Mum doc tests +ve thrice, twice after vaccination

Mum doc tests +ve thrice, twice after vaccination

Malathy Iyer TNN

Mumbai:  27.07.2021

A 26-year-old Mulund-based doctor has tested positive for Covid-19 three times since June 2020, twice after she got fully-vaccinated earlier this year. “The reinfections are confusing,” said Dr Shrushti Halari, whose swab samples have been collected for genome sequencing as part of a study on breakthrough infections (occurring after a person is vaccinated).

While there are no clear answers for why the doctor got Covid thrice, doctors told TOI that the reasons could range from SARS2 variants to her immunity levels to an incorrect diagnostic report (though RT-PCR is the gold standard for Covid-19 testing, it has a sensitivity of around 70%-75%).

Reinfections among doctors have been reported across the world, with a couple of studies from within Mumbai hospitals as well. However, reinfections cannot be proved until swab samples from the two (or more) infections are compared using genetically sequencing.

On Monday, a BMC official said Halari’s latest samples were collected to check why she got infected despite vaccination. Studies — one by BMC and another by a private hospital — are underway to look at reasons for breakthrough infections in collaboration with the Foundation for Medical Research (FMR).

Dr Halari, who tested positive the first time on June 17, 2020, while working in BMC’s Covid centre in Mulund, was RT-PCR positive on two more occasions — May 29 and July 11. “I got mild symptoms all three times,” she said. The first time she got tested for Covid-19 last year was because a colleague tested positive. In July, her entire family, including her parents and 21-year-old brother, tested positive.

Regarding Dr Halari’s three positive reports, her treating doctor, Mehul Thakkar said, “It could a case of an incorrect RT-PCR report or that the second infection in May got reactivated in July”. Dr Thakkar had highlighted her case to BMC health officials, which led to swab samples being collected for the FMR-BMC study.

FMR director Dr Nerges Mistry said reinfections could occur due to several reasons, including a person’s immunity levels or autoimmune conditions. “One other reason could be emergence of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2 virus,” she said.

TN issues order to implement 10.5% quota Bill for Vanniyars

TN issues order to implement 10.5% quota Bill for Vanniyars

Chennai: In a boost to the AIADMK’s ally, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the Vanniyar caste that they represent, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu late on Monday issued an order to implement 

By HT Correspondent

PUBLISHED ON JUL 27, 2021 01:11 AM IST

Chennai: In a boost to the AIADMK’s ally, Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) and the Vanniyar caste that they represent, the DMK government in Tamil Nadu late on Monday issued an order to implement the 10.5% internal reservation allocated for the community. “This reservation will be followed for government jobs and educational institutions from this academic year,” the order read.

The previous AIADMK regime had on February 26 passed a legislation in the assembly to allocate 10.5% quota to the Vanniyar community within the existing 20% quota for the Most Backward Classes. The move was made ahead of the assembly elections that were held on April 6, to appease the PMK that threatened to walk out of the alliance if their demands weren’t met. The order issued by Mythili K Rajendran, secretary to the government said that the reservation which came into effect on February 26, will be applicable for new vacancies called by recruiting agencies and appointing authorities.

PMK founder S Ramadoss thanked the former AIADMK leadership for enacting the law and chief minister M K Stalin for implementing the reservation. “The situation of the people from the Vanniyar community will gradually improve when the reservation is implemented in employment and education,” Ramadoss tweeted in Tamil. Just a day ago, Ramadoss had expressed his disappointment that admissions for courses in engineering, arts and science colleges were announced without mentioning the reservation for Vanniyars.

Necessary amendments to the Tamil Nadu Government Servants (Conditions of Service) Act, 2016 shall be issued separately, the order said.

அகில இந்திய ஒதுக்கீட்டில் ஓ.பி.சி., மத்திய அரசு முடிவுக்கு அவகாசம்

அகில இந்திய ஒதுக்கீட்டில் ஓ.பி.சி., மத்திய அரசு முடிவுக்கு அவகாசம்

Added : ஜூலை 27, 2021 01:06

சென்னை : மருத்துவ படிப்பில், அகில இந்திய ஒதுக்கீட்டுக்கான இடங்களில், இதர பிற்படுத்தப்பட்ட பிரிவினருக்கான ஒதுக்கீடு குறித்து, மத்திய அரசு முடிவை எட்டும் நிலையில் இருப்பதால், பதில் அளிக்க ஒரு வாரம் அவகாசம் அளிக்கும்படி, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் கோரப்பட்டது.

மருத்துவ படிப்புகளில், அகில இந்திய ஒதுக்கீட்டுக்கான இடங்களில், இதர பிற்படுத்தப்பட்ட பிரிவினருக்கு இடஒதுக்கீடு வழங்க, மத்திய - மாநில அரசு அதிகாரிகள் அடங்கிய குழுவை அமைத்து ஆய்வு செய்து, 2021 - 22 முதல் அமல்படுத்த, உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டது.உயர் நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவை தொடர்ந்து, குழு அமைக்கப்பட்டுஅறிக்கை அளித்தது. ஆனால், உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தில் நிலுவையில் உள்ள ஒரு வழக்கை காரணம் காட்டி, உயர் நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவை அமல்படுத்த மறுப்பதாக, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில், தி.மு.க., தரப்பில் அவமதிப்பு வழக்கு தொடரப்பட்டது.

இந்த வழக்கு, தலைமை நீதிபதி சஞ்ஜிப் பானர்ஜி, நீதிபதி செந்தில்குமார் ராமமூர்த்தி அமர்வில் விசாரணைக்கு வந்தபோது, மத்திய அரசு சார்பில் கூடுதல் சொலிசிட்டர் ஜெனரல் சங்கரநாராயணன், வழக்கறிஞர் வி.சந்திரசேகரன் ஆஜராகி, பதில் மனு தாக்கல் செய்வதாக தெரிவித்தனர்.அதைத் தொடர்ந்து, அகில இந்திய ஒதுக்கீட்டில், 2021 - 22ம் கல்வியாண்டில், மாநில சட்டப்படி இதர பிற்படுத்தப்பட்ட பிரிவினருக்கான ஒதுக்கீட்டை அமல்படுத்தும் முறை மற்றும் விதம் குறித்து, மத்திய அரசின் நிலைப்பாட்டை தெரிவிக்கும்படி, முதல் பெஞ்ச் உத்தரவிட்டது.

இவ்வழக்கு, நேற்று விசாரணைக்கு வந்தது. தி.மு.க., சார்பில், மூத்த வழக்கறிஞர் பி.வில்சன் ஆஜரானார். மத்திய அரசு சார்பில் சொலிசிட்டர் ஜெனரல் துஷார் மேத்தா ஆஜராகி, ''விசாரணையை அடுத்த வாரம் தள்ளிவைக்க வேண்டும். முடிவை எட்டும் நிலையில், மத்திய அரசு உள்ளது,'' என்றார்.இதையடுத்து, மத்திய அரசின் முடிவை தெரிவிக்கும்படி உத்தரவிட்டு, விசாரணையை ஆக., 3க்கு, முதல் பெஞ்ச் தள்ளிவைத்தது.

'அவர்கள் இன்றி இனி ஒரு வேலை நடக்காது!'

'அவர்கள் இன்றி இனி ஒரு வேலை நடக்காது!'

