Minutes - OBA EC, SSKZM, 16-08-2008

Minutes Of Meeting - 1 ST OBA Executive Committee meeting held at SSKZM on 16 August 2008 AT 1630 hrs

1. The following attended the meeting:-

SSKZM
(a) Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM.
(b) Lt Col MC Thomas, Registrar and Old Boy (1260/ 1982).
(c) Lt Col K Raghu, Headmaster.
(d) Mr. K Rajendran, Master - Coordinator OBASSKZM.

OBASSKZM
(a) Captain Louis George Meprath (642/1972), President.
(b) Col Nietzsche Balan (928/1979), Vice President
(c) Mr. Sanu George, (1378/1983), Vice President
(d) Mr. G Jayakumar (892/1979), Treasurer.
(e) Mr. Raj Kumar S (2569/1995), General Secretary
(f) Cdr Rajeev Maroli, Joint Secretary (954/80)
(g) Mr. Ajith Prabhakar (782/77), EC Member 1976-80

2. The points discussed are as shown below:-
(a) Welcome address by President, OBASSKZM.
(b) Address by Patron, OBASSKZM.
(c) Projects at SSKZM - Gurudakshina.
(d) SAF - Helping cadets.
(e) High Fees paid by cadets.
(f) Computerisation of all OBA records.
(g) Membership to XII th standard Cadets on the eve of passing out of SSKZM.
(h) Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2012.
(i) OBA Assets.
(j) Role of OBA - what should OBA do?
(k) Batch reps / Chapter reps
(l) OBA EC Spokesperson.
(m) Revenue by means of advertising on our site, google adsense to start with.
(n) OBA Chapters around the globe.
(o) Use of OBA name for collecting funds.
(p) Helping Alumni.
(q) Projects outside SSKZM by Alumni
(r) Prizes distributed during Commemoration Meeting.
(s) EC Mailing list.

Welcome Address by President, OBASSKZM

3. The meeting began at 1630 hrs by observing a minute's silence in memory of the dear departed Alumni. Thereafter, the President in his address welcomed the gathering and thanked Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM, Lt Col MC Thomas, Registrar and Old Boy (1260/1982), Lt Col K Raghu, Headmaster and Mr. K Rajendran, Master - Coordinator OBASSKZM and the OBAEC members for taking pains
to be present for the EC meeting on a Saturday afternoon.

4. The President informed that the OBA would continue to work in synergy(as was already being done) with the School authorities for the development of the cadets. Address by Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM

5. The Principal stated that he was very happy to be associated with such a vibrant OBA and he thanked the Alumni for the same. He briefed the gathering on the happenings at SSKZM during the last few months. The following significant points were brought out:-

(a) Prizes won by Cadets. SSKZM Cadets participated in a cultural festival held at the TVM International School. They won prizes in Malayalam Declamation (I st) and in Science as well as Mathematics Quiz (II nd as well as III rd prizes for both). In addition, the Cadets won the II nd and III rd prizes for Ramayana recitation and Quiz conducted by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, TVM.

(b) South Zone Championships. SSKZM won the III rd place overall in the SZ Championships.

(c) NCC Camps. Cadet Mukul Narayan Chaubey (Roll No. 4389) of the present X th standard was adjudged 'Best All Round Cadet, Kerala' in the RD NCC Camp held during Jan 2008 and received the Chief Minister's Gold Medal.

(d) Independence Day Parade. The SSKZM contingent (XI th and IX th standard cadets) was adjudged 'Best (non-police) Contingent' during Independence Day parade 2008 held at TVM.

(e) Inspections. The School was inspected by Air Vice Marshal SC Mukul, AVSM, VM, VSM, AOC - in - C, HQ SAC and Chairman, LBA on 04 Aug 08. Colonel RS Nehra, Inspecting Officer from Sainik School Society also inspected the School from 08 to 10 Aug 08. Both the senior officers have given glowing reports about the various aspects and spick-and-span appearance of SSKZM.

