600-39100>GP 7600>PB3
7>Old scale 14300-400-18300>Revised Scale 37400-67000>GP8700>PB4

Scientist Grades
1>Old Scale 8000-275-13500> Revised Scale 15600-39100> GP 5400>PB 3
2>Old Scale 10000-325-15200>Revised Scale 15600-39100> GP 6600>PB3
3>Old Scale 12000-375-16500>Revised Scale 15600-39100>GP 7600>PB3
4>Old Scale 14300-400-18300>revised Scale 37400-67000>GP 8700>PB4
5>Old Scale 16400-450-20000>Revised Scale 37400-67000>GP8900>PB4
6>Old scale 18400-500-22400>Revised Scale 37400-67000>GP10000>PB4
7>Old Scale 22400-525-24500>Revised Scale37400-67000>GP 12000>PB4

calculate your pay and arrears

Persons joined after 01/01/2006 use this link

with best wishes
ktv

Autonomey

2009-10-30T18:54:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Chambers 20th Century Dictionary defined autonomy 'the power or right of self-government, especially partial self-government: the doctrine that the human will carries its guiding principle within itself.' I have quoted this because we have struggled for the fulfillment of the erstwhile decisions of the governing body of cwrdm which was flayed in the appointment of Shri K V Vijayan as Internal Auditor, which was a deputation post as per the decision of Governing Body of cwrdm-an autonomous research Institute. Today he retired from his service along with smt K Radha and I wish them a healthy, happy, peaceful and prosperous retired family life.

Shri K V Vijayan worked in cwrdm as Internal Auditor on deputation from Kerala Electricals and Allied Engineering company Limited, Palakkad for about two years. In fact, Internal Auditor post was kept as a deputation post in cwrdm in order to discharge the duties impartially and without yielding to the pressures of higher authorities and as per the 'Rules relating to Recruitment and Promotion of Administrative Staff of cwrdm' the mode of appointment of Internal Auditor post reads as follows : 'By deputation of a suitable officer having 10 years of experience in auditing from Local Fund Audit/AG's office(Audit)'. But cwrdm authorities violated the existing rules and decided to fill internal Auditor post as permanent and invited applications through order No SS-79/98 dated 17-3-98 by the Registrar, cwrdm. Seeing the News Paper advertisement, we approached the authorities and pointed out the irregularities and defects of the decision. But all the decisions were pre-calculated and Shri K V VIjayan joined in cwrdm as Internal Auditor on11-12-1998 , which was an all India Strike Day called by Leftist Trade Unions.

CWRDM is an autonomous research institute established by Government of Kerala in 1978. This autonomy was misused by the authorities in oneway or the other. Shri K V Vijayan was appointed as permanent internal auditor when cwrdm rules insisted strictly that it should be a deputation post. When we brought it to the notice of authorities, when they called the application through news papers, they promised us they will abide by rules. But things went on contrary and cwrdm authorities appointed Shri K V Vijayan as a permanent Internal Auditor. Hence cwrdm Staff Federation, under the leadership of Com C P Balan Vaidyer(late), started agitation against violation of recruitment rules, corruption, misuse of autonomy and flaying of rules and regulations. This struggle went on for 427days and by that time Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri E K Nayanar on 22nd July 1999 pronounced in the Kerala Legislative assembly that the appointment of Shri K V Vijayan as internal auditor is against the rules and regulations, and the Executive Committee of cwrdm is directed to take stringent actions against the guilty authorities. In Malayalam it reads as follows: കോഴിക്കോട് ജില്ലയില്‍ കുന്നമാങ്ങലത് പ്രവര്‍ത്തിച്ചുവരുന്ന cwrdm-ഇല്‍ ഇന്റെര്‍ണല്‍ ഓടിട്ടരെ നിയമിച്ചതില്‍ ചട്ടങ്ങളും നിയമങ്ങളും ലങ്കിചിട്ടുല്ലതായി സര്കാരിന്ട ശ്രദ്ധയില്‍ പെട്ടിടുണ്ട് . ഈ നിയമനമെടക്കം പ്രസ്തുതസ്ഥപനത്തില്‍ നടന്നിട്ടുള്ള ക്രമാവിരുധനടപടികള്‍ക്കു ഉത്ടരവാധികളായ ഉദ്യോഗസ്തന്മാരുട പേരില്‍ കര്സനമായ സിക്ഷനനടപടികള്‍ സ്വീകരിക്കുന്നതിനു cwrdm-ന്റെ എക്സിക്യൂട്ടീവ് കമ്മറ്റിക്ക് നിര്‍ദേശങ്ങള്‍ നല്‍കിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. On that proclamation we withraw the struggle. But instead of taking actions against the miscreants, STEC directed cwrdm to terminate Shri KV Vijayan from the service and before reaching the order in cwrdm he moved to the Honorable High Court of Kerala and obtained a Stay. Thus the authorities who done the wrong deeds were spared and the innocent was targeted for crucification. This was against our ethics and we dropped the matter and now Shri K V Vijayan has retired from his service. I have recollected all these matters only because he mentioned this matter in his retirement speech in the concluding session of the function organised by cwrdm cultural organisation Tarangam. Personally we have no grudges or illwill towards Shri K V Vijayan but respect only. His wife is a professor in Guruvayurappan College, Calicut and they have one daughter and one son.

