Breaking: Allahabad HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Hathras Case; Says 'Incidents Have Shocked Our Conscience' [Read Order]

Breaking: Allahabad HC Takes Suo Moto Cognizance Of Hathras Case; Says 'Incidents Have Shocked Our Conscience' [Read Order]: ' The State must respecta dead person by allowing the body of person to be trea

Make way for Veeralakshmi, India's first female ambulance driver

Make way for Veeralakshmi, India's first female ambulance driver

Hello, I have just been assigned a case. Can I call back when I break for lunch?” asks M Veeralakshmi hurriedly.

Published: 01st October 2020 05:41 AM 

Born and raised in Theni, Veeralakshmi came to Chennai along with her husband almost a decade ago

By Anushree Madhavan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Hello, I have just been assigned a case. Can I call back when I break for lunch?” asks M Veeralakshmi hurriedly. Feeling guilty about interrupting an ambulance pilot’s busy schedule, I hang up and wait for her to call back.

Hours later, I answer her call only to know that “Today was hectic, I couldn’t catch a break. Let’s talk tomorrow.” This is but a usual day for Veeralakshmi — India’s first female ambulance pilot. Born and raised in Theni, Veeralakshmi came to Chennai along with her husband almost a decade ago. “My husband was already working as a driver here. I used to go with him sometimes, and by observing him, I learned all about the profession and even the mechanics of it,” says the 30-year-old.

Photos: Ashwin Prasath

Driving her dreams

It was only four years ago when Veeralakshmi approached ANEW, a women’s welfare association in Anna Nagar, for work. “They were providing vocational training for women and helping them get jobs. I enrolled myself into their driving course. Since I had the experience of watching my husband drive, I was confident that I could do this,” she says.

Soon, at the Professional Driver Training Academy in Red Hills, she was wowing the driving instructors with her driving skills. “My trainers, Ramesh Kumar and Muthu Kumar, have been my guiding force. They noticed that I was good behind the wheel, and suggested that I lease a vehicle and work as a private driver,” she shares. In her three years of snaking in and out of the nooks and crannies of the city, Veeralakshmi gained the trust of her customers.

Her commitment to picking them up and dropping them, despite rain or sunshine, fetched her a whole lot of goodwill and loyalty. “I have had to traverse some difficult paths, some dingy areas, but I always made sure that the customers were dropped off right outside their gates. Their safety was also important. They thought I was brave for doing so because even some male drivers used to ask them to alight at some dark, unsafe roads, and walk home ” she shares.

In response to her care and concern , Veeralakshmi received love and encouragement from her passengers, who asked her to enhance her skills. It was following such advice from a good Samaritan that she applied for a government job. “But to get a government job, I was told that I needed to have a certificate. So I did a Diploma in Automobile Technology from Annamalai University in Chidambaram in 2018-19,” she shares.

Making a mark

Life continued as usual, until the lockdown happened when she looked for timely and meaningful opportunities to use her professional skills to help the corona warriors. If not now, then when, she contemplated. As if listening to her heart’s desire, the universe rewarded her with a possibility when GVK’s 108 Ambulance announced recruitment for ambulance pilots in June.

Friends and family reminded her that this is a male-dominated profession, but Veeralakshmi’s confidence remained steady. For the officials, it was a first — to consider a woman’s application. “I told them about my experience as a driver and asked them to let me take a test. I was asked to meet them with all the necessary documents for an on-road test.

I was warned that I would be monitored closely. During the test, they seemed happy with my driving, and that gave me confidence,” she narrates. Such has been her passion for learning that even though the ambulance pilot training was for a month, Veeralakshmi completed it within a few days. “When I was driving cabs, I used to attend any workshop that was related to my job. I did courses on first aid, fire safety, etc., which were also taught during the ambulance pilot training,” she shares.

The plan was to join the fleet in June itself, but the call didn’t come through. Little did she know that her hard work and dedication would be well worth the wait. “I learned from GVK that I was the first female ambulance driver in India, and that at a launch function for ambulances, CM Edapaddi K Palaniswami would announce about my recruitment.

Till then I had doubts, but to my surprise, the officials told me that it was a matter of pride for them to have a female driver in their fleet,” she opens up. After a wait for almost two months, at the launch event on August 31, the chief minister announced her induction — a cherished moment for Veeralakshmi. “The ministers present at the event encouraged me; the deputy chief minister was glad that a woman would be joining the fleet. I was also asked to drive the ambulance in their presence, during the flagoff,” she says, with a hint of shy-pride.

