Ceiling for charges under CM health scheme raised

Ceiling for charges under CM health scheme raised

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:23.05.2021

The state health department has raised the ceiling for charges for Covid-19 treatment at the private hospitals under the CM health insurance scheme.

The state fixed a rate of not more than ₹5,000 a day for people admitted without oxygen support and ₹15,000 a day for people requiring oxygen support in the moderate illness category. In case people require critical care, hospitals can charge between ₹3,000 and ₹35,000 a day. The previous ceiling was ₹15,000.

All card holders can now get admitted at empanelled private hospitals for Covid treatment.

If hospitals charge more than what is prescribed, patients can file a complaint with the state (18004253993/104) and action will be initiated under Clinical Establishment Act and Disaster Management Act, said health secretary J Radhakrishanan said.

‘Double’ degrees without UGC nod invalid, says HC

EMPLOYER NOT OBLIGED TO RECOGNISE SUCH DEGREES

‘Double’ degrees without UGC nod invalid, says HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:23.05.2021

Two degrees — one through regular mode and the other through distance mode — obtained simultaneously by students in the same academic year are not valid unless approved by the University Grants Commission, the Madras high court has ruled.

“The issue of whether students can be permitted to pursue two-degree courses simultaneously in the same academic year has been vexed with the UGC for several years… Indisputably, most of the students obtain their second degree through distance education and students are not permitted to undergo a second degree programme formally in the same academic year,” the court said.

A full bench comprising Justice V Bharathidasan, Justice M Dhandapani and Justice P T Asha passed the order while answering a reference as to whether two degrees obtained simultaneously during the same academic year could be considered for employment.

The bench also held that there is no obligation on the part of the employer to recognise such degrees till they are approved by UGC.

In such circumstances, unless simultaneous degrees obtained are recognised by the UGC with the prior approval of the central government, such degrees cannot be considered as recognised degrees as per the provisions of the UGC Act, the bench added. “As of now, the UGC has not recognised pursuing dual degree courses simultaneously during the same academic year. Therefore, till dual degree courses are recognised by the UGC, such degrees conferred by the universities cannot be construed as valid per the provisions of the act,” the judges said.

The reference was made to the full bench following conflicting judgments passed by two division benches on the issue. While a division bench held that the two degrees obtained simultaneously in the same academic year was not recognised, another division bench held that there were no strict rules prohibiting the students to pursue two-degree simultaneously.

C V Krishnaswamy, senior city diabetologist, passes away at 84

C V Krishnaswamy, senior city diabetologist, passes away at 84

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:23.05.2021

Senior diabetologist Dr C V Krishnaswamy, who pushed medical boundaries to combine modern medicine with Ayurveda, paida lajin, and other streams to make it a “holistic” therapy for patients, passed away on Friday. He was 84.

On Saturday, condolence messages poured in from patients and their families to the Voluntary Health Services, where he had served for more than 50 years. Besides organising free insulin for more than 800 children with type-1 diabetes, he was known for love and passion towards treating his patients.

“He was a doyen. He would say many things that stunned doctors. He would talk about acupuncture mediated metaphysical therapy at a medical conference. And in the same conference he would ask doctors to explain side effects of antidiabetes medication. He would then ask them why they put pre-diabetes patients on anti glycaemic drugs. His views were strong, but he practised them,” said Dr S Suresh, secretary VHS. “And his patients loved him.”

He would ask his patients to tap at different points on the body as part of paida lajin – a Chinese therapy under which paida involves patting and slapping one’s skin while lajin involves assuming various postures to stretch one’s muscles.

“I have been his patient for several years now. He is the only doctor I go to and I have managed to live and handle diabetes for more than 40 years,” said S Muthukumar, one of his patients, who runs a grocery shop. He met him at the Stanley Medical College out-patient department when he was 10 years old. “My parents did not understand what diabetes was. But he guided us all through. He gave us not just medicine, he gave us hope,” he said. He continued to visit Dr CVK even after he retired from VHS three years ago. “I used to see him at his clinic in Alwarpet,” he said.

Many leading diabetologists and doctors praised him for his teaching skills. Senior diabetologist Dr V Mohan remembers him as a walking encyclopaedia. “A tall man who was a brilliant clinician inspiring most of his patients to lead a healthy and happy life,” he said.

Dr CVK was known to push boundaries to combine modern medicine with Ayurveda, paida lajin (Chinese therapy) and other streams to make it a “holistic” therapy for patients

13 TN institutes shortlisted for AICTE award

NEWS DIGEST

23.05.2021 

13 TN institutes shortlisted for AICTE award

As many as 13 technical institutes, including five deemed universities, from Tamil Nadu have been shortlisted for the final round of clean and smart campus award 2020. The All India Council for Technical Educaiton (AICTE) will conduct the final round online. The deemed universities shortlisted for the award include SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Kalasalingam Academy of Research and Education, Dr MGR Educational and Research Institute, Amritha Vishwa Vidhyapeetham (Coimbatore campus). Sri Sai Ram Engineering College, Bannari Amman Institute of Technology, Sri Krishna College of Engineering and Technology, Thiagarajar College of Engineering and Sri Krishna College of Technology have been shortlisted among the colleges. Besides, three polytechnic colleges have also been shortlisted from the state. Of the 29 institutes which have been shortlisted for the award, 13 are from Tamil Nadu.

2 held under Goondas Act for remdesivir sale:

Two men, who were arrested for selling remdesivir medicine in the black market, were detained under the Goondas Act. Commissioner Shankar Jiwal also issued a stern warning to those selling the drug illegally at high prices. An officer said Bhuvaneshwar, 36, owner of Medistar Healthcare Ltd, and Nishith Bandari, 32, of Navkar Distributors, were arrested by the Mylapore special team. The team seized 145 remdesivir and ninavir vials. Nishith Bandari sold the vials to Bhuvaneswar without valid documents. While the city police has so far registered 14 cases of illegal sale of remdesivir and arrested 34 men, this is the first time that the force has slapped the Goondas Act against the accused. So far, 269 vials have been seized.

