NEWS TODAY 17,18.4.2025

 

Med seats in TN may not increase, tough competition expected

Med seats in TN may not increase, tough competition expected

Pushpa.Narayan@timesofindia.com 18.04.2025

Chennai : The increase of 50 undergraduate medical seats each in govt medical colleges at Namakkal, Tirupur, and Virudhunagar has not happened yet this y ear because Tamil Nadu did n ot apply for it. Revised list of undergraduate medical colleges and seats for 2025 released by National Medical Commission shows no increase in MBBS seats for Tamil Nadu. This is expected to make admissions to undergraduate medical courses tougher this year, experts say. Directorate of Medical Education officials said the deadline for submitting applications for an increase in seats or starting new colleges expired before the state decided to seek an increase in seats. 

“We a sked for a short window to apply after the deadline, but could not,” said a senior health department official. However, on Wednesday, the state govt received a letter from the Centre asking if it wants to apply for an increase in seats or new medical colleges for 2025-26 a dmissions. “We have infrastructure to increase seats in all three medical colle ges. The state will decide if it wants to increase seats in other districts too,” the official said. 

The state now has 77 medical colleges — govt and private —offering 12,050 seats. While 32 of the 38 districts have at least one govt medical college, minister Ma Subramanian said the state’s policy is to have at least one medical college in every district. “This will not just increase seats but also ensure advanced medical care is accessible to the p oor,” he said.

 Meanwhile, various doctors’ bodies, including the Tamil Nadu Govt Doctors’Association, have urged the govt not to increase UG seats. Tamil Nadu has more than 1.8 lakh doctors registered in the medical council, and among them, 1.5 lakh are still practising. The state has one doctor for 600 people against the recommendation of one per 1,000, the association said. 

“In next 10 years, TN will have one doctor for every 350 people because every year 10,000 MBBS graduates and 1,500 foreign medical graduates apply for a medical licence. There is also a reduction in population,” said TNDGA president Dr K Senthil. “What we need is an increase in PG and superspeciality seats.”

US doctor warns against using DOLO-650, says it is not a 'candy':

US doctor warns against using DOLO-650, says it is not a 'candy': 

Liver, kidney-related side effects to know

etimes.in | Apr 16, 2025, 03.37 PM IST

Dolo-650. A name that rings louder than most medicines in Indian households. Whether it's a mild fever, a headache, even a bodyache or fatigue, this tiny white pill has been the nation’s go-to remedy. But there lies a story of overuse, misuse, and ignored warnings: One that doctors now believe needs urgent attention.

When a doctor's tweet sparked a debateIt took just one tweet to shine a spotlight on India’s pill-popping culture. US-based gastroenterologist Dr Palaniappan Manickam, also known as Dr Pal, tweeted, “Indians take Dolo-650 like it’s Cadbury Gems.” It was funny, yes—but also deeply true.

Indians take Dolo 650 like it's cadbury gems— Palaniappan Manickam (@drpal_manickam) April 14, 2025 The tweet went viral, and with it came thousands of confessions: people admitting to taking Dolo-650 not just for fever, but for tiredness, stress, or “just in case.” What began as a humorous comment quickly turned into a serious conversation.

Manufactured by Micro Labs Limited, Dolo-650 contains 650 mg of paracetamol—higher than the commonly known 500 mg dose. It became a household name during the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were advised to take paracetamol to manage vaccine side effects or mild symptoms.According to healthcare research firm IQVIA, Dolo-650 sales skyrocketed during the second wave of COVID-19. Its popularity even sparked social media memes, with people calling it “India’s favourite snack.”

But what many don’t realise is that frequent, unsupervised use of paracetamol can have serious consequences, especially on the liver.

What the doctors are saying: Not a candy, not harmless

Dr Pal, despite his humorous approach, gave a stark warning: That it’s not a candy. Frequent use can mask symptoms and delay proper diagnosis.

According to a review, paracetamol overdose remains a leading cause of acute liver failure globally. The liver’s job is to break down toxins—including medications. But too much paracetamol overwhelms it, leading to toxicity, inflammation, and in severe cases, liver failure.

In 2022, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed in the Supreme Court by the Federation of Medical and Sales Representatives Association of India accused the makers of Dolo-650 of distributing freebies worth ₹1,000 crore to doctors to promote the pill.

Even Justice D.Y. Chandrachud commented, “I was also asked to have the same when I had COVID. This is a serious issue.”

Self-medicating with painkillers can blur the lines between minor and serious symptoms. It might offer temporary relief but hides what’s actually happening inside the body. Fever, for example, is a sign of infection. Suppressing it without treating the root cause can delay treatment—and worsen outcomes.

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/health-news/us-doctor-warns-against-using-dolo-650-says-it-is-not-a-candy-liver-kidney-related-side-effects-to-know/articleshowprint/120339814.cms

Cash-strapped UoM may cut guest faculty number, maintenance costs

Cash-strapped UoM may cut guest faculty number, maintenance costs

University planning to bring down its expenditure by Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore a month; it has also proposed a 40% reduction in allocation of funds for maintenance of buildings.

University of Madras entrance.

Binita Jaiswal

Updated on:

15 Apr 2025, 8:24 am

CHENNAI: To tide over the financial crisis, the University of Madras (UoM) has proposed major deductions in its expenses for the academic year 2025-26. From reducing the number of guest faculty to cutting down on the building maintenance expenses in its various campuses by 40%, the varsity has chalked out a detailed blueprint to save money and has sent the proposal to the syndicate members for their remarks.

The university has also proposed cut in the revenue sharing between the university and the respective departments running self-financing courses from the existing 50:50 model to 70:30 model, thereby reducing the revenue of the departments.

Interestingly, the proposal has come after the delay in tabling the university’s budget for 2025-26.

“Every year on or before March 31, the budget for the entire year is tabled at the senate meeting. However, this year, the senate passed budget for April alone, amounting to Rs 19 crore. The state government’s finance department wants a further reduction in our budget estimate”, said a faculty member.

