Benefit Of 'Krishna Sradha' Judgment Can Be Availed Only If NEET Candidate Approached Court Without Any Delay: Supreme Court

Benefit Of 'Krishna Sradha' Judgment Can Be Availed Only If NEET Candidate Approached Court Without Any Delay: Supreme Court

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

1 Aug 2021 10:30 AM

The Supreme Court observed that the benefit of S. Krishna Sradha v. State of Andhra Pradesh judgment can be availed only if the NEET candidate approached the Court without delay.

In Krishna Sradha, the Supreme Court has observed that, in exceptional cases, a direction can be issued to grant admission to meritorious candidates to MBBS Course even after cut-off date.

One crucial condition is that the student has to approach the Court at the earliest and without any delay, the bench comprising Justices L. Nageswara Rao and Aniruddha Bose noted.

In this case, the High Court directed to admit the students to the first year MBBS course for the year 2020-2021 in the vacant seats that existed for the academic year 2019-2020. The order was passed in a writ petition filed by NEET candidates who had alleged that students with lesser merit have been given admission to the MBBS course for the academic year 2019-2020.

Assailing this order, the National Medical Council in its appeal, contended that the judgment in Krishna Sradha cannot come to the rescue of the students as they approached the High Court one and a half year after the last date of admission for the academic year 2019- 2020.

The court noted that in S. Krishna Sradha, the need for providing restitutional remedy in rare cases was highlighted.

"...However, the conditions for grant of relief or for seeking admission to the available courses after the last date have been mentioned in para 33 of the judgment. One crucial condition is that the student has to approach the Court at the earliest and without any delay. It was further mentioned in the judgment that in case admission is directed to be given to the students, the number of seats allotted in the management quota for the next year has to be reduced."

The bench observed that the High Court ought not to have shown indulgence to the writ petitioners by directing admission in the vacant seats that arose in the year 2019-2020 and permit the students to start their course in the academic year 2020-2021.

"We are aware that the interference by this Court would cause loss of an academic year to the students. However, we cannot support the judgment of the High Court in granting admission for the year 2020- 2021 as it is contrary to the judgment of this Court in S. Krishna Sradha (supra) case. The students approached the High Court almost one and a half year after the last date of admission of the first year MBBS course for the academic year 2019-2020", the Court said while setting aside the High Court direction.

Case: Medical Council of India vs. Ritwik [CA 4438 of 2021 ]

Coram: Justices L. Nageswara Rao and Aniruddha Bose

Counsel: AOR Gaurav Sharma for appellant, Sr. Adv P.V. Surendranath, Sr. Adv Vinay Navare, AOR Subhasish Bhowmick

Citation: LL 2021 SC 335

Benefit Of 'Krishna Sradha' Judgment Can Be Availed Only If NEET Candidate Approached Court Without Any Delay: Supreme Court

Benefit Of 'Krishna Sradha' Judgment Can Be Availed Only If NEET Candidate Approached Court Without Any Delay: Supreme Court: The Supreme Court observed that the benefit of S. Krishna Sradha v. State of Andhra Pradesh judgment can be availed only if the NEET candidate approached the Court without delay.In Krishna Sradha,...

மிரட்டும் கேரளா: கொரோனா பரவியது எப்படி?

மிரட்டும் கேரளா: கொரோனா பரவியது எப்படி?

Updated : ஆக 01, 2021 00:22 | Added : ஜூலை 31, 2021 21:45

கேரளாவில், கொரோனா பரவல் அதிகமாக உள்ளது. அது, தமிழகத்திலும் தன் தாக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்தலாம் என, மருத்துவர்கள் சிலர் தொடர்ந்து எச்சரிக்கை மணி அடிக்கின்றனர். அச்சமூட்டும் இந்த விபரம் சரியா என, மருத்துவ துறையின் நோய் தொற்று ஆய்வில், நீண்டகாலமாக ஈடுபட்டு வரும், மூத்த மருத்துவர் ஒருவர் கூறியதாவது:

கேரள மருத்துவ பல்கலையில் இருந்து, பல தரவுகள் கிடைத்துள்ளன. அவற்றை பார்த்தால், கொரோனா முதல் அலையின் போது, கேரளா பெரிய அளவில் பாதிப்புக்கு உள்ளாகவில்லை.

மக்கள் நெருக்கம்

காரணம், கேரளாவில் மலைப் பிரதேசம் அதிகம். வீடுகள் நெருக்கமாக இல்லை. அதனால், மக்கள் நெருக்கம் ஒரே இடத்தில் இல்லை. ஓரளவுக்கு பரவிய கொரோனாவை, விரைவிலேயே கட்டுக்குள் கொண்டு வந்தனர். ஆனால், அடுத்தடுத்த அலை பரவலால், அவர்களால் கட்டுப்படுத்த முடியவில்லை. காரணம், மக்கள் நெருக்கமாக கூடியது தான். திருவனந்தபுரம், ஆலப்புழா, திருச்சூர் போன்ற கேரளாவின் பெரிய நகரங்களில், ஏராளமான கல்லுாரிகள் உள்ளன. அங்கு ஆண்களும், பெண்களும் சேர்ந்து படிக்கின்றனர்; பலர் விடுதிகளில் தங்கி உள்ளனர்.

கல்லுாரிகளில் படிக்கும் மாணவர்கள், விடுதியில் தங்கியிருப்போர், எந்தவிதமான எச்சரிக்கை உணர்வும் இல்லாமல் இருந்துள்ளனர். ஒரு கல்லுாரி மைதானத்தில், மாணவர்கள் நெருக்கமாக அமர்ந்து, கால்பந்து போட்டிகளை ரசித்துள்ளனர். கொரோனா நோய் தொற்றுக்கு ஆளான சிலரும், அவர்களுடன் இருந்துள்ளனர். இதுவே, கொரோனா பரவலுக்கு முக்கிய காரணம்.

பாதுகாப்பு நடவடிக்கை

அதே நேரத்தில், கல்லுாரி விடுதிகளில் தங்கி படிக்கும் மாணவியருக்கு, கொரோனா இரண்டாவது அலை பரவலும் பெரிய பாதிப்பை ஏற்படுத்தவில்லை. இன்னொரு கல்லுாரியில், விடுதிக்கான உணவகத்தில் அமர்ந்து சாப்பிட தடை விதித்து, கொரோனா பாதுகாப்பு நடவடிக்கைகளை கவனமாக பின்பற்றி உள்ளனர். ஆனால், 'மெஸ்'க்கு வந்து சாப்பாடு வாங்கும் மாணவர்கள், விடுதி அறைகளுக்கு சென்று, அங்கே கூட்டமாக அமர்ந்து சாப்பிட்டுள்ளனர்.