Updated : ஜூலை 27, 2021 04:04 | Added : ஜூலை 27, 2021 04:01

'தமிழ் இளைஞர்கள் வேலைக்கே வர மாட்டேன் என்கின்றனர்; வட மாநில இளைஞர்களை அழைத்து வந்தே, பல்வேறு பணிகளில் ஈடுபடுத்த வேண்டியிருக்கிறது' என, திருப்பூரைச் சேர்ந்த, 'கிளாசிக் போலோ' நிறுவனத்தின் நிர்வாக இயக்குனர் சிவராமன் மனம் நொந்து பேசிய காணொலி, பரபரவென பரவி வருகிறது. அதேசமயம், அமைச்சர் கே.என்.நேரு பேசும்போது, 'பீஹாரிகளுக்கு மூளை குறைவு' என்று தெரிவித்திருப்பது, ஆச்சரியத்தை அளித்து இருக்கிறது.

'மேன்பவர் சப்ளையர்'

ஒருபக்கம், வேலைகளை செய்வதற்கு, தமிழ் இளைஞர்கள் தயாரில்லை என்ற நிலையில், வட மாநில இளைஞர்களை குறை சொல்வது என்ன நியாயம்; அவர்களும் இல்லையெனில், இங்கே தொழில்கள் திண்டாடிப் போகாதா என்று கேட்கின்றனர், பல்வேறு தொழிலக முதலாளிகள்.இதில் உண்மை நிலை என்ன என்பதை, தொழில் துறை ஆலோசகர் ஆர்.நரசிம்மன், நம்நாளிதழுக்கு அளித்த பேட்டி: 'கிளாசிக் போலோ' எம்.டி., சொன்னது, நுாற்றுக்கு நுாறு உண்மை. நானும் 1௦ ஆண்டுகளுக்கு மேலாக பார்த்து வருகிறேன்.

கோவை, திருப்பூர் போன்ற பகுதிகளில் பீஹார் மற்றும் வடகிழக்கு மாநில தொழிலாளர்கள் குவிந்து வருகின்றனர். 'கிளப்' ஒன்றில் பணியாற்றிய வடமாநில நபரிடம், ஒரு முதலாளி ஆட்கள் வேண்டும் எனக் கேட்டிருக்கிறார். தன்னுடைய கிராமத்தில் இருந்து 10, 20 என்று இளைஞர்களை, திருப்பூருக்கு வரவழைத்தார். ஒரு கட்டத்துக்குப் பின், அங்கே கல்யாண மண்டபம் ஒன்றை வாடகைக்கு பிடித்து, அதில் ஆட்களை தங்க வைத்து உணவு கொடுத்து, பல்வேறு வேலைகளுக்கு ஆட்களை 'சப்ளை' செய்யத் துவங்கி விட்டார்.

இன்று தொழிலகங்களின் தேவைக்கேற்ப 100, 200 ஆட்களைக் கூட, அவரால் வழங்க முடியும். மிக வெற்றிகரமான 'மேன்பவர் சப்ளையர்' ஆகி விட்டார், அந்த முன்னாள் கிளப் ஊழியர். மிகவும் சிரமமான துறைகளில் கூட, வட மாநில தொழிலாளர்கள் வந்து விட்டனர்.

உழைப்பு அதிகம்

உதாரணமாக, ரசாயன ஆலைகள், கட்டுமான துறை, சாயத் தொழில் போன்ற இடங்களில், உதவியாளர்களாக வந்து சேருவர். படிப்படியாக தொழிலை கற்று முன்னேறி விடுவர். இன்று, திருப்பூர் பகுதியில், பலர் சொந்தமாகவே சிறு சிறு யூனிட்களை அமைத்து, தொழில்முனைவோராக மாறியுள்ளனர். அவர்களுடைய உழைப்பு மிக அதிகம்; உற்பத்தி திறன் மிக அதிகம்; ஈடுபாடும் மிக அதிகம்; கிடைத்த வாய்ப்பை சிறப்பாக பயன்படுத்த வேண்டும் என்ற முனைப்பு, மிக மிக அதிகம்.

வெறுமனே சுத்தப்படுத்தும் வேலையை கொடுத்தாலும் கூட, மூலை முடுக்கெல்லாம் சுத்தப்படுத்தி, அவ்வளவு நேர்த்தியாக பணியாற்றுவர். தமிழ் இளைஞர்கள் நிலைமையே வேறாக இருக்கிறது. பல்வேறு புதிய தொழில்கள், தமிழகத்துக்கு வரப் போவதை யூகித்த, தமிழகத்தின் மிகப்பெரிய தொழில் நிறுவனம் ஒன்று, ஒரு தொழிற் பயிற்சி பள்ளியை துவங்கியது. 10ம் வகுப்பு படித்திருந்தால் போதும். இவர்களுக்கு பாடம் சொல்லிக் கொடுப்பதற்கு என்றே, ஐ.ஐ.எம்., ஆமாதாபாதில் இருந்து, இரண்டு இளைஞர்கள் வரவழைக்கப்பட்டனர்.

உத்தரவாதம்

கிராமம் கிராமமாக போய், 10ம் வகுப்பு முடித்த மாணவர்களை தேடித் தேடி, இந்தத் தொழிற்பயிற்சி வகுப்பில், 100க்கு மேற்பட்ட மாணவர்களைச் சேர்த்தனர். உணவு, உறைவிடம் இலவசம் என்பதோடு, அவர்களுக்கு மாதாமாதம் உதவித்தொகையும் வழங்க உத்தரவாதம் கொடுக்கப்பட்டது.

ஆச்சரியம்

வகுப்பு ஆரம்பித்த போது, வந்து சேர்ந்தது வெறும், 20 மாணவர்கள் தான். வீட்டுக்கு பக்கத்திலேயே வேலை கிடைத்தால் போதும் என்று, தமிழக இளைஞர்கள் நினைக்கின்றனர்.ஊரை விட்டு நகர மாட்டேன் என்கின்றனர். அவர்களுடைய எதிர்பார்ப்பு, ரொம்ப அதிகமாகஇருக்கிறது. அதை நிறைவேற்றும் அளவுக்கு, நமது தொழில் துறை இல்லை. இதைப் பார்க்கும் போது, கே.என்.நேரு, எப்படி வட மாநில இளைஞர்களை பற்றி, அப்படியொரு விமர்சனம்செய்தார் என்று ஆச்சரியமாக இருக்கிறது. அவர்கள் இல்லாமல் தமிழ்நாட்டில் இனி ஒரு வேலை நடக்காது.இவ்வாறு நரசிம்மன் கூறினார்.

- நமது நிருபர்- -

Decision on OBC reservation in advanced stage: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to Madras HC

Decision on OBC reservation in advanced stage: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta to Madras HC

The union government is on the verge of making its decision on the implementation of the reservation in the State-surrendered medical seats for the all India quota in non-central medical colleges.

Published: 26th July 2021 07:40 PM 

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

By PTI

CHENNAI: Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Monday told the Madras High Court that the Centre was on the verge of taking a decision on implementing reservation for OBCs under the All India Quota (AIQ) of seats for admission to medical courses in Tamil Nadu.

The process was in a "very advanced stage", he told the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy when the contempt application from the DMK came up for further hearing today.

The union government is on the verge of making its decision on the implementation of the reservation in the State-surrendered medical seats for the all India quota (AIQ) in non-central medical colleges in Tamil Nadu, Mehta said and pleaded for a week's time to come up with the final decision.

The bench recorded the submission and adjourned the matter till August 3.