Smt Radha was working in cwrdm as casual labour before our Prime Minister Shri Morarjee Desai laid foundation stone for the establishment of cwrdm in Calicut by shifting it from 'Rangit', Pattam, Thiruvananthapuram. Shri Morarjee Desai laid foundation stone of cwrdm on 1st January 1979 in Kottamparamba, Kozhikode. After a lot of struggle Smt K Radha was inducted in to general worker category on 4th July 1995 and allowed other service benefits like Scale of pay,CPF, leaves etc as given in PWD. Her husband is a cotract worker and they have two sons and one married daughter.

with best wishes
ktv

Statkraft's Osmotic Power Plant

2009-10-10T17:49:00.000-07:00

Recently I got a chance to go through Investment U (Published by Robert Williams), issue #1112/October 09, 2009 describing about osmotic power plant designed and developed by Norwegian Electric company- Statkraft- expected to be opened on 24th November 2009. This is going to be the first power plant that harness unique salt water and fresh water collision to generate power. Statkraft also develops and generates hydropower, wind power, marine energy, solar power and other energy sources.

Osmosis is an important property of solutions. The first recorded experiments of the phenomenon are those of Abbe Nollet (1748) who found that when alcohol and water were separated by an animal bladder membrane, the water passed through into alcohol , causing an increase in pressure, but the alcohol was not able to pass out into water. This flow of water through animal membranes, found to occur with aqueous solutions in general, was studied by R. Dutrochet (1827-32) and by K Vierordt (1848), the former of whom invented the terms 'endosmosis' and 'exosmosis' to describe the passage of water in opposite directions. Subsequently the prefixes were dropped and the word osmosis (in Greek means push) was used to describe the spontaneous flow of water into a solution, or from a more dilute to a more concentrated solution, when separated from each other by a suitable membrane. The essential property of these membranes is that they allow the free passage of water but not of the dissolved substance. Osmosis occurs as a result of some pressure exerted by the solute molecules called osmotic pressure. The hydrostatic pressure developed inside which just stops the osmosis is a measure of osmotic pressure and it is best defined as the excess pressure which must be applied to a solution to prevent the passage into it of solvent when they are separated by a perfectly semipermeable membrane.

According to Statkraft salt water and fresh water are funneled into separate chambers divided by an artificial semi-permeable membrane. The salt molecules in the sea water pulls the fresh water molecules through the membrane, increasing pressure on sea water side. The pressure comes in the form of 120 metre column or water fall that can be utilized in power generating turbines. The plant can be installed where ever river meet the sea. The prototype is expected to be opened on November 24 with limited undisclosed production capacity. It will be used for testing and further development.

Global potential of osmotic power is estimated about 1600-1700 terrawatt hour per year or the same as 50% of the European countries total power production.

We can pray for the success of Statkraft's endeavour in the production of large scale clean power from the collision of sea water and river water ie., Osmotic Power which utilises the Earths resources for the generation of clean power, for Keralites it will be a great boon.

With best wishes,
ktv

O Y C

2009-09-30T04:55:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Shri S Chandramohan Kumar, Deputy Registrar (Accounts) and Registrar -in-Charge, retired from CWRDM service today. He joined in CWRDM as Purchase Officer in 1980 when CWRDM was in Ranjith, Pattam, Thiruvananthapuram. His residence was within a walkable distance from the Centre. Latter CWRDM was transferred to Kunnamangalam, Kozhikode. He showed his brilliance as Deputy Registrar (Accounts) even though he was not having the qualification of CA, ICWA etc. prescribed for Accounts Officer post. He proved his promotional appointment as Deputy Registrar (Accounts) was a wise decision taken by CWRDM authorities. All his predecessors were from Accoutant General's office. He performed his duties very efficiently and he was up-to-date in all his work. He was very helpful to all who ever met him with any requirement and discharged his duties to the complete satisfaction of the needy. Apart from this he was all in all in the cultural and sports events of CWRDM. He is actively involved in the activities of Sree Hara Hara Mahadeva Temple, Karanthoor. He is bestowed with energetic parents, equalizing better half and well placed two sons.

On the eve of his retirement function Dr N K Joseph, Head, Surface Water Division and present In charge of Registrar elucidated his previous experiences with Account Section of CWRDM when he was the Head of Construction and Maintenance wing. This incident was mentioned in order to show that the Account Section can act as a speedy implementation devise as well as a delaying mechanism. At that time Accounts Officer post was solely filled by deputation from AG's office. Water Management (Agri) Division requested to Construction and Maintenance Wing for providing an over head tank and a 5 HP water pumping system for the implementation of drip Irrigation layout in the experimental field and it required an electrical connection from KSEB. At that time KSEB introduced a preferentical connection scheme known as Own Your Connection (OYC) by paying an additional amount of rupees one thousand for getting urgent electric connection. Construction wing prepared a Voucher for this and submitted to Accounts section for realization of the amount, but instead of sanctioning it the accounts section put up some meagre quarries and returned the voucher to Construction wing. They replied the quarry and re-submitted to the Accounts Section. This process continued for about six months and by that time the amount was raised to two thousand rupees by KSEB. Observing this , the Accounts Section returned the file to Construction wing with a Note that a fresh voucher has to be submitted with the new amount for availing the scheme. Instead of obliging it the construction wing wrote a comment to conduct an inquiry to find out the fact that who is responsible for the loss of one thousand rupees for the Centre. Instantaneously a cheque for two thousand was reached in the construction and maintenance wing. This shows that how speedily the Accounts Section can act. Shri Chandramohan kumar made Accounts Section a vibrant and speedy section catering to the needs of research activities of the Centre as well as employees needs. Each and every one in CWRDM is thankful to him for his splendid legacy left out in the Centre through his unequivocal performance as Deputy Registrar (Accounts).