ஒரு சிறிய அறையில், 20 பேர் வரை தங்கி சாப்பிட, ஏற்கனவே கொரோனா தொற்று இருந்தவர்களிடம் இருந்து, மற்றவர்களுக்கும் பரவி விட்டது. இப்படித் தான், கொரோனா பரவல் மாநிலம் முழுதும் அதிகரித்திருக்கிறது. இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

'மூன்றாவது அலை அச்சம் வேண்டாம்'

''ஆகஸ்ட் மாத இறுதியில் அல்லது செப்டம்பர் முதல் வாரத்தில், மூன்றாவது அலை இருக்கும் என்று கூறுகின்றனர்;அதை புறக்கணிக்க முடியாது. எத்தனை அலை வந்தாலும், எதிர்கொள்ள தயாராக இருக்க வேண்டும். இரண்டாவது அலையில், இளைஞர்களும், குழந்தைகளும் பெரிய அளவில் பாதிக்கப்படுவர் என்று கணிக்கப்பட்டது. ஆனால், அது பொதுவாக தான் இருந்தது.

கேரளாவில், கொரோனா பாதிப்பு எண்ணிக்கை கூடுதலாக உள்ளது. இருந்தபோதும், இறப்பு எண்ணிக்கை குறைவாகவே உள்ளது. அதனால், பெரிய அளவில் அச்சம் வேண்டாம். மூன்றாவது அலையும் அப்படி தான் இருக்கும் என்பது தற்போதைய கணிப்பு.

டாக்டர் தீபக் கண்ணன்

நுரையீரல் சிறப்பு சிகிச்சை நிபுணர்

'-கேரளாவுக்கு செல்வதை கட்டுப்படுத்த வேண்டும்'

கொரோனா மூன்றாவது அலையில், கொரோனா வைரஸ் உருமாற்றம் எப்படி இருக்கும் என்று தெரியவில்லை. 'டெல்டா பிளஸ்' உருமாற்ற வைரசாக இருக்குமானால், அதிக வீரியத்துடன், அதன் தாக்கம் இருக்கும். அதனால், நாம் கவனமாக இருப்பது நல்லது.

இருப்பினும், மூன்றாவது அலை கூடுதல் பாதிப்பை ஏற்படுத்தாது என்கின்றனர். ஆனால், கொரோனா வைரசை பொறுத்தவரை, எதையும் உறுதியாக சொல்ல முடியாது. கேரளாவில் வைரஸ் பரவல் அதிகமாக இருக்கிறது. அதனால், கேரளாவுக்கு போவதையும் வருவதையும் கட்டுப்படுத்த வேண்டும். தேவையில்லாத பயணத்தை தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்.

டாக்டர் ஜி.வேல்குமார்

நுரையீரல் சிறப்பு சிகிச்சை நிபுணர்,

மீனாட்சி மிஷன் மருத்துவமனை, மதுரை

- நமது நிருபர் -

'ஓய்வூதிய பணப்பலன்களை பத்திரங்களாக ஏற்க முடியாது'

'ஓய்வூதிய பணப்பலன்களை பத்திரங்களாக ஏற்க முடியாது'

Added : ஆக 01, 2021 02:49

மதுரை,-''ஓய்வூதிய பணப்பலன்களை பத்திரங்களாக அரசு வழங்குவதை ஏற்க முடியாது,'' என, தமிழ்நாடு அரசு பணியாளர் சங்க மாநில தலைவர் குமார் தெரிவித்தார்.

மதுரையில் நேற்று அவர் கூறியதாவது: அரசு பணியாளர்களின் ஓய்வு வயது மீண்டும் 58 ஆக குறைக்கப்படும் என்றும், 60 அல்லது பணிக்காலம் 33 ஆண்டுகள் என நிர்ணயிக்கப்படும் என்றும் சில நாட்களாக செய்திகள் வெளியாகின்றன. கலக்கம்ஓய்வூதிய பணப்பலன்கள் உடனடியாக வழங்கப்படாது எனவும், பத்திரங்களாக தவணை முறையில் அளிக்கப்படும் எனவும் வெளியாகும் தகவல்கள், ஓய்வு வயதை எட்டியுள்ளவர்களிடம் கலக்கத்தை ஏற்படுத்தி உள்ளன.மாநிலத்தில் ஆண்டுதோறும் சராசரியாக 25 ஆயிரம் பணியாளர்கள் ஓய்வு பெறுகின்றனர். ஓய்வின் போது கிடைக்கும் பணப்பலன்களை வைத்து குழந்தைகள் திருமணம் உள்ளிட்ட செலவுகளை மேற்கொள்கின்றனர். எனவே, முதல்வர் ஸ்டாலின் இந்த செய்திகளுக்கு முற்றுப்புள்ளி வைக்க வேண்டும்.ஓய்வு வயதை நிர்ணயிக்கும் அரசின் கொள்கை முடிவுகள் எதுவாயினும் ஏற்புடையதே. ஆனால், ஓய்வூதிய பணப்பலன்களை ஓய்வின் போதே முழுமையாக வழங்காமல் பத்திரங்களாக வழங்குவதை ஏற்க முடியாது. பணி வரன்முறைமறைந்த முன்னாள் முதல்வர் கருணாநிதி பணியாளர்களுக்கு ஆதரவாக இருந்தார். எனவே, முதல்வர் ஸ்டாலின் பணியாளர்கள் நலன் காக்க வேண்டும்.பழைய ஓய்வூதியம் குறித்த தேர்தல் வாக்குறுதியை, வரும் சட்டசபை கூட்ட தொடரில் அறிவிக்க வேண்டும். தற்காலிக, ஒப்பந்த பணியாளர்களை பணி வரன்முறை செய்ய வேண்டும்.இவ்வாறு அவர் கூறினார்.

சுற்றுலா செல்ல ஐ.ஆர்.சி.டி.சி., அழைப்பு

சுற்றுலா செல்ல ஐ.ஆர்.சி.டி.சி., அழைப்பு

Added : ஆக 01, 2021 00:22

கோவை-பாரத தரிசன சிறப்பு ரயில், சிறப்பு விமானங்கள் வாயிலாக, நாட்டின் பல்வேறு பகுதிகளுக்கு சுற்றுலா செல்ல, ஐ.ஆர்.சி.டி.சி., ஏற்பாடு செய்துள்ளது.

பாரத தரிசன சிறப்பு ரயில் வாயிலாக கோவா, சர்தார் வல்லபபாய் படேல் சிலை, ஜெய்ப்பூர், டில்லி, ஆக்ரா, ஐதராபாத் ஆகிய இடங்களை காண ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மதுரையில் இருந்து ஆக., 15ல் புறப்படும் ரயில் திருநெல்வேலி, நாகர்கோவில், திருவனந்தபுரம், எர்ணாகுளம் வழியாக செல்கிறது. 12 நாள் சுற்றுலாவுக்கு நபருக்கு, 12 ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் கட்டணம்.

