26 Principles Relating To Compassionate Appointment : Supreme Court Explains

26 Principles Relating To Compassionate Appointment : Supreme Court Explains

LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK

16 Feb 2025 11:36 AM

In a recent judgment, the Supreme Court (bench of Justice Dipankar Datta and Justice PK Mishra) summarised the principles relating to compassionate appointment.

a) Appointment on compassionate ground, which is offered on humanitarian grounds, is an exception to the rule of equality in the matter of public employment [see General Manager, State Bank of India v Anju Jain (2008) 8 SCC 475]

b) Compassionate appointment cannot be made in the absence of rules or instructions [see Haryana State Electricity Board v. Krishna Devi (2002) 10 SCC 246]

c) Compassionate appointment is ordinarily offered in two contingencies carved out as exceptions to the general rule, viz. to meet the sudden crisis occurring in a family either on account of death or of medical invalidation of the breadwinner while in service [see V. Sivamurthy v. Union of India (2008) 13 SCC 730]

d) The whole object of granting compassionate employment by an employer being intended to enable the family members of a deceased or an incapacitated employee to tide over the sudden financial crisis, appointments on compassionate ground should be made immediately to redeem the family in distress [see Sushma Gosain v. Union of India (1989) 4 SCC 468].

e) Since rules relating to compassionate appointment permit a side- door entry, the same have to be given strict interpretation [see Uttaranchal Jal Sansthan v. Laxmi Devi (2009) 11 SCC 453].

f) Compassionate appointment is a concession and not a right and the criteria laid down in the Rules must be satisfied by all aspirants [see SAIL v. Madhusudan Das (2008) 15 SCC 560].

g) None can claim compassionate appointment by way of inheritance [see State of Chattisgarh v. Dhirjo Kumar Sengar (2009) 13 SCC 600]

h) Appointment based solely on descent is inimical to our constitutional scheme, and being an exception, the scheme has to be strictly construed and confined only to the purpose it seeks to achieve [see Bhawani Prasad Sonkar v. Union of India (2011) 4 SCC 209].

i) None can claim compassionate appointment, on the occurrence of death/medical incapacitation of the concerned employee (the sole bread earner of the family), as if it were a vested right, and any appointment without considering the financial condition of the family of the deceased is legally impermissible [see Union of India v. Amrita Sinha (2021) 20 SCC 695].

j) An application for compassionate appointment has to be made immediately upon death/incapacitation and in any case within a reasonable period thereof or else a presumption could be drawn that the family of the deceased/incapacitated employee is not in immediate need of financial assistance. Such appointment not being a vested right, the right to apply cannot be exercised at any time in future and it cannot be offered whatever the lapse of time and after the crisis is over [see Eastern Coalfields Ltd. v. Anil Badyakar (2009) 13 SCC 112 ].

k) The object of compassionate employment is not to give a member of a family of the deceased employee a post much less a post for post held by the deceased. Offering compassionate employment as a matter of course irrespective of the financial condition of the family of the deceased and making compassionate appointments in posts above Class III and IV is legally impermissible [see Umesh Kumar Nagpal v. State of Haryana (1994) 4 SCC 138].

l) Indigence of the dependents of the deceased employee is the first precondition to bring the case under the scheme of compassionate appointment. If the element of indigence and the need to provide immediate assistance for relief from financial destitution is taken away from compassionate appointment, it would turn out to be a reservation in favour of the dependents of the employee who died while in service which would directly be in conflict with the ideal of equality guaranteed under Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution [see Union of India v. B. Kishore (2011) 13 SCC 131].

m) The idea of compassionate appointment is not to provide for endless compassion [see I.G. (Karmik) v. Prahalad Mani Tripathi (2007) 6 SCC 162].

n) Satisfaction that the family members have been facing financial distress and that an appointment on compassionate ground may assist them to tide over such distress is not enough; the dependent must fulfil the eligibility criteria for such appointment [see State of Gujarat v. Arvindkumar T. Tiwari (2012) 9 SCC 545].

o) There cannot be reservation of a vacancy till such time as the applicant becomes a major after a number of years, unless there are some specific provisions [see Sanjay Kumar v. State of Bihar (2000) 7 SCC 192].

p) Grant of family pension or payment of terminal benefits cannot be treated as substitute for providing employment assistance. Also, it is only in rare cases and that too if provided by the scheme for compassionate appointment and not otherwise, that a dependent who was a minor on the date of death/incapacitation, can be considered for appointment upon attaining majority [see Canara Bank (supra)]

q) An appointment on compassionate ground made many years after the death/incapacitation of the employee or without due consideration of the financial resources available to the dependent of the deceased/incapacitated employee would be directly in conflict with Articles 14 and 16 of the Constitution [see National Institute of Technology v. Niraj Kumar Singh (2007) 2 SCC 481].

r) Dependents if gainfully employed cannot be considered [see Haryana Public Service Commission v. Harinder Singh (1998) 5 SCC 452].

s) The retiral benefits received by the heirs of the deceased employee are to be taken into consideration to determine if the family of the deceased is left in penury. The court cannot dilute the criterion of penury to one of “not very well-to-do”. [see General Manager (D and PB) v. Kunti Tiwary (2004) 7 SCC 271].

t) Financial condition of the family of the deceased employee, allegedly in distress or penury, has to be evaluated or else the object of the scheme would stand defeated inasmuch as in such an eventuality, any and every dependent of an employee dying-in- harness would claim employment as if public employment is heritable [see Union of India v. Shashank Goswami (2012) 11 SCC 307 , Union Bank of India v. M. T. Latheesh (2006) 7 SCC 350, National Hydroelectric Power Corporation v. Nank Chand (2004) 12 SCC 487 and Punjab National Bank v. Ashwini Kumar Taneja (2004) 7 SCC 265].

u) The terminal benefits, investments, monthly family income including the family pension and income of family from other sources, viz. agricultural land were rightly taken into consideration by the authority to decide whether the family is living in penury. [see Somvir Singh (supra)].

v) The benefits received by widow of deceased employee under Family Benefit Scheme assuring monthly payment cannot stand in her wayfor compassionate appointment. Family Benefit Scheme cannot be equated with benefits of compassionate appointment. [see Balbir Kaur v. SAIL (2000) 6 SCC 493]

w) The fixation of an income slab is, in fact, a measure which dilutes the element of arbitrariness. While, undoubtedly, the facts of each individual case have to be borne in mind in taking a decision, the fixation of an income slab subserves the purpose of bringing objectivity and uniformity in the process of decision making. [see State of H.P. v. Shashi Kumar (2019) 3 SCC 653].

x) Courts cannot confer benediction impelled by sympathetic consideration [see Life Insurance Corporation of India v. Asha Ramchandra Ambekar (1994) 2 SCC 718].

y) Courts cannot allow compassionate appointment dehors the statutory regulations/instructions. Hardship of the candidate does not entitle him to appointment dehors such regulations/instructions [see SBI v. Jaspal Kaur (2007) 9 SCC 571].

z) An employer cannot be compelled to make an appointment on compassionate ground contrary to its policy [see Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan v. Dharmendra Sharma (2007) 8 SCC 148].