Shri Chandramohan Kumar payed homage to the departed colleagues, memorised the retired staff of CWRDM, thanked everybody and concluded his response speech with the lyrics of Great Malayalam Poet Shri Vayalar Ramavarma written for the Malayalam movie കൊട്ടാരം വില്‍കാനുണ്ട് .

"ഈ മനോഹര തീരത്ത് തരുമോ
ഇനിയൊരു ജന്മം കൂടി"

The farewell function was presided by CWRDM Executive Director Professor Dr K V Jayakumar and welcome address by Tharangam President Shri MR Venugopal and Vote of thanks by Shri E G Soman, General Secretary, Tarangam.

ktv

IRMS Users Meet-2009

2009-09-20T07:35:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Second ThrmoFisher S C I E N T I F I C IRMS Users Meet-2009 was held at Kadavu Resort, Kozhikode (Calicut) on 17th and 18th September 2009. It was inaugurated by Dr K Vasu, retired Head, Isotope Hydrology Division of CWRDM. Actually it was proposed to be inaugurated by the Executive Director of CWRDM and Dr Vasue destined to inaugurate this function as an 'intruder', as he himself described it in his inaugural speech, due to the absence of Executive Director as he was assigned some other important duties else where and he has to leave Calicut. I feel that it is a reward for Dr Vasu's lustrous work as he was fully dedicated to establish Isotope Hydrology Division in the Centre starting from his career as Scientist-B in water Management (Agri) Division in 1983 and later established Radio Tracer Laboratory and Central Water Analysis Laboratory with the infallible support of the Executive Director Dr P Basak. Latter Radio tracer Laboratory was upgraded into Isotope Hydrology Division in 1994. He brought so many instruments in the division and IRMS is one among them and naturally he himself is the best person to inaugurate such a meet.

The welcome speech was done by Dr G Ramakrishnan, Senior Director, ThermoFisher Scientific and the key note lecture on the topic "Various Applications of stable isotopes in climatology and Oceanography" .was taken by Professor R Ramesh, PRL, Ahmedabad. Dr Andreas Hilkert from ThermoFisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany, explained the "improvements in IRM-GC/MS Technology" and "Advances in IRMS Technique". Dr Oliver Krachet also from ThermoFisher Scientific, Bremen, Germany, took classes on "Applications in food control" and on "Elemental analyzer". Dr R D Deshpande from PRL, Ahmedabad, took class on "Introduction to IWIN Program" and Dr P Sanyal from IIT, Kharagpur, took class on "Variability of Indian monsoon over past 100 ka: implications to climate forcing on vegetation". Dr Aninda Manjumdar from NIO, Goa, took class on "Sulfur Isotopes study by IRMS Technique" and Dr C Unnikrishnan warrier from CWRDM, Calicut, took class on "Ground water turnover on coastal aquifer of Kerala". Mr Ravi Rangarajan from IISc, Banglore , took class on "High Precision 18-O Measurement using Gas Bench II" and Dr saxena/Dr Pande from ONGC, Dehradun, took class on IRMS facility at ONGC for Oil Exploration". The concluding remarks was done by Er Ram Mhatre, ThermoFisher Scientific, Mumbai. This program ended with a viisitto IRMS laboratory at CWRDM.

Mass spectrometry is one of the oldest instrumental analytical methods led to the discovery of stable isotopes. It is now used in Hydrology, Agronomy, Oceanography,Climatology, Criminology, Environmental Pollution studies, Oil exploration etc. Positive rays were discovered by Goldstein in 1886 using a low-pressure electrical discharge tube. Thomson's presentation of his Positive Ray Analyzer data in 1912 confirmed the isotopic structure of matter. In 1919 Aston developed a more elaborate instrument, positive ray spectrograph(Aston's Mass Spectrograph). This instrument used magnetic and electric fields to separate ions of different mass and focus them with respect to velocity. He achieved a resolution similar to that of a modern gas isotope ratio mass spectrometer, and ten times better than Thomson's mass spectrometer. The period 1927-1932 saw the discovery of S-32, S-33, and S-34 followed by C-13, O-18, O-17, N-15 and D. In 1930s, stable isotopes were separated and used as biological tracers. Norman and Werkman in 1943 conducted agronomic research on Nitrogen uptake of soyabeans using N15 isotope. Modern stable isotope geochemistry began in 1947 with the outstanding work of Harold Urey explaining and quantifying isotope fractionation effects and natural abundance levels. In the same year Alfred Nier published a description of his gas source mass spectrometer for precise isotope determination. By 1957, members of Urey's group had characterized the instrument, increased the range of applications on isotopic variations in nature and established rigorous procedures for correction and standardization of data and later H Craig' supplemented their works. The commercial development of Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometers occurred in 1960s and 1970s.