Originally, while passing orders on a batch of PIL petitions from the DMK and its allies, the bench, headed by the then Chief Justice A P Sahi had in July 2020, among other things, held that the issue had to be resolved between the State and the Central governments with the participation of representatives from the Medical and Dental Councils of India.

It had also suggested constitution of a committee for providing the terms of implementation of such reservation as claimed by the petitioners. The bench had held the reservation could not be applied for the then academic year due to want of time and can be implemented from the subsequent academic year (2021-22).

It added that the panel can also fix the percentage of reservation. Contending that this order was not fully complied with, the DMK preferred the present contempt application.

When it came up on July 19, the bench, led by Chief Justice Banerjee, granted a week's time to the Centre to indicate its stand as to the mode and manner of implementation of the OBC reservation quota in terms of the 1993 State Act in respect of admission of students under the AIQ seats in the State,pertaining to admission to medical courses from 2021-22.

As per the State Act, OBC reservation in Tamil Nadu was 69 per cent.

Passengers protest to allow those with unreserved tickets in special trains

Passengers protest to allow those with unreserved tickets in special trains

At around 7.30 am the protesters sat on the track and blocked the Chennai-bound reserved special. Upon information, police, railway and revenue authorities rushed to the spot and held talks.

Published: 27th July 2021 05:07 AM |

Demonstrators blocking Jolarpettai - Madras Express train at Anvarthikanpettai Railway Station near Arakkonam, in Ranipet district, on Monday | express

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Over 1,000 rail passengers staged a protest in Anavardikhanpettai station near Arakkonam demanding passengers with unreserved tickets be allowed in special trains in Chennai - Jolarpettai route.

At around 7.30 am the protesters sat on the track and blocked the Chennai-bound reserved special. Upon information, police, railway and revenue authorities rushed to the spot and held talks. The protest was withdrawn around 9.30 am. The special train reached Chennai two hours late.

“It cost Rs 150 a day for to and fro reserved journey between Chennai and Anavardikhanpettai in Jolarpettai special, while the fare of monthly season ticket is less Rs 500. I earn Rs 650 a day. If I spend Rs 3,900 in 26 days, I will not be able to meet my family expenses,” said S Kumar, a daily commuter.

The protesters said over 750 people residing in Anavardikhanpettai and neighbouring villages commute to Chennai daily for work. According to official data, over 4.5 lakh passengers use train services in Chennai - Jolarpettai section daily.

Official railway sources said resuming unreserved express trains is a policy decision of the railway board. “As of now, unreserved travel is allowed only in Chennai suburban trains. The issue will be taken up with the railway board.”

Tirupati - Katpadi unreserved MEMU

Chennai: South Central Railway has announced that unreserved MEMU special trains had resumed in Tirupati - Katpadi section. Train no. 07659 Tirupati - Katpadi daily unreserved MEMU special will leave Tirupati at 6.45 am and reach Katpadi at 9.15 am until further advice. In the return direction train no. 07660 Katpadi - Tirupati daily unreserved MEMU Special will leave Katpadi at 3.10 pm and reach Tirupati at 6 pm.

Karnataka hikes DA from 11.25 to 21.50 per cent, announces releasing additional instalments for government employees

Karnataka hikes DA from 11.25 to 21.50 per cent, announces releasing additional instalments for government employees

PTI | Jul 26, 2021, 09.13 PM IST

BENGALURU: The Karnataka government on Monday ordered releasing additional instalments of dearness allowance, revising it from the existing 11.25 per cent to 21.5 per cent for the period January 2020 to June 2021, which it had frozen in view of the crisis arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic.

"Government is pleased to release the additional installments of the dearness allowance for the period January 1, 2020 to June 30, 2021. Accordingly, the rates of dearness allowance payable to the state government employees in the 2018 revised pay scales shall be revised from the existing 11.25 per cent to 21.50 per cent of basic pay with effect from July 1, 2021," a government order said.

Government also announced enhancing the rates of dearness allowance from the existing 11.25 per cent to 21.50 per cent of the basic pension or family pension with effect from July 1, 2021 to state government pensioners or family pensioners and pensioners or family pensioners of aided educational institutions whose pension or family pension is paid out of the consolidated fund of the state.

The orders are also applicable to retired employees on UGC/AICTE/ICAR scales of pay, the government said.

It added that these orders will apply to full time government employees, employees of zilla panchayats, full time employees of aided educational institutions and universities who are on regular time scales of pay.

According to the order, authorities may take decision on revision of DA of employees covered under the Karnataka Daily Wage Employees Welfare Act, 2012; employees of Boards, Corporations, Local Bodies and employees of government or autonomous institutions under the control of state government whose dearness allowance order is being regulated by the state government from time to time.

Tamil Nadu government to implement 10.5% vanniyar quota from this year

Tamil Nadu government to implement 10.5% vanniyar quota from this year

TNN | Jul 27, 2021, 05.28 AM IST

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government on Monday announced that it will implement 10.5% special reservation for vanniyars in admission to all courses, including professional courses, from 2021-22.

“After consultation with legal experts and the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC), chief minister M K Stalin issued an order to implement the 10.5% special reservation from February 26, 2021,” said an official release. This was after the PMK pointed out the vanniyar quota was not mentioned in the information brochures and applications for engineering and arts and science admissions released on Monday.

When the assembly was in session, the CM had told PMK leader G K Mani that a good decision will be made on implementing the quota after consultation with legal experts and officials on changing the roster system.

The previous AIADMK government had passed the legislation to temporarily provide for 10.5% special reservation for vanniyars within the 20% quota for most backward classes (MBCs).

After the Supreme Court refused to stay the legislation in the first week of July, it was expected that the 10.5% special quota would be implemented from this academic year.

However, the admission brochures and applications to engineering, arts and science courses did not mention it reservation. In a statement on Monday, PMK leader S Ramadoss asked the state government to withdraw the notifications and issue the fresh notifications including the special quota for vanniyars.

Later in the day, the state government issued the order, which will see at least 14,000 BE, BTech seats and 10,000 seats in 143 government arts and science colleges reserved for vanniyars. Of 20% seats allocated to MBCs in the existing MBBS seat matrix, nearly 500 seats will be reserved for vanniyars.

PMK spokesperson K Balu said the government’s announcement will help uplift vanniyars socially and educationally as more students from the community will now enter professional colleges. “It is an important day in the journey of social justice. The special reservation is the result of a 40-year-long struggle by our leader Ramadoss. We thank former CM Edappadi K Palaniswami, former law minister C Ve Shanmugam and chief minister M K Stalin,” he said.

Tamil Nadu: Centre's decision on OBC reservation in All India quota medical seats in one week

Tamil Nadu: Centre's decision on OBC reservation in All India quota medical seats in one week

TNN | Jul 27, 2021, 05.48 AM IST

 

CHENNAI: The Centre’s decision on implementing OBC reservation for MBBS seats available under All India Quota (AIQ) in state government colleges is at a ‘very advanced stage’, the Madras high court was informed.

Solicitor-general Tushar Mehta made the submission to this effect before the first bench of chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy on Monday. He also sought a week’s time for the Centre to report further development. Recording the submission, the court posted the matter to August 2 for further hearing.

The submissions were made on a contempt plea moved by the DMK against the Union health ministry for failing to implement an high court order dated July 27, 2020, directing that the reservation be implemented from the current academic year.

On July 19, the court made it clear that the Centre has no other option but to implement the reservation from the current academic year. “Not to implement the reservation is not a choice,” the court had said.