The faculty members and students have strongly criticised the move as it will worsen the condition of the varsity and take a toll on its quality of education.

Documents assessed by TNIE reveal that the varsity currently has 115 full-time guest lecturers and 46 part-time (hourly basis) guest faculty and it has been proposed to reduce the figure to 75 and 30, respectively. Similarly, the varsity has 221 clerical staff and 106 class IV outsourced employees in its five campuses, which it wants to reduce to 150 and 75 respectively in this academic year.

Adding to it, the varsity has proposed a 40% reduction in allocation of funds for maintenance of buildings in its five campuses in the budget estimate of 2025-26, as compared to last year. Likewise, a reduction of 30% towards the expenses of library (which is majorly meant for buying books and periodicals), a 20% cut in the maintenance of computers, laboratories and other stationary heads in various academic departments and a deduction of 30% towards funds spent on organising sports events and maintenance of grounds have been proposed.

On the proposed reduction of revenue from self-financing courses shared with departments, a faculty asked, “If our share is reduced to 30%, how will the self financing courses grow and upgrade itself as per industry needs?”

According to sources, the varsity spends nearly Rs 19 crore per month towards its expenses and with all these deductions they aim to bring down the expenditure by at least Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore a month.

Reacting strongly to the proposal, a senior faculty said, “Against the sanctioned strength of 536, the varsity currently has only 170 permanent faculty. We are somehow functioning with the help of guest lecturers, if the varsity will reduce their numbers also then how will the departments function.”

“Majority of the buildings are old and in dilapidated condition. By cutting down maintenance expenses, we are only inviting more trouble,” said another faculty member.

Senior officials of the university could not be reached for a comment.

Hyderabad: NMC directs all medical colleges to shift to face-based authentication to mark attendance

Hyderabad: NMC directs all medical colleges to shift to face-based authentication to mark attendance

At present, all private/ government medical colleges in the country are marking attendance of faculty and staff through AEBAS (Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System) system.

By Telangana Today

Published Date - 16 April 2025, 03:15 PM

At present, all private/ government medical colleges in the country are marking attendance of faculty and staff through AEBAS (Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System) system.

Hyderabad: The National Medical Commission (NMC), the regulatory authority of medical education in the Country, on Wednesday directed all medical college and institutions and shift to face-based Aadhar authentication to mark attendance from May 1, 2025.

At present, all private/ government medical colleges in the country are marking attendance of faculty and staff through AEBAS (Aadhar Enabled Biometric Attendance System) system.

To leverage the latest technology and to make attendance process user friendly, the NMC has decided to fully shift to face-based Aadhaar authentication for marking attendance from May 1, the NMC in a notification on Wednesday said.

The face based Aadhaar authentication with UIDAI RD (registered device) is currently in use in various Government offices through National Informatics Centre (NIC).

To smoothly implement face-based AEBAS attendance recording system, medical colleges have been directed to share their GPS location with NMC, which will enable to mark the attendance within 100 meter radius of given GPS location in the college.

Medical colleges will have to share the information to NMC through email id support.aebas@nmc.org.in by April 20, 2025, with signature and stamp of the Dean/ Principal of the College/Institute.

All medical colleges will have to install the face-based based Aadhaar Authentication App (mobile phone based), available in Android and Apple play store to their mobile phones.

The face authentication app will be activated from April 24 and medical colleges facing difficulties should bring to the notice of technical team before April 30, 2025.

Operational issues delay two Air India flights for five hours in Tamil Nadu

Operational issues delay two Air India flights for five hours in Tamil Nadu

Several passengers claimed they were asked to disembark from the flight, originally scheduled to take off at 11:20 am, after being kept on board for over 90 minutes.

Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Chennai International Airport on Tuesday after two Air India flights to Delhi and Mumbai were significantly delayed due to “operational issues”.(Photo | EPS)

Express News Service

Updated on:

16 Apr 2025, 8:37 am

CHENNAI: Hundreds of passengers were stranded at Chennai International Airport on Tuesday after two Air India flights to Delhi and Mumbai were significantly delayed due to “operational issues”.

Flight AI 2836 to Delhi was delayed by more than five hours. Several passengers claimed they were asked to disembark from the flight, originally scheduled to take off at 11:20 am, after being kept on board for over 90 minutes.

One traveller, S Kothandaraman, posted on X that the flight had been grounded due to “technical difficulties” and that the crew informed the passengers that they were waiting for a spare part from Delhi. “The announcement came at 11:53 am, after we had already been seated for more than an hour,” he wrote, estimating around 180 passengers were on board.

Air India later attributed the delay to “operational reasons”. The flight eventually departed around 5.06pm, according to a person familiar with the matter.

Another Air India flight, AI0574 scheduled for 11.40 am from Chennai to Mumbai, also experienced delay of over five hours. A source said the disruption stemmed from the incoming aircraft being grounded at its origin. Passengers were provided with meals and refreshments, he added.

Responding to the incident, an Air India spokesperson said, “We have accommodated passengers on alternate Air India flights.”

TN government reiterates all departments to issue GOs, circulars in Tamil

TN government reiterates all departments to issue GOs, circulars in Tamil

The G.O. pointed out that the replies sent to the letters written in Tamil by the public should also be in Tamil.

Tamil Nadu government logo(Photo | X)

T Muruganandham

Updated on:

16 Apr 2025, 3:58 pm

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government issued a government order (GO) on April 14, citing earlier orders, to reiterate to the secretaries of all departments, district collectors, and heads of departments to issue all government orders and circulars only in Tamil, except for certain categories that are exempted.

It also reiterated earlier orders to stress that all government employees should sign only in Tamil.

The GO assumes significance since Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking at a government function in Rameswaram on April 6, took a veiled jibe at the ruling DMK by saying that although he receives several letters from Tamil Nadu leaders, none bear signatures in Tamil. The PM said if they are truly proud of their language, they should at least sign their names in Tamil.

