Tuesday, December 25, 2018
Saturday, December 8, 2018
Fwd: Luxemburg Free Bus train and tram travel for all
In Luxembourg everyone gets free bus train and tram travel, including seniors
Need another reason to plan a vacation in Luxembourg? The tiny European country is set to become the first country to make all public transport free.
This will probably make you want to visit Luxembourg on your next family vacation: The tiny EU country is seeking to make travel free on its trains, trams and buses as part of efforts to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution. The re-elected coalition government of liberal Prime Minister Xavier Bettel said "free public transport will be introduced in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg's territory" from early 2020.
Press reports said the traffic problem was a major challenge for politicians seeking election as congestion was set to worsen with population growth in Luxembourg. Luxembourg's transport ministry said it cost 491 million euros a year to run public transport, with ticket sales and subscriptions bringing in 40 million euros.
Georges Merenz, who heads the FNCTTFEL-Landesverband, Luxembourg's main transport union, expressed concerns that the government plan would lead to job losses if nobody was needed to sell tickets. "As long as it is not cleared up, we cannot accept that," Merenz told AFP. He added he was also concerned people in rural areas would not benefit from free travel.
A meeting is planned for Monday between his union and the minister in charge of mobility and public works, the ecologist Francois Bausch. In January 2013, Tallinn, Estonia became the first capital city in the European Union to give its residents a free ride on public transport. Tallinn's nearly 420,000 registered residents are entitled to ride all municipal busses and tramlines free of charge after buying a special green transport pass for just two euros ($2.60). Public transport was already free for senior citizens.
In 2016, more than 100 million passengers used public transport in this tiny prosperous country of 600,000 people sandwiched between Belgium, France and Germany. Luxembourg absorbs daily 190,000 workers and employees from neighbouring countries, half of them in France and the other half split between Belgium and Germany.
=======
Orissa Free Pilgrimage to senior citizens. All the way to Rameshwaram
Bhubaneswar: A special pilgrimage train for senior citizens, under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana (BNTYY), has been flagged off from Sambalpur station by Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday.
The train, flagged off through video conferencing today from the state secretariat, will take senior citizens to Rameshwaram and Madurai in Tamil Nadu. As many as 970 senior citizens from the western region of the state boarded the train.
Briefing media persons, Odisha Tourism Minister Ashok Chandra Panda said, "The Odisha government had decided to start pilgrimage trains for senior citizens under the Baristha Nagarika Tirtha Yatra Yojana."
Dec 7, 2018
"Keeping that promise, it is being implemented since 2016 and including today's it is the eighth pilgrimage train. In the previous years, there were three such trains while from this year it will be six trains," Panda said and added that the next pilgrimage train will be flagged off in January next year."
Notably, senior citizens from below poverty line (BPL) categories are given 100 per cent concessions under the BNTYY scheme. People in the age group of 60-75 years are eligible to avail the benefit of the plan.
The Odisha government has also signed an MoU with the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation for the pilgrimage plan on the basis of which the company will provide all requisite facilities to the pilgrims in the train.
http://pragativadi.com/pilgrimage-train-for-senior-citizens-flagged-off-from-sambalpur-rly-station/
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
In Cantonment Area where I live we pay Rs 450 per month for water supply whereas GHMC neighboring residents pay less than half.
Thursday, December 6, 2018
Delhi - free pilgrimage for seniors
we can not cut and paste easily from this website. please visit website.
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
040-27846631 / 09490804278
In Cantonment Area where I live we pay Rs 450 per month for water supply whereas GHMC neighboring residents pay less than half.
Saturday, November 3, 2018
Delhi Free Travel packages for senior citizens
The Delhi Government on Thursday announced the 'Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojna' that would offer free of cost travel packages for five religious circuits for senior citizens of Delhi.
A senior official said 1,100 senior citizens from every constituency of Delhi can travel to destinations like Vaishno Devi, Haridwar, Amritsar, Ajmer, Agra among many others commencing December, 2018.
In order to facilitate a seamless coordination for the yatra, Delhi Tourism Transportation Development Corporation Ltd (DTTDC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Indian Railways and Catering Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), Ministry of Railways, in the presence of Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia at Delhi Secretariat.