The bench further made it clear that MBBS admission to medical courses in Tamil Nadu can be made only after implementing the reservation. The court then directed the Centre to indicate its considered stand as to the mode and manner of implementation of the OBC reservation quota within a week.

Earlier, senior advocate P Wilson contended that despite the clear direction of the court to implement the reservation from the current academic year, the Centre has taken a stand that it cannot implement the same pending disposal of the Saloni Kumari case before the Supreme Court. The apex court has already made it clear that the Saloni Kumari case has nothing to do with the present case. Despite such clarification, the Centre was refusing to implement the orders of the court, Wilson added.

With 83,275 MBBS, 42,720 PG seats 558 Medical Colleges Operative in India: Health Minister

With 83,275 MBBS, 42,720 PG seats 558 Medical Colleges Operative in India: Health Minister: New Delhi: With an intake capacity of 83,275 MBBS seats and 42,720 PG seats, there are a total number of 558 medical colleges currently functioning in India, the MoS Health Dr Bharati Pravin...

கோவையிலிருந்து தாஜ்மஹாலுக்கு சிறப்பு விமான சுற்றுலா: ஐஆர்சிடிசி சார்பில் முன்பதிவு தொடக்கம்

கோவையிலிருந்து தாஜ்மஹாலுக்கு சிறப்பு விமான சுற்றுலா: ஐஆர்சிடிசி சார்பில் முன்பதிவு தொடக்கம்

கோவை

க.சக்திவேல்

Published : 24 Jul 2021 15:49 pm

இந்தியன் ரயில்வே உணவு மற்றும் சுற்றுலா கழகம் (ஐஆர்சிடிசி) சார்பில் கோவையில் இருந்து தாஜ்மஹாலுக்கு விமானம் மூலம் சுற்றுலா செல்வதற்காக முன்பதிவு தொடங்கியுள்ளது.

இதுதொடர்பாக ஐஆர்சிடிசி வெளியிட்ட செய்திக் குறிப்பில் கூறியிருப்பதாவது: ரயில் மூலம் மட்டுமல்லாமல் விமானம் மூலமாகவும் பல்வேறு சுற்றுலா திட்டங்களை ஐஆர்சிடிசி செயல்படுத்து வருகிறது. அதன் ஒருபகுதியாக, பாரத தரிசன சிறப்பு ரயில் மூலம் கோவா, சர்தார் படேல் சிலை, ஜெய்ப்பூர், டெல்லி, ஆக்ரா (தாஜ்மஹால்) மற்றும் ஹைதராபாத் காண ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது.

12 நாட்கள் கொண்ட இந்த சுற்றுலா பயணத்துக்கான ரயில் மதுரையில் இருந்து ஆகஸ்ட் 15-ம் தேதி புறப்படுகிறது. இதற்கு பயணத்துக்கு கட்டணமாக ரூ.12 ஆயிரம் நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இதுதவிர, திருப்பதி, காளஹஸ்தி ஆகிய இடங்களுக்கு செல்லும் மூன்று நாட்கள் சுற்றுலா பயணத்துக்கான ரயில் ஆகஸ்ட் 27-ம் தேதி கோவையிலிருந்து புறப்படுகிறது. இந்த ரயில் திருப்பூர், ஈரோடு, சேலம் வழியாக செல்லும். இந்த சுற்றுலாவுக்கு கட்டணமாக ரூ.6,685 நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

வரும் செப்டம்பர் 11-ம் தேதி கோவையில் இருந்து விமானம் மூலம் காசி, அலகாபாத், புத்த கயா ஆகிய ஆன்மிக சுற்றுலா தலங்களுக்கு செல்ல ரூ.27,460 கட்டணமாக நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. மேலும், வரும் அக்டோபர் 2-ம் தேதி கோவையில் இருந்து விமானம் முலம் ஜெய்ப்பூர், ஆக்ரா (தாஜ்மஹால்), டெல்லி ஆகிய இடங்களுக்கு சுற்றுலா செல்ல 26,600 கட்டணமாக நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இதில், விமான கட்டணம், நட்சத்திர ஹோட்டலில் தங்கும் வசதி, ஏசி வாகன போக்குவரத்து, காலை, இரவு உணவு, ஜிஎஸ்டி ஆகியவை அடங்கும். மத்திய, மாநில அரசு ஊழியர்கள் எல்டிசி சலுகைகளைப் பெறலாம். இந்த சுற்றுலா குறித்த கூடுதல் விவரங்கள் முன்பதிவுக்கு ஐஆர்சிடிசி-ன் கோவை அலுவலகத்தை 9003140655, 8287931965 என்ற எண்களில் தொடர்புகொள்ளலாம் அல்லது www.irctctourism.com என்ற இணையதளத்தில் விவரங்களை தெரிந்துகொள்ளலாம்.

இவ்வாறு அதில் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

நீட் தேர்வைக் கண்டு ஏன் பயப்பட வேண்டும்?

நீட் தேர்வைக் கண்டு ஏன் பயப்பட வேண்டும்?

students-must-prepare-for-neet-exam

The Hindu Tamil

உறவினர் ஒருவரின் தந்தை, நாடு சுதந்திரம் அடைவதற்கு முன்பே காவல்துறையில் பணியாற்றியவர். ஆங்கிலேயர் ஆட்சியில் சிவப்பு நிற தொப்பி, அரைக்கால் ட்ரவுசர் போட்டுக் காவலராகப் பணியாற்றியவர். சிறுவயதில் அவருடன் பேசும்போது, அந்தக் காலத்தில் காவல்துறைக்கு எப்படி ஆள் எடுப்பார்கள் என்பதை விளக்கியது நினைவுக்கு வருகிறது.

'அப்போதெல்லாம் மாலை நேரத்தில் கூட்ட நெரிசல் மிகுந்த பகுதிக்கு காவல்துறை வேன் வந்து நிற்கும். கூட்டத்தில் திரியும் திடகாத்திரமான ஆட்களைப் பிடித்து வலுக்கட்டாயமாக வேனில் ஏற்றிக் கொண்டுபோய் காவல்துறை பயிற்சி அளித்து காவலர்கள் ஆக்கி விடுவார்கள்' என்று சொன்னது நினைவில் நிற்கிறது.

ஆனால், இன்றைக்கு அதுவா நிலை? காவல்துறைக்கு கல்வித் தகுதி நிர்ணயிக்கப்பட்டு, 8-ம் வகுப்பு தொடங்கி, 10-ம் வகுப்பு தேர்ச்சி, உடல் தேர்வு, எழுத்துத் தேர்வு, நேர்முகத் தேர்வு எல்லாம் நடத்தி எல்லாவற்றிலும் தேர்ச்சி பெறுபவர்களுக்கு மட்டுமே காவலர் பணி வழங்கப்படுகிறது.

அதேபோன்று, அன்றைக்குப் பள்ளிக் கல்வியை முடித்தவர்கள் விண்ணப்பித்தால் போதும். அவர்களுக்கு அரசு வேலை வழங்கப்பட்டது. ஆனால், இன்றைய நிலையே வேறு. துப்புரவுப் பணியாளர், சட்டப்பேரவை உதவியாளர் பணிக்கு விளம்பரம் வெளியிட்டால் கூட அதில் எத்தனை பி.எச்.டி., எம்.பி.ஏ., எம்.எஸ்சி., இன்ஜினீயர் பட்டதாரிகள் விண்ணப்பிக்கின்றனர் தெரியுமா? எழுத்துத் தேர்வு இல்லாமல் அரசு வேலைக்கு ஆள் எடுக்க முடியாத நிலை. இந்த மாற்றங்களுக்கு என்ன காரணம்? மக்கள்தொகை பெருக்கம்தான்.