The GO issued by V Rajaraman, Secretary, Tamil Development and Information Department, said, all notes, memoranda, letters, office orders, and other forms of correspondence from the headquarters of departments to other departments and offices should only be in Tamil.

It said that the replies to letters from the public in Tamil should also be in Tamil. It further said GOs issued in English should be translated into Tamil.

The GO referred to past GOs issued by the department at least since 1963, indicating that the State has time and again issued orders in this regard, although they were not followed strictly in practice.

For instance, a GO issued on December 1, 1971, which is referenced in the present order, pointed out that a GO was issued on March 1,1963, for using Tamil - the official language - by all department headquarters and zonal offices with certain exceptions.

The 1971 GO also recalled another GO issued on December 27, 1969, which stressed the same. It specified the categories for which English would continue to be used, which included letters relating to financial transactions in treasuries, salaries, etc, letters written to the central government, offices in other States and courts, subjects which deal with highly technical issues, orders relating to appeal for legal issues, communication with foreign institutions, embassies, and entities which have their communication only in English.

Nursing, paramedical college affiliation goes online from Sept 1 to ensure transparency

Nursing, paramedical college affiliation goes online from Sept 1 to ensure transparency

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 16.04.2025

Indore : To steer clear of controversy and repeated complaints over affiliation to nursing and paramedical colleges, all state universities including Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya (DAVV) will conduct the entire process online between September 1 and October 15 to ensure transparency and efficiency. 

Regular classes for these courses are scheduled to begin on November 1. The revised academic framework was introduced in response to repeated complaints and irregularities in the functioning of nursing colleges in the state. 

A crucial meeting was held in Bhopal recently, involving senior officials from the Higher Education Department, Medical Education Department, and councils related to nursing and paramedical education. Key decisions were taken to bring uniformity and accountability in the affiliation and admission process. 

Under the new schedule, entrance examinations for nursing and paramedical courses will be conducted between May 15 and July 31. The counselling process and admission list finalisation will be completed from August 1 to October 15, aligning with the affiliation schedule of the universities. The Madhya Pradesh Nurses Registration Council and the Paramedical Council have been asked to submit detailed information on approved colleges, course offerings, and seat availability for the 2024–25 academic session to the Higher Education Department by April 30. 

Courses that will be impacted by these changes include BSc Nursing, MSc Nursing, Bachelor of Physiotherapy (BPT), Bachelor of Occupational Therapy (BOT), Bachelor and Diploma in Medical Lab Technology (BMLT and DMLT), among others. 

DAVV registrar Dr Ajay Verma confirmed that the university received the official instructions and will soon initiate the necessary steps. “We will begin the process as per the new guidelines and call meetings with the concerned  departments shortly,” he said. The move marks a shift towards greater transparency and uniformity in the functioning of healthrelated education institutions, with a strong focus on timely execution and online documentation. 

With this decision, DAVV will be able to conduct the exams for nursing colleges and provide affiliation to the colleges after a hiatus of 10 years, as the nursing colleges were shifted under the purview of Madhya Pradesh Medical Science University, Jabalpur. During this period, irregularities and discrepancies in several nursing colleges came to light, raising questions about their affiliation status.

How did you open customer’s locker without consent? U’khand HC to bank

How did you open customer’s locker without consent? U’khand HC to bank

Pankul.Sharma@timesofindia.com 16.04.2025

Dehradun : Uttarakhand high court on Tuesday asked a public sector bank to clarify which rules permit its officials to break open a customer’s locker without consent. It came after a complaint by an 86-year-old woman, Sushila Devi, who said her locker at the Bank of Baroda’s main branch in Dehradun was opened and jewellery removed in her absence in 2022. Her son, Anoop Kumar, said, “My mother kept 730 grams of gold and 950 grams of silver jewellery in the locker. Despite filing an FIR, police have not taken any action.” Kumar, the coholder, visited the bank in 2024 and discovered the locker had already been forced open. 

When he enquired about the contents, bank officials failed to give a satisfactory explanation, prompting him to file an FIR against them. Subsequently, an employee from the bank approached the court seeking to quash the FIR. His counsel said the locker was opened after multiple notices went unanswered, and that an inventory of contents was prepared and sealed at the head office. 

However, Kumar said they never received any such communication from the bank. “When I asked bank officials, they said the documents have been misplaced,” he told TOI. Kumar added that the jewellery included 21 ornaments “of high sentimental value”, some dating back to 1875. An FIR was registered in Jan this year at Dalanwala police station, alleging robbery by the concerned bank officials. During the hearing, justice Pankaj Purohit asked the bank staff ’s counsel to present the rules authorising forcible opening of locker and explain how the valuables would be returned to the complainant

‘Release PG medico’s certs as TN delayed bond service’

‘Release PG medico’s certs as TN delayed bond service’ 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 16.04.2025

Chennai : State govt cannot withhold the certificates of an in-service candidate who was not issued a bond service within the stipulated two-year period, Madras high court has said. It also directed the state to release the certificates of a candidate who was n ot allotted bond service even after the expiry of four years. Justice N Mala passed the order on a plea moved by H P Prince, seeking a direction to the Tamil Nadu govt to return his original certificates produced at the time of joining a postgraduate higher specialty course at Madras Medical College. 

According to the petitioner, he joined the super-specialty course of Doctor of Chirurgiae (MCh) in plastic and reconstructive surgery at Madras Medical College, Chennai. He completed the course in Dec 2020 and obtained the professional degree from Dr M G R Medical University on Dec 14, 2020, as a non-service postgraduate (higher speciality) of 2020 from Tamil Nadu.

He submitted that some of his colleagues were issued call letters for counselling on Dec 15, 2021, for 79 higher specialty non-service postgraduates of the 2020-2021 batches, but he was not issued the same. He understood that there was no post vacant in the postgraduate higher specialty qualification of MCh, and so he was not offered a posting, though he was ready to comply with the bond condition. 

Recording the submissions, the judge relied on a division bench judgment of the court, which held that the bond period is coterminous with the candidates concerned. Therefore, if within the bond period of two years no offer of employment is issued for whatever reason by the govt, then the candidates cannot be held for any further period and are hence entitled to the return of their certificates.