Seeking satisfaction

It was also important for Veeralakshmi to ensure that her family, especially her children Dharinishree and Harish Karthikeyan, stayed aware of the risks involved in her job during this pandemic. Every job, she explained to her family members, comes with risks but if you love something, then these risks cannot stop you. A resident of Thiruverkadu, Veeralakshmi has been assigned the Government Hospital in Avadi. Her work starts at 8 am and ends at 8 pm. “Initially, I had three-four cases a day.

Some days, I get around seven cases. We are assigned cases based on where we are located. We have been provided with the necessary kits. If it is a noncorona case, I wear only gloves and mask. But, when it is a corona case, I wear the entire kit,” she shares. At the end of each day, upon returning home, Veeralakshmi follows all precautions necessary — taking a bath and washing all her clothes. Drinking hot water, twice a day, she believes, helps her stay healthy.

While she had to settle for lesser pay, compared to her previous job as a cab driver, it is the sense of fulfilment that matters, she says. “When the family of a patient, who I have never met before, holds my hands and thanks me for coming on time and saving their loved ones’ lives, or the elders bless me, I feel good that I have impacted their lives in some way. This is a different feeling,” she notes.

Future goals

Putting to rest the stereotypes of misogynistic attitude in this profession, Veeralakshmi’s male counterparts have been affable to the extent of constantly advising her to be safe. While this has been welcoming, Veeralakshmi’s main concern is the lack of restrooms for women. “All drivers, especially women, face this issue. We have to stop at a private hotel or a petrol bunk to relieve ourselves. Since I am attached to a hospital, I use the facilities there.

This is one of the reasons that we don’t see many women in this field,” she rues. On days when she is not driving the ambulance, Veeralakshmi is busy being an instructor at the NSCC Silambam Academy. “I have been a statelevel silambam player and have won two gold medals,” she shares. A diligent student of a teacher called life, Veeralakshmi pursued a Bachelors degree in Commerce after her marriage. “Now I want to do an MBA… and something related to my field.

I am interested in Psychology,” says the multi-tasker, for whom the sky seems to be the limit. She believes that women can do anything if they have clarity about their goals. “If you believe in something, give it a shot. You can do anything you set your mind to…all you need is practice and guidance,” says Veeralakshmi, standing true to her name – a brave warrior, who we need in these uncertain times, reminding us to follow our dreams.

‘Decision to clear arrears against UGC guidelines’

‘Decision to clear arrears against UGC guidelines’

According to E Vijay Anand, counsel for Balagurusamy, only universities have such powers and not the State government. 

Published: 01st October 2020 05:44 AM 

AICTE. (Photo | aicte-india.org)

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has informed the Madras High Court that the exemption awarded to college students in Tamil Nadu from taking their arrear exams by the State government is not in accordance with the guidelines of the University Grants Commission (UGC). M Sundaresan, south regional officer of the council, in his reply, submitted, “The council has not issued any exemption for students appearing in exams and those pursuing their studies next year without being assessed through exams.

Degree cannot be awarded to a student who has failed to clear a large number of arrears. This is not acceptable in the industry too.” The AICTE replied to the submissions made by former Vice-Chancellor E Balagurusamy and advocate Ramkumar Adityan, who challenged the State government’s move to cancel the exams. According to E Vijay Anand, counsel for Balagurusamy, only universities have such powers and not the State government. 

The petitioner further said that the government’s decision will lower the educational standard of students and the university. “It will badly affect the reputation, credibility, and prospects of meritorious students and the quality of education,” he added. Denying the submissions made by the State, AICTE said, the government order cancelling arrear exams declaring all students who paid the exam fees to have passed, claimed to be made as per the guidelines of the council, is not true.

Earlier, the State government argued that the order was passed under the Disaster Management Act, exercising the powers vested with the State Disaster Management Authority under the legislation. Even the apex court has upheld such rights and powers of the State authority under the Act, if it does not fall in conflict with the UGC guidelines, said Advocate General Vijay Narayanan. The court is likely to hear the case tomorrow based on the submissions made by AICTE.