Mass spectrometer is an instrument ionizes gaseous molecules and separates the ions into a spectrum according to their mass-to-charge ratio, m/z, using electric and magnetic fields. The relative abundance of the molecules of different m/z are then found by measuring the currents generated by these separated ion beams. The mass spectrometer consists of an ion source to ionize the gas sample, an electrical field to accelerate the ions, a magnetic field perpendicular to the electric field to bend the ions into circular paths of different radii depending on their masses and finally an ion collector for each ion beam of given mass value. All these parts of the mass spectrometers are evacuated to pressures of the order of 10e-6 to 10e-9 mbar. Here the whole IRMS is flushed with inert Helium gas in order to protect the electron producing filament in the ion source against oxidation. Moreover Helium has good diffusion coefficient and acts as an excellant pushing and guiding agent for the sample gas once gets into the sample cell and introduces into mass spectrometer. Both solid and liquid samples has to be converted in to gaseous form by suitable methods before introducing it into the ionization chamber. where they are bombarded by a stream of high energy electrons and as a result the molecules will be converted into positively charged ions. These ions are accelerated by a positive electrical potential and pass through mass analysers which is a strong electromagnet where the ions are dispersed based on their m/z ratios and takes different curved trajectories as they emerge out of the analyser. This is called mass spectrum. These ions enters in to ion detector which consists of special type of charge collectors called Faraday cups located at specific positions to collect the ions of perticular m/z value and it is transmitted into the data processing computer. The absolute abundance ratio of isotopes is not usually measured in natural waters and in other natural compounds. Only the relative difference in the ratio of the heavy isotope to the more abudant light isotope of the sample with respect to a standard is determined and it is denoted by Greek letter delta and expressed in the unit of per mil.

It can be shown that the radius r of any ion beam is proportional to the square root of the ion mass m, The collectors produce electrical currents I proportional to the intensities of the beam and the ratios of these currents are converted into isotope ratios. Precise measurement of isotope ratios require special type of mass spectrometer called Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS). There are differences between IRMS and a regular organic mass spectrometer. In both instruments, the sample is ionized by electrons in the source, ions are accelerated down a flight tube between the poles of a magnet, and they are deflected in proportion to their mass-to-charge ratio. But in organic mass spectrometer, the ion beam is swept over a slit by varying either the accelerating voltage or the strength of the magnetic field so that a mass spectrum is recorded. In isotope ratio mass spectrometer, conditions are held constant throughout the analysis and the relative intensity of two or more ion beams are measured simultaneously. Isotope ratio mass spectrometers typically cover the m/z range 1-100. IRMS is designed to produce strong steady beams in low-noise Faraday cups to give high precision. Samples are simple gases like H2, CO2, N2, and SO2 requiring only low resolving power. Organic mass spectrometers, on the other hand, often need much greater resolution to separate closely spaced peeks at high mas and must accept even little signal available and the non linear response of electron multiplier detectors.

Fisher Scientific was founded in 1902 by Chester G Fisher and Thermo electron was established in 1956 by George Hatsopoulos. In November 2006 the two companies merged and ThermoFisher SCIENTIFIC became the world leader in serving sciences, enabling the customers to make the world healthier, cleaner and safer. They provide employment over 30,000 employees and serve over 350,000 customers with pharmaceutical and biotech companies, hospitals and clinical diagnostic labs, universities, research institutions and government agencies, as well as environmental and industrial process control settings. The Thermo Scientific brand represents a complete range of high-end analytical instruments as well as laboratory equipments, softwares, services, consumables and reagents to enable integrated laboratory work flow solutions. Fisher Scientific provides a complete portfolio of laboratory equipments, chemicals, supplies and services used in health care, scientific research, safety and education.
With Best Wishes
ktv

In Memory of Shri K R Narayanan

2009-08-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Centre for Research and Education for Social Transformation (CREST) is an autonomous institution established in 2002 by Government of Kerala with the objective to enable professionals and other graduates from scheduled communities to compete in the open market for admission in professional as well as higher learning institutions of national reputation and to compete in the open market for specialised categories of job opportunities. Under the aegis of the Centre, a National Lecture ' Modernity and its Margins- A Critique' was delivered by Prof. Gopal Guru, JNTU, New Delhi on 8th August 2009 at Alakapuri Auditorium, Calicut, in Memory of Shri K R Narayanan, former President of India.

Shri Kocheril Raman Narayanan (KR Narayanan) was born in perumthanan in Uzhavoor village in Tavencore (present day Kottayam district )of Kerala on October 27, 1920 (as given by his uncle while admitting in the school as he was unaware of the actual date of birth). He was the fourth of seven children of Kocheril Raman Vaidyer and Paappiyamma who belonged to Parava cast to which the assigned work was plucking of coconuts as per the cast system. He used to walk about 15 km daily to attend the school and was often listened the lessons from outside the class room because tuition fees was not paid in time. His elder brother Neelakandan was suffering from Asthma and was unable to go to school and hence he used to copy the borrowed books and gave to Narayanan as he was not able to afford the cost of books. After getting MA in English Literature from University of Travancore (present day Kerala University) he left for Delhi and worked as a journalist in The Hindu and The Times of India(1944-45). In 1945 he left to England and studied Political science under Harold Laski at the London School of Economics with scholarship from JRD Tata. During the years he was active in the Indian League under VK Krishnamenon. He shared lodging with Dr KN Raj and Veerasamy Ringadoo. Narayanan returned to India in 1948 with a letter from Laski to Prime Minister Pandit Jawaherlal Nehru and he appointed him in IFS. Paditji referred Narayanan as' the best diplomat of the Country'.