Also from the judgment - Compassionate Appointment To Be Granted Only In “Hand-to-Mouth” Cases, Not Due To Mere Fall In Life Standard : Supreme Court

Compassionate Appointment : Supreme Court Flags Conflicting Judgments On Whether Scheme Prevalent On Date Of Death Or Date Of Consideration Applies

Case Name: CANARA BANK VERSUS AJITHKUMAR G. K., CIVIL APPEAL NO. 255 OF 2025

Citation : 2025 LiveLaw (SC) 187

Stop Periyar univ interview, govt urged

Stop Periyar univ interview, govt urged

TNN | Feb 19, 2025, 04.00 AM IST

Salem: Educationalists on Tuesday urged the state govt to take steps to cancel the interview scheduled by Periyar University on March 1 for the registrar post.

The state govt had in a 2017 directive to all universities advised vice-chancellors against making any appointments or policy decisions within three months of the end of their term.

Pointing out that Periyar University vice-chancellor R Jagannathan’s term would end on May 19, educationalists said the interview for the registrar post was being scheduled just two months and 18 days before the end of the VC’s tenure.

V Vaithyanathan, member, national executive committee of All India University and College Teachers’ Federation, said the VC, who was facing a probe into various corruption charges, was moving forward with the interview plans without any regard for the directive.

“This action is unacceptable and violates the govt order.”

When contacted, Jagannathan declined to comment on the matter, questioning the relevance of a letter from 2017.

“What will I comment on the letter?” he asked, refusing to elaborate.```

Uber scraps commission, leaves fare negotiation to passengers

Uber scraps commission, leaves fare negotiation to passengers

Feb 19, 2025, 04.01 AM IST

Chennai: Uber made a major change in its fare model by scrapping commission charges for auto drivers and switching to a fixed subscription-fee system, similar to Namma Yatri and Rapido. More significantly, fares displayed in the app will be only suggestive, with final pricing left to direct negotiation between drivers and passengers, as the platform will no longer intervene in fare disputes.

In a notification on Tuesday, the platform said it will now act only as a tech intermediary between passengers and drivers. An Uber spokesperson said the shift aligns with the industry-wide move towards subscription-based models and ensures the company remains competitive. However, Uber did not disclose how much will be charged as a daily subscription or platform fee from its drivers from this month-end.

Auto drivers on other platforms currently pay 25 to 30 per shift, after which they retain the full fare collected from passengers. There are no commission deductions, no cap on the number of trips and earnings depend entirely on workload. Previously, Uber deducted 15% to 40% per ride, leading to discontent and a partial boycott in Chennai.

Also, Tuesday’s notification said that Uber suggests a fare, but the final amount is decided by the driver and customer. Passengers will have the option to walk away from a ride with no cancellation charges if they do not agree on a fare. Uber advised riders to discuss concerns directly with drivers.

Additionally, all payments must now be made directly to the driver in cash or via UPI. Digital payment options such as credit/debit cards, Uber-integrated UPI payments and Uber credits will no longer be available. Promotions and discounts will also not apply to auto rides.

With Uber stepping back, booking an auto through the app is now like hailing one from the street. "Fare control is gone, leaving passengers, especially newcomers, vulnerable to overcharging," said D Ramakrishnan, a resident-activist from Adambakkam.

Uber, however, said it would continue to address safety concerns.This story had continued from a page 1 story in the newspaper. For your reading convenience we have added it below.

Passengers, drivers to fix Uber auto fares

Uber on Tuesday announced changes in its fare model scrapping commission charges for auto drivers and switching to a fixed subscription-fee system, similar to Namma Yatri and Rapido, reports Ram Sundaram. Fares displayed in the app will be only suggestive, with final pricing to be negotiated between drivers and passengers. The platform will no longer intervene in fare disputes. An Uber spokesperson said the shift aligns with the industry-wide move towards subscription-based models.

NMC distances from non-payment of stipend by private medical colleges

NMC distances from non-payment of stipend by private medical colleges

The violation attracts withholding and withdrawal of accreditation 

for five academic years and a penalty of Rs 1 crore.

National Medical Commission.

Kavita Bajeli-Datt

Updated on:

17 Feb 2025, 7:26 am

 

NEW DELHI: The National Medical Commission (NMC) has washed off its hands on the issue of non-payment of stipends by 198 medical colleges and institutions to its undergraduate interns, postgraduate residents, and senior residents.

Instead, they have said that the states where these medical colleges and institutions are located are responsible, an RTI has revealed.

This is despite the fact that NMC regulations clearly state that if any regulation, including non-payment of stipends to interns and postgraduate students, is violated, several steps can be taken against the erring medical college and institution.

The violation attracts withholding and withdrawal of accreditation for five academic years and a penalty of Rs. 1 crore.

Speaking with this TNIE, Union Health Minister JP Nadda also said that states are responsible for paying stipends to postgraduate residents. He, however, said that if the non-payment of stipends is brought to their attention, they will act on it.

Responding to an RTI filed by activist Dr K V Babu on the status of the action taken against stipend-non-paying colleges by the Undergraduate Medical Education Board (UGMEB), the NMC said, “It is also informed that NMC is the regulatory body which issues guidelines and regulations from time to time.”

“Implementing the guidelines/instruction/advisory is solely at the discretion of the concerned state authorities under which the medical college/institute is located. However, collecting data on a stipend is in process," the reply, dated February 10, said.

Following Supreme Court direction, the NMC issued show cause notices to 115 government and 83 private colleges and institutions last November, which this paper reported first, for non-submission of the details of stipends paid to undergraduate interns, PG residents, and senior residents or PGs in super speciality colleges and institutions.