(f) Principals' Conference at Delhi. In the recently concluded Principals' Conference (held at Manali from 19 May to 21 May 08), the RRM remarked that the Sainik Schools in the country were doing a wonderful job and commended all the Principal as more than 40 % of the NDA cadets were from Sainik Schools across the country. RRM also indicated that more Sainik Schools are likely to be set up in states like Chhatisgarh. In all such cases, the Ministry of Defence is requesting these State Govts. to sign a MoU with the MoD before permission is given for setting up the Sainik School. This is to ensure that the states do not neglect the Sainik Schools in the long run.

(g) Voluntary retirement of Mr. SB Sasikumar. Shri SB Sasikumar who was one of the most inspiring and loved teachers, left SSKZM in June 2008 to take over as Principal, International School at Thodupuzha. Principal stated that SSKZM's loss would be Thodupuzha's gain.

(h) School Magazine 2009. Principal stated that he had received large number of requests for the School Magazine printed in March 2008. As the requests were received late, it was not feasible to send the Magazine to all. Alumni are requested to inform SSKZM well in advance, if they require the copy of School magazine 2009 which would be printed in March 2009. The cost would be around Rs. 150/- per copy (including cost of dispatch in India).

6. The OBAEC congratulated the Principal and his team for the excellent all-round show by our cadets. The agenda points were thereafter taken up for discussions.

7. Projects at SSKZM - Gurudakshina. The EC discussed in detail regarding the procedure for finalising Projects to be undertaken at SSKZM. Projects at SSKZM by Chapters / Groups / like minded Alumni should continue. All such projects should initially be discussed with SSKZM by the respective Alumni, so that it is established that Alumni are giving something to SSKZM which SSKZM requires. Once the matter has been initially sounded to SSKZM, Alumni should approach the OBA EC for taking up the matter with SSKZM and working out the way ahead. Projects that would be taken up at SSKZM could be finalised in this way. Principal intimated that it was his endeavour to get maximum work done by the State Govt. He promised that, wherever the State Govt could be asked to take up Projects at SSKZM, it would be his top priority to request the State Govt to do so. Only such works that the State Govt. would not normally undertake should come as projects from OBA side.

8. Students' Aid Fund (SAF). The President intimated that the existing procedure of identifying SAF beneficiaries by the School Authorities was adequate. The amounts given to each cadet under this scheme was initially Rs. 1000/-. Last year, this was raised to Rs. 5000/- (for 05 cadets). This year, it is planned to give Rs. 5000/- each to 07 cadets. However, this could be enhanced on a case-to-case basis. Shri Jayakumar, Treasurer OBASSKZM indicated that an amount of approximately Rs. 71,000/- was left over from the funds contributed by Alumni for the Harshan Memorial BUST. As decided earlier, this money has been transferred to the SAF. In addition, there were discussions held on the proposals by a few of our Alumni that they were willing to sponsor the complete fees of deserving cadets right from class VI till they are gainfully employed. The decisions taken are as under:-

(a) At present, the full fees for a year is Rs. 43,400/-. The State Govt reimburses only Rs. 14,000/- and MoD gives Rs. 2000/- (in some cases where MoD scholarships are eligible, the amount is Rs.10,500/-). Cost of messing is around Rs. 12,980/- per year
(Rs. 44/- per day). Cost of uniforms, books etc. would be extra. In short, a full scholarship holder would still have to pay around Rs. 25,000/- per year. The EC was of the view that this is the group (i.e. full scholarship holders) which the Alumni must help. At present, full scholarship holders are around 250 cadets approximately.

(b) Alumni desirous of helping such cadets would be required to contribute about Rs. 25,000/- to Rs. 30,000/- per year. However, the EC was of the opinion that sponsoring right from Class VI till the cadet was gainfully employed may not be a good idea. This is because the parents' income may change every year. A cadet may no longer be eligible for scholarship if his parents' income increases beyond the exemption limit. In addition, if the cadet does not exhibit good potential, the necessity of funding him would need to be reconsidered. Considering all these facts, the EC decided that it would be better to contribute to the SAF rather than sponsoring individual cadets. However, in case any Alumnus is still desirous of sponsoring individual cadets, the EC has no objection. It was recommended that such sponsoring should be on a yearly basis only.

