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 Central government employees will go home with an increased pay packet from now, with the union cabinet Friday hiking the dearness allowance to 65 percent of the basic salary from the existing 58 percent with retrospective effect from Jan 1 this year.

The hike, about 7 percent from the present rates, will also be applicable to central government pensioners.

The increase in the allowances will cost the government exchequer Rs.7,474.53 crore annually, according to the decision taken at the cabinet meeting presided by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh

The increase is in accordance with the accepted formula, which is based on the recommendations of the Sixth Central Pay Commission.

 

 

BUDGET  2012

•  i

The Union Budget 2012-13 speech made by the Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee saw a number of changes being announced across the sectors of the econom

APPROACH TO THE BUDGET 
For Indian economy, recovery was interrupted this year due to intensification of debt crises in Euro zone, political turmoil in Middle East, rise in crude oil price and earthquake in Japan. 
 GDP is estimated to grow by 6.9 per cent in 2011-12, after having grown at 8.4 per cent in preceding two years. 

 India however remains front runner in economic growth in any cross-country comparison. 

> Monetary and fiscal policy response for better part of past 2 years aimed at taming domestic inflationary pressure. 

> Growth moderated and fiscal balance deteriorated due to tight monetary policy and expanded outlays. 

> Indicators suggest that economy is turning around as core sectors and manufacturing show signs of recovery. 

> At this juncture, it is necessary to take hard decision to improve macroeconomic environment and strengthen domestic growth drivers. 

> Twelfth Five Year Plan to be launched with the aim of "faster, sustainable and more inclusive growth". Five objectives identified to be addressed effectively in ensuing fiscal year. 

> If India can build on its economic strength, it can be a source of stability for world economy and a safe destination for restless global capital. 

OVERVIEW OF THE ECONOMY 

> GDP growth estimated at 6.9 per cent in real terms in 2011-12. Slowdown in comparison to preceding two years is primarily due to deceleration in industrial growth. 

> Headline inflation expected to moderate further in next few months and remain stable thereafter. 

> Steps taken to bridge gaps in distribution, storage and marketing systems have helped in more effective management of inflation. 

> Developments in India's external trade in the first half of current year have been encouraging. Diversification in export and import market achieved. 

> Current account deficit at 3.6 per cent of GDP for 2011-12 and reduced net capital inflow in the 2nd and 3rd quarters put pressure on exchange rate. 

> India's GDP growth in 2012-13 expected to be 7.6 per cent +/- 0.25 per cent.

Budget 2012: Income tax exemption limit raised to Rs 2 Lakh

RELATED ART

 Giving some relief to tax payers, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Friday proposed raising the income tax exemption limit for individuals to Rs 2 lakh per annum from Rs 1.80 lakh. 


Unveiling the Budget proposals for 2012-13 in the Lok Sabha, he also increased the limit to Rs 10 lakh under the 20 per cent tax slab. The current limit is Rs 8 lakh.

The Budget also exempt up to Rs 10,000 of interest income from tax. 

Individual will have to pay 10 per cent tax on income between Rs 2 lakh and Rs 5 lakh; 20 per cent between Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh; and 30 per cent for above Rs 10 lakh. 

Mukherjee said increasing the exemption limit is a move towards implementation of the Direct Taxes Code (DTC). 

The Standing Committee of Parliament that has scrutinised the DTC Bill had suggested raising the tax exemption limit to Rs 3 lakh. 

The exemption limit for the senior citizens between 60 and 80 years of age will be Rs 2.50 lakh; 10 per cent will be levied on income between Rs 2.5-5 lakh, 20 per cent between Rs 5-10 lakh and 30 per cent above Rs 10 lakh. 

For very Senior Citizens (80 years and above), the income tax exemption limit will be Rs 5 lakh; 20 per cent will be levied on income between Rs 5-10 lakh and 30 per cent for above Rs 10 lak

The DTC Bill seeks to replace the half-a-century-old Income Tax Act, 1961. The savings bank account deductions, Mukherjee said, will help small tax payers. 

"This would help a large number of small tax payers with salary income of up to Rs 5 lakh and interest from savings bank accounts up to Rs 10,000, as they would not be required to file income tax returns," Mukherjee said.

           Economic Times  dt.17 March 2012

KALPAVRISHAM

coconuts are one of the wonder foods on earth that amply
provides for all human needs?  They can even save your life!

     Few people (even fewer doctors) understand how important the coconut
is to stabilizing blood sugar; lowering cholesterol; healing; hydration;
and evenreplacing blood plasma in an emergency.




     To give just one example of coconuts' live-saving properties, they
were used extensively in the Pacific during World War II. 



Since Blood plasma supplies were scarce, it was very common for medics to siphon pure
coconut water from young coconuts to be used as emergency plasma
transfusions for soldiers who were injured.  Since coconut water is nearly
identical to human blood, it was suitable for people of all blood types.

     Because of its strong antioxidant properties, the coconut can be used
to:
 Lower cholesterol
 Improve digestion
 Ward off wrinkles
Stabilize glucose levels
Fight off viruses
 Build cells
Regulate hormones
 Increase thyroid production
 Lose weight
 Fight infections
 Stave off memory loss
 Kill bacteria
 And more!
     Considered one of the most treasured foods of all time, coconut
products -- including coconut flesh, coconut water, coconut oil, and
coconut cream -- each deliver superb health benefits.