Some of the facilities of this scheme including providing charted non-air-conditioned trains operated by IRCTC. Besides, one government doctor along with paramedical staff would be deployed on each train to provide assistance to them if needed.
The official further said that each coach will be accompanied by one unarmed security guard and one tour escort. Participant above the age of 70 years will be entitled to have one attendant, he said.
He also said that the package offers accommodation, meals and insurance for all participants. The facilities would be started from mid of December this year, he said.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/things-to-do/free-travel-packages-for-senior-citizens-from-december/as66476238.cmsDr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
040-27846631 / 09490804278
What could be the walkability rating of your neighborhood, on a scale of 1 to 10 (10 best)?
Sunday, October 14, 2018
Free Bus travel for SEnior Citizens in Nagaland
Dimapur, Oct 12 (EMN): The government of Nagaland has announced free travel facility for senior citizens, aged above 60, in buses operated by the Nagaland State Transport (NST).
In a statement issued on Friday, the NST informed that for identification of senior citizens, a certificate to that effect issued by a competent authority i.e. Medical or the Social Welfare department, shall be prerequisite for eligibility.
"A bonafide senior citizen should be in possession of a valid identity card issued from the NST department on payment of INR 50 renewable after two years against payment of INR 20, and in case of any damage/lose, new identity card shall be issued on payment of INR 50.
"Companion, if any, of the senior citizens shall have to pay fare against prior reservation on request, to occupy a seat next to the senior citizen. Free travel for senior citizen is permissible for both to and from including break journey or from the originating to the terminating station, shall be considered as completion of one stretch of journey.
"Free travel facility of senior citizen shall be limited to four seats in a particular bus and seat Nos bearing 4 to 7 shall be reserved and marked accordingly. And in the event of exceeding the normal or usual frequency of travel in a calendar year, restriction to a certain limit shall be imposed which shall be placed at the discretion of the controlling officer for decision," it informed.
To avail the facility, a request in advance or at least half an hour before departure of the bus would be preferred 'subject to availability of seat for that purpose,' according to the department. "This free travel facility shall be non-transferable and any imposter so detected shall be held liable leading to cancellation of the identity card."
https://nagajournal.com/naga-news/free-travel-for-senior-citizens-in-nst-buses/
From:Vyasamoorthy 9490804278
Wednesday, August 8, 2018
Monday, June 25, 2018
Go Air gives 8% discount to seniors
GoAir Offers Discount On Domestic Flight Tickets To Senior Citizens. How To Avail Offer Online
_____________________________
GoAir's senior citizen discounted fare scheme, is only available on the the airline's website.
Domestic carrier GoAir has come up with a new offer for senior citizens and is offering an eight per cent discount on booking of domestic flight tickets. The discount would be applicable on base fare. GoAir informed about the offer on microblogging website – Twitter. GoAir's offer comes at a time when airlines in the country are offering a host of discount and cashback deals to attract customers. However, GoAir's special discount offer is applicable only for senior citizens above the age of 60 years.
Here are the key things to know about GoAir's special discount offer:
1. GoAir's senior citizen discounted fare scheme, is only available on the the airline's official website – GoAir.in.
2. To avail the scheme, it is mandatory for passengers to carry a valid photo ID card (like – Aadhaar card, driving license etc.) indicating their date of birth and display it at the time of check-in.
3. Web check-in and kiosk check-in are not available for bookings under GoAir's senior citizen special fare.
4. The bookings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and the bookings are not transferable under the scheme.
5. GoAir reserves the right to amend/cancel the scheme at any time without any prior intimation, said the carrier's website.
Recently, a number of airlines including GoAir revised their check-in baggage charges. As per rules, domestic passengers are allowed to carry upto 15 kilograms of baggage. Anything above the limit attracts extra charges.
GoAir will now charge Rs. 1,900 for 5 kgs of extra baggage. For 10 kgs, the airline charges Rs. 3,800.
==================
_____________________________
GoAir's senior citizen discounted fare scheme, is only available on the the airline's website.