However, despite issuing show-cause notices to these medical colleges, no action has been taken against them.

"Though the NMC issued show cause notices to 198 medical colleges for not submitting the stipend details paid to post graduates and interns and resident doctors, they have been evasive regarding their actions against these non-paying medical colleges. They have now stated that it is the discretion of state authorities!,” Kerala-based Dr Babu told this paper.

He further said that the regulations gazetted by the NMC in September 2023 regarding actions that they can take clearly state that monetary penalties up to Rs.1 crore can be imposed for non-compliance of the regulations.

“NMC can even withhold accreditation for five years. I had been repeatedly saying that the NMC is solely responsible for non-compliance of regulations by private medical colleges regarding stipend for interns and resident doctors," said Dr Babu, who has filed several RTIs on the issue of non-payment of stipend to interns.

Dr Babu also wrote to Nadda on this issue on January 29 and urged him to look into the matter and intervene under Section 45 of the NMC Act, which gives the central government the power to issue policy directions to the Commission and Autonomous Boards.

Various resident doctor associations, including FAIMA and FORDA, have raised the issue of non-payment of stipends multiple times.

The NMC conducted a survey on the directions of NHRC in 2023 to ascertain the amount paid to UG/PG students in 2023.

The survey showed that of the over 7,000 PG students, 2,000 did not receive stipends, most of which were from private colleges.

The survey also revealed that 1,228 students who were getting stipends from the colleges were asked to return them by the management.

Dr Babu said he had filed an RTI on January 13 and had sought copies of the notices issued to the medical colleges asking its post graduates to return the stipend.

In the RTI reply, dated February 15, he was told that no notices were issued and only an advisory was issued to these medical colleges.

Counselling for docs may begin on Fri: Ma Su

Counselling for docs may begin on Fri: Ma Su

TNN | Feb 18, 2025, 03.57 AM IST

Chennai: Candidates selected by the medical recruitment board will be called for counselling ahead of job postings by Friday, and appointment letters will be handed over to them by Feb end, health minister Ma Subramanian said on Monday.

Based on the exam conducted by the board in Jan, 4,586 doctors were called for certificate verification between Feb 12 and 15. Officials said 557 candidates (12%) who did not turn up during the verification process will be removed from the list. “A few other candidates who have not submitted the required documents will be waitlisted,” a senior MRB official said. The board will prepare vacancies considering 69% reservation and vertical reservation including quotas for women, ex-servicemen, and persons with disabilities.

Allotments will be made during counselling based on the order of merit in the examination and the rule of reservation. Allotments will be provided to waitlisted candidates, but they will receive the job order only aftercertificate verification is completed, the officials said.Counselling is likely to begin on Friday, the minister said. More than 1,000 doctors recruited to 20 districts with high vacancy levels will be given the option to secure transfer before posting new list of doctors.

NMC forms SEC to match the PG curriculum with WFME standards

NMC forms SEC to match the PG curriculum with WFME standards

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 17.02.2025

The Post-Graduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) under the NMC plans to constitute a Specialty Expert Committee (SEC) for each medical branch. The step has been taken to enhance the quality and maintain uniformity of postgraduate medical education in all medical colleges offering MD and DNB courses. NMC decided to form SEC to match the standards of Indian PG medical education with the global levels as suggested by the World Federation for Medical Education (WFME). 

The curricula for all MD and DNB courses were last tweaked in 2020 after a gap of 20 years. The NMC has invited applications from experts in various medical specialities to contribute their expertise to designing the curricula and streamlining working and teaching conditions at the PG level. Updating syllabus By involving key academics and administrators, the SEC aims to understand the challenges faced by PG students and address other academic requirements under each specialty including Internal Medicine, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Cardiology, Dermatology, Neurology, Orthopedics, Radiology, and more.

Dr B Srinivas, secretary, NMC, says, “The WFME and NMC have a contract that grants the NMC, WFME recognition status; according to that 10-year-long contract, NMC has to ensure that medical institutions in India meet the international standards for accreditation. After the formation of SEC, all medical colleges across the country will be required to follow a standardised curriculum for each specialty in DNB and MD courses.” To achieve this, SEC members from across the country will collaborate to develop a curriculum that aligns with all colleges and universities and at the same time follow WFME standards.

Rise in CBSE students opting for vocational subjects in class X, XII

Rise in CBSE students opting for vocational subjects in class X, XII

Introduction of subjects including AI, IT, tourism, yoga, and physical training has piqued their interest 

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 17.02.2025

There has been a substantial increase in students picking vocational subjects in CBSE schools in the last three years. Introduced in the 2019 board exams, the numbers have risen from 7,72,419 students in 9,534 schools in 2021-22 to 17,13,213 students from 23,752 schools in 2024-25. 

CBSE attributes the rise to the introduction of occupation-based skills such as IT, AI, Physical Activity Training, Tourism, Beauty and Wellness, Yoga, Retail, and Marketing, which invited greater student involvement. 

CBSE noticed more participation in class X than in class XII as students focused their attention on competitive exams. Currently, CBSE offers 34 skill modules for students from class VI onwards, in addition to the 22 skill subjects in classes IX and X and 43 skill subjects in classes XI and XII. Growing numbers According to the data, in the 2024-25 academic year, around 17,13,213 students from 23,752 schools participated in at least one vocational subject in class X. There was massive interest for IT subject which was opted by 7,72,419 students in 9,534 schools in 2021-22 increasing to 11,66,492 students in 15,384 schools in 2024-25. The subject involving investment covered in ‘Introduction to Financial Markets’ has also seen student interest as the number grew from 7,906 students in 195 schools in 2021-22 to 16,671 students in 359 schools in 2024-25. 

However, the most popular subjects, such as IT, AI, Tourism, and Marketing, have seen a decline in growth rates in class XII. Speaking to Education Times, Biswajit Saha, director, Skill Education and Training, CBSE, says, “In classes IX and X, students have shown greater interest in certain vocational subjects. However, in classes XI and XII, we have observed a dip as students shift their focus to preparing for competitive exams including NEET, JEE, CLAT, for college admissions. CBSE is working on strategies to improve student retention in vocational subjects at schools.” The skill subjects offered in classes IX to XII by CBSE are designed to align with industry demand as described under the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF). These vocational subjects provide secondary school students with the competency levels required for various occupations. Explaining the growth in tourism as a vocational subject, Saha says, “Under the Ministry of Tourism, some government-funded schools in potential tourism-based states such as Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar, and Delhi have received aid to establish skill labs, especially to run hospitality-based courses.” Practical exposure To impart essential skills to students, the National Council for Vocational Education and Training (NCVET) and the AICTE have been working on developing laboratories, including IT Labs, Composite Science Labs, and separate Physics, Chemistry, and Maths labs in schools.

