Calculate Pay and Arrears

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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?

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

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

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.

Isotope Hydrology

Dear friends,

Wikipedia has defined "Isotope hydrology is a field of hydrology that uses isotopic dating to estimate the age and origins of water and of movement within the hydrologic cycle. The techniques are used for water-use policy, mapping aquifers, conserving water supplies, and controlling pollution. It replaces or supplements past methods of measuring rain, river levels and other bodies of water over many decades."

Water molecules carry unique fingerprints, based in part on differing proportions of the oxygen and hydrogen isotopes that constitute all water. Isotopes are forms of the same element that have variable numbers of neutrons in their nuclei.

Air, soil and water contain mostly oxygen 16 ( ¹⁶O). Oxygen 18 ( ¹⁸O) occurs in one oxygen atom in every five hundred and is a bit heavier than oxygen 16, it has two extra neutrons. From a simple energy standpoint this results in a preference for evaporating the lighter ¹⁶O containing water and leaving more of the ¹⁸O water behind in the liquid state. Thus seawater tends to be richer in ¹⁸O and rain and snow relatively depleted in ¹⁸O. Higher average global temperature would provide more energy and thus an increase in atmospheric ¹⁸O water. Lower than normal amounts of ¹⁸O in groundwater or an ice layer would imply that the water or ice represents an evaporation origin during cooler climatic eras or even ice ages.

Carbon 14 dating is also used as part of isotope hydrology as all natural water contains dissolved carbon dioxide.(inserted from Wikipedia)

Practical Isotope Hydrology is a book written by Dr SM Rao, retired Associate Director of Isotope Group, Babha Atomic Research Centre, Mumbai. This is a very concise book contains lot of information for students, Engineers, scientists and decision makers.

There are some excellent books on isotope hydrology but as the author itself puts in "The books do not appear to be readily usable by practicing hydrologists who may be looking for solutions to field problems. In this book an attempt is made to simplify the basic science concepts and focus on field applications...Hydrology is region specific.....Hence an attempt is made in this book to give as many Indian examples as possible"

This book is divided into five chapters and the first chapter deals with what isotope hydrology is all about and why should isotope methods be used. It starts with a description of isotope characteristics as well as their relevance as tracers in studies on various stages of the hydrological cycle. The second chapter deals with basis for applications of various isotopes in hydrology. Through this chapter the author illustrates applications of both environmental isotopes and injected tracers. Third chapter deals with isotope applications in surface water hydrology. In this chapter the author depicts stream flow measurement, lake dynamics, percolation tank hydrology, seepages from dams, reservoirs and from canals. The fourth chapter is about isotope applications in groundwater hydrology. In this chapter in view of the importance of identification of ground water recharge and recharge process, due emphasis is given to this aspect of application of environmental isotopes. Role of isotopes in understanding rate of soil moisture transport in unsaturated zone, saturated zone, seawater intrusion, ground water contamination from natural pollutants like inland salinity, arsenic and nitrate is also discussed with examples. In the concluding fifth chapter the author discusses the need for enhanced application of isotope hydrology and how it can be achieved.

When Dr K Vasu, Scientist, W M(A) Division, initiated actions to develop Radiotracer laboratory in CWRDM with the constant pursuance of Dr V K Vamadevan, Head, Water anagement Agri. Division, it was Dr SM Rao who gave continued support in establishing Radiotracer Laboratory and later its up-gradation to Isotope Hydrology Division.

I am sure that this book will be a boon for beginners as well as professionals in the field of Isotope Hydrology.

St. Joseph's College, Devagiri

Dear friends,

St. Josephs College, Devagiri popularly known as Devagiri College was established in 1956 before the formation of Kerala State and consequently it was affiliated to Madras University and later Kerala State was formed it was affiliated to Kerala University and then to Calicut University on bifurcation. The founding fathers are Rev. Fr. Hormice Perumalil, Rev. Fr. Shabor Vallavanthara and first Principal Rev. Fr Theodosius. This is a CMI (Carmelites of Mary Immaculate) Institute. Rev. Fr. Kuriakose Elias Chavara (1805-1871) was the founder of CMI Congregation.