(c) In addition to the above, Shri Rajendran intimated that the cadets join in VI th standard. It therefore becomes very difficult for the House Masters and School Administration to identify suitable candidates from VI th standard. OBA EC therefore recommended that it would be better to start such scholarships from VII th standard, as SSKZM would get a fair picture of the background of the cadets once they have spent an year in SSKZM.

9. High Fees paid by cadets. Fees paid by parents are very high (around Rs. 44,000/-). Shares of State Govt and MoD are very meagre. As a result, even a full scholarship holder's father / mother pay around Rs. 25,000/- to Rs. 30,000/- as fees. Poor but deserving children are thus deprived of good education, as their parents are unable to afford the high fees!! Salaries of teachers and other Staff and pensions are paid out of the fees paid by the Parents. This is the problem faced by most of the Sainik Schools in India. The Tuition Fees are expected to go up once the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations are implemented. It was the general opinion that the salary and pensions of the Staff should be paid either by the State Govt. or the Central Govt. This burden should not be placed on the poor parents. The EC decided that the OBA would extend all support to the Parents' Association in taking up the matter with appropriate authorities.

10. Computerisation of all OBA records. It was decided that OBA should computerise all its records- Circulars, Bulletins, Magazines (School+ Magazines / Souvenirs issued by various batches), accounts, photographs etc. to be computerised. Outsourcing may be resorted to. This point is also covered under 'Golden Jubilee Celebrations' .

11. Membership to XII th standard Cadets on the eve of passing out of SSKZM. At present, cadets who pay Rs. 500/-, are enrolled as life members of OBA just before passing out (as against Rs.1000/- for normal life membership). This is a totally voluntary contribution by the cadets. EC discussed whether we continue with this system or whether we should resort to Student Membership i.e. once students pass out of the school, they should be enrolled as 'Student Members' only. When they start earning, they could be enrolled as 'Life Members'. Shri K Rajendran clearly stated that this was purely a voluntary payment and no cadet was forced to take membership on passing out. He further stated that last year, XII th standard cadets had approached him and requested to be enrolled as life members of OBA. This indicated the keenness of the cadets to enroll as OBA life members. The EC decided to maintain status quo i.e. to continue with the practice of enrolling cadets on the eve of passing out as Life members of OBA on payment of Rs. 500/-.

12. Golden Jubilee Celebrations 2012. Preliminary discussions were held. It was unanimously agreed that the School's Golden Jubilee Celebrations must be conducted on a grand scale. The EC decided the following:-

(a) As a first step, OBA and SSKZM are to undertake a joint project to digitise all records - Circulars, Bulletins, Magazines (School+ Magazines / Souvenirs issued by various batches), accounts, photographs etc. Alumni are therefore requested to forward any such articles in their possession to OBA / SSKZM. It would be preferable if the Alumni forward a scanned copy of the documents they have with them (to avoid loss of these invaluable documents in case these are sent by normal post). More details of how to go about this mammoth task could be obtained from Shri Rajkumar (General Secretary OBASSKZM) who has volunteered to be the OBA rep in this mega project. SSKZM would also be nominating a rep for this purpose.

(b) Alumni to be requested to forward suggestions on conduct of 'Golden Jubilee Celebrations' . Once suggestions are received from Alumni, OBA EC and SSKZM would work out the way ahead.

(c) Sponsoring batch for OB Day 2012 i.e. 1987batch is also to be actively involved in these activities.