 “Since August 2024, the board has established around 70 Composite Skill Labs in six categories of central government schools, including Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS), Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti (NVS), Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNV), Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS), PM Shree Schools across states and UTs. The board has also set up Atal Tinkering Labs (ATLs) in more than 10,000 schools across the country. The CBSE initiative has helped in setting up around 100 Agile ATLs in the northeastern states, Leh-Ladakh, Andaman, and Delhi. These labs provide practical exposure to students in both skill-based and STEM vocational subjects,” says Saha

SWAYAM courses suffer high attrition and low completion rates

SWAYAM courses suffer high attrition and low completion rates

 Lack of investments in digital infrastructure, tough exit exams and long classroom sessions with no guaranteed immediate benefit to the learner could be the key reasons 

Rajlakshmi.Ghosh@timesofindia.com 17.02.2025

Less than 4% of students enrolled for SWAYAM courses have completed the programme since 2017, revealed a parliamentary panel committee report released recently. With complaints including outdated content, inflexible teaching, and poor infrastructure being cited as key reasons, questions are being raised about the efficacy of the courses to upskill learners from class IX to the postgraduate level. Experts claim that the large number of dropouts and the low completion rates are due to the lack of investments in digital infrastructure, tough exit exams and boring classroom sessions that make tech intervention a dire necessity. What the courses entail All the courses are interactive and available free of cost, though general citizens wanting a SWAYAM certificate must register for the final proctored exams for a fee and attend in person at designated centres on specified dates. 

Eligibility for the certificate is announced on the course page, and learners will get certificates only if their criteria match. “However, post the UGC’s new framework for SWAYAM courses in August last year enabling universities to conduct exams for SWAYAM courses, students will now take exams at their universities without any cost. Once the students clear the exam, the credits of the courses can be used in their university programme. Should the students fail, a supplementary exam will be conducted by the university at no cost to the learners,” BJ Rao, vice-chancellor, University of Hyderabad, says. 

With the two key deterrents of certificate fee payment and absence of supplementary ex ams being ironed out, students are more likely to complete the courses, reaping the benefits of a flexible learning system. But then, not every academic is convinced. “Unlike in the IITs where the barrier is a tough entrance exam (JEE Advanced), in SWAYAM courses–90% of which are developed by IIT faculty–the challenge lies at the exit level where learners’ ability to grasp topics is tested through proctored exams which act as quality filters. Even though tens of thousands of learners may enrol for these courses, not many want to complete it, simply because they aim to gain knowledge and not necessarily to collect certificates, which is often the case with working professionals,” says V Ram Gopal Rao, vicechancellor, BITS Pilani Group and former director, IIT Delhi. 

According to the parliamentary committee report, teachers who are engaged in imparting lessons report inadequate training, low compensation, and technical issues while recording Swayam lectures. There is an urgent need to make the classes more interesting and prevent high dropout rates, adds Rao. “Leaners constantly complain about monotonous classes where PowerPoint presentations by professors may not help retain students’ interest. This makes the need for tech interventions involving 3D animations, AR/VR platforms all the more relevant, to clarify concepts and improve content delivery,” he says. Mapping recruiters with students The parliamentary commit tee further observed that digital initiatives in education would only provide a lukewarm response in terms of engagement unless the Union education ministry proactively helped learners with placement opportunities wherever possible or set up a platform associated with SWAYAM for connecting recruiters to students. 

With rapid development in technology and AI tools to prepare students for mock interviews and personality training, the idea of a platform to map recruiters with students can be achieved, says Rao. Dealing with the divide Linking the courses with job prospects is not a suitable idea as every course cannot be mapped to a job since pla cement is an integrated outcome of the learning and skilling of the student, says BJ Rao. Increasing internet penetration in the country will ensure better inclusivity and continuity of learning in the rural belt, he adds. PV Navaneethakrishnan, former professor and director of Entrance Exams and Admission, Anna University, Chennai, counters, “The low percentages of SC/ST (4%) and OBC (7%) students having internet-enabled computers according to Oxfam India 2022, and as pointed out by the parliamentary panel, is indicative that the digital divide still exists. Along with this, the urbanrural divide also contributes to the attrition among SWAYAM learners. Since the online

scheme is not familiar or easily accessible to the underprivileged, the system should include periodical offline classes and tutorials with subject experts at convenient locations. This will inculcate in them a sense of belonging and induce confidence in the usefulness of the pursuit. Admissions based on a formal aptitude test will also help reduce the dropout rate.” It is important to reconcile with the fact that not all registrants are serious about completing the courses, particularly since the programmes are free, cost nothing on dropping out, often long and with no guaranteed immediate benefit. “For many, the initial enthusiasm may wear out with the increasing stress of studies as the course progresses. This is an inherent drawback of many online courses, and not just SWAYAM,” Navaneethakrishnan adds

4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Delhi, Strong Tremors Felt Across North India

4.0 Magnitude Earthquake Hits Delhi, Strong Tremors Felt Across North India

Delhi Earthquake 

.Divyam Sharma

India News

Feb 17, 2025 06:58 am IST

Published On Feb 17, 2025 05:47 am IST

Delhi Earthquake

Today: People rushed out of their houses after strong earthquake tremors in Delhi-NCR New Delhi:

Strong tremors were felt in Delhi and its adjoining areas at 5:36 am today after a 4.0-magnitude earthquake struck the national capital.

The National Centre for Seismology, the nodal agency of the Government of India for monitoring earthquake activity in the country, said in an update that tremors were felt across north India, with Delhi as the epicentre. The quake's depth was just 5 km.

The epicentre was near Durgabai Deshmukh College of Special Education in Dhaula Kuan, an official told the news agency PTI.

That region, which has a lake nearby, has been experiencing smaller, low-magnitude quakes once every two to three years. It recorded an earthquake of 3.3 magnitude in 2015, he said.