விமான சுற்றுலா  செப்., 11ம் தேதி கோவையில் இருந்து விமானத்தில், காசி, அலகாபாத், புத்த கயா உள்ளிட்ட இடங்களுக்கு ஆன்மிக சுற்றுலா செல்லலாம். ஆறு நாள் சுற்றுலாவுக்கு, ஒரு நபருக்கு, 27 ஆயிரத்து, 460 ரூபாய் கட்டணம்.ஜெய்ப்பூர் பறக்கலாம்!கோவையில் இருந்து விமானத்தில் அக்., 2ம் தேதி ஜெய்ப்பூர், ஆக்ரா - தாஜ்மஹால், டில்லி செல்லும் விமான சுற்றுலா அறிமுகம் செய்யப்படுகிறது. ஆறு நாள் சுற்றுலாவுக்கு நபருக்கு, 26 ஆயிரத்து, 60 ரூபாய் கட்டணம்.டிக்கெட் முன்பதிவு மற்றும் விபரங்களுக்கு, கோவை ஐ.ஆர்.சி.டி.சி., அதிகாரிகளை, 82879 31965, 90031 40655 என்ற மொபைல் போன் எண்களிலும், www.irctctourism.com என்ற இணையதள முகவரியிலும் தொடர்பு கொள்ளலாம்.

திறந்தநிலை பல்கலையில் முதுநிலை பட்டம்; அதிகாரிக்கு பதவி உயர்வு மறுத்தது சரியே

திறந்தநிலை பல்கலையில் முதுநிலை பட்டம்; அதிகாரிக்கு பதவி உயர்வு மறுத்தது சரியே

Added : ஆக 01, 2021 00:11

சென்னை-'பட்டப்படிப்பு படிக்காமல், திறந்தநிலை பல்கலையில், நேரடியாக முதுநிலை பட்டம் பெற்றவருக்கு பதவி உயர்வு மறுத்தது சரியே' என, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

வேலுார் மாவட்டம் சோளிங்கரில், இரண்டாம் நிலை சார் - பதிவாளராக செந்தில்குமார் என்பவர் பணியாற்றுகிறார். அரசு பணியாளர் தேர்வாணையம் நடத்திய தேர்வில் வெற்றிபெற்று, 2009ம் ஆண்டில் இரண்டாம் நிலை சார் பதிவாளராக நியமிக்கப்பட்டார்.முதல் நிலை சார் - பதிவாளர் பணிக்கான பதவி உயர்வு பட்டியலில் இவரது பெயர் இடம் பெறவில்லை. திறந்தநிலை பல்கலையில் நேரடியாக முதுநிலை பட்டம் பெற்றதால் இடம் பெறவில்லை. பதவி உயர்வுக்கு பரிசீலிக்க கோரியதும் நிராகரிக்கப்பட்டது.

அந்த உத்தரவை எதிர்த்து, உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் செந்தில்குமார் வழக்கு தொடர்ந்து வெற்றி பெற்றார். உயர் நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவை எதிர்த்து, பதிவுத்துறை ஐ.ஜி., வணிக வரித்துறை செயலர் சார்பில், மேல்முறையீடு செய்யப்பட்டது.மனுவை விசாரித்த, நீதிபதிகள் புஷ்பா சத்தியநாராயணா, கிருஷ்ணன் ராமசாமி அடங்கிய அமர்வு பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவு:பட்டப்படிப்பு படிக்காமல், திறந்தநிலை பல்கலையில் நேரடியாக முதுநிலை பட்டம் பெற்றவர்களை, பணி நியமனத்துக்கு, பதவி உயர்வுக்கு பரிசீலிக்க முடியாது என, உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் ஏற்கனவே உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது. எனவே, பதவி உயர்வு பட்டியலில், செந்தில்குமாரை சேர்க்காதது சரிதான்.தகுதி மற்றும் சீனியாரிட்டியால் மட்டுமே, பதவி உயர்வு பெறுவதற்கான உரிமை வந்து விடாது. கல்வி தகுதியும் பெற்றிருக்க வேண்டும்.

பட்டப்படிப்பு முடிக்காமல், திறந்தநிலை பல்கலையில் நேரடியாக முதுநிலை பட்டத்தை செந்தில்குமார் பெற்றுள்ளார்.உச்ச நீதிமன்ற உத்தரவுப்படி, இது செல்லாது. அதிகாரிகள் சரியாக நிராகரித்துள்ளனர். தனி நீதிபதியின் உத்தரவு ரத்து செய்யப்படுகிறது.இவ்வாறு நீதிபதிகள் உத்தரவிட்டனர்.

AIQ seats: OPS hails Centre’s move on 27% reservation

AIQ seats: OPS hails Centre’s move on 27% reservation

01/08/2021

Special Correspondent CHENNAI

AIADMK coordinator O. Panneerselvam has hailed the Centre’s decision to provide 27% reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in all-India quota (AIQ) seats for undergraduate and postgraduate medical courses as a “revolutionary step”.

Expressing his “happiness, gratefulness and appreciation” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the “historic decision” that fulfilled the long-standing demand of the people of Tamil Nadu, the AIADMK leader, in a letter on Friday, said the development would “greatly benefit” thousands of students belonging to the OBCs every year, and generate a “new form of social justice” in the country.

“It reflects your commitment and concern to the welfare of the backward classes,” Mr. Panneerselvam said.

Madurai: Man steals bikes, enjoys for two days, returns them

Madurai: Man steals bikes, enjoys for two days, returns them

If you are passionate about something, you must find a way to do it. Taking this TED talk kind of advice to heart, comes a man, from the shadows, with a taste for expensive bikes.

Published: 01st August 2021 03:26 AM 

By Express News Service

MADURAI: If you are passionate about something, you must find a way to do it. Taking this TED talk kind of advice to heart, comes a man, from the shadows, with a taste for expensive bikes. While most would call him a thief, an outlaw, this man’s modus operandi was to ‘briefly’ steal bikes, ride them and return them. No harm, no foul?

The ‘perfect crime’ came to the attention of the police when a series of two-wheeler thefts were reported in the past few days in Madurai city, Karimedu and Tallakulam. All the thefts stood out because they had a similar pattern.