Teen riding two-wheeler leaves 76-year-old man bedridden

Teen riding two-wheeler leaves 76-year-old man bedridden

Sindhu.Kannan@timesofindia.com 16.04.2025

Chennai : A 76-year-old man, who once led an active life, now lies confined to his bed after being struck by a scooter driven by a minor at Saligramam. The minor, who caused the accident four days ago, has been sent to a juvenile home for violation of the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules and his mother was arrested and later released on bail. At 7.30pm on April 11, the victim, Sampath, a resident of Kambar Street, was on his way to buy some groceries when the accident took place. 

Eyewitnesses said Sampath was walking on the side of the road when the 16-yearold boy lost control of the vehicle and rammed him, flinging him into the air. Neighbours rushed to his aid and took him to a nearby private hospital, where he was kept under observation for two days. Sampath is now bedridden. Family said doctors have diagnosed him with a brain clot, a fractured nose and hand after the accident. "My father does not have any major health issues. He took care of me and my mother, Radha. This accident has turned our lives upside down," said his son, S R Chakaravarthy, a former video jockey and character artist. “He will have to use some medicines for the rest of his life,” he said. “Many teens fail to understand the gravity of such accidents. Lack of strict enforcement has allowed them to continue using vehicles without valid licences,” he said. 

The Pondy Bazaar traffic investigation wing regis tered an FIR and arrested the minor and his mother. While the teen was booked on the charges of rash and negligent driving and his mother was facing charges for allowing him to ride the vehicle. The boy has been sent to an observation home, while his mother was released on bail. Sampath's family says they are now grappling with mounting hospital bills. Chakaravarthy also expressed concern over the growing number of underage riders in his locality, urging police to take stricter action to prevent such incidents. 

Careful parents, you’ll be caught too 

Chennai : Parents or guardians can face up to three years in jail and a fine of ₹25,000 if their underage child is involved in a road accident as per the Tamil Nadu Motor Vehicles Rules, implemented since 2022, city police said. The child will be sent to a juvenile home. On April 9, a 14-year-old boy, who drove his father’s car hit two pedestrians. One of them, Mahalingam, an elderly succumbed to the injuries at a hospital. Police arrested the boy’s father and sent the minor to an observation home. 

With summer vacation in full swing, authorities are urging parents to be extra vigilant. “Children often take vehicles without permission during holidays. If any minor is caught driving, we will take strict action against the parents,” said deputy commissioner of police, traffic, south, P Kumar. Parents will be held directly accountable for any negligence, he said. “We are not just looking at enforcement but prevention of accidents,” he added. TNN

Retirement Age Hike: CM increased the retirement age of these employees by 3 years, now they will retire at 65 years

Retirement Age Hike: CM increased the retirement age of these employees by 3 years, now they will retire at 65 years

By Shyamu Maurya

April 13, 2025

Retirement Age Hike CM increased the retirement age of these employees by 3 years, now they will retire at 65 years

Retirement Age Hike: When specialist doctors retire at the age of 58, they will be given an extension till the age of 65. That is, specialist doctors can work on contract for 7 years if they want.

Retirement Age Hike 2025: There is good news for professors of medical colleges in Punjab. The Bhagwant Mann government of the state has increased the retirement age by 3 years, after which the retirement age has increased from 62 to 65 years. This important decision was taken in the meeting of the Bhagwant Mann cabinet of Punjab on Friday.

According to the cabinet decision, the retirement age of professors teaching MBBS and MD students has increased from 62 to 65 years. 41 professors will benefit from this decision. The retirement age of medical officers i.e. specialist doctors in the health sector, which was earlier 58 years, has been increased to 65 years.

These doctors will get an extension of 7 years

The Bhagwant Mann cabinet has also decided that when specialist doctors retire at the age of 58, they will be given an extension till the age of 65. That is, specialist doctors can work on contract for 7 years if they want. Keeping in mind the last salary of these specialist doctors at the age of 58, salary will be given while giving extension on the contract.

This ordinance also approved

The cabinet meeting has approved the ordinance to amend the Punjab Law Officers (Engagement) Act, 2017. The purpose of this amendment is to give relaxation in income criteria to the candidates of Scheduled Caste community for appointment as contract based law officers in the AG Office, Punjab. Through this amendment, this reservation will now be applicable on 58 posts in the AG Office, including the posts of Senior Advocate General, Additional Advocate General, Senior Deputy Advocate General, Deputy Advocate General, Assistant Advocate General or Advocate General.

Subject: Completion of BCMET (Basic Course in Medical Education & Technology)-reg.

N-P050(20)/3/2024-PGMEB-NMC-Part(9) 1/3758365/2025 दूरभाष / Phone : 25367033, 25367035, 25367036 : 0091-11-25367024 फैक्स/Fax ई-मेल / E-mail : pgmeb_section@nmc.org.in पॉकेट -14, सेक्टर-8, द्वारका, फेस 1-, नई दिल्ली77- Pocket-14, Sector-8, Dwarka,Phase - 1, New Delhi-77 राष्ट्रीय आयुर्विज्ञान आयोग 

National Medical Commission 

Postgraduate Medical Education Board (PGMEB) N-P050(20)/3/2024-PGMEB-NMC-Part(9) 

To 

1. Principal Secretary/Secretary (Health) of all States/UTS 

2. Directorate of Medical Education (DME) of all States/UTS 

Subject: Completion of BCMET (Basic Course in Medical Education & Technology)-reg.

Sir/Madam, 

Many representations have been received from faculty of medical colleges/institutes regarding the delayed availability of slots for the BCMET (Basic Course in Medical Education & Technology) from the designated institutions. Moreover, as per the representations received from the faculty, the Medical Colleges do not follow any clear norms or seniority criteria for nomination to the limited slots for BCMET courses. 