The official also added that a loud sound was heard when the earthquake hit Delhi.

Acting Delhi Chief Minister Atishi said a "strong earthquake just hit" Delhi and prayed that everyone was safe.

So far, there have been no reports of injuries or casualties.

"Everything Was Shaking": Residents On Delhi Earthquake

A vendor at the New Delhi Railway Station said that "everything was shaking".

"Customers started screaming," he told the news agency ANI.

A passenger waiting for his train at the station said it felt like a train was "running here underground".

A resident of Ghaziabad said the tremors were "so strong" and that he had "never felt like this before".

"The entire building was shaking," he said. 

Why Delhi Is At High Risk Of Earthquakes

Delhi is prone to earthquakes as it is located in a high seismic zone (zone IV) of the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) seismic zonation map.

On January 23, strong tremors were felt across Delhi-NCR after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake struck China's Xinjiang at a depth of 80 kilometres.

Two weeks before that, mild tremors were last felt in Delhi and nearby areas on January 11 after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck Afghanistan.

வாழ்வதில் இருக்கிறது வாழ்க்கை

 வாழ்வதில் இருக்கிறது வாழ்க்கை

வீடென்பது குற்றங்களின் கூடாரம் ஆகிவிடக்கூடாது; அங்கே நிகழும் தவறுகளைக் குற்றங்கள் ஆகிவிடாமல் முன்னறிந்து காத்துக் கொள்வதில்தான் வாழும் கலை உள்ளது.

கிருங்கை சேதுபதி Updated on: 11 பிப்ரவரி 2025, 1:59 am 

தொகுப்பாய்ப் பல குடும்பங்கள் வாழும் பெரியதொரு அடுக்ககத்தில் ஒரு பொதுவிழா. வழக்கமான பட்டிமன்றம், வழக்காடு மன்றம், சிரிப்புச் சொற்பொழிவு எதுவுமில்லாமல் எல்லோருக்கும் மகிழ்வுதரும் ஒரு நிகழ்வாகப் பொதுக் கலந்துரையாடல் நிகழ்வை ஏற்பாடு செய்து நடுவா் என்ற பொறுப்புக்கு மறுதலையாக- இணைப்பாளராக இருப்பது என் பணி.  சில கேள்விகள், சிந்தனைகள், அனுபவ விளக்கங்கள் கொண்டு சில சிக்கல்களுக்குத் தீா்வுகள் என்பதாக விரியும் இந்தக் கலந்துரையாடல் நிகழ்வில் பாா்வையாளா்கள் எவரும் பங்கேற்கலாம் என்பது பொது விதி. ‘

இப்போது கூட்டுக் குடும்பம் சாத்தியமா?’ என்கிற பொது வினாவுக்குப் பதில் அளிக்க வந்த ஒருவா் ‘தனது குடும்பம் கூட்டுக் குடும்பம்’ என்று சொன்னாா். பலத்த கரவொலி. ஓய்ந்தபின் என் கேள்வி. ‘உங்கள் குடும்ப உறுப்பினா்கள் யாா்? யாா்?’ அவரது பதில், ‘நான், என் மனைவி, மகள்’. மீண்டும் கரவொலி, அப்போதுதான் நானும் ஒரு புதுத் தகவலைப் புரிந்து கொண்டேன். இக்காலத்தில் கணவனும் மனைவியும் சோ்ந்து வாழ்ந்தாலே அதுதான் கூட்டுக் குடும்பம். கூடவே வாரிசுகளும் இருந்தால், அது பெரிய குடும்பம். 

சுற்றம் சூழ வாழ்ந்த அக்காலக் கூட்டுக் குடும்பங்களின் பொதுத்தன்மையை, இவா்களால் கற்பனை செய்துகொள்வது கூட முடியாது. ஆனாலும், ஓா் ஆறுதல், ஒருவகையில் ஒரு பொது கூட்டுக் குடும்பமாக இத்தகு அடுக்கக வாழ்க்கை அமைந்திருக்கிறது. 

இதுவும் ஒருவகையில், சமத்துவபுரம் தான்.  இதற்குள்ளும் ஜாதி இருக்கிறது. மதம் இருக்கிறது. பொருளாதார நிலை வேறுபாடு இருக்கிறது. எப்படிப்பட்ட தனித்துவம் இருந்தாலும், அவற்றுக்குள் ஒரு பொதுத்துவம் தோன்றிவிடுவது இயற்கை. அதுபோல், ஒரு பொதுநிலைக்குள் ஒரு தனிநிலை உருவாகிவிடுவதுமுண்டு. 

ஒரு புதிய அனுபவம் அன்று எனக்கு வாய்த்தது. சிற்றூா்களில், குறு நகரங்களில் கூட்டுக் குடும்ப வாழ்க்கையில், மாமனாா், மாமியாா், நாத்தனாா், கொழுந்தனாா் உள்ளிட்ட உறவுகளோடு கூடி வாழ்ந்துவிட்டு, இப்போது தன் மகள், மகனுடன் இத்தகு கூட்டு வாழ்க்கையில் ஒடுங்கிவிடுகிற முதுமையாளா்களின் உணா்வுகளை, மெய்ப்பாடுகளைத் தெரிந்துகொள்ள முடிந்தது. முந்தையக் கூட்டுக் குடும்பம் என்பது ஒரு பல்கலைக்கழகம் போல பரந்து விரிந்தது. அது கூடி வாழ்ந்த கூட்டு வாழ்க்கை. தற்போதையது ஒரு கூண்டுக்குள் அடைபட்ட தனி வாழ்க்கை. 

வாழ்நாள் முழுவதும் கற்றுக்கொள்கிற மனநிலையாளா்களுக்கு இதுவொரு வரம். கற்றுக் கொடுக்க வேண்டும் என்ற கருத்துடையோருக்கு இது ஒரு சவால். 

இந்த நிலையில் பிள்ளைகளின், பேரக் குழந்தைகளின் மனப்போக்கைப் புரிந்துகொண்டு, அதற்கேற்பத் தம்மை மாற்றிக்கொள்வது புத்திசாலித்தனம் என்று உணா்ந்துகொள்பவா்கள் தப்பித்துக் கொள்கிறாா்கள். இன்னமும் தன் முந்தைய தகுதிப்பாட்டை வைத்துக்கொண்டு அறிவுரை சொல்கிறவா்களை, அலட்சியம் செய்துவிடுகிறாா்கள். அது உடல்சாா் பிணிகளைவிட, மனம் சாா்ந்த நோய்களை உற்பத்தி செய்துவிடுகிறது. 