சிவபெருமான் கையில் ஒரு பழம் இருந்து ஒரு மகன் இருந்திருந்தால் பழத்தை உடனே கொடுத்திருப்பார். ஒரு பழத்தை இரண்டு மகன்கள் கேட்கும்போது, அதை யாரிடம் கொடுப்பது என்பதை முடிவு செய்ய அங்கு ஒரு போட்டி தேவைப்படுகிறது. அதில் வெற்றி பெறுபவர்களுக்குப் பழம் வழங்கப்படுகிறது. இதுதான் இன்றைய நீட் தேர்வுக்கான அடிப்படை. நாடு முழுவதும் உள்ள மருத்துவக் கல்லூரிகளில் 83 ஆயிரம் எம்பிபிஎஸ் இடங்கள் உள்ளன. அந்த இடங்களைப் பிடிக்க ஆசைப்படும் மாணவர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை 15 லட்சம். அப்போது ஒரு போட்டித் தேர்வு தேவைப்படுகிறது.

காலத்தின் மாற்றத்துக்கு ஏற்ப, இன்றைய தேவைகளின் அடிப்படையிலேயே புதிய நடைமுறைகள் உருவாக்கப்படுகின்றன. அதை ஏற்க மறுப்பது யாருக்கு நஷ்டம்? நீட் தேர்வை எதிர்ப்பவர்கள் தெரிவிக்கும் கருத்து, தமிழக மாணவர்களின் வாய்ப்பு பறிபோகிறது, அரசுப் பள்ளி மாணவர்கள், ஏழை மாணவர்களுக்கு வாய்ப்பு கிடைக்கவில்லை என்பதே. நாளுக்கு நாள் போட்டி அதிகரிக்கும்போது மாற்றங்கள் வருவது இயற்கை. அந்த மாற்றங்களுக்கு ஏற்ப நம்மைத் தயார்படுத்திக் கொண்டு நமக்குரிய பங்கைப் பெறுவதே சாதுர்யமான நடவடிக்கையாக இருக்கும்.

நீட் தேர்வுக்கான கேள்விகள் அனைத்தும் சிபிஎஸ்இ பாடத்திட்டத்தில் இருந்து கேட்கப்படுகின்றன. சிபிஎஸ்இ பாடத்திட்ட மாணவர்களுடன் மாநிலப் பாடத்திட்ட மாணவர்களைப் போட்டி போடச் செய்வதா? என்றும் கேள்வி எழுப்புகின்றனர். புதிய கல்விக் கொள்கையில் சீரான பாடத்திட்டம் வரவிருப்பதால் இந்த வாதம் பொருந்தாமல் போய்விடுகிறது.

ஒரு வாதத்துக்கு ஏற்றுக்கொண்டாலும் சிபிஎஸ்இக்கும் மாநிலக் கல்வி முறைக்கும் கற்பித்தல் முறையில்தான் மாறுபாடு இருக்குமே தவிர, பாடத்தில் எந்த வேறுபாடும் இல்லை. 'அல்ஜீப்ரா, மேட்ரிசஸ், டிரிக்னாமெட்ரிக்ஸ், எலெக்ட்ரோஸ்டேட்டிக், மேகனடிசம், எவல்யூஷன், ஈகோ சிஸ்டம், மியூட்டேஷன்' போன்ற பாடங்கள் இருவருக்கும் ஒன்றுதான். பாடங்களை நாம் திறம்படக் கற்கவில்லை என்றால் கற்றவர்களைக் குறை சொல்வது நியாயமற்றது. நாமும் தரமான கல்விக்கு மாற என்ன செய்ய வேண்டும் என்று பார்ப்பதுதான் வளர்ச்சிக்கு வித்திடும்.

தமிழகத்தில் இருந்து 2018-ம் ஆண்டு நீட் தேர்வை எழுதியவர்களில் 39.56 சதவீதம் மட்டுமே தேர்ச்சி பெற்றனர். இது 2019-ல் 48.5 சதவீதமாக உயர்ந்தது. 2020-ல் 57.44 சதவீதம் மாணவர்கள் நீட் தேர்வில் தேர்ச்சி பெற்றுள்ளனர். பல மாநிலங்கள் நம்மைப் போன்ற நிலையில்தான் உள்ளன. சண்டிகர் (75.64), டெல்லி (75.49), ஹரியாணா (72.90), பஞ்சாப் (65.35), ராஜஸ்தான் (68.68) போன்ற ஒருசில மாநிலங்கள் அதிக தேர்ச்சி சதவீதம் பெற்றுள்ளன. இந்த மாநிலங்கள் எல்லாம் நுழைவுத் தேர்வு பயிற்சி மையங்களை அதிகம் பெற்று மாணவர்களைப் போட்டிக்குத் தயார்படுத்தும் மாநிலங்கள். போட்டி என்று வரும்போது அதை எதிர்கொள்ள நுழைவுத்தேர்வுக்கு பயிற்சி எடுப்பதும் போட்டியின் ஒரு அங்கம் தான்.

தமிழக மாணவர்கள் எதற்கும் சளைத்தவர்கள் அல்ல. ஆண்டுக்கு ஆண்டு நம் மாணவர்களின் தேர்ச்சி சதவீதம் உயர்ந்து கொண்டுதான் இருக்கிறது. அரசியல்ரீதியாக நீட் தேர்வுக்கு எதிரான கருத்துகளை விதைத்து, மாணவர்களை திசைதிருப்பி முடக்கிவிடாமல், நம் மாணவர்களை ஊக்கப்படுத்த வேண்டும். மக்கள்தொகை அதிகரிக்க அதிகரிக்க போட்டி அதிகமாவது இயற்கை.

இன்றைக்கு 15 லட்சம் பேர் போட்டிபோடுகின்றனர். இன்னும் சில ஆண்டுகளில் 20 லட்சம், 30 லட்சம் பேர் போட்டி என்று அதிகரிக்கத்தான் செய்யும். அதற்கு நம்மைத் தயார்படுத்திக் கொள்வதுதான் அறிவார்ந்த செயல். புதிய சூழ்நிலைக்கு ஏற்ப மாணவர்களைத் தயார்படுத்த, பயிற்சி அளிக்க என்ன செய்யலாம், யாருடைய உதவியை நாடலாம் என்பதை அனைத்துத் தரப்பினரும் சிந்தித்துச் செயல்பட்டால் நிச்சயம் நீட் தேர்ச்சி சதவீதத்திலும் நாட்டிலேயே முதலிடத்தைத் தமிழகத்தால் பெற முடியும்.

Judges’ seniority can’t be fixed based on TNPSC roster system: Madras HC

Judges’ seniority can’t be fixed based on TNPSC roster system: Madras HC

The issue pertains to a batch of pleas moved by a section of Judges seeking revision of seniority of all civil judges, who were recruited in the State since 2009.

Published: 25th July 2021 05:28 AM 

Madras High Court

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has held that Judges’ seniority cannot be fixed based on the roster system followed by the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission, which applies the rule of reservation while recruiting. Instead, seniority, the court has ruled, must be based on marks each of them obtain in the competitive examination.