சென்னை:முதல் மனைவி இறந்ததால், இரண்டாவதாக திருமணம் செய்த பெண்ணின் பெயரை, ஓய்வு பெற்ற தொழிலாளியின் பணி ஆவணங்களில் சேர்க்கும்படி, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

DINAMALAR

சென்னை:முதல் மனைவி இறந்ததால், இரண்டாவதாக திருமணம் செய்த பெண்ணின் பெயரை, ஓய்வு பெற்ற தொழிலாளியின் பணி ஆவணங்களில் சேர்க்கும்படி, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

விழுப்புரம் போக்குவரத்து கழகத்தில், கலியமூர்த்தி என்பவர் பணியாற்றி ஓய்வு பெற்றார். இவரது மனைவி ராஜலட்சுமி, 1999ம் ஆண்டில் இறந்தார்.

பெயர் நீக்கம்

அடுத்த ஆண்டில், உஷாராணி என்பவரை, இரண்டாவதாக திருமணம் செய்தார். பணி பதிவேட்டில் உஷாராணியின் பெயரை சேர்க்கும்படி கோரினார்; எந்த நடவடிக்கையும் இல்லை.இதையடுத்து, பணி பதிவேட்டில் இடம் பெற்றுள்ள முதல் மனைவியின் பெயரை நீக்கி விட்டு, இரண்டாவது மனைவி உஷாராணியின் பெயரை சேர்க்கவும், தன் இறப்புக்கு பின், அவருக்கு ஓய்வூதியம் வழங்கவும் கோரி, உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் கலியமூர்த்தி வழக்கு தொடர்ந்தார்.

மனு, நீதிபதி எஸ்.வைத்தியநாதன் முன், விசாரணைக்கு வந்தது. மனுதாரர் சார்பில், வழக்கறிஞர் அஜய் கோஷ் ஆஜரானார்.உத்தரவுநீதிபதி வைத்தியநாதன் பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவு: முதல் மனைவி இறப்புக்கு பின், இரண்டாவதாக திருமணம் செய்துள்ளார்.சட்டப்பூர்வமான மனைவிக்கு, கணவனின் பணி ஆவணங்களில் இடம் பெற உரிமை உள்ளது.அதனால், உஷாராணியை சேர்த்து,அலுவலக ஆவணங்களில் மாற்றம் செய்ய, எந்த தடங்கலும் இல்லை.

எனவே, மனுதாரரின் இறப்புக்கு பின், ஓய்வூதியம் மற்றும் இதர பலன்களை பெற ஏதுவாக, பணி ஆவணங்களில் உரிய மாற்றம் செய்யும்படி, நிர்வாகத்துக்கு உத்தரவிடப்படுகிறது. இவ்வாறு நீதிபதி உத்தரவிட்டார்.

ஒரே ஆண்டில் இரு பட்டம் பெற அங்கீகாரம் இல்லை: ஐகோர்ட்

DINAMALAR

கோர்ட் செய்தி

தமிழ்நாடு

ஒரே ஆண்டில் இரு பட்டம் பெற அங்கீகாரம் இல்லை: ஐகோர்ட்

Added : மே 21, 2021 22:21

சென்னை:'ஒரே ஆண்டில், ஒரே நேரத்தில் இரண்டு பட்டங்கள் பெறுவதை, அரசு அனுமதிக்காத வரை, அவற்றை அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்ட பட்டங்களாக கருத முடியாது' என, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் தெரிவித்துள்ளது.

முதுநிலை பட்டதாரி ஆசிரியர் பணிக்கு, ஜெகதீஸ்வரி என்பவர் விண்ணப்பித்தார். ஒரே கல்வியாண்டில், பி.ஏ., மற்றும் பி.எட்., படிப்பை முடித்தார். ஒன்றை ரெகுலரிலும்,மற்றொன்றை திறந்தவெளி பல்கலையிலும் படித்தார். ஒரே ஆண்டில், ஒரே நேரத்தில் பட்டம் பெற்றதால், இவரது விண்ணப்பம் நிராகரிக்கப்பட்டது.

இதை எதிர்த்து தொடர்ந்த வழக்கை, உயர் நீதிமன்ற தனி நீதிபதி தள்ளுபடி செய்தார். அதை எதிர்த்து, மேல்முறையீடு செய்தார். அதையும் தள்ளுபடி செய்த இரு நீதிபதிகள் அமர்வு, 'ஒரே கல்வியாண்டில், ஒரே நேரத்தில், இரண்டு பட்டங்கள் பெறுவதை பல்கலை அங்கீகரிக்காததால், ஆசிரியர் பணிக்கு தேர்வு செய்யும்படி கோர முடியாது' என உத்தரவிட்டது.

உத்தரவு

இதேபோன்ற மற்றொரு வழக்கை விசாரித்த உயர் நீதிமன்றம், மாறுபட்ட உத்தரவை பிறப்பித்தது.இரண்டு அமர்வுகள், வெவ்வேறு உத்தரவுகளை பிறப்பித்ததால், இந்தப் பிரச்னைக்கு தீர்வு காண, மூன்று நீதிபதிகள் அமர்வின் விசாரணைக்கு அனுப்பப்பட்டது. நீதிபதிகள் வி.பாரதிதாசன், எம்.தண்டபாணி, பி.டி.ஆஷா ஆகியோர் அடங்கிய அமர்வு, வழக்கை விசாரித்து பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவு:

ஒரே நேரத்தில், இரண்டு பட்டங்கள் பெறுவதற்கு சாதகமான பரிந்துரைகளை, பல்கலை மானிய குழுவான, யு.ஜி.சி.,க்கு, நிபுணர் குழு அனுப்பி உள்ளது. அதற்கு, யு.ஜி.சி.,யும் ஒப்புதல் அளித்து, மத்திய மனிதவள மேம்பாட்டு அமைச்சகத்துக்கு அனுப்பி உள்ளது.அமைச்சகத்தின் ஒப்புதலுக்காக நிலுவையில் உள்ளது. ஒப்புதல் வரும் வரை, யு.ஜி.சி.,யால் முறையான அறிவிப்பு வெளியிட முடியாது.