As a result, many faculty members are not getting promoted from their due date due to the delayed completion of the BCMET course. 2. In view of the requirement of the BCMET course for promotion, it is clarified that if a faculty member completes the BCMET course after the due date of promotion and submits the completion certificate, then he should be promoted from the due date of promotion. 

N-P050(20/3/2024-PGMEB-NMC-Part(9) dated 12-04-2025 

Yours faithfully, 

 (C.K. Ramaswamy) Director 

Digitally signed by Anupam Anish Chauhan Date: 12-04-2am Anish Chauhan 22:53:01 Deputy Secretary (IT, P&C) NMC

Students seek centralised intake for PharmD course

Students seek centralised intake for PharmD course 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 15.04.2025

Ahmedabad : With Class 12 results expected soon across Gujarat, the admission process for various degree programmes is about to commence, highlighting a persistent issue with the Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) programme. Unlike other technical courses in the state, the five-year PharmD course offered by Gujarat Technological University (GTU) and 31 other colleges currently operates with a decentralized admission process, raising concerns among students and parents. 

Currently, each of the 31 colleges independently conducts admissions for the PharmD programme, setting its own criteria and fee structure as the course is not regulated by the fee regulatory committee (FRC). 

This stands in stark contrast to courses like engineering, pharmacy (other than PharmD), MBA, and MCA, where admissions are managed centrally by the admission committee. Sources suggest that bringing PharmD admissions under the purview of the centralized admission committee would significantly simplify the process for students. 

It would allow them to apply through a common platform and secure admission in their preferred college without the burden of visiting multiple institutions. 

The lack of a standard policy also leads to variations in fees and application procedures, creating confusion and additional burden for aspiring students. Experts believe that including the PharmD course under the centralized admission system could ensure transparency, uniformity, and ease of access for students.

Stalin to chair meeting with V-Cs, Registrars on April 16

Stalin to chair meeting with V-Cs, Registrars on April 16

The Hindu Bureau

Chennai 14.04.2025

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin will hold a consultative meeting with Vice-Chancellors (V-Cs) and Registrars of all State universities at the Secretariat on April 16.

An official release said the agenda of the meeting would be about improving higher education in the State.

This comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s landmark ruling last week that various Bills pertaining to universities, re-adopted by the Assembly and pending with the President, were deemed to have been granted assent.

The meeting has been called a day after the State government notified 10 university-related Acts. They were the first Bills to become laws without the assent of the President or the Governor. Though the Chief Minister had chaired meetings with V-Cs of State-run universities in the past too, the upcoming meeting assumes significance in the light of the Supreme Court judgment.

It is to be noted that the demand for grants for the Higher Education Department for 2025-26 is scheduled to be taken up for discussion and approval in the Assembly on April 24.

Meanwhile, officials of the department said that the notification of the Acts was expected to ensure that V-Cs, who were appointed by Governor R.N. Ravi, adhered to the government’s directions. There were instances where some V-Cs refused to pay heed to directions of the Higher Education Department.

Moreover, Mr. Ravi, during conferences, strongly advocated for implementing the National Education Policy (NEP). “The Governor hailed the NEP 2020 as a comprehensive, revolutionary and transformative policy. His advocacy of the NEP was at variance with the stand of the Tamil Nadu government, which constituted its own committee to draft an exclusive State Education Policy,” an official said.

Madras varsity not getting V-C soon

Madras varsity not getting V-C soon 

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 15.04.2025

Chennai : Despite the Supreme Court clearing 10 bills passed by the Tamil Nadu assembly that empower govt to appoint vice-chancellors to state universities instead of the governor, University of Madras may have to wait longer for a V-C as the amendment to its Act needs the President’s nod. 

The Madras University Act, 1923, was also amended, empowering the state govt to appoint the vice-chancellor. Besides, the Tamil Nadu Universities Law (Amend ment) Act, 2022, a separate bill for amending the Madras University Act, Chennai University (Amendment) Act, 1923, was also passed in the assembly. However, this was not among the bills notified by the state govt as amendment to acts passed before Independence would need the President’s assent.'

Former vice-chancellor S P Thyagarajan said, “After getting clarity from legal experts, the govt may speed up the process of appointing the vice-chancellor. As in the past, the state govt can think of issuing an ordinance to amend the act,” he said. Experts said any such ordinance would require the Governor’s assent. Madras University’s vice-chancellor S Gowri completed his tenure in Aug 2023. Ever since, the university is being run by a committee as the govt refuses to agree with the governor and include the UGC’s nominee in the V-C search panel. 

Former vice-chancellor P Duraisamy said the university act and statutes do not mention including the UGC’s nominee in the V-C search committee. “UGC regulations do not automatically apply. Senate is the supreme authority. The vicechancellors should be appointed as per the existing statutes,” he said. 

In Sept 2023, the state govt issued a notification forming a three-member V-C search panel omitting the UGC chairman’s nominee included by Governor R N Ravi. This panel had the vicechancellor of Central University of Karnataka, Battu Satyanarayana, as chancellor’s nominee and convener. Former IAS officer K Deenabandhu and former vice-chancellor of Bharathidasan University P Jagadeesan were members.

பாா்வை மாற வேண்டும்!

 பாா்வை மாற வேண்டும்! 

ஒழுக்கம் என்று வரும்போதும் பெண்களுக்குச் சொல்லும் அறிவுரைகளை நாம் ஆண் பிள்ளைகளுக்குச் சொல்வதில்லை.

14.04.2025

கோதை ஜோதிலட்சுமி 

Updated on:  14 ஏப்ரல் 2025, 5:33 am 

பாரத தேசத்தில் பெண்கள் வீட்டிலும் நாட்டிலும் போற்றுதற்குரியவா்கள் என்றே நமது தா்மம் போதிக்கிறது. நடைமுறையில் நாம் அதனைப் பின்பற்றுகிறோமா என்ற வினா தொடா்ந்து எழுப்பப்படுகிறது. பெண்களைப் போற்றுவதிலும் மதித்து நடத்துவதிலும் எங்கே வேறுபாடுகள் தோன்றுகின்றன? ஏன் பெண்களுக்கு எதிரான குற்றங்கள் அதிகரிக்கின்றன? அதைச் சரிசெய்வது எப்படி?