On the 85th death anniversary of Chavara Achan ie; on 3rd January 1956 Rev. Fr. Hormice laid the foundation stone for Devagiri College and it was completed within 5 months. On the basis of Mr R Krishna Moorthy's report, Madras University granted affiliation to Devagiri College. Dr Sabastian Valloppilly, Bishop of Tellichery blessed the buildings on 2nd June 1956 and opened it to the first batch of 200 Pre-University students and 20 Junior B A students. The College was formerly inaugurated by the then Governor of Madras Mr Sri Prakasa on 26th September 1956. National Assessment and Accreditation Council awarded A level certificate of Accreditation to St. Joseph's College, Devagiri on 3rd May 2004.

Earlier this hill was known as Kaniam Kunnu which was an isolated place not good for nothing and after acquiring this 77 acres of land by CMI they renamed it as Devagri which means the Mount of God. The motto of the Institution is 'PRO DEO ET PATRIA' means For God and Country

I have got a chance to study in this prestigious College from 1970-1972 for Pre Degree (First group) Course and from 1973-1976 for B. Sc Chemistry course. Rev. Fr. Isidore M Vadakkan was the Principal at that time. He came down to Devagiri in turbulent time which required extremely tactful handling and he has won it.

At that time a Bridge Intensive Course was introduced to the new comers to cop up with the change in Malayalam medium to English medium and Fr. Isidore M Vadakkan used to take classes for us. A handy 'English Readers Dictionary', published by the English Language Book Society and Oxford University Press, supplied to us as a part of the study material in connection with the Course for Rs 10/- is still a worthy asset to me as well as my family members.

From 1971 to 1974 Rev. Fr. Columbus Puthenpurakkal was the Principal. He joined Devagiri College as the Head of the Department of Economics in 1956. Rev. Fr. Ivans (1974-1976) was the third Principal in my tenure in the College.

Rev. Dr. Mathew Chalil was one of our Mathematics Teacher and he also became Principal of the college from 1st April 1989 to 31st October 1994.The impulses in writing this post is created by the present principal Rev. Fr. Joseph Kappalumakkal, who initiated the formation of Alumini Association in Devagiri college and given us a chance to interact with the old Gurus and colleagues in their zenith. The event took place on the Valentines Day (14th February 2009) and due to unavoidable domestic matters I left the place before completion of the afternoon session and I feels that it was a great loss to me.

I thank the organisers for giving me a chance to intract with old Gurues, colleagues and to recall my early days.

With expectations to meet in the next year
velayudhan

CWRDM and CSIR Rules

Dear friends,

The Executive Committee of Centre for Water Resources Development and Management(CWRDM) held on 28-2-1978 has decided to provide CSIR grades and pay to Technical staff of cwrdm and secretariat grades and pay for non-technical staff of cwrdm. Consequently staff were recruited as per CSIR norms and Kerala Government Secretariat pattern. This was again confirmed by G.O.Ms. No. 30/87/STED dated 06-12-1987 and subsequent Government Orders.

At that time different laboratories under CSIR prescribed different qualifications for one and the same post and an attempt to eliminate this anomaly was done through Velluri/ Core / Varadarajan Committee report and by Thyagarajan sub committee formed for the implementation of the same in CSIR.

CWRDM was also full of anomalies as present in CSIR. For example M Sc first class holders were appointed in cwrdm as Technical assistant, Junior scientific Assistant, Senior Scientific assistant and even as Scientist. Thus when Velluri Committee report was implemented in Centre for Earth Science Studies(CESS), a sister organisation of cwrdm, we also started actions for the implementation of the same in cwrdm and an agreement was made on 23-3-1988 for the in toto implementation of the same in cwrdm. But it was not implemented as per CSIR Velluri committee report.

The salient features of CSIR Velluri Committee Report are;

1. Fast Track Promotion for higher qualified persons w. e. f 1-2-1981 but in cwrdm it was implemented w. e. f 23-3-1988. Consequently more than 7 years were lost to the higher qualified persons

2. As a result of implementation of Velluri Committee Report w. e. f 1-2-1981 the scale of pay of Technical Assistant Group II grade (2) in CSIR (Group I grade (2) in CWRDM) was changed to Rs 380-560 with effect from 1-2-1981 instead of Rs 330-560 given in CWRDM. Thus there is a difference of five increments in the basic pay of CWRDM Technical Assistant grade(2) compared to CSIR Technical Assistant grade(2). Latter this scale was merged with Rs 380-640 in CSIR with effect from 1-1-1996(as a result of Fifth Pay Commission Revision)

3. Changes introduced in CSIR were not implemented in CWRDM resulting much more complication in CWRDM. For example situations were arisen even Technical Assistants having lesser pay than Helper in State Scale.