சிறப்பு விதிகள்

எனவே, ஒரு படிப்பை கல்லுாரியில் சேர்ந்தும், மற்றொரு படிப்பை தொலைதுார முறையிலும் என, இரண்டு படிப்பை, ஒரே கல்வியாண்டில் தொடர, பல்கலை மானிய குழுவான, யு.ஜி.சி., இதுவரை அங்கீகரிக்கவில்லை. யு.ஜி.சி., விதிமுறைகளில், இதற்கு ஒப்புதல் இல்லை.

ஒரே நேரத்தில், இரண்டு பட்டங்கள் பெறுவதை, யு.ஜி.சி., அங்கீகரிக்காத நிலையில், மத்திய அரசும் ஒப்புதல் வழங்காத நிலையில், அவற்றை அங்கீகரிக்கப்பட்ட பட்டங்களாக கருத முடியாது. இப்போது வரை, ஒரே கல்வியாண்டில், ஒரே நேரத்தில், இரண்டு படிப்புகளை படிக்க, யு.ஜி.சி., அங்கீகரிக்கவில்லை.

கல்வி பணிகளை பொறுத்தவரை, பல்வேறு சிறப்பு விதிகள் உள்ளன. வெவ்வேறு பணிகளுக்கு என, கல்வித் தகுதி நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. ஒரே கல்வியாண்டில், இரண்டு பட்டங்கள் பெறுவது, இணையான பட்டப்படிப்பாக, பணி விதிகளில் கருதப்படவில்லை.எனவே, எந்த விதிகளும் இல்லாத நிலையில், ஒரே நேரத்தில், இரண்டு பட்டங்கள் பெறுவதை, யு.ஜி.சி., அங்கீகரிக்கும் வரை, அவற்றை பல்கலையோ, தேர்வு நிறுவனங்களோ அங்கீகரிக்க வேண்டியதில்லை.இவ்வாறு நீதிபதிகள் உத்தரவிட்டனர்.

Vaccine shortage irks youngsters, senior citizens too sent away

Vaccine shortage irks youngsters, senior citizens too sent away

Deepak.Karthik@timesgroup.com

22.05.2021 

A day after the vaccination drive against Covid-19 for the 18-44 years age group was launched, youths in several parts of the state are racing to book a slot in the CoWin portal, the official website to register for the jab. But the vaccination slots in private hospitals remain unavailable. And, the urban primary health centres (UPHCs) are not vaccinating them, citing vaccine shortage. They say officials are awaiting further instructions. Senior citizens and people waiting for the second dose too were sent away and asked to come back later. The news about the inauguration of vaccination camps for the 18 + group by chief minister M K Stalin at Tirupur on Thursday seemed to have triggered a rush among the young population in the state to book slots on the CoWin website. Soon, youngsters took to social media platforms to express their frustration over the denial of vaccination.

While UPHCs and government hospitals refused to vaccinate them, a few private hospitals obliged some of the young people in Trichy and Madurai cities.

“Since Thursday, the web portal is displaying booked status and there are no slots available in private hospitals. UPHCs too declined to vaccinate, pointing to limited vaccine stocks,” said Trichy youth Balaji Uthira Kumar. Meanwhile, the surge in Covid infections and mortalities in recent weeks sent panicstricken senior citizens to approach the vaccination centres.

Due to the apprehensions in visiting the government hospitals where Covid screening is underway, the vulnerable population preferred UPHCs. But the senior citizens were turned away and asked to return later. “My parents were scared of visiting government hospitals, so we headed out to an UPHC. But the health staff said they will inform us once the vaccines arrive. People waiting for their second dose too were sent back,” said Dinesh Kumar, a resident of Uyyakondan Thirumalai.

(With inputs from Pratiksha Ramkumar & Padmini Sivarajah)

Covid-19 patient ends life in Salem

Covid-19 patient ends life in Salem

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Salem:22.05.2021

A day after an 80-year-old man hung himself to death in Coimbatore fearing that he might have contracted the virus, a 67-yearold Covid patient in Salem jumped off the fourth floor of a private hospital, where he was undergoing treatment, on Friday, killing himself.

An official source said Govindan was undergoing treatment in the hospital for the past four days, after he tested positive for Covid. “He was in a state of depression. His relatives were not allowed to meet him since it was an isolation ward and Govindan chose not to interact with the hospital staff too. On Friday around 9am, he went out of the ward on the fourth floor and jumped out. He suffered multiple fractures and died on the spot.”

A few days ago, a 65-yearold man undergoing treatment for Covid-19 had committed suicide by hanging in the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College and Hospital after his son succumbed to the virus in Dharmapuri government hospital.

Stalin orders probe into death of patient

Stalin orders probe into death of patient

Kin Allege Oxygen Was Stopped

Bosco.Dominique@timesgroup.com

Cuddalore:22.05.2021

The government has ordered the directorate of medical and rural health services to conduct a full-fledged inquiry into the death of a patient in Cuddalore government general hospital after the deceased man's wife and relatives alleged that he died because the healthcare workers removed his oxygen support. Health minister Ma Subramanian, in a statement released on Friday, said chief minister M K Stalin has ordered the directorate to hold the inquiry and submit a report at the earliest.

A 49-year-old man was admitted to Cuddalore GH on May 5 with complaints of breathlessness. A CT scan revealed that 80-90% of his lungs were affected and an RTPCR test of his swab samples performed on May 8 returned negative for Covid-19 infection.The patient was on the support of a non-rebreather mask (NRM), a medical device that helps deliver oxygen in emergency situations since the day he was admitted to the hospital. The device can deliver 10-15 litres of oxygen per minute.

The minister said the patient's oxygen level dropped to 60% on May 18 following which he was kept under high-flow nasal oxygen (HFNO) support. However, his condition did not improve and he was extended continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy the next day. His oxygen level improved to 78-80% after the therapy.

The patient removed the oxygen support on Thursday morning to have breakfast. At that time a 40-year-old patient with just 30% oxygen level was referred to the GH for advanced treatment from a private hospital. Healthcare workers could not extend CPAP therapy to him as the machine pin did not match.

They took the CPAP machine near the first patient's bed on the first floor as he was having breakfast after removing the mask and replaced it with the machine taken from the ground floor. The machine was kept ready for his immediate use after breakfast.