The issue pertains to a batch of pleas moved by a section of Judges seeking revision of seniority of all civil judges, who were recruited in the State since 2009. The bench disposed of the pleas by issuing a common order for seniority at the entry level in the district judiciary.

“The principle behind the rule is to recognise the merit of the candidate and to treat a Meritorious Reserved Category candidate, as a general category candidate and leave the slot that he would otherwise have occupied in his reserved category to another socially backward candidate of same class. The very ethos of social justice founded on the principle of equal availability of opportunities justifies the rule that an MRC has to jump from his category to the general category,” ordered the bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy.

“The appointee with the highest marks will be placed in first position and the appointee with the lowest marks among the successful candidates will be placed last in the list prepared according to seniority, irrespective of, and completely without reference to, the positions such appointees may have occupied on the 200-point roster,” court said. The bench observed, “As to the judges recruited to relevant posts prior to 2009, there is no challenge. The matters prior to 2009 recruitment need not be considered and it may only be observed that the positions as to promotion made in respect of such judges may not be disturbed as a consequence of the present judgment.”

“Dates of appointment are of crucial importance when preparing seniority list, but when a common recruitment process is undertaken, all new recruits must be deemed to have been appointed on same date and their order of seniority will be in accordance with the marks obtained in the recruitment exam, irrespective of the date of joining and regardless of the positions they occupied as per the roster,” the bench said.

Both Covid vaccine doses must for staff, family members: Health dept

Both Covid vaccine doses must for staff, family members: Health dept

The Tamil Nadu health department on Saturday issued guidelines on Covid-appropriate behaviour for workplaces, industries, and factories.

Published: 25th July 2021 06:44 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu health department on Saturday issued guidelines on Covid-appropriate behaviour for workplaces, industries, and factories. In a notification issued by the Directorate of Public Health and Prevention Medicine, all the district health officials and Chennai Corporation officials have been asked to ensure that workplaces are screening their staff while they enter their premises.

All staff and family members must be vaccinated with two doses and companies must appoint a qualified health inspector at their own cost for monitoring and coordinating health activities in the premises. A Covid-19 health team must be created on the premises and awareness measures must be held, the guidelines state.

Also, according to the guidelines, the screening process must include asking the employee for any Covid-19 related symptoms, if family members have symptoms, checking body temperature and checking if the staff is quarantined for having symptoms.

Secondly, the guidelines say that mask-wearing is mandatory at all workplaces, and administrations must monitor mask compliance through supervisors and managers, including CCTV monitoring. “Anyone without mask must be sent out of the workplace,” it says.

The guidelines insist on maintaining social distancing, hand-washing facilities, and hand sanitation as well. In canteen and dining area, the workers must be divided into groups and meals and tea timings should be split across the groups. “Sufficient distancing should be maintained in dining hall and zig-zag, or alternate seating arrangements shall be adhered to,” guidelines read. In quarters and dorms, Covid appropriate behaviour must be followed and if anyone is found symptomatic, action must be taken.

Colleges devise strategy for admissions

Colleges devise strategy for admissions

“All department heads will be present in the college and apprise the interested applicants about the facilities and achievements of the department.

Published: 23rd July 2021 05:40 AM |

By Binita Jaiswal

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The application process for admission into Arts and Science colleges will begin online from July 26. Colleges are busy making elaborate arrangements to ensure a smooth admission process as they are expecting a significant rise in the number of applications this year.

With almost 100 per cent pass percentage recorded in State Board class 12 results and a phenomenal rise in the number of top scorers (90 per cent and above), colleges across the city will be flooded with applications. To handle the situation efficiently and effectively, the colleges have chalked out different strategies. From setting up helpdesks, launching apps to answer admission-related queries, to providing tour of different departments, the colleges are trying it all to help students.

Guru Nanak College has strictly asked all of its staff to come to college from Friday onwards so that if any student wishes to see the infrastructure in the institute and enquire about different departments, he/she can visit the college and get all information.

“All department heads will be present in the college and apprise the interested applicants about the facilities and achievements of the department. Though the admission process is completely online, still many students want to personally visit the campus and enquire before applying,” said MG Ragunathan, principal of Guru Nanak College.

Besides, the college has also launched an app, which is developed by a B.Sc (IT) student of the college, to answer all admission-related queries.

As competition will be high this time, students will apply in as many number of colleges they can to ensure a seat for themselves. Due to this trend, colleges may face problem, as students will leave seats to take admission in their choice of college. To ensure that seats don’t fall vacant, MOP Vaishnav College for Women has decided to conduct online meeting of selected students along with their parents.

“We will interact with all the selected students and their parents online to get clarity about their future plans and whether our course meets their needs or not,” said principal of MOP, Lalitha Balakrishnan.

Loyola takes efforts to reduce the role of brokers

“Last year, we noticed the role of brokers, who were duping students. To check it, we have added more safety features to our portal,” said principal of Loyola College, Amirtham Thomas

MKU V-C appointed as V-C of Central University of TN

MKU V-C appointed as V-C of Central University of TN

He will work as V-C for a term of five years from the date on which he enters office, or until he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.

Published: 24th July 2021 07:10 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Vice-chancellor (V-C) of Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU), M Krishnan, has been appointed as the V-C of Central University of Tamil Nadu (CUTN), Tiruvarur, by President of India, Ramnath Kovind. Following this, the syndicate of MKU is yet to form a convener committee until the new V-C takes charge. Krishnan joined as the V-C of MKU on January 2, 2019.

Though his tenure will be over only on January 1, 2022, he got an appointment to serve as the V-C of CUTN on July 23. He will work as V-C for a term of five years from the date on which he enters office, or until he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.

He will join duty after he receives the relieving order from the Tamil Nadu Governor, who is the Chancellor of the university. The Order of the Ministry of Education said, “Krishnan has been appointed as the vice chancellor of Central University Tamil Nadu as per statute 2 of Central Universities Act, 2009.” Sources said over 300 applications were shortlisted for the post.

College admission, exam dates worry many

College admission, exam dates worry many

Class 12 exams scheduled from Aug 6-19; admissions start on July 26

Published: 24th July 2021 07:11 AM |

By KV Navya

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Private students and those who are not satisfied with the results published through the new method of evaluation, wanting to write Class 12 exams for betterment of marks, are worried if they might miss a seat in college admissions.

According to the recent announcement by Higher Education Minister K Ponmudy, the application process for admission into Arts, Science, and Engineering colleges will start from July 26. However, Class 12 exams in the State have been scheduled from August 6 to 19. Among the people who will be taking the exam are more than 39,000 private candidates, nearly 2,000 absentees, students with arrears, and registered students who are not happy with their Class 12 marks.

“The government deciding to conduct exams much later after opening the college admissions is in itself an irony. We were promised that we will be given a chance to write exams if we are not satisfied with our marks. But, what will be the use of it if top college seats get filled before we even get a chance to apply,” worried P Saindhavi, a Class 12 student from Tambaram. Parents said students will be taking up optional exams to meet the cut-off, yet will be left only with tier 2 and 3 colleges.

“The students who want to rewrite Class 12 exams might only be 1 per cent, but education must be unbiased and provide equal opportunities to all. The government must reconsider its decision and invite applications for college admissions at a later date. Or, this will discourage a lot of top performers from writing the exams,” said one of the parents, L Bhargav.