He served as the Ambassador to Japan, UK,Thailand, Turkey, Peoples Republic of China and USA. He joined in politics at Indira Gandhis request and won three successive elections to the Loksabha from Ottappalam in Kerala. He has served as a minister of state in the Union Cabinet. under former Prime Minister Rajive Gandhi. He was elected as Vice President of India in 1992. He became President of India in 1997. He was an independent and assertive president who set several precedents and enlarged the scope of of the highest Constitutional Office. He described himself as 'a working President' who worked 'within the four corners of the constitution'.

Even though he was born as dalit still he reached the highest position of the country through hard-work. Now a days so many facilities are available for dalits for their up coming, still they are not coming up, Why? Is it due to marginalization? I don't think so. I feel that it is due to lack of courage and determination. All have become sugian, not ready for hard work. Narayanan walked 15 km to study, now no body have such a situation. 'Too light winning make the price light'

The need of the hour is that to teach the dalits to express themselves instead of completely immersing them in expectations. Spoon feeding will not create Narayanans. Mere erection of so many statues will not up lift the dalits from the present day turmoil. I think CREST will recognize the actual facts and do the needful for the upliftment of the dalits.

The gathering was welcomed by Dr D D Nambudiri, Executive Director of CREST and Presided by Dr P Sanal Mohan and vote of thanks by Prof. Ashley Paul.

With best wishes for a better future!!!
ktv

Loving Hart

2009-07-31T06:24:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Today, 31st July 2009, our much respected Registrar Major(Retired) V K Premanadhan retired from CWRDM after 8 years successful service in the Centre. In fact this is the second retirement for him as the first one was from Indian Army after 20 years of distinguished service. He joined in CWRDM as Registrar on 30th June 2001 after the retirement of the erstwhile Registrar Shri Unnien Kutty. Shri Unnien Kutty was a strict officer considered everything very seriously and his actions were viewed suspiciously by the staff and his mannerism created a sense of fear and ill will towards him. When the news of selected person for the post of Registrar is a retired Major from Indian Army the staff of CWRDM felt that he will also be a hard person to tackle.

My first boss was a retired Major , Mr K C Ahammed Sahib, who was a very strict and serious person with high commanding power. So, I was under the impression that the present Major will also be a hard nut to crack. But on the contrary to our expectations he was a nice lovable person and he gave full freedom for the staff. He treated all problems lightly and didn't allowed to misuse the freedom. He was one among the staff in all issues of CWRDM.

In his tenure a great leap occurred in the field of infrastructure development and uplifting the Centre with Vision and Mission. He brought back all NMR workers to CWRDM head quarters at kunnamangalam. He has given full support to Dr E J James, the Executive Director at that time for the implementation of research activities as well as all programmes conducted by CWRDM. He was very sympathetic towards employees demands and his actions eventually succeded in getting a favorable order from Honorable High court of Kerala on the scale issue of the Technical Assistant Grade(2) and the order for the disbursement of the arrears of the long pending issue was also signed by him at the verge of his retirement.

Before coming to CWRDM he was serving as Principal in Bhavan's school, Chevayur. He is bestowed with Master of Personal Management and LL B degree. His wife is an employee of Veda Vyasa school, Calicut. They have one son and one daughter.

I wish him and his family a long healthy, happy and prosperous retired life
With Best wishes
ktv

Sreemad Bhagavat Gita

2009-07-10T18:21:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Divine Life Society founded by Swami Sivananda has narrated Sreemad Bhagavad Gita in a very brief manner and Swamigi has published it in the net as 'Bhagavat Gita for Busy People' . In the froward letter the Divine Life Society points out that 'Gita is your benefactor and constant companion. Gita is your teacher and Guru. The Gita is your real Father and Mother. Gita is your solace, support and property. The Gita is an embodiment of nectar. Drink this nectar daily and attain Immortality'.

I am not a learned man to give a commentary on Sreemad Bhagavat Gita, but I want to give you a glimpse of Gita with my understanding and to quote what the learned peoples openioned about Gita. I was made to go through Sreemad Bhagavat Gita by my father-in-law Shri Kommadath Chandrasekharan, Retired Divisional Accountant, PWD. He was a great admirer of Swami Chinmayananda and life member of Chinmaya Mission. Swamigi is one of the 20th century world renowned and revered exponents of Vedanta, the foundation of Hindu religion and culture. His actual name was Balakrishna Menon born on 8th May, 1916 in Palakkad in Kerala . While he was working in The National Herald he decided to write an article about the fraud sanysies and he traveled to Ananda Kutir, swami Sivanandas ashram in Rishikesh. Swami Sivanandas divinity, love and vetanta teachings made him renunciate himself and accepted sanyasa on the holy day of Maha Shivaratri, 25th February , 1949 by Swami Sivananda who blessed him with the name 'Swami Chinmayananda Saraswati'. He underwent an intense study of Vedantic texts under renowned Vedantic master of the time, Swami Tapovanam, who lived in Utterkashi in Utterpradesh(Present day Uttaranchal) in Himalayas. With his Guru's blessings he started to spread Vedatic knowledge to the masses. His first Gita Jnana Yanjna was in 1951 at a small temple in Maharastra. Chinmaya Mission was started in 1953. Swamigi popularised Bhagavat Gita by conducting 576 Jana Yajnas. Swamiji's Mahasamadhi occurred on 3rd August, 1993 in San Diego, California.