The minister said the swift and timely interchanging of the machines to extend CPAP therapy to Manikandan saved his life.

"As he was having his breakfast when a medical team visited him later and the replaced CPAP machine near his bed was kept ready for his use. He suffered a heart attack while eating and died despite the medical team's effort to revive him," said the minister.

EPS wants action against hosp staff

Chennai:

Leader of opposition Edappadi K Palaniswami on Friday demanded that the Tamil Nadu government take legal action against those who had removed oxygen and ventilator support for a Covid-19 patient in Cuddalore government hospital, which the family alleged resulted in his death. In a statement, Palaniswami said it was heart-wrenching to see a video of the patient lying dead that was widely circulated in social media. TNN

HC tells state govt to check treatment cost at pvt hospitals

HC tells state govt to check treatment cost at pvt hospitals

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021

Exorbitant Covid-19 treatment charges and overcharging by private hospitals have now come under the Madras high court scrutiny. Entertaining a PIL on the issue, the court has directed Tamil Nadu government to file a response by May 24, explaining the measures to regulate hospital fees.

“While the services rendered by doctors and nurses even in private medical facilities must be appreciated, there are reports of exorbitant amounts being demanded, whether at the time of admission or at the time of discharge,” said the first bench of chief justice Sanjib Banerjee and justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy on Friday.

The petitioner, D I Natha, alleged that private nursing homes, poly-clinics and the likes were raising exorbitant bills on Covid-19 patients in some cases. Admitting the plea, the bench said the issue must be looked into by the state government as several complaints in such regard had been received, including letters addressed to the court. It directed the state to file its response by May 24.

According to the petitioner, private hospitals are charging a minimum of ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh from all Covid patients who seek admission. Stressing on the need for the government to take immediate steps to regulate fee charged by such hospitals providing Covid-19 treatment, the petitioner said, “considering the current situation, the state must device a scheme to take over the management of all such private hospitals at least till the rapid spread of the infection is brought under control.”

Another plea was moved by A Anand, alleging collection of exorbitant fees by private hospitals in Puducherry, despite an assurance given by the government to reimburse expenses incurred by such hospitals in providing Covid-19 treatment. The bench directed the government of Puducherry to file its reply by June 3.

People are resisting vax due to wrong perception, says corpn

People are resisting vax due to wrong perception, says corpn

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:22.05.2021

Several people are not coming forward to get vaccinated against Covid-19 though slots are open, Greater Chennai Corporation officials have said.

Health workers say people are either sceptical about the vaccine’s efficacy or fear “side effects”, despite repeated assurances given by doctors.

On Thursday, for instance, the corporation held a vaccination drive at Sarvamangala colony in Ashok Nagar but only 32 of the 80 eligible people turned up. A fever surveillance worker went to an apartment complex there to encourage 22 people to take the vaccine, but only eight did. “The majority simply refused, saying they are afraid of its side effects,” she said.

These residents had many concerns. One of them asked, “Will my hypothyroidism worsen if I get the vaccine?” Another said, “I do not want to take Covishield because I was told that Covaxin is more effective”. “My relative died despite getting both shots of the vaccine, what is the guarantee that nothing would happen to me,” asked another. A few of them also asked the health worker to give it in writing that nothing would happen to them after getting the shot.

“I even tried to connect one of them to a doctor to answer queries, but they weren’t convinced. We cannot force anybody,” said the worker.

“Resistance will be there, but that will change as more start getting the shots,” said Dr P Kulandaisamy, former director of public health. He said officials must first vaccinate people who are willing, and the priority group, which includes people above 45 years of age, people with comorbid conditions, cab drivers, store workers, and those who have public interaction.

According to the corporation, of the 18 lakh people in the above 45 years age group, only 58.5% (10.86 lakh) have taken the first dose and 5.15 lakh have taken the second as of 12pm on Thursday. The daily vaccination target is about 34,000. The civic body has about a lakh doses with it.

Several resident welfare associations have been encouraging residents to get the shots. “We clearly told our residents that vaccination is the only way to avoid going to hospital,” said B Kannan, secretary of T Nagar residents’ welfare association. He said that almost all residents got their first doses in the special drive.

“People’s resistance is a real issue. But we want the public to understand the seriousness of the crisis and cooperate. We can only fight this together,” an official said.

Covid FAQ

 

Black fungus: Six men with symptoms at Salem GH

Black fungus: Six men with symptoms at Salem GH

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Salem:22.05.2021

Six people have been admitted to the Salem government hospital with symptoms of black fungus (mucormycosis).

While two were admitted on Thursday, four people were brought to the hospital on Friday. Hospital authorities said that all six were male patients, living in and around Salem.

A separate isolation ward has been created and a special team of doctors has been deputed to treat them.

Doctors said the six have symptoms of black fungus such as redness in the eyes, swollen cheeks, headache and nasal congestion.

Dean of Salem Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital Valli Sathyamoorthy, however, said they are yet to confirm if it was black fungal infection.

“They have symptoms. But we have to confirm if it is black fungus. We have to get an opinion from experts,’’ she said.

The patients are being administered antifungal drugs as part of the treatment. Most of them were diabetic and hence medication was being given to control diabetes.

“ENT specialists are also there taking care of them,’’ Valli Sathyamoorthy said.

Private lab barred from RT-PCR tests

Private lab barred from RT-PCR tests

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021 

The Directorate of Public Health has temporarily cancelled permission for Medall Laboratory to do RT-PCR tests after it added positive results of samples from outside Tamil Nadu into the state's account, besides tagging several negative samples from the state as positive. The lab functioned with a “vested interest” and a “negligent attitude” creating an unfavourable environment in the efforts against Covid-19, a notice issued by the directorate said on Friday.

The results of 919 swab samples received from Kolkata were uploaded as "received from Kallakurichi" on the centralised ICMR portal. Around 4,000 samples that tested negative for the viral infection were uploaded as positive on the ICMR portal between May 19 and 20, a two-page notice served to the lab by the director of public health Dr T S Selvavinayagam said.

“We found a mismatch and did not include these cases in the state registry or in media bulletins,” the DPH said.