Domestic carrier GoAir has come up with a new offer for senior citizens and is offering an eight per cent discount on booking of domestic flight tickets. The discount would be applicable on base fare. GoAir informed about the offer on microblogging website – Twitter. GoAir's offer comes at a time when airlines in the country are offering a host of discount and cashback deals to attract customers. However, GoAir's special discount offer is applicable only for senior citizens above the age of 60 years.
Here are the key things to know about GoAir's special discount offer:
1. GoAir's senior citizen discounted fare scheme, is only available on the the airline's official website – GoAir.in.
2. To avail the scheme, it is mandatory for passengers to carry a valid photo ID card (like – Aadhaar card, driving license etc.) indicating their date of birth and display it at the time of check-in.
3. Web check-in and kiosk check-in are not available for bookings under GoAir's senior citizen special fare.
4. The bookings will be available on a first-come, first-served basis and the bookings are not transferable under the scheme.
5. GoAir reserves the right to amend/cancel the scheme at any time without any prior intimation, said the carrier's website.
Recently, a number of airlines including GoAir revised their check-in baggage charges. As per rules, domestic passengers are allowed to carry upto 15 kilograms of baggage. Anything above the limit attracts extra charges.
GoAir will now charge Rs. 1,900 for 5 kgs of extra baggage. For 10 kgs, the airline charges Rs. 3,800.
==================
Tuesday, June 5, 2018
Go Air gives 8% discount on base fare for Senior Citizens
Hi
GoAir Senior Citizen offer: If you are senior citizen then there is a lucrative offer from GoAir to travel to various regions across India. The airline is offering 8 percent discount on base fare for senior citizens. Tickets can be booked on GoAir.in. With summer vacations going on, demand is rising and with these offers airlines are looking to fill seats to the maximum.
How to get the senior citizen discount:
1 The GoAir Senior Citizen discounted on fare is available only on the website, www.GoAir.in
2. This special fare is applicable only for senior citizens, above the age of 60 years
3. Passengers have to carry a valid photo ID Card such as Aadhaar card, Senior citizen card, Driving licence etc for claiming discount under this Senior Citizen special fare.
4. In absence of any valid documents the passenger claiming booking under the Special Fares for Senior Citizen will not be able to claim the benefits and the offer and their booking will be cancelled.
5. Web Check-in and Kiosk Check-in are not available for bookings under Senior Citizen special fare
6. The booking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
7. GoAir reserves the right to amend, cancel, and withdraw the Scheme at any time without any prior intimation
8. In the event of any discrepancy arising out of any matter connected with this scheme, the GoAir's decision in this regard will be final and binding.
Meanwhile, the airline has also offered discounts on domestic and international routes. Students with valid ID cards can avail 5 percent discount on booking tickets. Other airlines have similar offers too. Under the Udan flights scheme, Jet Airways is offering fares starting at as low as Rs 967. Vistara has 10 percent discount if one pays via Paytm. IndiGo has also given 6 percent discount for students on base fare.
===============Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
In New Gmail opening the attachment alone is possible leaving the message unread!
040-27846631 / 09490804278
In New Gmail opening the attachment alone is possible leaving the message unread!
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Free Air Tickets to senior citizens for pilgrimage - Rajasthan
Rajasthan offers free air tickets to senior citizens for pilgrimages in India
Kriti Saraswat-Satpathy
In a bid to increase the happiness index of Rajasthan, CM Vasundhara Raje re-launched the Deendayal Upadhyay Varishth Nagrik Teerth Yatra scheme that was started by the former CM of the state. However, the new and improved scheme offers a lot more perks. The scheme is for senior citizens to go on pilgrimages in the country, free of cost. The new addition is that the people will board a flight instead of a train and unlike the old scheme, this one will also bear their cost of lodging and food. Now, this seems like a comfortable way for senior citizens to travel to their favorite temples in the country. ALSO SEE A train for religious tourism to be launched by Indian Railways
The scheme is for citizens over 70 and the first batch of 30 people has already left for Tirupati. A total of 111 senior citizens were chosen to visit Tirupati this year. They will be sent once the first batch is back. But the scheme is not just for going to Tirupati, 225 citizens will be going to Jagannath Puri while 357 of them will go to Rameswaram.