My father-in-law has given me a copy of Bhagavat Gita published by B V Book Depo & Printing works, Thiruvananthapuram with the commentary of Dr L A Ravivarma. This version was quite understandable but some of the explanations were un-affordable to me and I had a feeling that he wants to revive Chathur varnya through his commentary on Gita. So I purchased a concise pocket book of Sreemad Bhagavat Gita published by H&C Publishing House, Thrissur with the commentary of Smt Jaya Venugopal, M A, BEd, M Phil. I have also purchased an English version of Srimad Bhagavat Gita published by India Book Distributors, Bombay forwarded by Dada J P Vasawani. I was also benefited by the Sreemad Bhagavad Gita published (PDF version) by Bhakti Vigyan Nityananda Book Trust, Berhampur, Orissa and articles published by wekipedia.

It is stated that Sreemad Bhagavat Gita is the summary of all Vedas. It is the narration of karma by Lord Krishna to Arjuna which acts as a catalyst in motivating Arjuna in performing his duties as a Shatriya in the battle field of Kurushatra where he was filled with grief on seeing his Gurus and kinsmen in the battle field and throws away his bow and arrow and sank down on the seat of the chariot. In order to revive him from the anguish Lord Krishna said to Arjuna 'Wake up from the slumber of ignorance. This body and the world are in-welt by imperishable Atman, Brahman or the soul. None can cause destruction of that - the Imperishable. This Atman is not born nor does It ever die. It is unborn, eternal, changeless ancient and inexhaustible. It is not killed when the body is killed'. It portrays the way to liberation through renunciation.

I was very much impressed by the Sloka of 35 in Chapter III (Karma yoga) ie.,

Sreyan sva-dharmo vigunah Para-dharmot swa-anushtitat

Sva-dharme nidhanam sreyah Para-dharmo bhayavaha

Now a days people are very much interested in doing others duties(dharma) but they fail in doing their duties. Lord Krishna reminds them that even if a person imperfectly does his duties it is far better than the duties of another performed with all perfection. It is better to die for ones own duties, but doing the duties prescribed for others is dangerous.

Another Sloka which attracted me is :2.47

Karmanya vadhikaraste ma phalesu kadachana
Ma karma-phala-heturbhur ma te sangosttvakarmani

The other Slokas attracted me are2.62 and 2.63

Dhyayato visayan pumsah sangastesupajayate
Sahgat sanjayate karmah kamat krodho'bhijayate

Krodhad bhavati sammohah sammohat smrti-vibhramah
Smrti-bhramsad budhi-naso budhi-nasat pranasyati

when a man dwelling his mind on the senses objects, an attachment for them arises. Desire is born of that attachment. From attachment anger is born. From anger comes delusions, from delusions springs failure of memory. From wrecked memory results the ruin of the understanding and then he perishes.

Scholar Steven Rosen summarizes the Gita in four Slokas ie., 10.8,10.9,10.10 and 10.11

Aham sarvasya prabhavo mattah sarvam pravartate
Iti matva bhajante mam budha bhava-samanvitah

I am the foundation of all spiritual and meterial worlds. Every thing emanates from Me. The wise man who know it perfectly well, they engage in My devotional service and worship Me with love and with great attention.

Mac-citta mad-gata-prana bodhyantah parasparam
Kathayantas ca mam nityam tusyanti ca ramanti ca

With minds fixed on on Me, with lives concentrated to Me, My pure devotees fully absorbed in Me, and they derive grea pleasure enlightening one another and conversing on My glorious attributes and deeds.

Tesam satata-yuktanam bhajatam priti-purvakam
Dadami buddhi-yogam tam yena mamupayanti ta

Those who worship Me with love and devotion, I give them un-udulterated love born of pure intelligence, which enables them to attain My blissful realm

Tesamevanukampartham-mahamajnanajam tamah
Nasayamyatma-bhava-stho jnana-dipena bhasvata

Out of my causeless mercy for them, I dwelling in their hearts, destroy their darkness born of ignorance, with the lamp of pure knowledge.

The oldest commantary on Gita was written by the founder of veedanta school of adaida Sankaracharya(788-820 AD). Balagangadhra Tilak (1910-1911)and Mahatma Gandhi(wrote in 1929 in Marati while he was in Yervada jail) were the modern commentators of Gita.

Dr Radhakrishnan considered that the the essance of Gita is contained in Sloka 11.55

Mat-karma-krnmat-paramo mad-bhaktah sanga-varjitah
Nirvairah sarva-bhutesu yah sa mameti pandava

He who does work for me, he who looks up on Me as his goal, he who worship Me, Who is free from attachment, who is free from enmity to all creations, he goes to Me, O Partha

Sreeramakrishna Paramahamsa said that the essential message of Gita can be obtained by repeating the word 'gita' several times. Gita, Gita,Gita, you begin, but then find yourself saying ta-Gi,ta-Gi,ta-Gi, tagi means one who has renounced every thing for God'

According to Swami Vivekananda on reading 2.3 one gets all the merits of reading the entire Gita, for in this one Sloka lies embedded the whole message of the Gita.