“We suspect a nexus between the lab and hospitals,” he said.

The lab’s managing director has been asked to submit an explanation within three working days.

In a releases, Medall said, “We deeply and unconditionally regret the encryption error that occurred while uploading to ICMR database. It must be clarified and placed on record that the report generated and shared with the customers who took the test is accurate. So the issue is not with the testing process or its quality or its accuracy. The issue has been an encryption error (technical).”

Stalin letter to Prez to free Rajiv convicts upsets TNCC chief

Stalin letter to Prez to free Rajiv convicts upsets TNCC chief

Chennai:22.05.2021

The Congress never opposed release of the seven convicts in former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s assassination, but applying undue political pressure for an issue that should be decided through legal course is not appropriate, said TNCC president K S Alagiri on Friday. “CM Stalin writing a letter to the President for the release of the seven convicts is not acceptable to us,” Alagiri said.

“If a convict has to be released, it is for the court to decide. The stand of Congress is that it should not be done by applying undue political pressure. Undue political pressure could create a situation that may lead to law and order issues,” Alagiri told reporters here, after paying floral tributes to former PM Rajiv Gandhi’s portrait on his 30th death anniversary at the TNCC headquarters.

He was reacting to questions from the media over chief minister M K Stalin writing a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind seeking immediate release of the seven convicts. They have been in prison for about 30 years. Stalin’s move just a day ahead of the 30th anniversary has received adverse reactions from Congress cadres on social media.

Alagiri said 26 people were convicted in the case,19 of them were later released. “We did not oppose it. We accepted the court verdict and no Congressman opposed it. Our approach remains the same,” he said. “There are more than 100 convicts who have served more than 25 years in prisons across TN. If Tamils have to be released for languishing in prison for so many years, then all of them have to be released. Why only these seven,” Alagiri asked, while terming it an emotional issue. TNN

Not paid for 6 months, Thiruvalluvar univ guest lecturers demand dues

Not paid for 6 months, Thiruvalluvar univ guest lecturers demand dues

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021 

Around 25 guest lecturers working at Thiruvalluvar University’s Post Graduate Extension Centre in Villupuram are yet to receive the salary for six months from April to October 2020. They urged chief minister M K Stalin to direct the university officials to release the pending salary immediately.

The state government had issued orders to the universities and colleges to give salary to guest lecturers from April to October 2020. As per the order, the directorate of collegiate education and universities have released the pending salary for all the guest lecturers.

“Despite repeated pleas, the university is yet to disburse the salary for April. Some of the guest lecturers who are yet to receive April month’s salary are working as sales executives. The chief minister should direct the university officials to release our pending salary,” a guest lecturer from the college said.

The PG Extension Centre, which was started in 2010-11, was being run by the guest lecturers. At present, there are seven departments offering postgraduate courses and more than 200 students are pursuing the courses.

“The state government also increased the salary for guest lecturers from ₹15,000 to ₹20,000 with effect from January 2020. When other guest lecturers are receiving their hiked salary and also got arrears, Thiruvalluvar University is yet to increase our pay,” another faculty member said.

Around 200 guest faculty members from six constituent colleges of Thiruvalluvar University also have two months salary dues for June and July 2020.

“These colleges were converted from constituent colleges to government colleges around two years ago. But the university continues to handle salaries. The guest faculty members are also complaining that the university officials are not responding to their demand,” said V Thangaraj, state president of Tamil Nadu All Government Colleges UGC Qualified Guest Lecturers Association.

Despite the attempts, officials from Thiruvalluvar University were not available for comment.

Pallavaram ward made red zone

Pallavaram ward made red zone

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021 

A single ward in Pallavaram has been declared a red zone by the municipality officials after more than 50 cases were reported in the past few days. At least five of those infected have died. Officials said Ward 29 is among the most affected in Pallavaram municipality during the second wave and have sealed entry and exit points.

The municipality, just outside GCC limits, falls under Chengalpet district and has 2.2 lakh people residing in its 42 wards. So far, more than 2,000 people have tested positive in the municipality this year.

“There are 36 streets and more than 1,400 households in the ward and our staff have been sanitising the streets thrice a day and are monitoring people movement. We have also set up additional fever camps in the ward to test symptomatic residents,” said a municipality official.

The municipality has also arranged for volunteers to help the residents if need be. “In fact, residents are not allowed to venture out of most wards after10am. Police are strict. We had to request officials to let in delivery agents alone,” said K Muralidharan, resident of of Kattabomman nagar.

Upload all Covid-19 related circulars, GOs, HC tells TN

Upload all Covid-19 related circulars, GOs, HC tells TN

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:22.05.2021

All government orders, circulars and notifications issued in connection with Covid-19 should be uploaded in the state’s official website and in the ‘stopcorona’ website, Madras high court has said.

The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy passed an order to this effect on Friday, while closing a public interest writ petition on the issue.

According to the petitioner, all government orders have to be uploaded in the official website whether it is important or not. Since none of the state government departments has ensured uploading of such orders in their respective websites, including orders pertaining to Covid-19, he made a representation to the state on April 24.

As the officials failed to respond to the representation, the petitioner, Ramkumar Adityan, moved the high court. He wanted the court to direct the state to instruct all its departments to upload all the GOs in their official websites.

Responding to the plea, Tamil Nadu advocate-general R Shunmugasundaram submitted that the state has been uploading all such GOs promptly in the official website.

Recently, after a few of the staff in the department tested positive there was a delay and also the government was working only with 40% of staff, however, it was all addressed, and the site was updated till May 18, he added.

Recording the submissions, the bench said all future notifications and government orders should be published in chronological order on the websites and made available with the click of a button.

According to the petitioner, all government orders have to be uploaded in the official website whether it is important or not

UGC proposes 40% teaching online

UGC proposes 40% teaching online

Open-Book, On-Demand Group Exams Among Plans

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:22.05.2021

The University Grants Commission (UGC) proposes that higher educational institutions be allowed to teach up to 40% of the syllabus of every course through online mode even after the pandemic. However, the examinations for both 40% online (other than SWAYAM course) and 60% offline portions can be conducted offline. The proposals were contained in the draft concept note on guidelines for blended mode of teaching and learning put up on the UGC website.