Now if you own bikes that are cheap and reliable, we have good news for you. Your thriftiness might have just saved you because our bike thief prefers only expensive bikes. Well, from his perspective it might seem like he ‘borrowed’ those bikes and rode it because he would always return the vehicle to its original place. The crime went on smoothly until it was captured by the CCTV cameras and from there the identity of the bike thief came to light. The police nabbed 21-year-old youth P Naveen Kumar from Sellur early this week.

According to the Karimedu police, Kumar has a ‘passion’ for expensive bikes. “Whichever brands he liked, he stole them at night and after riding them for a few days, he left the stolen vehicles in their original spots. He had stolen at least three two wheelers in the past few weeks,” the police said.

To err is indeed human as Kumar, who had meticulously planned his crime, was arrested when he was identified by the CCTV footage from the areas where the vehicles were stolen. Two bikes which could not be returned to their original place were seized from him.

Streamline V-C search panels: Ex-V-C, Anna varsity

Streamline V-C search panels: Ex-V-C, Anna varsity

In his letter, he charged that powerful intermediaries used to influence the selection of VCs on the basis of caste, religion, political connections, and money power four years ago.

Published: 01st August 2021 03:30 AM |

Anna University (File Photo | EPS)

By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: Anna University former Vice-Chancellor (V-C) E Balagurusamy on Saturday appealed to Tamil Nadu governor Banwarilal Purohit to streamline the working of the V-C search committee at the university to eliminate corrupt practices.

In his letter, he charged that powerful intermediaries used to influence the selection of VCs on the basis of caste, religion, political connections, and money power four years ago. “An eminent academician in Tamil Nadu said in a public forum that the price of the VC [post] rages from Rs 5 to 20 crore,” he said, adding that corruption was involved even in the appointment of the syndicate members.

Balagurusamy mooted a eight-point procedure to be followed in the selection and appointment of VCs. As part of the procedure, he said that the panel members should be of high standing with impeccable integrity. Before recommending the names to the Chancellor, the committee must obtain clearance from the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption and “integrity” certificates from the last employer. Further, the candidates must declare in advance that any attempt to influence the selection process would automatically disqualify them, he said.

Quit undermining States’ powers over education: MK Stalin

Quit undermining States’ powers over education: MK Stalin

CM writes to Union minister, objects to draft PG medical edu norms

Published: 01st August 2021 04:50 AM 

Chief Minister MK Stalin.

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The State government has raised strong objection to the Draft Post Graduation Medical Education Regulations released recently by the National Medical Commission. Chief Minister MK Stalin, in a letter to Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare Mansukh Mandavia, said the draft regulations intend to undermine the role of the States in the postgraduate medical education since their role in admission of students under their own State quota is sought to be unilaterally removed.

“It is unfortunate that such draft regulations have been formulated without a proper understanding of the predominant role of State Governments in this domain. The Union Government and the National Medical Council need to appreciate the fact that the States had heavily invested their resources to create most of the PG seats. Considering this, our State has consistently been opposed to such measures aimed at centralisation of States’ powers,” the CM said. He added that the proposed regulation is not only unacceptable but is also in contravention of the provisions in the National Medical Commission (NMC) Act, governing the common counselling for the seats at the State level.

“In this connection, I would like to draw your kind attention to Section 11.2 of the draft PG Regulations, which attempts to centralise and designate the Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India as the designated authority for counselling for State quota seats, he said, pointing out that the section is clearly contrary to the provision in Section 15 of the Main NMC Act, 2019, which explicitly mentions that “the designated authority of the State Government shall conduct the common counselling for the seats at the State level,” the Chief Minister added.

Noting that Tamil Nadu has consistently expressed objection to the proposed National Exit Test as well as the proposal to make it the basis of admissions to PG seats, Stalin said that the draft regulations are totally against the consistent and principled stand of our State government.

“Any hasty attempts, as brought out in the draft regulations, aimed at changing the present methodology of counselling for the State quota seats against the provision of the NMC Act and the proposal to make the National Exit test as the basis of PG admissions in future, should be immediately stopped,” he urged.

First-gen grads will get priority in govt jobs: CM

First-gen grads will get priority in govt jobs: CM

Chennai:01.08.2021

Chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday said the state government would give priority to first-generation graduates in jobs in the government sector and instructed authorities to develop training modules and courses in government training centres for youngsters to excel in competitive examinations.

Chairing a review meeting of officials in finance and human resources department at the secretariat, he instructed officials to take measures to help youngsters from the state clear competitive exams. To achieve it, right training programmes should be designed, he said.

Meanwhile, authorities should create awareness among youngsters about employment opportunities available in Union and state governments, he said. He stressed the need for special training for government employees to enhance the quality of service rendered to the public. For this, quality of training should improve at Anna Institute of Management and other government institutions. He asked senior bureaucrats to utilise existing facilities at the civil service training institute at Bhavanisagar to conduct online training for government employees to enhance their abilities. TNN

Only 23 of 8L students enroll for Class XII supplementary exam

Only 23 of 8L students enroll for Class XII supplementary exam

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.08.2021

Of the 8.16 lakh state board students who received their Class XII marks under the weightage system followed by the Tamil Nadu school education department, only 23 — all regular school students — have expressed their intention to appear for the supplementary exams saying they were not happy with their marks, school education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi told reporters on Saturday.

“The school education department had announced that the students who are aggrieved with their marks under the weightage system need to write the written exam in all subjects and their marks in exams will be the final score. Due to this only a few students applied,” he said.

The supplementary exam for private candidates will be conducted from August 6 to19. “Including the late applicants, 45,654 students, mainly private candidates, will sit for the exams,” the minister added.

After declaring the Class XII results, the directorate of government examinations gave the opportunity for aggrieved students to apply for supplementary exams from July 23 to 27. The state government had given a weightage of 50% for Class X marks and 20% for Class XI and 30% for Class XII internal assessment and practical marks.

Asked about the reopening of schools, the minister said, “We will decide after getting the opinion of health experts.” The school education department had directed all teachers working in government schools to report for duty on August 2.

Meanwhile, many CBSE schools received complaints from parents that the marks awarded to their wards were not satisfactory. Around 100 parents who had enrolled their children at NEET coaching integrated programme at Velammal Group of Schools in Mogappair protested on Saturday complaining that their wards who scored high in Class X had received very low marks in Class XII.

“The school management assured the parents that they would discuss the issue with their teachers and would appeal to the board if needed to increase the score. The parents were asked to come on Monday,” Krishnaveni, a parent from the school said.

PROTEST OVER MARKS: Parents of students of a CBSE school in the city protested on the institute premises on Saturday, saying low marks were awarded to top scorers

Eateries shut at 9 places in Chennai

Eateries shut at 9 places in Chennai

Had Opened For Biz In Areas Where Curbs In Place

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.08.2021

About 40 restaurants and eateries were ordered to down shutters after they had opened for business on Saturday at nine locations in the city where Greater Chennai Corporation had announced a lockdown of markets and shops for the next ten days. Civic officials accompanied by police personnel went around these areas enforcing the lockdown.