Klaibyam masma gamah partha naitattvayyupapadyate
Ksudram hrdaya-daurbalyam tyaktvattistha paramtapa

O son of Prita, it does not become you, Shake off this base faint-hartedness and raise O scorcher of enemies

Mahatma Gandhi wrote' the object of the Gita appears to me to be that of showing the most excellent way to attain self- realisation', and Gandhi wrote that this can be achieved by selfless action -'by desire less action, by renouncing fruits of action, by dedicating all activities to God- ie., by surrendering one self to Him body and soul'. Gandhi called Gita 'the gospel of selfless action'
May Gita help you in overcoming the difficulties of worldly life.

With best wishes
KTV

Wetlands - A threatened landscape?

2009-06-29T07:11:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

The above titled one day seminar was organized on 4th July, 2009 by CWRDM in honour of our retired Scientist-E2 and Head of Biotechnology division Dr P Narayanan Unni. This precedent was started by our new Executive Director Professor Dr K V Jayakumar. I congratulate him for introducing such a novel idea in the history of CWRDM. The present one day seminar is the second in this series and the first one was organised in honour of Dr N Nazimudeen, Retired Scientist F and Head, Ground Water Division. Dr P Narayanan Unni retired on 30-6-09 along with Smt P Sujatha, Assistant Registrar , CWRDM and Shri T Sreeraman.

The seminar was presided by our Executive Director and inaugurated by Dr S Kaul, Director (Wetlands), Ministry of Environment and Forestry, Govt. of India. During his inaugural address he pointed out that wetlands are facing severe threats of degradation due to over exploitation and pollution. Wetlands also faces threats from reclamation, drainage, land fills, hydrological alterations such as water withdrawal , inflow changes etc. Capacity-building of stake-holders under the wetland promgrame is critical to sensitising people about values and functions of wetlands he added. Apart from CWRDM scientists, delegates from other Research Institutions, Government Departments, and Colleges participated in the seminar. Dr Unni presented his research activities in the field of 'wetlands of kerala: Biodiversity and Conservation', and thanked Dr Kaul for providing necessary fund and support in declaring Ashtamudi wetland, Sastham kotta lake and Vembanad-kol wetland as Ramser sites by which these three wetlands of Kerala became renowned in the world scenario. Dr Unni in his inaugural session briefings highlighted that in the early stages of development, wetlands were considered as waste dumping and horror making place. It is only after Ramser Convention, named after the town of Ramser in Iran in 2nd February 1971, international importance was obtained for wetlands even though still the attitude of the people has not changed completely. Professor Dr K V Jayakumar presented the paper on 'Artificial Wetlands', Dr George Chakkachery presented the paper on 'Implimentaion of Wetland Management Programs in Kerala and Challenges', Dr PS Harikumars theme was 'Wetland and Water Quality'. Dr M D Nandaswer , Head of CWRDM sub-centres and Dr N B Narasimha Prasad, Head, Ground water Division were the moderators. Dr E J Joseph, Head, Water Management (Agri) Division welcomed the gathering and Shri Babu Mathew expressed vote of thanks.

Ramser Convention decisions came into force on 21st December 1975. This is an international unity for the conservation and sustainable utilization of wetlands for the coming generations. There are 25 Ramser sites in India out of which four belongs to Jammu & Kashmir, three each belongs to Himachal Pradesh, Pujab, and Kerala , two each belongs to Orissa and Rajastan, and one each belongs to Madhya Pradesh, Utter Pradesh, Manipur, Tripura, Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh. This convention targeted to stop the progressive encroachments and deterioration of wetlands now and in future. It recognized the fundamental ecological functions of wetlands and their economic, cultural, scientific, and recreational value. Wetland is considered as "Kidneys of nature". At present there are 1847 wetlands of international importance.

Dr PN Unni joined in CWRDM on 11th Augest, 1980, two months before I joined in CWRDM in the same Water Management (Agri.) Division. I was sharing his table and chair for few months till I was alloted one. He is a dedicated Scientist and steered through difficulties and got his PhD in Plant Phisiology. He is a produt of St: Josephs College, Devagiri. Before coming to CWRDM Shri Unni and his wife Smt Sethulakshmi were employed in Calicut University. When Shri Unni joined in CWRDM, his wife relinqised the job in Calicut University and joined in CWRDM. Now she is acting as Assistant Registrar(HR). They have one son and a married daughter.

Smt Sujatha joined in CWRDM on 26-7-1980 and is the wife of Shri M K Sekharan who retired from CWRDM service and they have one son. Shri Sreeraman is an Ex- Military man joined in CWRDM on 1st Augest, 1990.