Private students also feel that there is a common perception that they might not aim for top colleges. According to a private student, Lathika Rani, some of them give exams in private due to unavoidable conditions and this does not make them any less competitive to bag a seat in top college.

The Class 12 supplementary exam will be conducted from August 6 to 19. Students not satisfied with the marks calculated can apply from July 23 to 27, but will need to do so for all subjects. They cannot seek to write any particular subject.

‘Factored in Covid-19’

When contacted, a School Education Department official said the exam date was fixed after discussing with experts about the Covid-19 situation.

What’s India’s vax output? Even govt might not be sure

What’s India’s vax output? Even govt might not be sure

Jr Health Mantri Gives 3 Sets Of Numbers For Covaxin, 2 For Covishield

Rema.Nagarajan@timesgroup.com

24.07.2021 

India’s vaccine production numbers seems to be a mystery for the government, with the junior health minister giving the Rajya Sabha three different sets of numbers for the monthly output of Covaxin and two for Covishield on the same day in response to questions. Two of these questions were even asked by the same member. And the numbers don’t match what the government had earlier told the Supreme Court in affidavits.

On July 20, in response to a question from Congress MP Mallikarjun Kharge, Bharati Pravin Pawar, junior health minister said the average monthly production capacity of Covishield by Serum Institute of India is 11 crore doses and of Covaxin by Bharat Biotech 2.5 crore doses.

She went on to add that “as communicated by manufacturers, the monthly vaccine production capacity of Covishield is planned to be increased from 11 crore doses per month to more than 12 crore doses per month and production capacity of Covaxin is planned to be increased from 2.5 crore doses per month to 5.8 crore doses per month.”

In response to a question from BJP MP TG Venkatesh from Andhra Pradesh on the same day, Dr Pawar said “the estimated production quantity is around 130 million (13 crore) doses/month” for Covishield and for Covaxin “the estimated production quantity is around 17.5 million

(1.75 crore) doses/month.”

To yet another question from Kharge on the same day, about the MoU signed between ICMR and Bharat Biotech, Dr Pawar said the biotechnology department’s efforts to upscale the production of Covaxin were “expected to enhance the production of Covaxin from the present one crore doses to ten crore in the coming months”.

Incidentally, the government affidavit filed in the Supreme Court on May 9 had stated: “Serum Institute of India Ltd. has ramped up production from 5 crore doses/ month to 6.5 crore doses per month and further ramp-up is expected by July 2021. Bharat Biotech Intl Ltd. has increased production from 90 lakh/ month to 2 crore doses/ month and further increase is expected upto 5.5 crore doses/month by July 2021.”

While Serum Institute seems to have ramped up production to 11 crore (or more) as was estimated in May, Bharat Biotech’s actual production capacity appears to be a mystery even to the government. In the May affidavit, the government had stated that it had a production capacity of roughly 2 crore doses per month of Covaxin. But now it puts it at anything between 1 crore to 2.5 crore doses per month.

In an earlier affidavit filed on April 29, the government had stated that Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin production would go up from 90 lakh/month to 1 crore and further up to 5 crore doses/ month by July 2021.

Full story on www.toi.com

Affiliation issue keeps college teachers, students on the edge

VNSGU VS SARVAJANIK UNIVERSITY

Affiliation issue keeps college teachers, students on the edge

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Surat:24.07.2021

Future of some of the oldest colleges of south Gujarat run by Sarvajanik Education Society (SES) hangs in balance as there is uncertainty over which university they would be affiliated to. Currently, these colleges are affiliated with Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) ever since they came into existence.

Now, with the formation of Sarvajanik University of SES, these colleges are gradually being disaffiliated by VNSGU as per government guidelines. However, the Sarvajanik University is not ready to give affiliation to these colleges without clarity on the issue of grants for salary and perks.

This has raised doubts about the future among the teachers and students of grant-inaid colleges of SES. The teachers and students of SESrun colleges on Friday held protests at VNSGU and made representation to the officials. The colleges in question include MTB Arts College, Sir P T Sarvajanik College of Science, Sir K P College of Commerce. However, VNSGU vice-chancellor K N Chavda clarified that the university had no role in it.

“There cannot be two acts or set of rules for a private university in the state and as per my knowledge, there are no disputes,” added Chavda.

VNSGU came into existence in 1966 in the campus Sarvajanik Education Society (SES). Meanwhile, SES’s Sarvajanik University was approved by the government recently.

Chairman of SES Kamlesh Naik said, “We had proposed the government that we will take only self-finance institutions (SFI) while the grant-in aide colleges will remain affiliated with VNSGU. We are ready to affiliate grant-in aide colleges only if we get assurance on grants from the government.” VNSGU started disaffiliation of eight colleges of which five are run by the SES, one by the Vanita Vishram Trust and two from Bardoli are associated with trust that runs Uka Tarsadia University. A senior syndic of VNSGU, Sanjay Desai, said, “Earlier, in May the government had ordered a process of disaffiliation. Since it was not done, government sent a reminder for quick implementation. Teachers and students of these colleges don’t need to worry as there will be no changes in benefits they are receiving.”

Corona batch: 23k from Guj went abroad for education

Corona batch: 23k from Guj went abroad for education

Fourth Highest Figure In India

Parth.Shastri@timesgroup.com

Ahmedabad:24.07.2021

Despite travel restrictions being in place for much of 2020, 2.61 lakh students made it to other countries for pursuing studies, revealed the data tabled in the Rajya Sabha by the ministry of external affairs. The number represented more than a 50% fall from the four-year high of 5.88 lakh in 2019.

Gujarat showed a similar trend with the student numbers falling from 48,051 to 23,156 in the same period, a 52% drop.

In terms of sending students abroad, Gujarat was in fourth place behind Andhra Pradesh (35,614), Punjab (33,412), and Maharashtra (29,079). In all, about 9% of the students who went abroad from India were from Gujarat. Even in the first two months of 2021, the state maintained that ratio.

The data from 2016 also revealed that the number of those aspiring to study abroad has doubled from 24,775 in 2016 to 48,051 in 2019.

“Covid has surely impacted the plans of many aiming for both graduate and postgraduate studies,” said Jay Trivedi, a city-based immigration and visa consultant. “Annually, about 15,000 students go to Canada and the US alone for further studies. The number has been affected a bit due to travel restrictions and other factors.” Trivedi added: “But the trend is here to stay, with countries such as Australia and Germany and some other European countries attracting students for specialized courses.” How will 2021 pan out for the students? Nethra Rangarajan (name changed), a city-based private university student, said that she had waited for a year to get admission in an AI learning course in the US.

Unable to get jab? Visit a mall

Unable to get jab? Visit a mall

Chennai: 24.07.2021 

If you haven’t been able to get vaccinated, visit a mall. Greater Chennai Corporation is conducting camps to vaccinate workers of malls and markets in the city and will open them up to members of the public as well.

Deputy commissioner Vishu Mahajan said vaccination camps had been set up at 10 malls and 38 markets. “Our target is to vaccinate 60,000-70,000 employees of malls and marketplaces. We have already vaccinated around 40,000,” he said. If doses are available, others who walk in will also be vaccinated, he added. Registration will be done on the spot and data entry operators will enter all details on the CoWIN portal. Locations such as Ranganathan Street, Ritchie Street and similar crowded areas are among the 48 locations to set up camps. TNN

Applications sought for UG, PG courses on labour law

Applications sought for UG, PG courses on labour law

Chennai:

The Tamil Nadu Institute of Labour Studies has invited applications for UG and PG courses on labour management. Candidates can contact coordinator (admission) R Rameshkumar on 9884159410/044-29567885/29567886. TNN

₹9,725 crore spent so far on Covid-19 vax programme

₹9,725 crore spent so far on Covid-19 vax programme

New Delhi:24.07.2021

A total of around ₹9,725 crore has been spent so far on the Covid-19 vaccination programme including procurement of vaccines and operational cost for vaccination, the government informed the Parliament on Friday.

