Tax on NRI remittance fee
The report “Indian PM urged to hold tax on NRI remittance fee” (June 29) might have made the Indians uncomfortable. Many of my Indian colleagues had assumed that the whopping 12.36 percent would be charged by the banks on the entire amount they would receive from non-resident Indians (NRIs).
It needs a clarification that even if the service tax is imposed from July 1, 2012, it will be only on the nominal fee that the banks charge for the money they receive and not on the entire remittance. As a matter of fact, I have never noticed my bank charging any fee when I send the remittance and the only transfer fee I pay is to the local bank here.
In these circumstances, where the value of Indian currency is at an all-time low against the US dollar, it would be presumptuous on the part of the Indian government to levy any tax on the income or the remittances by the NRIs. — Safi H. Jannaty, Dammam
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We are not enjoying any services or facilities as we live outside our country. We support 100 percent school fees of our wards up to Class XII in the Gulf countries, after which they obtain admission to expensive NRI seats in colleges at the graduation level. We pay all the taxes, such as, airport, custom and house tax in India. And being law-abiding Indians, we send our remittances through the banks. What about poor NRIs who save every single overseas currency for their dependents back home in India? Our problem is more serious because there are fewer jobs for us in the Gulf countries now as more and more natives are replacing us. Governments in these countries are seeking to control expat remittances. — Suhail Raza, by e-mail
Gas cylinder safety
This refers to the report “Gas blast toll now five” (June 28). The recent gas blast in Waziriyah district in south Jeddah is really disturbing, and gives us a lesson to be careful in dealing with gas cylinders. It is always advisable to store a minimum quantity of cylinders to minimize any hazard. Apart from this, gas cylinders should be kept in well-ventilated spaces or rooms. If it is kept in the open, it should be protected from the sun and rain, and any contact with corrosive substances, such as, oil and grease, should be avoided. To be on the safe side, areas where gas cylinders are stored should be declared no-smoking zones. If gas cylinders are stored in a closed room, the electric switches should be located outside the room and electric fittings should preferably be flameproof. It is not advisable to allow gas cylinders to come in contact with electrical apparatus or live wires. Gas cylinders should be kept away from heat sources and free from contamination from oily or greasy substances. Many times, blasts occur when cylinders come in contact with each other or with any hard surface.
So this must be avoided for safety purposes. It has been observed that many people having the habit of dropping the cylinder; this is a very dangerous thing and may lead to a cylinder explosion. Also, gas cylinders should never be used as rollers or support, whether full or empty. If a cylinder has to be transported over a short distance, it should be rolled over its bottom edge and it should never be dragged. The valve of a cylinder is the weakest part and utmost care should be taken at all times to prevent if from being damaged. Also, when receiving a cylinder, it should be ensured that the valve protection cap is properly secured. — Anees Lokhande, Alkhobar
Bravo gentlemen!
It is rarely or never that we hear of any rail accidents in the Kingdom due to the strict safety methods adopted by the railway authorities. The accident that took place near Al-Khurais junction as reported on the front page (June 28) shocked all of us. Fortunately, there were no fatalities and the injured were attended with utmost urgency. The Saudi Railways Organization (SRO) and the Civil Defense authorities deserve all praise for the way they rose up to the occasion. Bravo gentlemen! — S. H. Moulana, Riyadh
Letters - Tax on NRI remittance fee