The senior citizens were chosen from a lottery at random and the process was overseen by the Devasthan Department of the government. The scheme is a move to get the blessings of the elderly by keeping them happy and increasing the happiness index of the state in return. While there are such schemes in a few other states as well, Rajasthan is the only one that offers free air travel, accommodation and food. Kudos!
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
If you are online, just type "timer xx minutes" in search field in Google to set the timer
040-27846631 / 09490804278
If you are online, just type "timer xx minutes" in search field in Google to set the timer
Monday, April 16, 2018
Air India now offers 50 percent discount to senior citizens
timesofindia.indiatimes.com
Air India now offers 50 percent discount to senior citizens
Samonway Duttagupta
2 minutes
________________________________
Air India has decided to give special discounts to senior citizens.
Indian citizens above the age of 60 will get a discount of as much as
50 percent on every economy class ticket booked from the Air India
website.
What comes across as an incentive for retirees in India, the Air
India's offer for the senior citizens can be availed by simply
fulfilling a few requirements. The obvious first, the concerned person
seeking the discount should be 60 years of age or above, and must have
a valid government identification to verify the same. The senior
citizen can belong to any part of the country.
Read More: Air India's direct flights to Israel take-off
The flight ticket needs to be purchased from the Air India website,
and the same can be done upto seven days prior to the desired date of
departure. Apart from this, as an additional incentive, Air India has
also introduced a special discount of INR 1,000 for a senior citizen
who is travelling with an infant.
This special discount to senior citizens by Air India is expected to
make the lives of elderly people much easier in this country, as a
greater number of the senior population in the country will now be
able to afford air travel.
=========
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
Shortly, Google will cease to provide google url shortening service. I
am at a loss.
Air India now offers 50 percent discount to senior citizens
Samonway Duttagupta
2 minutes
________________________________
Air India has decided to give special discounts to senior citizens.
Indian citizens above the age of 60 will get a discount of as much as
50 percent on every economy class ticket booked from the Air India
website.
What comes across as an incentive for retirees in India, the Air
India's offer for the senior citizens can be availed by simply
fulfilling a few requirements. The obvious first, the concerned person
seeking the discount should be 60 years of age or above, and must have
a valid government identification to verify the same. The senior
citizen can belong to any part of the country.
Read More: Air India's direct flights to Israel take-off
The flight ticket needs to be purchased from the Air India website,
and the same can be done upto seven days prior to the desired date of
departure. Apart from this, as an additional incentive, Air India has
also introduced a special discount of INR 1,000 for a senior citizen
who is travelling with an infant.
This special discount to senior citizens by Air India is expected to
make the lives of elderly people much easier in this country, as a
greater number of the senior population in the country will now be
able to afford air travel.
=========
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
Shortly, Google will cease to provide google url shortening service. I
am at a loss.
Monday, April 9, 2018
GoAir gives 8% discount on base fare to senior citizens
Please check before booking - promo offer may be withdrawn by them
Most Promotion offers are for limited periods.
========
========
Fly Smart and travel more in your wise years! Senior citizens now enjoy an 8% discount on base fare! Now explore more! Hurry! Book your tickets now.
Book Now!
Terms & Conditions
- The GoAir Senior Citizen discounted fare, is only available on the website, www.GoAir.in
- The discount would be of 8% on base fare
- Bookings under this fare are not transferable
- This is a special fare applicable only for senior citizens, above the age of 60 years
- It is mandatory for the passengers claiming booking under this Senior Citizen special fare need to carry a valid photo ID Card (like – Aadhaar card, Senior citizen card, Driving license etc. issued by a Government body) indicating their date of birth, and display it at the time of check-in at the airport.
- In absence of any valid documents the passenger claiming booking under the Special Fares for Senior Citizen will not be able to claim the benefits, under the offer and their booking will stand cancelled and if the passenger still intends to fly then the passenger will be required to pay differential fare as per the rate prevailing on the date of booking
- Web Check-in and Kiosk Check-in are not available for bookings under Senior Citizen special fare
- The booking will be available on a first-come, first-served basis
- The Company reserves the right to amend / cancel / withdraw the Scheme at any time without any prior intimation
- In the event of any discrepancy arising out of any matter connected with this Scheme, the Company's decision in such regard shall be final and binding
- All other Terms of Carriage shall be applicable. These terms and conditions are over and above and will be read along with the Terms & Conditions and Citizen's charter available on GoAir website
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
Which page of which newspaper do you turn first and why?