நிதிநிலை சாா்ந்த நெருக்கடிகள், கசப்பான வாா்த்தைகளைக் கக்க வைத்துவிடுகின்றன. திட்டமிட்ட கடமைகளை நிறைவேற்ற முடியாமல், எதிா்பாராது வரும் நேர நெருக்கடிகள், சொற்களில் சூடேற்றிவிடுகின்றன. பொசுங்கிப்போகிறது மனம். சொன்னவா்களுக்கு வருத்தம். கேட்டவா்களுக்குத் துன்பம். பொறுத்துக்கொள்ள முடியாதவா்களுக்கும், பொறுத்துக் கொண்டு இருப்பவா்களுக்கும் இடையில் நேரும் தா்மசங்கடம் இருக்கிறதே, அது சில புதிய சிக்கல்களையும் உருவாக்கிவிடுகிறது. வாழ்ந்த காலத்து நினைவுகளில் மூழ்கிப் போகிறபோது வாழும் காலத்து நிகழ்வுகள் மங்கிப் போகின்றன. இருக்கும் இடம், கிழமை, பொழுது, உறவுகள் எல்லாமும் மறந்துவிடுகின்றன. இந்த அனுபவங்களை இடைப்பட்ட வயதினா் நுட்பமாகக் கற்றுக் கொண்டுவிட்டால் மிகவும் நல்லது

 இத்தகு நிலைகளில் சிக்கிக் கொள்ளாமல் விடுபட்டுக் கொள்ள வழிவகை தேடும் கருத்தாக்கங்களை அவரவா் அனுபவத்தின்வழி பெறுவதற்கான உரையாடலைத் தொடங்கினேன். அது சின்னச் சின்ன கேள்விகளில் மெல்லத் தொடங்கியது.

‘காலையில என்ன சாப்பிட்டீங்க?’

பொதுவெளியில் அறிமுகம் இல்லாத ஒரு புதிய மனிதரின் கேள்விக்கு, விவரம் அறியாத பாப்பா விழித்துக்கொண்டு பெற்றோரைப் பாா்க்குமே, அப்படி ஒரு பாா்வை அவா்களையும் அறியாமல், தன் மகள் அல்லது மருமகள் பக்கம் போனது.

அதுபோல், மற்றுமொரு கேள்வி, ‘போன விடுமுறைக்கு எங்கே போனீங்க?’ இதற்கு அவா்களின் பாா்வை, தன் மகன் அல்லது மருமகன் பக்கம் போனது.

நினைவு மறதியும் ஒரு காரணம் என்று சொல்லாமலே புரிந்துகொள்ளலாம். அப்படி ஒரு குழந்தையாய், தன்னை உணா்கிற தேவை அவா்களுக்கு அவசியம் தேவை. தானே புரிந்துகொண்டு அந்த நிலைக்குத் தன்னைத் தயாா்படுத்திக் கொள்பவா்கள் இருக்கிறாா்கள். அல்லது காலம் அவா்களை அந்த நிலைக்கு உட்படுத்திவிடுகிறது. இதை பெரியவா்களைக் காட்டிலும், வீட்டில் இருப்பவா்கள் புரிந்துகொண்டுவிட்டால், அந்த வீட்டில் அமைதியின் நடனம் அற்புதமாய் இருக்கும்.சாமா்த்தியம் மிகுந்த பெரியவா்களிடம் இருந்து, அப்போது நான் உணா்ந்து கொண்ட உண்மைகள் பலருக்கும் பாடங்களாய் அமைபவை.

விதிமுறைகள் நன்றாகத் தெரிந்த அம்மாவுடன் விதிமுறைகள் கற்று விளையாடத் தொடங்கும் சிறு குழந்தையின் ஆா்வம் இருக்கிறதே, அதுபோன்ற நிலைப்பாடு அது. தன் காலத்தில் கிட்டாத கைப்பேசிக் கருவியின் நுட்பங்களை, தன் பேரப்பிள்ளைகள்வழி பெரியவா்கள் கற்றுக்கொள்கிறாா்கள். தன் காலத்தில் கிட்டாத பல வாழ்வியல் அனுபவங்களையும் கற்றுக்கொள்ள வாய்ப்பளிக்கிறது. 

தெரிந்தே தோற்று, தன்னை வெற்றிபெற வைக்கும் அம்மாவின் தியாகம் அப்போது புரியாது பிள்ளைக்கு. அந்த மகிழ்ச்சிக்கு என்ன கொடுத்தாலும் தகும் என்பதை நுண்ணியதாய் உணா்ந்த அம்மா, தன் தியாகம் ஒடுக்கி, அறிவறிந்த அறியாமையில் பெறும் ஆனந்தம் இருக்கிறதே, அது ஈன்றபொழுதிற் பெரிதுவக்கும் பழைய குறுகிய ஆனந்தம். 

அதுபோல், எந்த தந்தையின் வெற்றியும் முதலில் தன் சொந்த மகனிடம் தோற்றுப்போவதே என்பதைப் புரிந்துகொள்வது ஒரு பக்குவம். இது படிப்பறிவுக்குக் கிட்டாத பாடம். பட்டறிவு தருகிற ஞானம்.

தன்முனைப்பாகிய ‘ஈகோ’வைத் தொலைக்கும் இடம் வீடாக இருக்க வேண்டும். ‘குற்றம் பாா்க்கில் சுற்றம் இல்லை’ என்று அதனால்தான் சொல்லப்பட்டது; அதற்காக, வீடென்பது குற்றங்களின் கூடாரம் ஆகிவிடக்கூடாது; அங்கே நிகழும் தவறுகளைக் குற்றங்கள் ஆகிவிடாமல் முன்னறிந்து காத்துக் கொள்வதில்தான் வாழும் கலை உள்ளது.

ஒவ்வொரு வீடும், ஒரு நாட்டிற்கான குறும்படைப்புத்தான். அதற்கென்று அரசன், அரசி, அமைச்சன், பணியாள், பரிவாரங்கள் உண்டு. தனித்துவம் கெடாமல் கூடி வாழும் கலையைக் கற்றுக் கொடுக்கும் கூடாரம் வீடு.