Among other key recommendations were open-book examinations, oral examinations and on-demand examinations. There was also a proposal to introduce group examinations even for conventional theory exams to improve average performance of a class by sharing knowledge and to improve general understanding.

In the internal assessment, the UGC expert committee wanted to introduce e-portfolio, online quiz and proctored assessments. The e-portfolio would be a comprehensive tool in which students would be asked to compile their best assignments, activities, experiences and challenges faced while working on these assignments.

It also prescribes minimum basic facilities needed for online teaching including setting up virtual labs, smart classrooms, studios for recording lectures, learning management systems (LMS), internet with 1 Gbps bandwidth, Wi-Fi facility on campus and feedback systems. The online learning will include approaches such as face-to-face video lectures, internet-based learning and project-based learning, It also proposed that teachers who wish to implement the hybrid or blended system follow the IPSIT model -- Identify resources, learner-centred activities, Provide resources and announce activities on LMS; Scaffolding and support to learners; Identification of learning gaps and feedback; and Testing.

“There was a lot of resistance to the blended learning from the faculty, students and regulatory bodies. The resistance has evaporated due to the pandemic and national educational policy,” said Sandeep Sancheti, vice-chancellor of Marwadi University and member of the committee that drafted the concept note on blended teaching. “After the flooding of new technologies to the market, the cost of conducting online exams is less than pen-andpaper mode,” he said.

“The implementation must be done after analysing the learning outcome of existing 40% SWAYAM online courses allowed by UGC. However, this new concept will encourage building of internal capacity rather than relying on outsourced courses,” said S Vaidyasubramaniam, vice-chancellor of Sastra. Creative teaching, learning ecosystem by default necessitates a creative assessment, he added.

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court

Srishti Ojha

20 May 2021 9:21 PM

Bombay High court has on Wednesday applauded the Mumbai Municipal Corporation's 'extraordinary vision' of establishing Medical colleges with Corporation hospitals stating that it has had a unique distinction and vision since ages.

The Bench further stated that if the same pattern was used by other corporations and hospitals too, there would have been availability of medical facilities today.

"Now if this pattern is to be employed by all hospitals, like Pune Corporation has also woken up and want to have a Medical College, look at the impact it would've had, and availability of beds and medical facilities. Its an extraordinary vision. And therefore they can bring all this in control. I don't think any other corporation in Maharashtra has had this vision. There are 5 medical colleges only in Bombay."

The Bench noted that while the core work of any Municipal Corporation is public health that itself is being neglected. "Public health is always the back seat" the Bench remarked.

During the hearing, the Bench also said to ASG Anil Singh there has to be some thought to relook the medical education policy.

"We can share our experience on this Bench. A candidate in a special category maybe Defence, or any other, is getting admission at 192 out of 700 NEET Score but one at 534 wasn't getting admission. We have hundred and lakhs of students who are from 400-500 who in system wouldn't be considered to be of worth to pursue medical education . Then now we say we don't have doctors!" Justice Kulkarni remarked.

"Justice Kulkarni added, "There has to be a relook at medical education now. The pandemic has been a real eye opener."

Justice Kulkarni further pointed out that students from our country, for lack of seats go to foreign countries like Russia, China,etc for medical education and when they come back, they again have to take a test here.

"Isn't it somewhere we should really really be thinking. We are such a big country we should be proud of resources.Their requirement is here. If you can provide medical education facilities here we will have more doctors here." Justice Kulkarni said%

ASG Singh agreed with the Bench states that it needs to be re-looked. However, he added that its very sensitive area.

Responding to the ASG's statement, Justice Kulkarni clarified that they are not bothered by any other consideration, but only the establishment of medical colleges

"No no Its not sensitive. What's sensitive in this? Establishments of colleges is sensitive? Can't be. We are not bothered about any other consideration." Justice Kulkarni clarified.

Bench further stated that these colleges should be made, and those with 90% of facilities should be allowed to start with 25-30 students, rather than waiting for a golden figure of 50 or 100.

"Private bodies who aren't competent where infrastructure facilities are not fulfilled can take a back seat. But Corporations, have established hospitals, government has civil hospitals but there will not be medical college." Justice Kulkarni said.

Justice Kulkarni added "We have to think about our future generation. They should not be in chaos that there aren't doctors to treat."

"Its high time for policy makers to sit down and for govt to apply their mind. We can only echo our sentiments." the Bench said.

The observations were made today, when a division Bench of CJ Dipankar Datta and Justice GS Kulkarni was hearing a clutch of PILs on issues pertaining to Remdesivir, Oxygen, frequent hospital fires, etc. by awill take up the matter.

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court

"Medical Education Policy Has to Be Re-looked, High Time For Policy Makers And Government To Apply Their Mind" Bombay High Court: Bombay High court has on Wednesday applauded the Mumbai MunicipalCorporation's 'extraordinary vi

'We Must Not Drop Our Guard And Say "Second Wave Is Gone", We Have To Plan For Future So We Are Not Caught Napping': Madras High Court

'We Must Not Drop Our Guard And Say "Second Wave Is Gone", We Have To Plan For Future So We Are Not Caught Napping': Madras High Court: In the course of its suo motu proceedings instituted to track Covid management in Tamil Nadu, Chi

Plea In Madras High Court Against Condition Requiring Candidate To Possess 2-Year LLM For Ph.D Application At TNDALU

Plea In Madras High Court Against Condition Requiring Candidate To Possess 2-Year LLM For Ph.D Application At TNDALU: A petition has been moved in the Madras High

Prof Rai given addl charge of SSU V-C

Prof Rai given addl charge of SSU V-C

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow:21.05.2021

Lucknow University vice-chancellor Prof Alok Kumar Rai was given additional charge of vice-chancellor, Sampurnanand Sanskrit University (SSU), Varanasi, by Governor Anandiben Patel, who is chancellor of all state universities, on Thursday.

Prof Rai will hold charge of SSU vice-chancellor till the appointment of a new vicechancellor or until next direction of the chancellor, whichever is earlier.