040-27846631 / 09490804278
Which page of which newspaper do you turn first and why?
Saturday, March 24, 2018
FREE Pilgrimage for free for Sr citizens in Delhi
Pilgrimage for free for Sr citizens
----------------------------
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/pilgrimage-for-free-for-sr-citizens/articleshow/63437091.cms
https://timesofindia.
NEW DELHI: The government is planning to roll out the Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme under which it will send senior citizens on pilgrimage for free, deputy CM Manish Sisodia said on Friday.
Around 77,000 elderly people, who are bonafide residents of Delhi, will be sent on various trips, the entire cost of which will be borne by the government, he said, adding that Rs 53 crore has been allocated for the scheme.
Around 77,000 elderly people, who are bonafide residents of Delhi, will be sent on various trips, the entire cost of which will be borne by the government, he said, adding that Rs 53 crore has been allocated for the scheme.
V.RAGHAVENDRA RAO,
18/301, Priya Mangla Presidency Apartments,
Mettupalayam Road, Thudiyalur Post,
COIMBATORE-641034.
Thursday, January 11, 2018
Govt benefits to Senior Citizens
By far this is the best and recent comprehensive compilation of benefits of senior citizens under Central govt schemes.
Well presented with up todate links and Action Points. I am yet to explore the website http://factly.in fully.
One advantage of presenting web pages via Reader View is that you can get an idea of how long it may take to read the page.
===============
factly.in
=============
Let Senior Citizens know of these schemes run by the Central Government
The Central Government through various ministries runs multiple programs for the welfare of senior citizens. Here is a snapshot of all such schemes.
Integrated Program for Older Persons (IPOP)
This program is run by The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Under this program, grants are given for running and maintenance Old Age Homes, Day Care Centres, Mobile Medicare Units, Multi Facility Care Centre for Older Widows etc. The main objective of the Scheme is to improve the quality of life of Older Persons by providing basic amenities like shelter, food, medical care and entertainment opportunities etc. Implementing agencies eligible for assistance under the Scheme are Panchayati Raj Institutions/Local Bodies, Non-Governmental Voluntary Organizations, etc. Funds under the Scheme of IPOP are not released to the States, but released to the implementing agencies like NGOs etc.
In the year 2016-17, a total of 396 old age homes were given grants under this scheme. The total grant amount was Rs 36.99 crore covering a total of 40200 beneficiaries.
Action Point: Details of old age homes receiving grants under this are available on the ministry's website. One can visit these homes and admit old age people who have nobody to take care of.
Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)
This scheme is also run by The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. This is a Central Sector Scheme funded from the Senior Citizens' Welfare Fund. The fund was notified in the year 2016. All unclaimed amounts from small savings accounts, PPF & EPF are to be transferred to this fund.
Under the RVY scheme, aids and assistive living devices are provided to senior citizens belonging to BPL category who suffer from age related disabilities such as low vision, hearing impairment, loss of teeth and loco-motor disabilities. The aids and assistive devices viz. walking sticks, elbow crutches, walkers/crutches, tripods/quadpods, hearing aids, wheelchairs, artificial dentures and spectacles are provided to eligible beneficiaries. The Scheme is being implemented by Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO) which is a Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
The estimated outlay of the Scheme is Rs. 483.6 crore up to 2019-20. The Scheme will be implemented in 260 districts and benefit 5,20,000 beneficiaries up to 2019-20. The list of selected districts and other features of the scheme are available on the PIB website. The beneficiary identification will be done by a committee at the district level headed by the District Collector and the distribution of kits will be done in a camp mode. Till date, the scheme has benefitted over 38000 beneficiaries against the target of 5,20,000 by 2019-20.
Action Point: Get old age people with such ailments in the identified districts to approach the District Collector's office to know more about the upcoming camps and take advantage of the scheme.
Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)
The Ministry of Rural Development runs the National Social Assistance Program (NSAP) that extends social assistance for poor households- for the aged, widows, disabled and in the case of death of the breadwinner. This is in addition to the benefits that the State Governments extend to these people. Under this scheme, financial assistance is provided to person of 60 years and above and belonging to family living below poverty line as per the criteria prescribed by Government of India. Central assistance of Rs. 200/- per month is provided to person in the age group of 60-79 years and Rs. 500/- per month to persons of 80 years and above.
Funds under the schemes of NSAP are released on the basis of reports submitted by States/UTs. A total of Rs 5901 crore was released under the scheme in 2016-17.
Action Point: Find out the details of the relevant state scheme and get eligible old age people around you apply for the pension.
Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana(VPBY)
This scheme is run by the Ministry of Finance. The Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana(VPBY) was first launched in 2003 and then relaunched in 2014. Both are social security schemes for Senior Citizens intended to give an assured minimum pension on a guaranteed minimum return on the subscription amount. These Schemes are implemented through Life Insurance Corporation(LIC) of India, which is paid the difference between the actual yield earned by LIC on the funds invested under the scheme and the assured return of 9% committed by the Government. Both the schemes VPBY 2003 and VPBY 2014 are closed for future subscriptions. However, policies sold during the currency of policy are being serviced as per the commitment of guaranteed 9% return announced by the Government under the schemes. As on 31st March 2017, a total of 2,74,885 beneficiaries and 3,11,981 beneficiaries are being benefited under VPBY 2003 and VPBY 2014 respectively.
The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana(PNVVY) was launched in May 2017 to provide social security during old age. This is a simplified version of the VPBY and will be implemented by the Life Insurance Corporation(LIC) of India. Under the scheme, on payment of an initial lump sum amount ranging from Rs. 1,50,000 for a minimum pension of Rs. 1000 per month to a maximum of Rs. 7,50,000/- for a maximum pension of Rs. 5,000 per month, subscribers will get an assured pension based on a guaranteed rate of return of 8% per annum payable monthly/quarterly/half-yearly/annually. The duration of the scheme will be for a period of ten years and the scheme is opened for subscription for a period of one year i.e. from 4th May, 2017 to 3rd May, 2018. As on 30th November 2017, a total of number of 1,83,842 persons are being benefited under PMVVY.
Action Point: The PMVVY is open for subscription till May 2018. Get old age people around you who are eligible for this scheme to explore and subscribe.
National Program for the Health Care of Elderly (NPHCE)
The Ministry of Health & Family Welfare had launched the 'National Programme for the Health Care of Elderly' (NPHCE) during 2010-11 to address various health related problems of elderly people. The major objectives under district level activities of the NPHCE are to provide dedicated health facilities in District Hospitals, Community Health Centres (CHCs), Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and Sub-Centres (SCs) levels through State Health Society. The health care facilities, being provided under this program, are either free or highly subsidised The Following facilities are being provided under the Program.
- Geriatric OPD and 10 bedded Geriatric Ward at District Hospitals.
- Bi-weekly Geriatric Clinic at Community Health Centres (CHCs)
- Weekly Geriatric Clinic at Primary Health Centre (PHCs).
- Provision of Aids and Appliances at Sub-centres.
The Centre will bear 75% of the total budget and the State Government will contribute 25% of the budget, for activities up to district level.
Action Point: As on date, the district level activities of the program have been sanctioned in 520 districts of 35 States/UTs. Check for districts in your state that have benefitted under this program.
Featured Image: Max Pixel
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
Without haggling, agreed to pay Rs 80 for Auto from Lions bhavan to home
Delhi Govt to send 77000 senior citizens on pilgrimage - FREE
Delhi government to fund 77,000 senior citizens going on pilgrimages | delhi news
The Delhi Cabinet approved on Tuesday a new scheme for lower- and middle-class senior citizens to go on free religious pilgrimages.
Under the Mukhyamantri Teerthayatra Yojana, the Delhi government will select 77,000 devotees every year for an all-expenses-paid trip on five designated routes: Haridwar-Rishikesh-Neelkanth, Ajmer-Pushkar, Amritsar-Anantpur Sahib, Vaishnodevi-Jammu, Mathura-Vrindavan. At least 1,100 senior citizens, aged 60 and above, will be chosen from each of Delhi's 70 assembly segments.