13. OBA Assets and Role of OBA - what should OBA do? It was suggested by some Alumni that OBA should be a powerful pressure lobby. One of the major factors for achieving this is that OBA should have financial strength - need not be cash, but it should have assets in the form of land or buildings. So, should OBA own assets? It could be land or building (office space or anything). This should also be linked to the 'Role of OBA'. Considering all the factors above, what should be the role of OBA was discussed in detail by the EC. Should we go all out to increase Assets and to take on additional responsibilities? The EC was of the view that the OBA as a group should limit the main OBA activities to organising OB Day, coordinating Projects at SSKZM, Students' Aid Fund etc. so that we remain focused on core issues. Rest of the activities could be delegated by the main OBA to be conducted by Chapters / batches / like minded Alumni. It would be better to remain a manageable entity (with sufficient funds) than to grow into an unmanageable entity that would give rise to associated problems. The EC also decided that it would request Alumni who have prior experience in Managing Projects to forward a Project Report for buying of land + constructing of a building / buildings for OBA that would serve as guest house, office, Multipurpose hall etc. Project report is to include ideas for generation of funds, income tax and other Govt regulations to be followed, maintenance of such assets once construction is complete etc. Alumni volunteering for this task may forward their details to General Secretary.

14. Batch reps (e mail id) / Chapter reps (e mail id). E mail ids and contact details of batch representatives (1965 to 2008) should be available with OBA. Similarly, details of Chapter members (all over the globe) should also be available with OBA. This is for ease of networking. Shri Rajkumar (General Secretary, OBASSKZM) was requested to inform Alumni accordingly. Batch reps + Chapter reps are also requested to contact Gen Sec (at least two members each).

15. OBA EC Spokesperson. EC decided that the official statements of the EC will be made by the President or any other EC member on behalf of the EC as nominated by the EC. In such cases, the member will state that it is on behalf of the EC or the statement has the approval of the EC.

16. Revenue by means of advertising on our site, google adsense to start with. Suggestions have come that our mail site could be used to generate huge amounts of revenue. Gen Secretary was requested to get more suggestions from Alumni on how to proceed ahead. How do we go about it? What about the legality of these schemes? What about Tax issues? What about Security issues?

17. OBA Chapters around the globe. These should be strengthened. Alumni visiting these places must be taken care of. Chapter get-togethers must be organised. All these activities must ultimately lead to a stronger OBA. These Chapters must have their own elected representatives who would look after the Chapter. Funds for running such Chapters efficiently should be generated by the Chapters themselves.

18. Use of OBA name for collecting funds. EC decided that Chapters / batches and other Associations of groups of Alumni (of SSKZM) should not resort to collect funds in the name of OBASSKZM. It should be clarified to the members that funds being collected are for use by Alumni of that Chapter/group / batch only.

19. Helping Alumni. Members were of the opinion that Alumni are generally reluctant to approach OBA for help (especially financial help). It may be better if the individual batch-mates work out some schemes to help their batch-mates, who are in need of help (could be financial, psychological etc.).

20. Projects outside SSKZM by Alumni. EC members' views were that It should be left to the discretion of the Alumni of the various Chapters / batches / groups etc. to initiate projects outside SSKZM viz. Kazhak's Clubs at various places, Old Age Homes (for Alumni), Children's Shelters, Guest Houses, New School(s) etc. Once again, the cardinal rule should be that no funds should be collected in the name of OBA for projects which have not been put up for approval of the EC.

21. Prizes distributed during Commemoration Meeting. Members felt that more than a hundred prizes were distributed by the OBA on OB day (during the Commemoration Meeting). This tended to be a very boring affair, often resulting in Alumni as well as others to leave the Auditorium midway through the Prize Distribution. It was decided that Prizes for classes VI, IX, X and XII would continue to be given on OB Day during the Commemoration Meeting. All other prizes would be distributed on other suitable occasions like Annual day etc.

22. EC mailing list. EC decided that in addition to the elected EC members, any Alumnus holding the post of Principal, Headmaster or Registrar would also be included in the OBAEC mailing list, during their tenure at SSKZM.

23. The OBAEC also took this opportunity to welcome Lt Col K Raghu, the new Headmaster of SSKZM .There being no other points, the meeting was adjourned. It was decided that the next OBAEC meeting would be held in Dec 2008 / Jan 2009. After this, the EC members were taken on a tour of the newly inaugurated Multimedia Lab. Principal intimated that such a facility has greatly helped our dear cadets. More computers (internet cafe) would be housed in the proposed room under the Clock Tower.