தன் வீட்டில் தனக்கான இடம் எது என்பதைக் கற்றுக்கொள்வது முதற்பாடம். அது புறத்தேவைகளுக்கான இடம் மட்டுமன்று. அகத்தளவில் அவ்வீட்டில் தான் யாராக இருக்கிறோம் என்பதை முதலில் உணா்ந்துகொள்வதையும், அதனை முதலில் உணா்த்திவிடுவதிலும் இருக்கிறது தொடக்கநிலைக் கல்வி.

தன்னளவில் யாரும் மன்னா்தான். மகாராணிதான். பொதுவாழ்வில் அவா்கள் சில இடங்களில் மந்திரிகளாக இருக்கலாம். தளபதிகளாய்த் திகழலாம். தொண்டா்களாய் வாழலாம். ஆனால், குடிமக்கள் என்பதில் உறுதியாய் இருக்க வேண்டும். இந்த நிலைப்பாடுகளைச் சரியான வகையில் நியதிப்படுத்தத் தெரியாத நேரங்களில், இடங்களில்தான் சிக்கல்கள் நேருகின்றன.

தன் அலுவலகத்தில் எத்தகு உயா்பதவியில் ஒருவா் இருந்தாலும், ஓடும் பேருந்தில் ஏறிப் பயணிக்கும்போது, நடத்துநருக்கு முன் அவா் ஒரு பயணி. அவ்வளவுதானே? மருத்துவருக்கு முன் ஒரு நோயாளி. ஆசிரியருக்கு முன் ஒரு மாணவன். தந்தைக்கு முன் பிள்ளை. இப்படிச் சூழலுக்கு ஏற்ப, அமையும் பாத்திரத்தன்மைகளை உணா்ந்து அதற்கான நியதிகளைக் கடைப்பிடிக்கக் கற்றுக்கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்பதை, சைவ உணவு உண்ணும் மூத்தவா், கிராமத்துப் பெரியவா், ‘பாம்பு தின்கிற ஊருக்குப் போனால் நடுத்துண்டம் நமக்கு என்று உட்காா்ந்துவிட வேண்டும்’ என்றாா்.

 சிறு வயதில் கிடைக்கும் சலுகைகளை, வசதிகளைக் கடைசி வரைக்கும் எதிா்பாா்க்கும் உள்ளம் சவலைத் தன்மை உடையது. அதிலிருந்து பெரியவா்கள் தன்னை விடுவித்துக் கொள்ளவேண்டியது 

இப்போது, பெரியவா்களுக்கான நிலைப்பாட்டை, சிறுவா் சிறுமியா் எடுத்துக் கொள்கிறாா்கள். ‘அது அப்படியில்லே தாத்தா’, ‘இது இப்படித்தான் பாட்டி’ என்று மழலை மொழியில் புதிய வாழ்க்கைப் பாடம் நடத்துகிறாா்கள். 

நவீன வாழ்க்கையை நவீன முறையில் எதிா்கொள்வது நவீன மனிதா்களால்தானே முடியும்? மிகுதியும் இயந்திரங்களோடு பழகி, இயந்திரமயமாகிப் போன வாழ்வில் இதயங்கள் கொண்ட மனிதா்களாக இருப்பதில் பல சிக்கல்கள் இருக்கத்தான் செய்கின்றன என்பதை இதயபூா்வமாக உணா்ந்துகொண்டால் எல்லாம் எளிதாக-இனிமையாக இருக்கும் என்பது தெளிவானது.

எழுதுவதிலும், பேசுவதிலும், பாா்ப்பதிலும் இல்லாத வாழ்க்கை, வாழ்வதில் இருக்கிறது. உலகம் பலவிதம். அதில் ஒவ்வொருவரும் ஒரு தனி ரகம். ‘ஒரு மனிதன் ஒரு வீடு ஒரு உலகம்’ என்று எழுத்தாளா் ஜெயகாந்தனும், ‘லீலை இவ்வுலகு’ என்று மகாகவி பாரதியும் சும்மாவா சொன்னாா்கள்?

கட்டுரையாளா்:

எழுத்தாளா்.

NEWS TODAY 16.02.2025

 

For now, take affidavit route to register name change: HC

For now, take affidavit route to register name change: HC 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 16.02.2025

Bengaluru : The high court has said until adequate amendments are made to the Registration of Births and Deaths Act and the Rules regarding change of name of children, the authorities can adopt a procedure calling upon applicant-parents to give a sworn affidavit to the effect that they have changed the name of their ward on their own accord and request that the entries in the birth register be changed accordingly.

Justice NS Sanjay Gowda gave this direction while allowing a petition filed by a three-year-old boy, represented by his mother Deepika Bhat of Udupi. “It is, however, made clear that in case of deaths, the question of changing the name would not arise and hence, these directions would be inapplicable,” the judge added.

The petitioner had requested the registrar of births and deaths, Udupi, that his name be changed from Adhrith Bhat to Shrijith Bhat as the former was astrologically not proper. However, on Nov 4, 2023, an endorsement was issued rejecting the request, citing that neither the Act nor the Rules provide for the same. The endorsement was challenged before the high court. 

Justice Gowda noted that since there is no provision under the Act or the Rules for a change of name, a piquant situation has arisen which requires resolution in such a manner that neither authorities nor the applicants are prejudiced. In the absence of legislation prescribing a procedure for changing the name of a person and until a relevant law is enacted, parents could give a sworn affidavit to the effect that they have changed the name of the child on their own accord and the entries in the birth register be changed accordingly. 

“The authorities should verify the identity of the parents and proceed to incorpo rate the changed name in the register of births. The authorities, in order to ensure that there is no attempt to create a record for ulterior purposes, should make a remark in the register stating that the name of the child was changed subsequently pursuant to a request made by the parents,” the judge said, adding that the register would mention both the original and new names. “In fact, even in respect of an adult who seeks a change of name, the same procedure can be adopted,” Justice Gowda said, directing that the procedure he laid out be followed and name change be permitted in the register of births and deaths. 

With regard to the petitioner, the judge directed for entry in the register of births and also in the birth certificate to the effect that Adhrith Bhat is changed to Shrijith Bhat.