4. As per MANAS w. e. f 1-4-88 there were seven grades in Group-III (Group II in CWRDM) in CSIR but in cwrdm it is only five even though our sister concern CESS has implemented it to six grades w. e. f 1-1-1994

5. Percentage limit for assessment promotion were replaced by Thresh hold marks w. e. f 1-4-88 as per MANAS for Group-II, Group-III and Group-IV in CSIR(Group I, Group II and Group III respectively in CWRDM). This facility is also implemented in CESS w. e. f 1-1-1994 which is also lacking in cwrdm.

6. Residency period were also changed for Group III and Group IV in CSIR(Group II and Group III respectively in CWRDM) as per REVISED MANAS w. e. f 1-4-92 onwards. Details are given below


CSIR Group-II ( CWRDM Group-I) Assessment Promotion Posts

Group/Grades	Scale of Pay	Eligibility for Assessment(Yrs)	Thresh hold i.e. Minimum Marks	Merit Assessment
II(1)	3050-4590	7, 8, 9, 11 and after remaining for one year at the maximum of the grade	60	N A
II(2)*	Rs 4500-7000	-do-	70	N A
II(3)	Rs 5500-9000	-do-	75	N A
II(4)	Rs 6500-10500

* The revised Scale of Gr.II(2) Rs 1350-2200/ II(3) Rs 1400-2300 have been merged to the Revised Scale of Rs 4500-7000 w. e. f 1-1-96 and such cases are to be regulated as per CSIR letter No. 17/66/94-PPS dated 2-8-2000

CSIR Group-III ( CWRDM Group-II) Assessment Promotion Posts

Group/ Grades	Scale of Pay	Eligibility for Assess ment(Yrs)	Thresh hold i.e. Minimum Marks
			Normal Assess ment	Merit Assess ment
III(1)	Rs 4500-7000	5, 6, 7, 9 and after remaining for one year at the maximum of the grade	60	N A	N A
III(2)	Rs 5500-9000	-do-	60	N A	N A
III(3)	Rs 6500-10500	-do-	70	80/4y	90/3y
III(4)	Rs 8000-13500	-do-	75	85/4y	90/3y
III(5)	Rs 10000-15200	-do-	75	85/4y	90/3y
III(6)**	Rs 12000-16500	5, 6, 8 and at the maximum of the grade	75	85/4y	90/3y
III(7)	Rs 14300-18300

**Staff in Group III(6), who possess the entry level qualification of Group IV, will only be eligible for assessment to Grade II(7), the condition of first class will, however, not be insisted up on the cases.

CSIR Group-IV ( CWRDM Group-III) Assessment Promotion Posts

(w. e. f 1 – 4 – 2007)

Group/ Grades	Scale of Pay	Resi- dency period	Thresh hold i.e. Minimum Marks for Merit Assessment
			1st chance	2nd chance	3rd chance	4th chance	5th chance
IV(1) Scientist-B	Rs 8000- 13500	3	85	80	70	65	60
IV(2) Scientist-C	Rs 10000- 15200	4	85	80	75	70	60
IV(3) Scientist-E1	Rs 12000- 16500	4	85	80	75	70	60
IV(4) Scientist-E2	Rs 14300- 18300	5	85	80	75	70	-
IV(5) Scientist-F	Rs 16400- 20000	5	85	80	75	70	-
IV(6) Scientist-G	Rs 18400- 22400	5
IV(7) Scientist-H	Rs 22400- 24500

Honorable Justice Shri T R Ramachandran Nair, Honorable High court of Kerala, through his judgment has given a verdict to redress the injustice inflicted up on the technical and scientific staff of CWRDM and I hope that the authorities will take necessary steps to remove the anomalies prevailed in cwrdm.

With hope for better future
velayudhan