Warm regards,

Rajkumar
2569/1995
General Secretary OBASSKZM

OBA Website http://www.sskzm.org
SSKZM website http://www.sainikschooltvm.org
OBASSKZM BLOG http://www.obasskzm.blogspot.com
Information could be posted on the BLOG by sending an E Mail to news@sskzm.org.

Minutes of meeting of the AGBM held on OB day 2008 (21-06-2008)

1. The agenda for the meeting was as under:-

(a) Silent Prayer in memory of our dear departed Alumni.
(b) Welcome by OBA President.
(c) Address by Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM.
(d) Presentation of accounts by Treasurer.
(e) Gradual switching to E mode-Payment of money to OBA accounts by cheque/electronic transfer.
(f) SAF.
(g) Any other items.
(h) Election of office bearers for 2008 - 2009.

2. The summary of discussions and decisions taken are as under:-

(a) Welcome Addressby Captain Louis George Meprath (642 / 1972), President, OBASSKZM.
The President, OBASSKZM welcomed the Alumni who had come from far and wide for this reunion. He thanked the sponsoring batches viz. 1974 and 1983 batches for the wonderful arrangements made. He also thanked Col Ajit Kumar, the Principal, Lt Col K Raghu, the Headmaster and Lt Col MC Thomas, the Registrar for leaving no stone unturned in making OB day 2009 an enjoyable one. He also expressed the hope that the existing synergy between OBA and SSKZM would continue.

(b) Address by Col Ajit Kumar, Principal, SSKZM and Patron OBASSKZM.
Col Ajit Kumar in his address thanked the Alumni for donating various projects to School. For the first time in the history of the AGBMs (and thus indicative of the ever strengthening bond between the OBA and the School), Col Ajit Kumar gave a Power Point Presentation highlighting the activities of the School and the various infrastructure / other projects planned at SSKZM. This shows the great pains taken by SSKZM in keeping the Alumni abreast of the latest happenings. The Principal's statement that in X th standard (CBSE) exams, 100 % of the cadets passed with flying colours was replied with thunderous applause by the Alumni. The XII th standard results were also similar. The Principal stated that the OBA and the SSKZM would continue to work in tandem for the betterment of the quality of life of the cadets.

(c) Presentation of Accounts by the Treasurer. Treasurer of OBA.
Shri Jayakumar presented the accounts and the same was passed without any comments. The balance sheet will be uploaded to www.sskzm.org.

(d) Gradual switching to E mode-Payment of money to OBA accounts by cheque/electronic transfer.
The President intimated that Alumni should be requested to send in their contributions by cheque / e transfer. This was with a view to simplify transactions. Alumni were also requested to inform the Treasurer whenever they transferred money by e transfer, as tracking of this amount would pose a problem as details of senders are not known. The members agreed to this proposal and the proposal was passed.

(e) Students' Aid Fund (SAF).
The President informed the gathering that many of our Alumni were willing to sponsor needy cadets, right from class VI to Class XII and even after they leave School for College / NDA etc. i.e till they get gainfully employed. The members were of the view that the primary aim should be to strengthen the SAF and try to build a huge corpus so that OBA has enough funds to help needy cadets. At the same time, if any of the Alumnus is keen to help out a particular needy cadet right from class VI till the time he is gainfully employed, there should be no objection. However, emphasis should be on increasing the Corpus of the SAF for ensuring benefit to a wide range of cadets.

(f) Any other items

(i) Amendment to Bye Laws.
It was brought out by some members that the mandatory time period for serving as Joint Secretaries prior to contesting the post of General Secretary should be reduced to one year. The President also informed that the present bye law as such provides provision for the appointment of any candidate as General Secretary if there are lack of volunteers and if the GBM approves. The President stated that the matter will have to be taken up in the OBAEC and formally put up to AGBM in 2009 for amendment to Bye Laws.

