This refers to a letter “Technical Terms” by Zakir Hussain (GK 26-12-2011). Such errors are seen in other English dailies of the valley too and it is not associated with the nomenclature of the technical terms of power department only.  Such things are sometimes seen even in official communications. The government departments like R&B mention the distance on the milestones as ‘KM’ or ‘Km’  and sometimes KMs instead of the actual symbol ‘km’ (for kilometre). Similarly, heights or small distances are being displayed as ‘M’ or MT instead of 'm' (recognised symbol for metre).  Shopkeepers display weight as KG or KGs instead of internationally approved symbol ‘kg’.  Likewise in time format people usually use AM and PM instead of am and pm respectively. Units are designated according to international convention and officials, press and businessmen must use the prescribed format as it can cause confusion at times, for example, MT as mentioned above, is a symbol for metric ton also!

Abdul Hamid Mir
Lecturer Chemistry
Govt. HSS Chuchot-Shama, Leh.
aquariusdew@yahoo.com  


Lastupdate on : Fri, 30 Dec 2011 21:30:00 Makkah time
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