இந்தியாவைப் பொருத்தவரை நாம் பெண் குழந்தைகளை வளா்ப்பதிலும் பாதுகாப்பதிலும் கவனம் செலுத்துகிறோம். அதே போன்ற கவனம் ஆண் குழந்தைகளிடம் காட்டுவதில்லை. குடும்பங்களில் ஆண், பெண் குழந்தைகள் வெவ்வேறு விதமாக வளா்க்கப்படுகின்றனா். பெண்கள் பலவீனமானவா்கள் என்றும் ஆண்கள் பலம் மிக்கவா்கள் என்றும் சிறு வயதிலேயே அவா்கள் மனதில் பதிய வைக்கிறோம்.

ஆண் பிள்ளைகள் கோபப்பட்டால் இயல்பாகக் கடந்து போகிறோம். அதிகாரம் செலுத்துவதற்கும் முடிவுகளை மேற்கொள்வதற்கும் தனக்கே ஆற்றலும் உரிமையும் இருக்கிறது என்ற எண்ணம் ஆண்களுக்கு ஏற்படுவதற்கு அவா்களுக்குத் தரும் சுதந்திரம் காரணமாக இருக்கிறது.

ஒழுக்கம் என்று வரும்போதும் பெண்களுக்குச் சொல்லும் அறிவுரைகளை நாம் ஆண் பிள்ளைகளுக்குச் சொல்வதில்லை. பாரதி சொல்லும் ‘கற்பு நிலையென்று சொல்ல வந்தாா், இரு கட்சிக்கும் அஃது பொதுவில் வைப்போம்’ என்ற கருத்தை அடுத்த தலைமுறைக்குக் கற்றுத் தர மறந்து விட்டோம்.

இன்றைக்கு பெண்களுக்கு எதிரான பாலியல் குற்றங்கள் அதிகரித்திருப்பதற்குப் பெண்களை எப்படிப் பாா்க்க வேண்டும்; நடத்த வேண்டும் என ஆண் பிள்ளைகளுக்குக் கற்றுக் கொடுக்காததே காரணம். பெண் பலவீனமானவள் என்றும், ஆண் தனது விருப்பம் போல வாழ முடியும் என்றும் ஆண் பிள்ளைகள் நம்புவதே பிரச்னைகள் அதிகரிப்பதற்குக் காரணம். அதனைச் சமன் செய்து பாதுகாப்பான ஆரோக்கியமான சமூகத்தை உருவாக்குவது எப்படி?

குழந்தைகள் வளா்க்கப்படும் விதத்தில் இதற்கான தீா்வு இருக்கிறது. அதிகபட்சம் இரண்டு குழந்தைகள், பெரும்பாலும் ஒற்றைக் குழந்தை என்ற குடும்ப அமைப்பில் அவா்கள் தங்களிடம் இருப்பதைப் பகிா்ந்து கொள்ளும் எண்ணம் கொண்டவா்களாக இல்லை. எல்லாம் தனக்கே என்ற மனோபாவம் கொண்டவா்களாக வளா்கிறாா்கள். குழந்தைப் பருவத்திலேயே நம்மிடம் இருப்பதை இல்லாதவா்களிடம் பகிா்ந்து கொள்ள வேண்டும் என்று கற்றுக் கொடுப்பதோடு செயல்படுத்தவும் பழக்க வேண்டும்.

வளரிளம் பருவத்தில் ஆண், பெண் பிள்ளைகள் இருவருக்கும் எதிா்பாலினத்தவா் மீது ஈா்ப்பு ஏற்படுவது இயல்பானது. ஆனால், அதைவிட முக்கியமான பல பொறுப்புகள் இருக்கின்றன. கல்விக்கான காலத்தைத் தவறவிட்டுவிட்டால் எதிா்காலம் கேள்விக்குறியாகும் என்று அவா்களுக்குப் புரிய வைத்தால் சுலபமாக அவா்களைக் கையாளலாம்.

பொதுவாக, எல்லாப் பிள்ளைகளையும் ஒரே சொல்லால் குறை சொல்லிக் கடப்பது சரியல்ல. இன்றைக்கும், தான் எத்தகைய கல்வி நிறுவனத்தில் படிக்க வேண்டும், என்ன படிக்க விரும்புகிறேன் என்ற புரிதலோடு கடின உழைப்பைச் செலுத்தும் மாணவா்களும் அதிக அளவில் இருக்கவே செய்கிறாா்கள்.

அதிகாலை நான்கு மணிக்கே படிப்பைத் தொடங்கும் மாணவா்கள், படிப்போடு விளையாட்டு, இசை, நடனம் எனப் பிற துறைகளிலும் சாதனை படைக்கிறாா்கள். இத்தகைய இளம்பிள்ளைகள் நம்பிக்கை தருகிறாா்கள். நாம் அவா்களுக்கு லட்சிய வாழ்க்கைக்கான சூழலை ஏற்படுத்தித் தந்தால் சாதனைகள் புரியும் வாய்ப்பு அதிகமாகும்.

இன்றைய இளம் சமுதாயம் எப்படி இருக்கிறது என்ற புரிதல் முதலில் நமக்கு வேண்டும். தொழில்நுட்ப யுகத்தில் அவா்கள் கைகளில் இருபுறமும் கூரான ஆயுதம் இணையம், சமூக வலைதளம் என இருக்கிறது. எனவே, மிகுந்த கவனத்துடன் கையாள வேண்டும். அவா்கள் இணையம் என்ன சொல்கிறதோ, அதை நம்பும் இடத்தில் இருக்கிறாா்கள். அவா்கள் தங்களையே காயப்படுத்திக் கொள்ளாமலும் பிறரை ரணப்படுத்திவிடாமலும் பாா்த்துக் கொள்ள நாம் அவா்களுக்கென அதிக நேரம் செலவிட வேண்டிய அவசியம் இருக்கிறது.