(ii) Dissemination of Information.
A few members were of the opinion that all important circulars and other information should be posted on the website (http://sskzm.org) in addition to posting on mailing list. The GBM agreed to the proposal. It was decided to use the sskzm.org website, BLOG ( http://obasskzm.blogspot.com ) as well as group mails for dissemination of information.

(g) Election of New Office Bearers.
Shri TK Chandramohanan (64 / 1968), the senior most Old Boy present, conducted the elections. The following were elected as OBA Office Bearers for 2008 - 2009 by the General Body:-

President: Louis George Meprath (642/72)
Vice President: Nietzsche Balan (928/79)
Vice President: Sanu V George (1378/1983)
General Secretary: Rajkumar S (2569/95)
Joint Secretary: Rajeev Maroli (954/80)
Joint Secretary : Ashok N (1164/82)
Treasurer: Jaya Kumar G (892/79)


Batch Representatives
1965-70 Hari Prasad A (144/68)
1971-75 Ajith Kumar J (418/72)
1976-80 Ajith Prabhakar (782/77)
1981-85 Naushad A (1484/84)
1986-90 Thaju U (1643/86)
1991-95 Padmaraj T R (2298/93)
1996-00 Sunil Jose Gregory (2731/97)
2001 onwards Ashish Bens (3393/02)


(h) The members thanked the outgoing OBAEC members for their valuable contributions to the OBA.

(i) OB Day 2009 (20 June 2009) will be sponsored by the batch of 1984.

There being no other points, the meeting was adjourned.


(Rajkumar S)
2569/95
General Secretary
OBASSKZM
29 June 2008

Minutes of meeting - 2nd OBA executive committee meeting

The second executive committee meeting of OBA was held at SSKZM on 30 Dec 2007.

The following Attended the meeting

From School

1. Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron, OBASSKZM.
2. Mr K Rajendran, Master - Coordinator OBASSKZM.

OBA

1. Captain Louis George Meprath (642 / 1972), President.
2. Dr Jayasankar R Warier (952 / 1980), General Secretary.
3. Mr G Jayakumar (892 / 1979), Treasurer
4. Mr Raj Kumar S (2569/1995). Joint Secretary
5. Mr U Thaju (1643/1986), EC Member (1986-90)
6. Mr P Premchandran Pillai (768 / 1977), Ex-General Secretary
7. Lt Colonel Rajesh K Nair (1039/1980), Ex- Registrar, SSKZM

The points discussed are as shown below

1. Welcome address by President OBASSKZM.
2. Address by Patron, OBASSKZM
3. Bust in honour of Late Captain Harshan, Ashok Chakra (2776 / 1997)
4. Students' Aid Fund
5. Pavilion Project of 1997 batch
6. OBA 2008 General Format of Programmes on OB day
7. Fees issue - contribution of State Govt. towards scholarships
8. Creation of blog
9. Any other points by the members

Welcome Address by President, OBA SSKZM

The meeting began by observing a minute's silence in memory of the dear departed Alumni. Thereafter, the President in his address thanked Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Mr K Rajendran and the OBA members for taking pains to be present for the EC meeting on a Sunday afternoon. The President informed that the OBA would continue to work in synergy with the School authorities for the development of the cadets.

Address by Colonel B Ajit Kumar, Principal SSKZM and Patron,OBA SSKZM

The Principal briefed the gathering on the happenings at SSKZM. The following significant points were brought out:

1. Swimming Pool: The Swimming Pool construction though over; cannot still be utilised due to non-commissioning of the purifying plant and non -construction of the boundary wall. Without a proper boundary wall and a purifying plant, it would be unsafe to commission the Swimming Pool. Both these issues are being regularly taken up with the State Govt. The boundary wall would cost around Rs. 8.00 lakhs. The State Govt has not yet sanctioned funds for these
2. Computer Lab. A lecture hall has been converted into a Multi Media lab for use by the students. 36 networked computers with LCD projection systems etc will be housed in this hall with internet and digital display facility also provided. The computers promised during the visit of Gen JJ Singh, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC, the then Chief of the Army Staff during his visit to the School in Feb 2007 will also be housed in this hall
3. Clock Tower. The Clock Tower is functioning well. However, the proposal to construct an internet hub on the first floor has still not materialised due to lack of funding by the State Govt. In addition, the finishing touches to the Clock Tower are still awaited.
4. Annual Day / POP. All events like Annual Day / POP were well conducted. Alumni also participated in these events. The Principal was proud to mention that for the first time in the history of SSKZM, a girl cadet also took part in the Passing - Out - Parade. This is a great achievement for the School as well as for the Alumni, as the girl Cadet (Cadet Priyanka) is the daughter of Lt Col Rajesh K Nair, Ex-Registrar of SSKZM.

The agenda points were then taken up for discussions.

Bust in honour of Late Captain R Harshan (2776 / 1977) , AC by OBA SSKZM: The President intimated that a Bust of Late Captain R Harshan, AC could be installed in the second quadrangle of the School Main Building. The Principal kindly agreed to the request made by the OBAEC that the installation work should be taken up by SSKZM. Funding for this would be provided by the OBA. The work is expected to take about 6 to 8 months to complete at an approximate cost of Rs. 1.60 lakhs (inclusive of Bust and structure surrounding the Bust - similar to the existing Bust of Late Colonel NJC Nair, AC, KC in the first quadrangle). The President thanked the Principal for agreeing to take up this task.

Students' Aid Fund: The President intimated that the existing procedure of identifying SAF beneficiaries by the School Authorities was adequate. The amounts given to each cadet under this scheme was Rs. 1000/-. However, this could be enhanced on a case-to-case basis.

Pavilion Project 1997 batch: The President intimated that he is in regular touch with Mr. Sunil Jose Gregory (2731 / 1997) regarding the Pavilion Project. The present status is that fund collection drive from batch-mates is on in full swing. The construction activity is likely to be started in Feb 2007.

OBA 2008 General Format of Programmes on OB day: The President intimated that based on the feedback received from Alumni, the General format for conduct of the OB day would generally remain unchanged viz. Wreath laying, Cricket Match, GBM, Football / Basketball / Volleyball matches, Commemoration Meeting etc. The finer details like timing for the various events would be finalised in the next meeting. However, points brought out by Alumni like provision of Bottled water at vantage points, programmes for family members, more registration counters, counters for career guidance to be manned by Alumni from various fields etc. would be kept in mind for implementation during OB day 2008.

Fees issue - contribution of State Govt: Mr. Premchandran Pillai gave a briefing on the subject. The current rate of Tuition Fees is Rs. 40,180/- for all cadets. Of this, the Kerala State Government contributes only Rs. 14,000/- for a full scholarship holder. At present, a major part of this fees are utilised for payment of salary and pensions of the Staff. The Tuition Fees are expected to go up once the Sixth Pay Commission recommendations are implemented. It was the general opinion that the salary and pensions of the Staff should be paid either by the State Govt. or the Central Govt. The President intimated that the OBA would take up the matter at the appropriate forum at Delhi.

Creation of blog: The President informed that Mr. Raj Kumar (2569/1995), Joint Secretary has created a blog. Information could be posted on the blog by sending an E Mail to news@sskzm.org. The Principal also intimated that news items from SSKZM and photographs would be sent for inclusion. The President thanked the Principal for the same.

Any other points. Lt Col Rajesh Nair brought out the fact that there is a Master who retired prior to 1989 (i.e. before the pension scheme came into effect). He is not in receipt of any pension from SSKZM. Lt Col Rajesh was of the view that the OBA should consider giving a one - time grant to him as Gurudakshina. The President OBA requested the Principal to intimate how many Staff / Masters had retired prior to implementation of the pension scheme (indicating the date they joined SSKZM and the date they retired / resigned). The President opined that a decision on this point could be taken after the relevant information is obtained from SSKZM.

There being no other points the meeting was adjourned at 1730 hours.

Dr. Jayasankar R Warier, 952 / 1980
General Secretary, OBASSKZM
04 January 2008