How pure are your daily food items? This kit can tell you in 5 minutes

How pure are your daily food items? This kit can tell you in 5 minutes

 Parth.Shastri@timesofindia.com  16.02.2025

Ahmedabad : Concerned about the quality of your daily food intake? A new rapid testing kit (RTK) developed by researchers at the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) enables quick detection of harmful additives and contaminants through strip and reagent based analysis within two to five minutes. These kits, designed for household application, are available at prices ranging from Rs 200 to Rs 500, according to officials.

Jayrajsinh Sarvaiya, associate professor at the School of Engineering and Technology at NFSU, said that while there are several kits available in the market, the development of RTK, which started about two years ago, was aimed at making a reliable kit applicable for a market like India. "Our focus was on segments such as milk and spices. The team has got a patent for liposomebased technique for one of the kits,” said Sarvaiya. “For example, urea is added to milk to improve the solids content and hydrogen peroxide to improve raw milk quality. While it may also occur in normal milk, its quantity is within permissible limits. Similarly, poorly-handled spices have aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) whereas some spices — especially turmeric and chilli powder – have addition of prohibited food dyes,” said Sarvaiya. 

The kit can be used both by industry and citizens’ 

The kits are designed to catch these frequently observed impurities. Similarly, if the food is claimed to be organic, it can be tested for urea concentrate,” Jayrajsinh Sarvaiya, associate 

professor at the School of Engineering and Technology at NFSU. Prof S O Junare, the campus director of NFSU Gandhinagar, said that the testing kits are regularly exhibited at food festivals and science fairs organized in Gujarat by the university. “It is affordable and easy to use. In the past few months, we have produced hundreds of such kits for various calibrations that can be used both by the industry and common citizens,” he said. “The kits come with a manual that provides the user guidance on how to use it. For example, in the milk testing kit, the user has to put four drops at the given points on the strip. If the strip changes colour — grey for starch, yellow for urea, orange for hydrogen peroxide — one can ascertain its presence,” said Sarvaiya. City-based physicians said that prolonged consumption of adulterated food items leads to health complications such as gastrointestinal issues, immunotoxicity and neurotoxicity among others.

Device to treat pain in cancer patients AT RGGGH

Device to treat pain in cancer patients AT RGGGH 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  16.02.2025

Chennai : A radiofrequency ablation (RFA) device, used to treat chronic pain in the neck, back, and joints, particularly in cancer patients, was inaugurated at Rajiv Gandhi Govt General Hospital. Funded by a donation from the administrator general and official trustee (AGOT), it was dedicated to the public by Justice S S Sundar. 

RFA therapy uses heat to destroy nerve tissue, thereby interrupting pain signals to the brain. “RFA is considered when other methods of treatment, such as pain medication and physical therapy, are not successful,” said health minister Ma Subramanian. The procedure involves inserting a needle-like probe into the target area, where radiofrequency waves generate heat to destroy the nerve tissue. “This therapy can cost up to ₹1 lakh in private hospitals. Patients at RGGH who found no relief from drugs such as morphine will now benefit from this,” he added. 

RGGH dean Dr E Thera-nirajan said the hospital submitted a request and made a presentation to the govt seeking funds for the RFA device. The AGOT board granted ₹42 lakh for the purchase. “RFA is a minimally invasive medical procedure used to treat a variety of conditions. Patients are likely to be pain-free for at least one year,” he said. The equipment can also be used to shrink or destroy tumours in vital organs such as the liver, lungs, and kidneys. Additionally, i t is used to treat irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias) by destroying small areas of heart tissue-causing the irregularities. “It is performed under local anaesthesia, and patients can usually go home the same day,” he said.

5-yr bar on PhD admissions at Raj univ; ‘high enrolment’ complaints

5-yr bar on PhD admissions at Raj univ; ‘high enrolment’ complaints

Yogita.Rao@timesofindia.com 15.02.2025

Mumbai : A university in Rajasthan, popular among Mumbai college teachers for securing PhDs, has been debarred by the University Grants Commission (UGC) from enrolling students in their PhD programmes for the next five years, starting 2025-26. Shri Jagdish prasad Jhabarmal Tibrewala University (JJTU) has also been asked to discontinue enrolling PhD students immediately. The private university from Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu is governed by laws of the Rajasthan state govt and was founded by Mumbai-based Shri Rajasthani Seva Sangh in 2009. 

The trust, which runs schools and colleges in Andheri, plans to appeal. One of the complaints against the university is they “awarded an unusually high number of PhDs during the period from 2016 to 2020”. The university awarded 1,830 PhD degrees in this period and 408 in 20-20. Another complaint alleged it appoints outside faculty as PhD guides. Teachers said several of its PhD guides earlier were from Mumbai colleges. 

The debarment notice came two days ago following the recommendation of UGC’s standing committee, which found that JJTU did not follow provisions of the commission’s PhD regulations. The university was given an opportunity to explain why it failed to comply with provisions of the UGC PhD regulations; however, the responses received from JJTU were not found satisfactory’. The  committee constituted to monitor whether universities are following the procedure and awarding PhD regulations is also to suggest corrective measures and recommend action to be taken against erring universities. A trustee, though, said there is always misconception about private universities. 

“The UGC has never capped the total number of students who enrol in PhD programmes; what it mentions is the research scholar per guide ratio, which is four for assistant professor, six for associate professor, and eight for professor. JJTU has been adhering to this norm. The only oversight on our part is that we did not submit the Rajasthan govt-appointed committee’s report from 2023 in the submissions to the UGC. The committee was given the list of guides from outside the university along with the in-house ones, and they raised no objection to the appointment of outside faculty,” said the trustee, adding they would submit the committee’s report and appeal to the UGC to reconsider the ban in the coming week. 

The Rajasthan govt set up the committee in 2023 after receiving complaints against the university for appointing higher numbers of PhD guides from outside the university, which was against UGC norms. The committee closed the complaints after an inquiry. JJTU is sought by aspiring college teachers and even those seeking promotions or better placement. 

A senior teacher said the university rose to popularity as there is higher demand from aspirants in Mumbai colleges. “Earlier, Mumbai University’s selection process and approvals from the research and recognition committees (RRC) used to take a longer time, and there were fewer guides for commerce subjects, and JJTU was seen as an easier alternative,” said the teacher, adding the university claims to follow all UGC norms. PhDs from JJTU, on some occasions, were not considered for Maharashtra’s career advancement schemes, said a Mumbai University official.