The Chennai Hotels Association said the official communique from Greater Chennai Corporation did not include hotels in the list of business establishments that must be shutdown and appealed to the government to declare eateries an essential service and exempt them from the shutdown.

Association president Ravi said, "We have taken up the issue with Greater Chennai Corporation, seeking permission to continue to keep the restaurants open," he said, adding that the representatives will also be meeting the police in this regard.

On Friday, the civic body had announced closure of markets and shops at nine locations in the city for 10 days from July 31 in a bid to check the spike in Covid-19 cases. The areas include Ranganathan street, parts of North Usman Road, the area from Ratna Café to Bells Road in Zam Bazaar, Thiru-Vi-Ka-Park junction, the stretch from Anjaneya statue to Ambedkar statue in Red Hills, Kuralagam to Thanga Road junction on NSC Bose Road, Habibullah Raod, Pulipon Bazaar, Royapuram Market Kalmandapam Road, Royapuram water tank to Kamatchi Amman temple, and part of Aminijikarai market on Poonamallee high Road.

FIRST STEP: A health worker on Saturday collects swab samples for Covid-19 test during a fever camp at Usman Road, one of the places in T Nagar where the corporation has announced a lockdown of shops and other commercial establishments till August 9

Temples closed to devotees for 3 days

The Hindu religious and charitable endowments (HR&CE) department on Saturday announced that devotees will not be permitted to congregate in major ‘Amman’ and ‘Murugan’ temples in the state from August 1 to August 3 to offer prayers for Aadi Krithigai. Senior officials said the government has taken the decision in view of Covid-19 cases rising. However, pujas will continue in the temples, which include Vadapalani Andavar temple, Kandaswamy temple at Kandhakottam, and Padavattamman temple at Padi in the city. Every year, Aadi Krithigai is celebrated in a grand manner in the six abodes of Lord Muruga in the state — Palani, Tiruttani, Swamimalai, Thiruparangundram, Tiruchendur and Palamuthircholai. TNN

Interviews for Anna Univ VC post on Aug 9

Interviews for Anna Univ VC post on Aug 9

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.08.2021

Anna University vice-chancellor search committee, headed by Jawaharlal Nehru University vice-chancellor M Jagadish Kumar, will interview shortlisted candidates on August 9. Ten candidates, including five professors from Anna University and two from IIT Madras, were shortlisted from the 160-odd candidates from across the country who applied for the post, sources said.

Candidates are likely to be asked to present their vision for the state’s premier technical university, including their plans for bringing in funds and improving the research output, during the interview. Following the interview, the search panel will recommend three names to governor Banwarilal Purohit.

Other members on the panel are retired IAS officer Sheela Rani Chunkath and former vice-chancellor of Madras University S P Thyagarajan.

The panel invited applications from candidates with 20 years of teaching experience in universities, postgraduate colleges and research institutions and minimum 10 years of experience as a professor in the university system. The application window ended on June 30.

Anna University vice-chancellor M K Surappa completed his three-year tenure on April 11 and the varsity is being run by a three-member convener committee for the last three months.

Anna University professors urged the search panel and governor to select a candidate with impeccable character and high academic credentials as vicechancellor.

E Balagurusamy, former vice-chancellor of Anna University, proposed eight measures to the governor to make the VC selection process more transparent. He suggested that former VCs be included in the search panel, a publicity blitz to attract maximum suitable candidates, publication of bio-data of all applicants, disqualification of candidates who try to influence, obtaining a clearance certificate from DVAC for shortlisted candidates and integrity certificate from former employers. He also suggested that the list of recommended candidates be placed in public domain for at least a week before the appointment order is issued.

Ten candidates, including five professors from Anna University and two from IIT Madras, were shortlisted from 160-odd applicants from across the country

CM to Centre: Draft PG medical edu rules undermine state role

CM to Centre: Draft PG medical edu rules undermine state role

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.08.2021

Tamil Nadu chief minister M K Stalin on Saturday wrote to Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya objecting to the draft Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations on the grounds that they sought to undermine the role of states.

The role of states in the admission of students under their own state quota is sought to be unilaterally removed, Stalin said. "It is unfortunate that such draft regulations have been formulated without a proper understanding of the current predominant role of state governments in this domain. The union government and the National Medical Council need to appreciate the fact that it is only the states which have heavily invested their own resources to create most of the PG seats," he said.

The CM pointed to Section 11.2 of the draft, which attempts to centralize and designate the directorate general of health services, ministry of health and family welfare, government of India, as the designated authority for counselling for State quota seats. This section is clearly contrary to the provision in the Section 15 of the Main NMC Act, 2019, which explicitly mentions that “the designated authority of the State Government shall conduct the common counselling for the seats at the state level”, he said.

Further, Section 10.1 and the sub-clauses under it are an attempt to introduce licentiate examination for enrolment in medical registers and making it serve as a NEET for admission to PG Courses.

"I am of the firm view that the status-quo should be maintained on the admissions for State quota PG admissions seats. I once again strongly reiterate our opposition to the draft Post Graduate Medical Education Regulations, 2021, which hit at the very root of federalism," Stalin said.

The role of states in the admission of students under their own state quota is sought to be unilaterally removed, Stalin said in his letter to Union health minister Mansukh Mandaviya

Apple adds UPI, RuPay, net banking for App Store payments in India: Report

Apple adds UPI, RuPay, net banking for App Store payments in India: Report

Apple has finally added new payment modes for Indian users (Bloomberg)

1 min read . Updated: 31 Jul 2021, 07:31 PM IST

Livemint, Edited By Vivek Punj

Indian users will now be able to employ domestic payment methods along with the international ones while adding funds to their Apple's stores

Apple has added new payment methods for Indian users purchasing applications and games on the App Store. These new payment modes include homegrown United Payments Interface (UPI) and RuPay cards, as well as net banking.

The move will allow Indian users to employ domestic payment methods along with the international ones while adding funds to their Apple's stores. The balance can also be used to pay for streaming services like Netflix and Amazon Prime, and Apple's own services like Apple Arcade and Apple One.

Telegram now allows up to 1000 people to join a group video call

Telegram now allows up to 1000 people to join a group video call

By IANS On Jul 31, 2021

Image Credits: IANS

San Francisco: Encrypted messaging app Telegram has expanded its group video calling feature that now allows up to 1,000 people to join a group video call.

The company said that its group video call allows up to 30 users to broadcast video from both their camera and screen — and now 1,000 people can watch anything from online lectures to live rap battles.