பள்ளிப் பாடத் திட்டங்களில் அவா்களின் வருங்கால வாழ்க்கையை செல்வச் செழிப்பு கொண்டதாக அமைத்துக் கொள்வதற்கான படிப்புகளைத் தாண்டி வாழ்க்கைக்குத் தேவையான நலன்களை வளா்த்துக் கொள்ளும் பாடங்களைக் கற்பிக்கும் கட்டாயத்தில் இருக்கின்றோம். ஆசிரியா், பெற்றோா் இருவரின் ஒத்துழைப்பு வளரிளம் பருவப் பிள்ளைகளை சரியான பாதையில் வழிநடத்த அவசியம்.

வளரிளம் பருவம் மிக முக்கியமானது. இந்தப் பருவத்தில்தான் குழந்தையாக இருக்கின்றவா்கள் பெரியவா்களாக வளா்கிறாா்கள். பல உளவியல் மாற்றங்களும் நிகழ்கின்றன. இப்பருவத்தில் உடலிலும் பெரிய மாறுபாடுகள் ஏற்படும். அசட்டுத் துணிச்சல் இருக்கும். தான் யாா் என அடையாளப்படுத்திக் கொள்ள விரும்புவாா்கள். கனவுகள் வளரும் பருவமாகவும் இருக்கும். பொழுதுபோக்குகளில் நாட்டம் கொள்வாா்கள். கீழ்ப்படியாமை அதிகமாகும். சரி, தவறு எனப் பிரித்தறிய இயலாத மனக் குழப்பங்களும் அதிகரிக்கும்.

வளரிளம் பிள்ளைகளை வளா்ப்பதில் இரண்டு விதமான அணுகுமுறைகள் ஆபத்தானவை. குழந்தைகளை மிகவும் கண்டிப்புடன் அடித்து வளா்ப்பது, அவா்களது உணா்வுகளுக்கு மதிப்பளிக்காமல் நடந்துகொள்வது. இந்த அணுகுமுறை சில ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு வரை படித்தவா்கள் நிறைந்த குடும்பங்களில்கூட, வழக்கமாக இருந்தது. அதனால் ஏற்பட்ட பாதிப்புகளைவிட இன்றைக்கு அளவுக்கு மீறிய பாசமும் செல்லமும் பெரும் பாதிப்புகளை ஏற்படுத்துகின்றன.

வெளியிலேயே விட்டால் வேண்டாத சகவாசம் வந்துவிடும்; கீழே விழுந்தால் அடிபட்டுவிடும் என்றெல்லாம் எண்ணி தங்கள் பிடிக்குள் வைத்துத் திணறடிக்கிறாா்கள். குழந்தைகளின் அா்த்தமற்ற அநாவசிய விருப்பங்களைக்கூட பெற்றோா் நிறைவேற்றி வைக்கிறாா்கள். இதனால் பிள்ளைகள் பிடிவாதம் கொண்டவா்களாக வளா்கிறாா்கள். பிற்காலத்தில் குடும்பப் பொறுப்புகள் என வருபோது விட்டுக் கொடுக்கும் குணம் இல்லாமல் போவதற்கு இவை வழிவகுக்கும்.

தேவையான சூழ்நிலைகளில் கண்டிப்பதும் இயல்பாகச் செயல்பட அனுமதிப்பதும் ஆரோக்கியமான வளா்ச்சிக்கு வழிவகுக்கும். மாறாக, அதிக செல்லம் கொடுத்து வளா்ப்பதால் பிரச்னைகளை எதிா்கொள்ளும் துணிவின்றி வளா்வாா்கள். எதிா்காலத்தில் மன உறுதியில்லாதவா்களாக வளா்வதற்கும், எளிதில் தற்கொலை போன்ற முடிவுகளை எடுக்கும் அளவுக்கு ஆபத்தான நிலைக்கும் அவா்களைத் தள்ளிவிடும்.

குழந்தைகள் சமூகத்தில் முழுமையான தனிமனிதராக வளா்வதற்கு உலகின் சவால்களை எதிா்கொள்ளப் பெற்றோா் கற்றுக்கொடுக்க வேண்டும். தோல்விகள் முடிவல்ல; மீண்டும் முயற்சியைத் தொடங்க வேண்டும். கடின உழைப்புக்குப் பலன் ஒருநாள் கிடைக்கும் என்ற நம்பிக்கையை ஏற்படுத்த வேண்டும்.

பிள்ளைகள் மீது முழுமையான அக்கறையுடன் இருக்க வேண்டும். அவா்களுடன் அதிக நேரம் செலவிட வேண்டும். நன்மை - தீமைகளை அறிவுரையாக எப்போதும் சொல்லிக் கொண்டே இருக்காமல், அளவாக அதே நேரத்தில் தெளிவாகப் புரிந்து கொள்ளும்படியாகப் பேசவும் வேண்டும். நட்போடு நாம் இருந்து நெறிப்படுத்தினால் நோ்மையான வழியில் அவா்கள் வேகமாக முன்னேறுவாா்கள்.

அடுத்தவா்கள் என்ன சொல்வாா்களோ? என்ற அச்ச உணா்வு நமக்கு இருக்குமேயானால், அது அவா்களுக்குச் சிறந்த சூழலை ஏற்படுத்தாமல் எதிா்மறை சிந்தனையை வெறுப்புணா்வை ஏற்படுத்திவிடலாம். இதனால், சமூகம் மீதே பிள்ளைகளுக்கு ஒவ்வாமை ஏற்படலாம். உறவுகள், நட்பு எனக் கூடி மகிழும் வாழ்க்கை முறையைக் கற்றுக் கொடுக்க வேண்டும். பரஸ்பரம் பரிமாறிக்கொள்ளும் வாழ்த்துகளும், ஆபத்துக் கால உதவிகளும் மன மேம்பாட்டுக்கு உதவும்.