The tenure of present SSU vice-chancellor Prof Rajaram Shukla is till May 23.

According to a statement issued by Raj Bhawan, the governor has also extended the tenure of VC of Siddhartha University, Kapilvastu, Siddharthanagar, Prof Surendra Dubey till the appointment of a new incumbent.

Intern doctors to go on strike over stipend

Intern doctors to go on strike over stipend

Jaipur:21.05.2021

Over 1,300 intern doctors on Thursday decided to go on strike from Friday as they have been demanding from the government to increase stipend from Rs7,000 to Rs14,000.

An office-bearer of All Rajasthan Intern Doctors’ Association said that they have been demanding from the state government to increase their stipend, but it has not resolved the issue. “In October last year a committee formed under the principal and controller SMS Medical College, which had accepted their demands of increasing their monthly stipend. But the decision has not been implemented till date,”said the office-bearer.

A celebration erupted at the Sawai Man Singh Medical College on Monday, where the intern doctors have been protesting for the past five days, sitting on hunger strike. They called off the hunger strike, after a committee formed by the principal and controller SMS Medical College, accepted their demands of increasing their monthly stipend.

In October last year, too, the intern doctors had protested and they had sat on hunger strike on October15. Following which, a committee was formed by the SMS medical college and intern doctors called off the strike at that time. TNN

AMU VC blames vax hesitancy

AMU VC blames vax hesitancy

Anuja.Jaiswal@timesgroup.com

Agra:12.05.2021

Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) vicechancellor Prof Tariq Mansoor on Thursday admitted that vaccine hesitancy had played a significant role in surge in Covid-19 cases among university employees and their families and the consequent deaths.

Till now, several employees, including 18 serving faculty members, a large number of retired professors and non-teaching staff, have died due to the virus.

In a letter to the members of AMU community, the VC appealed to all the deans, principals, chairpersons, provosts, heads of departments and teaching and non-teaching staff and alumni to motivate and make efforts that all of them and their family members as well as students get vaccinated against the virus.

Virus can spread through aerosols up to 10m: Govt

Virus can spread through aerosols up to 10m: Govt

Has Greater Risk Of Transmission Of Covid In Closed Spaces

Vishwa.Mohan@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:21.05.2021

Recent studies pointing to SARS-CoV2, the virus that causes Covid-19, being transmitted through droplets and aerosols that can travel up to 10 metres in air have prompted the government to refine its advisory which calls for proper ventilation, among other things, to check the transmission of the disease.

Pitching for increased ventilation, the advisory, issued by the office of principal scientific advisor (PSA) to the government on Thursday, said droplets and aerosols become quickly concentrated and greatly increase the risk of transmission in "closed unventilated indoor" spaces.

“In closed indoor spaces, droplets, and aerosols become quickly concentrated, greatly increasing the risk of transmission to people in the area. Just as smells can be diluted by ventilation, high concentrations of the virus can be reduced by ensuring that outdoor air flows in,” tweeted PSA K VijayRaghavan, on the guidelines which enlisted steps on how to stop the transmission of Covid-19 virus.

Raghavan, a developmental biologist, said, “One infected asymptomatic person can release enough aerosols to infect many. Symptoms can take up to two weeks to appear in an infected person, during which he may continue to shed the virus to infect others. Some people may never show symptoms and yet be spreaders.”

Besides underlining the importance of masks, physical distancing and sanitation, the advisory also lays equal emphasis on ventilation, noting how infection transmission risk is much lower in outdoor areas, as virus particles get quickly dispersed. It said, “Better the ventilation, lower the potential for transmission.”

Fresh evidence and advice on airborne Covid-19 spread had come a few months ago when scientists at two laboratories of the Centre of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR) -- Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB) in Hyderabad and Institute of Microbial Technology in Chandigarh -- had studied the extent of transmission through air.

In closed indoor spaces aerosols become quickly concentrated, greatly increasing the risk of transmission to people in the area

Managements seek teachers’ discretion in awarding marks

CBSE XTH EXAMS

Managements seek teachers’ discretion in awarding marks

Kochi:21.05.2021

The Kerala CBSE Schools Management Association has written to the central education minister, Ramesh Pokhriyal, requesting to rectify the alleged 'disparities and deficiencies' in the assessment formula for tabulating the marks of Class X students in the absence of annual board exams.

In the letter, they have said that a majority of the schools and the students are facing problems based on the guidelines issued by the CBSE.

Earlier in April, the CBSE said that the students will be assessed by respective schools out of a maximum of 100 marks for each subject. The 20 marks for internal assessment for each subject will be as per the existing policy but the CBSE stated that the remaining 80 marks in each subject should be divided across the Periodic Test/ Unit Test (10 Marks), Half Yearly/ Mid-term Examinations (30 Marks), and Pre-Board or Model Examinations (40 Marks).

However, the overall average marks assessed in 2020-2021 for all the five main subjects should not exceed the overall average marks obtained by the school in the reference year — best of three previous years — that has to be taken as the benchmark.

“If this guideline is to be implemented, the brilliant and hardworking students will have to suffer the consequence of lesser marks and grades on the basis of average marks in the previous year for no fault of theirs. Hence the CBSE may be directed to amend the policy by providing discretion for the teachers who have been continuously assessing the students from the beginning of the academic year,” said the letter signed by president TPM Ibrahim Khan and general secretary P S Ramachandran Pillai. TNN

‘No merit in arguments over Shailaja’s exclusion’

‘No merit in arguments over Shailaja’s exclusion’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Thiruvananthapuram:21.05.2021

CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury here on Thursday said there was no merit in the arguments that K K Shailaja was excluded from the second Pinarayi government for any ulterior reasons.

Speaking to reporters ahead of the new government’s swearing-in ceremony, Yechury said the decision to induct all new faces into the new cabinet was the outcome of a principled stand taken by the CPM in Kerala.

Selection of candidates for ministerial berth is the prerogative of the respective state committees.

“They are the matters within the domain of the respective state committees. And that is the party structure. So, we have taken a principled decision and that decision I think would be good for the long-term interest, not only for the CPM and LDF, but also for the state of Kerala,” he said.

Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan had said that the CPM collectively took all decisions regarding the government formation. He also turned down the reports that the central leadership was upset over the decision to drop Shailaja from the cabinet, despite her sterling performance as health minister in the first Pinarayi government.

CPM leaders claimed that the party decision to deny seats to all those had contested two elections consecutively and to drop all former ministers from the first Pinarayi government were taken to rejuvenate the party and nip the possibilities of certain leaders emerging as power centres.

A similar drastic change in the CPM’s organizational positions is also on the anvil is what they claims.

Higher education: A time for reforms and transformation

BY INVITATION

Higher education: A time for reforms and transformation

Kuncheria P Isaac  21.05.2021 

The all-India higher education survey paints a grim picture of the higher education sector in Kerala. Be it university, college, or the gross enrolment ratio (GER) ranking, we have nothing to cheer about. Kerala ranks 20th in the universities’ category, 11th in colleges’ category and 8th in GER. The new government would need the courage and resolve to make a course correction and salvage the ailing sector.

First, blind opposition to National Education Policy (NEP) should stop and government should use it as a springboard to scale new heights. Kerala should be open to structural changes to make higher education system more research intensive and academic oriented. Elimination of affiliation system, granting more autonomy through a process of accreditation, ranking and rating is the next step.

If we assume that the population of Kerala will be around 40 million by 2040 and if 10% of this population will be college students (18-23) at a GER of 50%, the college-going population in Kerala will be 2 million. Following NEP to its logical conclusion, these students should be enrolled in 60 universities, with an average enrolment of 30,000 students. Unless we are open to structural changes, such a target is impossible to achieve.

Can we reform the existing, affiliated universities to provide a quality education is the fundamental question before the government? Based on my experiences at KTU and the present governance structure, it may be an impossible task. It is better for the government to think of transforming the system, keep it aligned with NEP by separating the governance of affiliated system and university departments. The governance of university departments should be vested with the teachers and not the persons elected or nominated to the syndicate from affiliated colleges.

Digitalisation: Classroom in every home

In this era of MOOC, ‘distance education’ is obsolete. Priority should be on digitalisation to achieve a GER of 50% with quality education. All students cannot be on campus for education and hence the first task is to set up a classroom in every house with personal computers or laptops and internet facility. Government should provide this facility to those in BPL category.

Smart classrooms, inclusion of tablets, e-books enabled with educational software and applications, digital library, personalized learning, adaptive learning, project based learning are the features of digital transformation required for a student-centric learning.

Research

This culture is almost absent in our higher education institutions. Though one can sense some sort of awakening, the credit goes to NIRF and accreditation process. It is where government should step in and act as an enabler.

(The author is Director General XIME and former VC of KTU)

HC to govt: Are you making a mockery of edu system?

HC to govt: Are you making a mockery of edu system?

Rosy.Sequeira@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:21.05.2021

The Bombay high court on Thursday came down heavily on the state government for its decision not to hold SSC exams. The HC heard a PIL by Dhananjay Kulkarni, a retired teacher from Pune, which stated that cancelling of SSC exams can lead to problems for Class XI admissions as different boards declare results based on different formulae.

Government pleader Priyabhushan Kakade said the state is waiting for suggestions from the State Council of Educational Research and Training in a week, after which it will come up with a formula. “Are you making a mockery of the education system?” asked Justice Kathawalla. Kakade said the decision was taken due to the pandemic. “What are you talking? Pandemic. Pandemic,” said Justice Kathawalla, adding that on one hand, the state is saying Covid-19 cases are lessening. “In the name of the pandemic you cannot spoil the career and future of our children... It is not acceptable,” he said.

The judges questioned the discrimination in holding HSC exams for 14 lakh students and not SSC exams for 16 lakh students, adding that “things are done as per whims and fancies of so-called policy- makers.” Told by Kakade that it was a policy decision taken by the government not to hold the SSC exams, Justice Kathawalla remarked, “You are just destroying the system.”

Kulkarni’s advocate Uday Warunjikar said that for Classes I-VIII, there were no exams and even for Class XI. “The complete batch is without any examinations,” he said. Advocate Madhaveshwari Mhase, for an intervenor Anubha Sahai, said Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Tamil Nadu had cancelled SSC exams. She said the Madras HC had even dismissed a challenge to the decision. “It is not binding on us. We care about the future of our students, who are the future of the country. They cannot be promoted year after year,” said Justice Kathawalla.

The SSC board’s advocate Kiran Gandhi said it is awaiting a formula from the state. “You are not prepared with anything. Just cancel the exams and sit tight!” said Justice Kathawalla. The judges will pass an order on the matter.

No bail for vendor who laid iron rod on tracks

No bail for vendor who laid iron rod on tracks

Rebecca.Samervel@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:21.05.2021

Seven months after a 30-year-old flower vendor allegedly threw an iron rod on railway tracks as revenge after he was robbed of his sleep for several days due to ongoing work on an FOB at Charni Road, a sessions court this week rejected his bail plea. The accused, Anil Vaghela, lived on a footpath nearby.

Relying on CCTV footage, the court said that if any train were to pass, the possibility of an accident and loss of life could not be ruled out. “Fortunately, the train… stopped,” the court said.

It said that since Vaghela lived close to Charni Road railway station, if released on bail, he could commit such an offence again. “Therefore, considering the seriousness and prima facie evidence available on record (there is) no ground to release accused on bail,” the court said. Vaghela was booked for “mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees and upwards” under the IPC and offences under the Railways Act. The maximum possible sentence is three years’ imprisonment.

9am to 2pm: PU office new timings

9am to 2pm: PU office new timings

Chandigarh:21.05.2021 

In order to review the status of Covid-19 cases at Panjab University (PU) and to contain the spread, the PU authorities on Thursday decided the timings of the university office from 9 am to 2 pm with 50% staff till May 31. Officers at the level of office superintendent and above will attend the office daily. TNN

50% STAFF TO ATTEND PANJAB UNIVERSITY OFFICE FROM 9AM TO 2PM

 Times of India  Chandighar 

50% STAFF TO ATTEND PANJAB UNIVERSITY OFFICE FROM 9AM TO 2PM