“Group video calls now have up to 1,000 viewers, video messages record in higher quality and can be expanded, regular videos may be watched at 0.5 or 2x speed,” the company said in a blogpost.

“We have also added screen sharing with sound to all video calls, including 1-on-1 calls — and much more,” it added.

RELATED NEWS

The company said that it will keep increasing this limit until “all humans on Earth can join one group call and watch us yodel in celebration (coming soon)”.

“To start a group video call, create a voice chat from the info page of any group where you are an admin — then turn your video on,” the company said.

According to the blogpost, tapping on an expanded video message pauses it and allows you to fast forward or rewind the message in case you missed a word.

To record a video message, tap the Screen sharing that has been added to 1-on-1 calls as well, and now includes the sound from your device when broadcasting in any video call.

When switching on video during any call, you can swipe to choose a camera or share your screen instead — and use the video preview to make sure that everything is perfect before going live, the company said.

Onam 2021: Avoid crowds, Kerala health minister urges people as Covid cases surge

Kerala Health Minister Veena George (ANI)

 Updated: 31 Jul 2021, 08:45 PM IST

Onam 2021: Amid surge in Covid cases, Kerala Health Minister Veena George on Saturday asked people to avoid crowds and if possible, even events, celebrations during Onam festival. She also urged people not to visit relatives to reduce the risk of Covid infection.

Kerala has been reporting more than 20,000 fresh Covid infections for the last few days, highest by any state in the country. Fearing the further surge, the health minister said that people should strictly avoid crowds and follow Covid protocols while organising and attending events and celebrations during Onam.

The minister also said that if possible, people should avoid going to any events or celebrations. Visits to relatives and family should also be avoided as much as possible especially if there are small children in the family, George said.

For the fifth consecutive day, Kerala recorded more than 20,000 fresh Covid cases on Saturday. It, however, saw a decline in fatalities and a fall in the Test Positivity Rate (TPR) to 12.31 per cent.

The state had recorded 100 deaths on Friday, while the TPR was 13.61 per cent. On Saturday, Kerala registered 20,624 fresh cases, pushing the infection caseload to 33,90,761, while 80 more deaths took the toll to 16,781.

As many as 16,865 people have recovered, taking the total number to 32,08,969, leaving 1,64,500 active cases. Malappuram was the worst affected district, logging 3,474 cases, followed by Thrissur (2693), Palakkad (2209), Kozhikode (2113), Ernakulam (2072), Kollam (1371), Kannur (1243), Alappuzha (1120),Kottayam (1111) and Thiruvananthapuram (969).

Of the new cases, 98 are health workers, 112 had come from outside the state and 19,487 were infected through contact, with the source of contact being not clear in 927 cases, the release said. In the last 24 hours, 1,67,579 samples were tested and the TPR was found to be 12.31 per cent.

Earlier in the day, the state health minister said that the state was not yet free from the second wave of Covid and therefore people should be extra cautious and vigilant against transmission of the infection to prevent a third wave from occurring.

HC seeks reply to plea on Jamia VC appointment

31.07.2021 

Delhi High Court on Friday sought response from the Centre, CVC and Jamia Millia Islamia on a plea challenging the appointment of the varsity’s current VC Najma Akhtar. The court issued notices to UGC and VC and asked the authorities to file their replies while listing the matter on September 22. PTI

Medical fraternity should collectively get Bharat Ratna: CM

Medical fraternity should collectively get Bharat Ratna: CM

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:31.07.2021 

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal demanded in the assembly on Friday that the Indian medical fraternity be collectively given the Bharat Ratna. While recommending the same, the assembly also unanimously passed a resolution recommending that doctors and paramedical personnel in the city who have served during Covid-19 be nominated by Delhi government for the Padma awards.

“We all have seen how not just our country but the entire world has been suffering because of the pandemic. During this period, our doctors and paramedic staff put their lives at stake to serve the nation. We are aware of how some doctors could not visit their homes for six-odd months and served humanity without caring for their families and themselves,” Kejriwal reiterated his demand during a discussion on a motion moved by AAP legislator Saurabh Bharadwaj for the Padma awards. “In such a time, it is the duty of the whole society to thank the medical community,” the CM said.

Bharadwaj underlined that the doctors couldn’t be thanked enough for their contribution.

Kejriwal highlighted Delhi government had provided doctors with five-star quarantine accommodation. It also honoured frontline workers with Rs1-crore compensation in case of their death, he added. “It assured them that if by chance something happens to them, Delhi government is there to support their families.”

The government has already asked people to nominate doctors and paramedics for the Padma awards. “We have received 2,100 nominations of doctors as of now. We will screen all these names and send a list to the Centre,” Kejriwal said.

Supporting the demands, leader of the Opposition Ramvir Singh Bidhuri said, “The Padma awards should also be given to safai karamcharis, police personnel, teachers and others who have lost their lives in the line of duty. Around 300 corona warriors have died in the line of duty and they all should be paid the compensation.”

2 k  NAMES OF DOCTORS SENT TO DELHI GOVT TILL NOW

How injured braveheart foiled bank heist

How injured braveheart foiled bank heist

Sandhya.Nair@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:  31.07.2021 

Sheer courage and presence of mind of ICICI Bank’s Virar (East) branch cashier Shraddha Devrukhkar helped nab the accused, Anil Dubey, who was fleeing with over Rs 3 crore worth cash and valuables from the bank on Thursday evening. Despite seeing her colleague lying in a pool of blood and being grievously injured herself, the 32-year-old pressed the security alarm that alerted locals on the busy road.

Devrukhkar and her colleague, deputy manager Yogita Vartak (34), were working till late when Dubey (35), a former manager in the same bank, barged in and threatened the two women. He forced them to open the lockers and emptied out lockers of gold and cash. When the women tried to raise an alarm, he slashed them with a razor. Hearing Devrukhkhar’s screams for help, two women and a man, who saw Dubey flee with two bags, immediately nabbed him. He was then handed over to the police.

While Dubey told the police his accomplice had escaped, Devrukhkar, who is recuperating at Sanjeevani hospital in Virar, told police he had come alone. His car was found at a distance from the bank.

During interrogation, Dubey confessed he had committed the crime as he had taken loans of over Rs 1 crore from three banks. He had to pay a monthly instalment of Rs 1.2 lakh. Dubey had worked at the ICICI Bank branch between January 2019 and August 2020. He joined as branch head of a private sector bank in Naigaon in August 2020, but was terminated from his job on Friday.