It also maintained that there has been no delay in procurement of jabs and that the target of delivering 135 crore doses between August and December is on track, minister of state for health, Bharti Pravin Pawar, said in response to a question from Congress MP Rahul Gandhi and TMC’s Mala Roy.

“Between August 2021 to December 2021, a total of 135 crore doses of Covid-19 vaccine are expected to be available. There has been no delay in entering into purchase agreements with the domestic vaccine manufacturers. Advance payments have also been made to manufacturers for the supply orders placed with them,” Pawar said. TNN

Govt appoints 12 new VCs for central universities

Govt appoints 12 new VCs for central universities

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:24.07.2021

The government announced the appointment of vice chancellors to 12 central universities (CUs) on Friday.

“The VC appointments have been approved by the President for 12 central universities,” an ministry of education official said.

The newly appointed vice chancellors include Tankeshwar Kumar (Central University of Haryana), Prakash Bansal (Central University of Himachal Pradesh), Sanjeev Jain (Central university of Jammu), Kshitij Bhusan Das (Central University of Jharkhand), Battu Satyanarayana (Central University of Karnataka), Muthukalingan Krishnan (Central University of Tamil Nadu) and Basuthkar J Rao (Central University of Hyderabad).

Also appointed were Kameshwar Nath Singh (Central University of South Bihar); Prabha Shankar Shukla, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU), Shillong; Alok Kumar Chakrawal (Guru Ghasidas University, Bilaspur); Syed Ainul Hasan, Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) and Lokender Singh, Manipur University.

Union minister of education Dharmendra Pradhan had on Thursday informed the Rajya Sabha that a total of 22 posts of vice chancellors in central universities are vacant, out of which appointments to 12 posts have already been finalised by the Visitor, President Ram Nath Kovind.

The 10 universities, which still continue to operate without full time vice chancellors, include Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University.

Surfeit of 95%-plus scores forces CBSE result revision

Surfeit of 95%-plus scores forces CBSE result revision

Hemali.Chhapia@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:24.07.2021

The CBSE board is faced with a unique problem this year: A sudden spike in high achievers. After the board’s software pored over the data submitted by schools, it recently found the count of candidates with 95%-plus had zoomed way above the previous years’ numbers.

The board was thus forced to reject a lot of the data, and it asked schools to rework their numbers, scale down the results and re-submit them by July 25. Little wonder then that its Class X results are likely to witness a delay. Earlier, schools across India were to submit the data by June 30, the deadline for which was extended to July 5.

“After that, we noticed that some schools had not followed instructions given to them for preparing the results based on the historical data. Also, some schools committed mistakes in uploading their data. Additionally, some schools have not yet submitted their data at all,” CBSE examination head Sanyam Bhardwaj told TOI.

There are two options in the CBSE results software: One, to upload the results data, and two, to submit the same after finalisation. “Most schools have uploaded the data, but have not submitted the same yet,” a source said. In Mumbai, some schools run by coaching classes and some popular chains of institutes were all pulled up for “inflated” scores.

Schools were asked to pick a reference year out of the past three (2018, 2019 and 2020) and stay in line with that performance. So, if a school picked 2018, when its performance was the most robust, results of 2021 had to be similar. If five students scored above 95%, then this time too, only five ought to be placed in the 95%-plus category, and so on and so forth.

“However, if a school in the reference year picked by them had two students with 95% or more, then this time they have four or five. Hence, we have asked them to streamline their results,” added Bharadwaj.

Students in Birbhum district of Bengal gather to collect their marksheets after the state declared class 12 results on Friday

TN readies to purchase 12L vaccines from private sector

TN readies to purchase 12L vaccines from private sector

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:24.07.2021

The state health department is working out plans to purchase the 12 lakh doses of anti-covid vaccines allotted to the private sector in Tamil Nadu in the next eight days utilising CSR funds so people can be vaccinated free of cost, health minister Ma Subramanian said here on Friday.

The minister held a consultation meeting with doctors and hospital administrators from122 hospitals in Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kancheepuram, Vellore, Tirupathur and Ranipet to discuss the number of vaccines they can procure under CSR funds. Earlier in the week, the minister met doctors and hospital administrators in the Western districts. Senior officials from the directorate of public health were a part of the meeting.

Since June 21, the centre has decided that it will purchase 75% of the vaccines produced in the country and allot them to the state for the free vaccination programme. The remaining 25% of vaccines are purchased by private hospitals. For July, Tamil Nadu has been allotted 72 lakh doses of the vaccine of which 17 lakh is earmarked for private hospitals. “So far private hospitals have paid money for 5 lakh doses of which they have received 2.42 lakh doses. They are still left with12 lakh doses of vaccine, which should be purchased by the end of the month. We want to ensure that we use all the vaccines allotted to the state,” Subramanian said.

Although people are willing to take the vaccine, many cannot afford the vaccine at private hospitals— ₹750 for Covishield and ₹1,400 for Covaxin, he said. Since May 1, private hospitals in the state have purchased 18.7 lakh doses of the vaccine, of which 13.3 lakh have been used. The state, meanwhile, has administered 1.8crore doses taking the dosage tally to 2crore – 16%. For the 6crore adult population, the state has to administer 12 crore doses. “While people who want to pay for their vaccines will still have the options open, those who want free vaccines can also avail them from private hospitals,” he said.

Man jumps off Napier Bridge, rescued

Man jumps off Napier Bridge, rescued

Had Chronic Illness, Could Not Bear The Pain: Cops

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:24.07.2021

Police on Thursday afternoon rescued a 31-yearold who leaped into the Cooum river off the Napier Bridge to end his life, allegedly unable to come to terms with his chronic illness.

The man, later identified as Kamalakannan of Royapuram, was being sucked in by the sludge in the river when the law enforcers arrived. They dropped a rope near him and pulled him out.

Police said the incident came to light after a passerby saw Kamalakannan climbing over a wall of the bridge and jumping in around 1.30pm. He rushed to the police outpost at the southern end of the bridge and informed the personnel.

Saminathan, a policeman attached to the Anna Square station, was present there and informed his superiors. Triplicane assistant commissioner M S Baskar said the fire and rescue services personnel were busy battling the blaze at a five-storey commercial complex off Anna Salai. “We decided to respond ourselves. A team led by sub-inspector Thilagavathi and Sakthi Ganesh arrived at the spot in the next couple of minutes,” he said.

A 50-ft-long nylon rope was dropped near the man struggling in the river, with the police team members issuing instructions directing through a temporary public address system. He was asked to tie the rope around his waist and was slowly pulled out. Alerted earlier, an ambulance of the ‘108’ service was waiting and after paramedical staff had administered first aid, Kamalakkann was rushed to the Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital.

The police team then called the family members of Kamalakannan, a resident of Thambu Chetty Lane in Royapuram, and informed them. A police officer quoting, Kamalakannan said he had been suffering from stomach pain for a long time and that he had decided to end his life as he had lost hope of being cured of the illness. Further investigations are on.

Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on Tamil Nadu’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050.