Pilgrims will be allowed to bring an attendant who is a relative of theirs and at least 18 years old, though the government is not sure how many it will be able to accommodate. "This may add to the number of people travelling under this scheme," said an official from the Delhi tourism department who requested anonymity. "We are yet to estimate the exact number of attendants who will be allowed on this free trip."
Deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, who is also the state tourism minister, said the pilgrims will travel in air-conditioned buses. "The government will bear all the expenses including the hotel cost, breakfast, lunch and an insurance of Rs 2 lakh for each pilgrim and an accompanying relative," he said after the cabinet meeting.
The scheme, intended to benefit senior citizens with an annual income under Rs 3 lakh, is the first free religious trip sponsored by the Delhi government . Previous administrations facilitated discount travel packages. The Akhilesh Yadav government sponsored religious trips in Uttar Pradesh starting in 2015, but this program was scrapped by the incumbent BJP administration last September.
The Delhi tourism official explained how the new program will work. "The selection of pilgrims will be done through a draw of lots, and the local MLA will have to certify the residents as belonging to Delhi. All other modalities will be specified soon in the final notification." The government did not offer any other details about when the program would go into effect.
The tours will take three days and two nights, and will cover all the sites of religious and spiritual significance on the designated routes. "Through this scheme, we have tried to cover all religions, in line with our government's pluralistic approach," said a Delhi government spokesperson.
The trips are expected to cost Rs 7,000 per pilgrim. The government estimates the total annual expense will be Rs 53 crore.
The applicants must be a resident of Delhi and they cannot be employed by the central, state or local government. Sisodia said that pilgrims will probably be limited to one trip every three or five years.
Application forms will be filled out and filed online. They will be sent to either the Office of the Divisional Commissioner, the office of the appropriate MLA, or the office of Tirth Yatra Committee.
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
Book Review - Ananta Vinayaka - The Eternal God
Book Review: Ananta Vinayaka
Book Review: Ananta Vinayaka:
The Eternal God. Original in Telugu authored by Prof V Balamohandas and English
version translated by Sri S Vinaya Bhushan Rao.
Published by Vasantha Mohana
Foundation, Vishakapatnam. (Ph 0891-2551 1282) 2011. Pages 226 + ten colour plates.
Price: Rs 200/-
This book on Lord Vinayaka is
a veritable encyclopedia offering a wide variety of information on the God
Ganesha. It has one less than sixty chapters. You can find stories about the
origin of “elephant god”, his relationship with personages like: Agastiya,
Kubera, Talaasura, Parasurama, Vibheeshna, Vyasa, Jambavanta, Avvaiyaar etc.
Info on prominent temples of Ganesha in India and abroad are furnished. Methodology
of conducting Pujas, Vratams, Prayers are given. The book is an indispensable
source for several Naamavalis, stotras and poems. All stories connected with
Vinayaka – including the miracle of Ganesha Idols drinking milk in 1995 – are described
in detail. Ganesh festival as obtaining in Andhra Pradesh has been described vividly.
It is a book that will help
us recover and retain our culture. Senior citizens will find a mine of info to
share with their grand children. Ladies’ Bhajan groups will benefit immensely
in learning and reciting shlokas and naamavalis. Every newspaper published
something or the other on Vinayaka chaturthi . The first place they should look
for is here.
Prof Balamohandas, being a
management oriented academician, has a passion to lecture on leadership
qualities of Vinayaka analyzing his physical features. No wonder he has given
200 plus talks on this topic alone. His entire family members are ardent
devotees of Lord Ganesha. The person who
inspired the author to write this wonderful book is Sri YVSR Moorti. We should
thank these Trimurthys: Author, Translator and the Inspiration for this
literary treasure house on Eternal God – VINAYAKA. I am hopeful of the book becoming
eternally useful in times to come.
Thursday, January 4, 2018
Delhi - World Book Fair - Jan 2018
Please see the announcement given below. I have witnessed the World Book Fair in Pragati Maidan, Delhi quite a few times.