Dubey knew the two women and was aware they would be working till late due to monthend accounting work. He had planned to threaten the women and escape with the cash and valuables. But when Vartak resisted, he pulled out a razor and slashed her neck. She collapsed on the floor. Dubey then charged toward Devrukhkar and slashed her on the neck as well. While Vartak succumbed, Devrukhkar is recuperating in hospital. Mira Bhayander Vasai Virar Commissionerate commissioner Sadananad Date, who visited Devrukhkar, applauded her for her courage.

Vartak, a resident of Phoolpada in Virar (east), had been with the Virar branch for the past few years. Police said hours before the crime, Dubey had called her up to inquire about work. Vartak is survived by her husband and a seven-year-old son. Dubey has been booked for murder, attempt to murder and robbery. He has been remanded to police custody for a week.

Despite seeing her colleague lying in a pool of blood and being grievously injured herself, Shraddha pressed the alarm that alerted locals on the busy Mumbai road

Telangana richest state in India: KCR

Telangana richest state in India: KCR

Peddi Reddy Joins TRS

Koride.Mahesh@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:  31.07.2021 

Claiming that Telangana is the richest state in the country, chief minister K Chandrasekhar Rao said the state’s per capita income is over Rs 2.2 lakh which is higher than the national per capita income (GDP) of Rs 1 lakh.

He said Telangana stands next only to Karnataka’s GSDP in the country. He said GSDP of Telangana in 2020-21 was Rs 9.78 lakh crore and 17 per cent of the state’s GSDP contribution comes from agriculture sector alone. He claimed there were no starvation deaths in the state. Farmer suicides have also come down considerably in the state which the Centre confirmed in Parliament, he said.

The TRS president said Telangana would become another Kashmir once Palamuru-Rangareddy Lift Irrigation Scheme (PRLIS) and Sitarama LI Project are completed. “Some leaders do not understand this and have been making allegations on the government,” KCR said while addressing party workers at Telangana Bhavan after inviting former minister E Peddi Reddy and 30 leaders from various parties into TRS on Friday.

Taking potshots at some leaders for having apprehensions on Dalit Bandhu, KCR said the government would implement the scheme at any cost.

“Opposition parties are worried about their fate as the scheme will be implemented all over the state. It was supposed to be launched last year, but got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Now, the government is ready to spend Rs 1 lakh crore on the scheme,” KCR said.

Former minister E Peddi Reddy joining the TRS in the presence of CM K Chandrasekhar Rao on Friday

State cabinet to meet on August 1

Hyderabad:

Telangana cabinet will meet on August 1 at 2 pm at the Pragati Bhavan. The cabinet is likely to discuss and approve Dalit Bandhu scheme pilot project, filling vacancies in various government departments among other issues. TNN

Many lose marks as ‘reference year’ rule comes into play

Nirupa.Vatyam@timesgroup.com

Hyderabad:  31.07.2021 

Class toppers were at the receiving end this year as the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) asked schools to consider the performance of students in one of the last three academic years as a reference year while allotting marks. As a result, schools could award marks in a range (above 90% - 95.5%) only to a few students, while many deserving candidates felt undone.

Principals of city schools said they had to revise marks of students two to three times before the board accepted final results. “We had 42 students who were getting above 95%. We had to bring their marks down, as only 27 students had got above 95% in 2018, which was our reference year,” said Latha Shankar, principal, P Obul Reddy Public School.

She said it was toppers and academicallyweak students who were at a loss this year. “Likewise, we had to put about10 students in the 40-50 range even though three or four students could have gone to a higher range,” she said.

“If not for the pandemic, some of our students would have secured one or two per cent higher marks. It is unfair for a few students, but many also benefited as they were awarded more marks. Overall, we are happy with the result,” said Narsimha Reddy, principal, The Hyderabad Public School, Ramanthapur.

D Usha Reddy, principal and CEO, Meridian School for Boys and Girls, said it was disheartening to note that students who performed extremely well in the current year had to have their marks pruned. “Marks of deserving six to seven students had to be reduced.”

Gautham Singh, a student of Obul Reddy, who secured 99.96 percentile in JEE Mains, said: “Definitely, I would have got more marks if exams were conducted. But I don’t want to appear for exams at a later stage as these marks will not be considered for IIT counselling or I might lose out on getting a seat in a foreign university.” Gautham’s school had to reduce his computer marks by five to bring his percentage down.

Madras HC caps school fees at 85% of last year’s charges

Madras HC caps school fees at 85% of last year’s charges

Sureshkumar.k@timesgroup.com

Chennai:31.07.2021  

Providing relief to private unaided schools in Tamil Nadu, including CBSE institutions, Madras high court permitted them to collect 85% of the annual fee fixed for the academic year 2019-20 as fee for the current academic year.

This applies only to students of parents who are employees of government, public sector undertakings, professionals and business people who have not suffered any income loss due to the pandemic, Justice D Krishnakumar said.

“Those parents who have suffered loss of income during this pandemic shall make an application to the school management, who shall consider their request and collect 75% of the fees,” the court said.

The court made it clear that such fees must be collected in six instalments on or before February 1 next year.

If any parent seeks further concession for payment of annual fees, they shall make a representation to the school management, who shall consider such representation on a case-to-case basis sympathetically, the judge added.

‘300 stray dogs poisoned in Andhra’

‘300 stray dogs poisoned in Andhra’

Vijayawada: 31.07.2021 

A village panchayat in West Godavari has been accused by an animal rights group of ordering the killing of over 300 stray dogs by administering poison via injection. The inhumane and disturbing incident reportedly happened in Lingapalem area of Andhra’s West Godavari district in the last few days.

Sri Latha Challapalli, treasurer of Challapalli charitable trust which fights for animal issues, alleged, “The killings have been happening since July 24.” TNN

Can’t post a cop for every girl: Goa minister

Can’t post a cop for every girl: Goa minister

Panaji:  31,07.2021 

Even before the controversy arising out of an “insensitive” remark about the gangrape of minor girls by Goa CM Pramod Sawant has died down, art and culture minister Govind Gaude stoked a fresh one on Friday when he said it was practically not feasible to “post a security or a policeman for the safety of every girl in the state”.

Coming out strongly in support of Sawant’s statement that the parents should be held responsible and why the girls had gone out late at night, Gaude said: “When such incidents happen, it is the parents who suffer the most. The problem is if you post a cop after every girl, imagine how many policemen will we require? The government is not running away from its responsibility.” TNN

‘27% OBC, 10% EWS quota to take effect from 2021-22 session’

NEET (UG)

‘27% OBC, 10% EWS quota to take effect from 2021-22 session’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  31.07.2021 

The National Testing Agency in a public notice to the NEET (UG) 2021 aspirants stated that the decision of the government to implement 27% OBC reservation (non-creamy layer) and 10% EWS reservation in 15% undergraduate all India quota (AIQ) seats will take effect from the 2021-22 academic session, on Friday.