Ashrayam Special School
Kannur








Ashrayam is a day-care educational and special training centre for mentally disabled children located in Thottada, Kannur


It  can be scary to raise a child with physical disability  like Cerebral Palsy when we don't know what to do. We would like for them to get better, to get out of  that wheelchair and walk, to be strong and independent. 
With the right kind of physical therapy their condition can be improved
.Atmosphere here is loving and the teacher/therapist trained in will motivate all child to try harder and reach further.


All the staff and teachers are doing a wonderful service to humanity here. Really they are the wonderful people doing wonderful things to human welfare.
we should salute all

BIRDS PARADISE OF MALABAR
MUNDERI KADAVU


Munderi is one of the Villages in Edakkad Taluk , Kannur District , Kerala State 
 Munderi is 9.3 km  from   Kannur Town

Munderikkadavu as well as nearby areas in the district has to be protected to develop it into a bird sanctuary with the involvement of local bodies, according to a report prepared by birders on the proposal for conserving the area as a bird sanctuary.

The findings and the recommendations of the report came up for discussion at a seminar organised in the Munderi panchayat hall here on Monday. Munderikkadavu that formed part of the Kattampally wetland area has been seen as a biodiversity treasure house as it is estimated to have over 18,000 bird flocks which include over 60 species of migrant birds. According to the report, the possibility of developing Munderikkadavu as a bird sanctuary can open up immense eco-tourism possibility for the panchayat. The seminar on the report was organised to draw an action plan for conserving the area as a bird sanctuary with the co-operation of the Tourism and Forest Departments and the district panchayat

Munderikkadavu and surrounding areas in the district have to be protected with the involvement of local bodies to develop it into a bird sanctuary

Temples and cultural events in this peaceful town makes the life of peasants and workers more enjoyable and peaceful. Eachur Kottom Devasthanam is two kilometers from the National Highway and lot of devotees visits here.

^[Munderi had a population of 33,433. Males constitute 47% of the population and females 53%. Munderi has an average literacy rate of 90.5%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 85%, and female literacy is 80%. In Munderi, 12% of the population is under 6 years of age

 BEAUTIFUL  BACKWATER STRETCH     VALIYAPARAMBA

Valiyaparamba is perhaps the most scenic backwater stretch in Kerala. Fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands,

Valiyaparamba, about 30 km from Bekal, Kasaragod, North Kerala.Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises.

Valiyaparamba,a hinterland separated from the mainland, is a noted fishing centre in the district and is just an hour's drive from Bekal - one of the most enchanting beaches of Kerala. The Bekal fort which stands on a headland that runs into the sea offers a spectacular view of the surroundings.

Valiyaparamba is located 5 kilometres (3.1 mi) south west of Cheruvathur separated from the mainland by back waters and about 30 kilometres (19 mi) from Bekal, Kasaragod, north Kerala. The island is approximately 16 km² in size with a population of 10,000. The island's main source of income come from agriculture and fishing. The Island has 13 wards ruling by each ward member to leading the Valiyaparamba Panchayathu.

Valiyaparamba is fed by four rivers and dotted with numerous little islands, Valiyaparamba is fast turning into a much favoured backwater resort that offers enchanting boat cruises. Valiyaparamba, a hinterland separated from the mainland, is a noted fishing centre in the district and is just an hour drive from Bekal - one of the most enchanting beaches of Kerala. The Bekal fort which stands on a headland that runs into the sea offers a spectacular view of the surroundings.The National Water Way passes through this beautiful Island and foreign tourist halt here for few hours on the way to Bekal in house boat.

The island has 7 Primary Schools, 1 High School and 1 Higher Secondary School.

This Island is separated from the main land, You Can either use Transport Boat Service/ another Water Transportation or crossing the Mavila Kadappuram Bridge to reach in main land

• Nearest railway station: Cheruvathur, on the Kozhikode-Mangalore route, about 5 km from Valiyaparamba.
• National Highway (NH 17) is also passing through Cheruvthur. You will get hotel rooms at Payyanur or Kanhangad.
• Nearest airports: Mangalore in Karnataka State, about 100 KM; Karipur international airport Kozhikode, about 150 KM from Valiyaparamba.

Population  : 12037

Area  :      16 Sq. Km

Panchayath Office  Telephone No  : 0467 2258276

Theyyam (theyyattam) is a ritual dance form popular in northern Kerala. Theyyam is normally performed in temples/Kavu/kOOttam mostly in Kannore and Kasrgode districts in few places in Kozhikode district. The name theyyam is derived from the malayalam name for God (daivam). During the ritual the artist is considered as God and they complain ask for blessings as if they are talking to God






Theyyam is not merely an art like dance or a song. Though there are THOTTAMPAATT(in the form of songs)  music, dance movements in Theyyam, it is a ritual. Each and every elements of Theyyam will provide a unique 
experience 

Theyyam is a corrupt form of Devam or God. People of these districts consider Theyyam itself as a God and they seek blessings from this Theyyam.