I wish them all a healthy, happy and prosperous retired life
With good wishes
ktv

Indian Democracy

2009-05-24T00:05:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Indian democracy is the largest in the world. With respect to land area it is the 7th largest and 2nd most populated country comprises 28 states and 7 union territories. Indus valley civilization is one of the oldest civilization of the world with a rich and varied cultural heritage. This civilization flourished in the banks of the Indus River in the modern day Pakistan in the north western part of the sub continent from about 2700 to 1750 BC. It was centered on the cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa each of which contained up to 40,000 people. This civilization mysteriously collapsed after 1750 BC either due to invasions, or the River Indus changing its course. One of the oldest scriptures in the world is the four Vedas that may regard as the repository of national thoughts that anticipated many of the modern scientific discoveries. From then its a virtually self contained political and cultural arena, associated to Hinduism. Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism also originated in India.

Through out the past centuries it developed a rich and varied culture with intellectual base in mathematics, medicine, astrology, architecture, and influenced the complete world. Aryans from the central Asia came to India in 1600BC. These people mingled with the original Indian natives called Dravidians and gave dynamic start to Indian classical culture. Through this immigrations merged a composite culture of India and made it a land of unity in diversity. Others who came India includes Greeks, Chinese, Persians, Moguls, British, Portuguese and French. India became a land of assimilation and learning, a land of change and continuity . Over the years there have been many major ruling dynasties like the Shakas, the Mauryas and Guptas. In the 3rd and 4th century BC, Indian culture reached its zenith during the times of Mauryan Empire. Still the period of Gupta Dynasty from 4th to 6th century AD is considered the golden age of of India. Arab invasion in 8th and Turkish invasion in 12th century followed by by European traders beginning the late 15th century. By 19th century Britain had assumed political control of all the Indian land. However India got freedom after diligent efforts of Mahatma Gandhi on 15th augest,1947.

Nearly every major religions in the world is represented in India which is also the land of Lord Buddha, Lord Mahaveer and Deve Gurunanak. India have 18 major languages. Apart from this officially recognized languages, over 1650 dialects are also spoken over the country. The Sanskrit of Aryans has merged with the earlier Dravidian vernacular give rise to new languages. Hindi is the national language and is spoken by 45% of the population. English is used as the official communication language. More people read and write English than in many English speaking countries. In the present day world where nations are breaking in to small countries with disastrous consequences, India has shown its inherent resilience. This inherent strength comes from its composite culture that has made India totally a vibrant democracy.

The so called learned people considered that Indian democracy will not survive. They felt that democracy in the hands of illiterate people is like a garland in the the hands of monkey,since most of the Indians at that time were illiterate. Now also it is not changed drastically, except in Kerala. But the political decisions taken by the illiterate people are adorable. Smt Indira Gandhi was the supremo in Indian Politics but the election conducted to the parliament after lifting emergency has shown the power of the illiterate laymen. In the 1977 election even Indira Gandhi was defeated and congress party was thrown out of power.

The present election to the 15th Loksabha also proved that the illiterate laymen are at one with that of learned people. They understood the need of stable government at the Centre. The politics, government, Judiciary and media are known as the four pillars of Indian democracy. They also contributed in prevailing democracy in India.

Dr Manmohan singh was criticized as week PM but the people of India hailed him as the best Prime Minister. I am also under the same impression that he is the best compared to our earlier Prime Ministers because he didn't contested to Loksabha, which creates indebtedness to individuals, organizations, business magnates etc. Hence he is relieved from such pressures. But in the 14th Loksabha he himself stated that he was unruly pressurized by left parties and the election results indicated that the people of India accepted his claim.

14th Loksabha was ruled by left still they are not ready to accept the defects of the ruling Government but they are very much fond of making the good deeds of the government as theirs alone. They are very much fond of labor class and government employees but they withdraw the support to the UPA government at the verge of implementation of 6th Pay commission report . The government employees got their 6th pay revision only because of Samajwadi Party who supported the government. BJPs communal agenda was also not accepted by the people. This shows the meritorious thinking of the common man with that of their ancestors. It is a triumph of legacy inherited by them.
with best wishes
ktv

Base salary of software professional

2009-04-22T18:29:00.000-07:00

Dear friends,

Recession is the creation of America but its sufferers are developing countries and under developed countries. The business magnates utilizes it as a rare opportunity for amassing their wealth by cheating the laborers and Government. It is a sorrow plight that the Central Government of India has not taken it seriously.

Earlier the software engineers were given 20 to 40 thousand rupees salary and now in the name of recession their promotion is denied, salary hike is curtailed and compels to do more work without any financial benefit. Now the freshers are forced to work for mere Rs 1500/- per month ie; about Rs50/- per day. We have to think seriously about this situation. The central government under its Deseeya Thozhil Dana Paddathi gives Rs125/-per day for an unskilled worker but a person who has spent about 12 years of schooling and 4 years of professional study gets mere Rs 50/- per day! What a wonderful Country is this for business magnates!!! Can we quote this as an example of good governance of any Government?

In order to become a Computer Engineer or IT Engineer he has to under go 12 years of schooling and 4 years professional engineering Course. Apart from this a huge amount has to be spent as fees and the university tortures them through various processes like not conducting the exams in time, not appointing proper teachers for teaching, asking question from out of syllabus and not evaluating answer papers properly and if revaluation is applied for, the revaluation results will not be published in time etc etc etc. We have so many student unions and they are struggling for the betterment of the system, but the system is crept in full of inertia and fails to move forward. I think time has elapsed a lot and we have verged at the point to do something without further delay otherwise we will be creating terrorists instead of good quality professional.