In those days it was an occasion to select / buy books for the library and personal use at good discounts. Booksellers would even agree to send books selected there over our library in Hyderabad "on approval" basis. My friend who came to know that I had made a visit exclusively to attend the book fair remarked: "How many organizations will send librarians by flight to participate in exhibitions?". Well, I was one of the highly pampered employees in IDL.
During my trip to the exhibition in 1978 I managed to complete my wife's personal collection of books by Georgette Heyer.
She and my daughters are so fond of Heyer that my wife - as soon as she knew her days are numbered - took care to settle the issue about who will take which of Heyer's books.
I am marking a copy of this news to my blog on discounts and rebates for seniors - do you know why?
========
Bibliophiles can rejoice as the New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF) is back to serenade Delhiites with the written word. However, space for the fair, which will be held from January 6 to January 14, has been reduced to half this year, as work on the redevelopment of Pragati Maidan continues. Nevertheless, there is still much to enjoy, as the fair attracts authors, poets and bibliophiles from across the world.
The nine-day-long exhibition will be held from 11 am to 8 pm each day.
The NDWBF, which is organised every year by the National Book Trust, will now be spread across around 20,000 sq mt as opposed to an area of 40,000 sq mt whic was given for the 2017 fair. Hall number 7A to H, 8,9,10,11,12, and 12 A will host books from 9,000 writers across 1,600 stalls.
The Indian Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) which is at the helm of affairs of Pragati Maidan, is revamping it into a world class convention/exhibition centre.
Owing to the construction work going on there, India International Trade Fair (IITF) too was held at smaller scale last year.
The main theme for the book fair this year is environment and climate change. Keeping in mind various problems faced by people due to rapidly transitioning atmosphere, the NBT will spread the message of conservation of environment using banners and posters.
The European Union is the guest of honour this time for the NDWBF, hence European books will be the flavour of the event. Corners A, B and C in Hall Number 7 will have Focus Book Corner with publications of different genres including fiction, horror, non-fiction, poetry, politics, literature among others, all written by European authors.
A Children's Pavillion has also been set up to promote reading among children.
Meanwhile, tickets for NDWBF will be available across 50 Metro stations including Kashmere Gate, Pragati Maidan, Rajiv Chowk, and Delhi University. Tickets can also be bought from gate number 1 and 10 at Pragati Maidan as well as online. They cost Rs 30 for adults and Rs 20 for children under the age of 15 years. Entry is free for senior citizens.
Dr P Vyasamoorthy
040-27846631 / 09490804278
Rare occurrence: I won Rs 75 for middle line in Tambola (Lotto) game, after missing to claim in time for 'jaldi five'
Wednesday, January 3, 2018
Concessional fares for Senior Citizens in Delhi & Pune Metro
Government: Concessional fares for senior citizens and students possible for Mumbai and Delhi Metro
- View Original
- January 2nd, 2018
The Government informed the Lok Sabha that it will now be possible to consider concessional fares for senior citizens and students on metros in Mumbai and Delhi, after a new Fare Fixation Committee, a statutory body, is established.
Replying to a question on concessional fares in Calcutta Metro, Union Urban Development Minister, Hardeep Puri said, "There is a crucial difference between the Calcutta Metro run by the Indian Railways and the rest of the metro systems because the rest of the metro systems are run on the basis of tokens and smart cards."
He recalled in 2016, the Fare Fixation Committee of the Delhi Metro had considered a system of concessional fare, but they found that they were not technologically ready at that point of time.
"It is my view, after having studied this issue for about three months or so, that it should be possible for the Government to recommend concessional fares for senior citizens and students, but the fixation of those fares is not done by the Government," said Puri.Explaining how a fare fixation structure of the Metro was insulated from the competitive and populist politics which normally Governments can succumb to, the minister said, "There is a Fare Fixation Committee, which is a statutory body, headed by either a sitting judge of the High court or a retired judge and comprises of two members of Additional Secretary level officer, one each from the Central Government and the State Government."
He said the Fare Fixation Committee of the Delhi Metro had submitted its report in September, 2016. Puri added, "I think, in the case of the Mumbai Metro because the High Court has thrown that out - we would be happy to make that recommendation."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)