வீட்டில் பெரியவா்களுக்கு முக்கியத்துவம் கொடுத்து அவா்களின் அறிவுரைகளை நாம் பெற்றுக் கொள்வதைப் பாா்க்கும் குழந்தைகள் தாமும் அப்படியே நம்மிடம் நடந்து கொள்ளும். வீட்டுப் பெண்களிடம் ஆலோசனை கேட்பது, அவா்களின் கருத்துகளுக்கு மதிப்பளித்து ஏற்பது போன்றவை நம் வீட்டு வழக்கமாக இருக்கும்பட்சத்தில் பிள்ளைகளும் அதே கலாசாரத்தைப் பின்பற்றி சிறப்பாக வளா்வாா்கள். இந்தச் சிந்தனையானது வீட்டில் மட்டுமல்லாது, பள்ளிக்கூடம்,கல்லூரி, பணியிடம் என அனைத்து இடங்களிலும் பெண்களை மதித்து நடத்தும் பழக்கமாக ஆகும்.

பெண்களை மதித்து நடத்துவது சிறந்த ஆண்மையின் அடையாளம் என்பதை அம்மா சொல்லித்தர வேண்டும். அப்பா செயல்படுத்திக் காட்ட வேண்டும். அப்போது குழந்தைகள் சமத்துவ சிந்தனை கொண்டவா்களாக வளா்வாா்கள். பல தவறான விஷயங்கள் கைப்பேசி மூலமும் விளம்பரங்களின் ஊடாகவும் பிள்ளைகளை வந்தடைகின்றன. இதனால் அவா்களை நெறிப்படுத்த வேண்டிய அவசியம் நமக்கு ஏற்படுகிறது.

தாயும் தந்தையும் நண்பா்கள் போன்று நல்ல புரிதலோடு வாழ்வதைப் பாா்க்கும் குழந்தைகள் இத்தகைய விளம்பரங்களால் கவரப்பட மாட்டாா்கள். பெண் மனவலிமை மிக்கவள் என்பதைத் தந்தை, தாயைக் காட்டிக் கற்றுக்கொடுக்க வேண்டும். ‘நாம் ஆண் குழந்தையைப் பெற்றிருக்கிறோம்; அதனால் நமக்குப் பாதுகாக்கும் பொறுப்பு இல்லை; பெண்களைப் பெற்ற பெற்றோரே அதிகம் கவலைப்படவேண்டியவா்கள் என்ற சிந்தனை நம்மிடமிருந்து அகல வேண்டும்.

ஆண் பிள்ளைகள் தனக்கு வரும் மனைவியை நாளை எப்படி நடத்துவான்? அவளிடம் எப்படி நடந்து கொள்வான்? என்பதில் அவனது முழு வாழ்க்கையும் அடங்கியுள்ளது. எனவே, ஆண் பிள்ளைகள் பெண்களின் அறிவு, ஆற்றல், திறமை எனத் தங்கள் பாா்வையை மாற்றிக் கொள்ளும் நிலையில் பெண் பிள்ளைகளின் பாதுகாப்பு மட்டுமல்ல, ஆண்களின் வாழ்வும் அமைதியும் இன்பமும் நிறைந்ததாக வளரும்.

Fake FB page conducts MU admissions

 Fake FB page conducts MU admissions 

13.04.2025

Mumbai : The University of Mumbai has lodged an official complaint with the cyber crime department after discovering a fake Facebook page conducting fraudulent online admission campaigns under its name. The deceptive page solicits personal details such as names, mobile numbers, and email addresses from prospective students. After submission, users are redirected to a suspicious third-party website — markmonitor.com/online-com. Authorities have warned that this could potentially be used for financial fraud or identity theft. In an official statement, the university clarified that no admission processes are conducted through such unofficial platforms.

‘NRI’s cap gains on MF units sale can’t be taxed in India’ Such Gains Only Taxable In Country Of Residence:

‘NRI’s cap gains on MF units sale can’t be taxed in India’ Such Gains Only Taxable In Country Of Residence: 

ITAT Lubna.Kably@timesofindia.com 13.04.2025

Mumbai : In a significant relief to a Non-Resident Indian (NRI) investor, the Mumbai bench of the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) has held that short-term capital gains of Rs 1.35 crore arising from the redemption of mutual fund units are not taxable in India, under the IndiaSingapore tax treaty. 

According to Gautam Nayak, tax partner at CNK & Associates, “This ruling brings out one aspect of the India-Singapore tax treaty (and other similar tax treaties) that many NRIs investing in India are not aware of.

 By virtue of the tax treaty, capital gains on sale of mutual fund units is taxable only in the country of residence, and not in India.” “This benefit of capital gains on sale of units not being taxable in India will equally apply to tax treaties with other countries having similar provisions — such as those with UAE, Mauritius, Netherlands, Spain and Portugal, to name a few. 

In these tax treaties, assets other than immovable property and shares of a company fall under ‘the residual clause’. This clause provides that the gains are taxable only in the country of residence of the seller,” explained Nayak. 

In the matter heard by the ITAT, A Shah, a Singapore tax resident, had declared capital gains of Rs 88.75 lakh from debt mutual funds and Rs 46.91 lakh from equity mutual funds during the financial year 2021–22. 

In her Income-Tax (I-T) return, she claimed exemption for these capital gains under the residual clause of Article 13 of the tax treaty, which provides that the gains would be taxable only in her country of tax residence (Singapore) and not in India. 

The I-T officer rejected the claim and taxed the capital gains, by contending that the mutual fund units derived substantial value from Indian assets and, as a result, would be subject to tax in India. 

The litigation finally reached the doors of the ITAT, with Shah submitting that units of mutual funds do not qualify as ‘shares’ and thus fall outside the scope of taxable capital gains under the I-T Act read with the tax treaty provisions. 

Based on earlier jurisprudence, in similar cases, the tax tribunal noted that units of Indian mutual funds are issued by trusts and not companies, and therefore cannot be equated with ‘shares’. It held that the ‘residual clause’ would apply and the gains arising from sale of units of mutual funds would be taxable only in Singapore.