The agency notified its information bulletin stands modified based on the new reservation structure for admission to undergraduate medical courses under AIQ which would comprise of 15% for SC, 7.5% for ST, 27% for OBC (non-creamy layer as per central list), 10% for EWS category as per central government norms and 5% for persons with disabilities (PwD) “horizontal reservation as per National Medical Commission norms.”

When the government succeeded in introducing a 10% EWS quota in higher education institutions in 2019 the total intake in the medical colleges increased between 16% to 22%. For example, the total MBBS seats in government medical seats in Andhra Pradesh increased from 1,700 to 2020, which is 21.2% increase in 2019-20. Similarly, in Assam the total seats increased from 726 to 900, which was 24%.

However, according to a senior health ministry official, no such increase in seats will be done while implementing the 27% OBC reservation during the forthcoming academic session. The official said that respective states have already increased the seats from 2015 as part of the reservation.

“There is no need for an increase of seats due to the implementation of the 27% OBC reservation in AIQ as the states had already increased the seats in the last few years and OBC seats had been accounted for. So the 15% states’ contribution to the AIQ is already inclusive of that quota which we need to implement during the counselling. Moreover, even otherwise the process for increase of seats takes around a year,” said the official.

The directorate of health services too on Thursday notified for the benefit of the eligible candidates that 27% of the OBC reservation and 10% EWS reservation in 15% undergraduate and 50% postgraduate AIQ seats (MBBS/ BDS and MD/ MS/ MDS) contributed by the State/ UTs would commence from the 2021-22 session of counselling.

Woman gets +ve report without testing

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kozhikode:31.07.2021  

A woman in Chelembra panchayat in Malappuram, who hadn’t undergone a Covid-19 test, was surprised after she received a positive RTPCR test report issued in her name by health authorities. When she approached health authorities saying that she had not attended the testing camp in the area, she was asked her to undergo an antigen test in which she tested negative.

The mix up took place at the mass Covid testing camp organized near Malaparamba SC colony at Chelembra on July 25 after 18 Covid cases were reported in the colony within one week.

Her husband and two other relatives had undergone Covid testing at the camp held in the locality and according to health department authorities the error took place due to confusion in the token issued to family members of the woman prior to testing.

While the woman received a Covid positive test report, the husband along with two other relatives tested negative. Volunteers who had worked to organize the testing camp said the serious lapse happened due to flouting of testing protocols by the staff who conducted the camp by taking samples from persons just by checking the tokens issued to them.

The mix up took place at the mass Covid testing camp organized near Malaparamba SC colony at Chelembra on July 25 after 18 Covid cases were reported in the colony within one week

Home clusters contribute to spurt in Covid cases in state

FIGHTING COVID-19

Home clusters contribute to spurt in Covid cases in state

Preetu.Nair@timesgroup.com

Kochi:31.07.2021 

It is not community clusters but home clusters that are becoming the major cause of Covid-19 infection spread in the state. Public health experts said that it is no surprise then that despite lockdown restrictions in place, Kerala is seeing an increase in cases. Unlike in the past, now family members of an infected person are neither tested nor placed in home quarantine.

As on July 29, about ,54,080 people are under observation in Kerala. Of these, 4,26,600 are either under home or institutional quarantine and 27,480 ho- spitalized. Majority are now in-home quarantine with most of the CFLTCs now dysfunctional.

“If Kerala government wants to bring down the cases, then the focus has to shift from lockdown restrictions and complete lockdown to contact tracing and testing of infected persons and strict quarantine for all contacts too. This was done in the initial phase of Covid, but now there is no mechanism to ensure this,” said Dr Jayakrishnan A V, chairman of Indian Medical Association’s (IMA) committee on Covid vaccines and vaccination strategy.

Officials in the health department admit that it is technically more difficult to avoid home clusters than community clusters because interactions leading to community clusters can be limited by government intervention, but the same is not possible when it comes to home clusters. With cases surging, some of the local bodies through Asha workers are trying to reach out to those in-home quarantine and check on their family members too.

“What we can partially do is that if even one person at home is tested positive, then the rest of the family members must wear mask for seven to 10 days, especially during interactions at home, because we don’t know who is in the incubation period,” said Dr Anish T S, associate professor, community medicine, Thiruvananthapuram Medical College and public health consultant with the disaster management authority.

Added with this, now vaccinated people are also silently spreading the infection to other unvaccinated people at home.

“In Kerala, people’s mask wearing rate has always been high. But the reason for the spread of cases is socially meeting relatives and friends. We are social beings and can’t stay in isolation for long. Therefore, we need to continue to wear masks, ensure social distancing and absolutely avoid mass gatherings until the vast majority are vaccinated. If our intensive care and oxygen beds start filling up meanwhile, further restrictions will become necessary,” added Dr Rajeev Jayadevan, lead researcher of IMA-Kochi’s national survey on post-vaccination symptoms and experiences of Healthcare Workers in India.

Kejriwal: Entire med fraternity should get Bharat Ratna

Kejriwal: Entire med fraternity should get Bharat Ratna

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:31.07.2021 

Chief minister Arvind Kejriwal demanded in the Delhi assembly on Friday that the Indian medical fraternity be collectively given the Bharat Ratna. While recommending the same, the assembly also unanimously passed a resolution recommending that doctors and paramedical personnel in the city who served during Covid-19 be nominated by Delhi government for the Padma awards.

“We all have seen how not just our country but the entire world has been suffering because of the pandemic. During this period, our doctors and paramedic staff put their lives at stake to serve the nation. We are aware of how some doctors could not visit their homes for six-odd months and served humanity without caring for their families and themselves,” Kejriwal reiterated his demand during a discussion on a motion moved by AAP legislator Saurabh Bharadwaj for the Padma awards. “In such a time, it is the duty of the whole society to thank the medical community,” the CM said.

Bharadwaj underlined that the doctors couldn’t be thanked enough for their contribution.

Full report on www.toi.in

Longest serving Maharashtra MLA passes away at 94

Longest serving Maharashtra MLA passes away at 94

Kolhapur:31.07.2021 

Ganpatrao Deshmukh, the longest serving MLA in Maharashtra, passed away on Friday. He was 94.

Deshmukh, fondly known as 'Aba,' was admitted to a private hospital in Solapur a few days ago for gallstones treatment. He is survived by two sons, one of them is active in politics.

Deshmukh contested from Sangola first in 1962 and won 11 times, successively.

He was minister of state twice during the Sharad Pawar-led Progressive Democractic Front government in 1978, and in 1999 when the newly formed Nationalist Congress Party and Congress came into power.

His party Shetkari Kamgar Paksha (Peasants and Workers Party) had supported the government. TNN