TNSTC buses packed to the rafters as private ones stay off road in State

TNSTC buses packed to the rafters as private ones stay off road in State

The owners also demanded that full occupancy must be allowed in buses against the 50 per cent currently allowed.

Published: 01st October 2020 04:34 AM 

 (File Photo | Nakshatra Krishnamoorthy/EPS)

By KV Navya

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Even as authorities are appealing to the public to maintain social distancing, people are forced to travel in crowed TNSTC buses, especially during rush hour. This is because private buses continue to stay off the roads as the owners are waiting for the government to meet their demands.

“Till the State government does not issue a separate SOP meeting our demands, it is not feasible for private buses to operate. Two cases in the Supreme Court and the Madras High Court, on the extension of the loan repayment moratorium period and the waiver from road tax too are being delayed,” said Tamil Nadu Omni Bus Owners Association president A Afzal.“How can we pay road tax for March to September, when we did not ply at all? Our families are struggling and the government is asking us to pay for something which we have not even used. Even worse, some officials are demanding fine,” a private bus owner, R Anbalagan said.

The owners also demanded that full occupancy must be allowed in buses against the 50 per cent currently allowed. Meanwhile, the TNSTC buses ply heavily crowded during rush hour. “I even noticed people travelling on footboards. Currently, very few trains operate and buses are the only pocket friendly option for inter-district travel. However, it is not possible for people to maintain social distancing on the vehicles and some passengers do not even were masks,” said M Aravind, a regular commuter.As of yet, there is no clear information from the government on meeting the private bus owners’ demands.

Advocate moves Madras HC against removal of 'thali' and 'metti' during NEET exams

Advocate moves Madras HC against removal of 'thali' and 'metti' during NEET exams

When examination halls are fitted with CCTV cameras and invigilators are always present to ensure the proper conduct of the exams, there is no necessity for such frisking, said the petition

Published: 30th September 2020 07:26 PM | Last Updated: 30th September 2020 07:26 PM 

NEET exam hallMedical aspirants and their parents waiting outside a NEET examination hall in Chennai. (File photo | Express)By Harish MuraliExpress News Service

CHENNAI: An advocate has moved the Madras High Court seeking to restrain the National Testing Agency and Medical Council of India from forcing the removal of sacred ornaments such as 'thali' and 'metti' of candidates who are taking part in the NEET. The petitioner stated that the rules are in violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution.

The petitioner said, "According to Hindu customs, it should be removed only after the death of the husband. That is the reason even in all international airports all over the world, 'thali' is not required to be removed during the security check as it is a religious symbol for the sacramental bond."

In the name of ensuring fairness in the examination, the students are put to all kinds of stress due to the dress they wear, said S Aravind Raj.

When examination halls are fitted with CCTV cameras and invigilators are always present to ensure the proper conduct of the exams, there is no necessity for such frisking, said the petition.

Chapter 8 of the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test 2020 relating to wearing of metal or ornaments is in violation of the fundamental rights guaranteed under the Constitution of India. Hence it is liable to be declared as unconstitutional and unreasonable, he added.

Students miss NEET: Three teachers suspended in MP

Students miss NEET: Three teachers suspended in MP

TNN | Sep 29, 2020, 12.03 PM IST

KHARGONE: Khargone district education officer (DEO) has suspended three teachers in the case of nine students failing to appear in NEET. Apart from this, a proposal has been sent to stop the increments of two officers.

As per official information, Khargone DEO KK Dongre has suspended Dasnaval primary teacher Prince Gupta, Segav middle school teacher Durgavati Gupta and Kelly primary teacher Geeta Bhatnagar with immediate effect.

A proposal has been sent to divisional commissioner to stop two increments of Segav block education officer ML Verma and Segav excellence school principal Sandeep Kapadnik.

Due to negligence in duty, nine students could not attend NEET held on September 13.

They were entrusted with the responsibility of arranging a bus to ferry students to the exam centre in Indore and bring them back.

Khargone collector Anugraha P, taking cognizance of the case, had directed action against the guilty after meeting with the deprived students, their parents and government officials. She had also instructed to arrange coaching for the students.

Univ sits on proposal to set up Ambedkar studies department - The Times Of India

Univ sits on proposal to set up Ambedkar studies department - The Times Of India

Shanmughasundaram.J@timesgroup.com

Chennai:1.10.2020 

Thirteen long years have passed since the Thiruvalluvar University (TU) got the nod to establish the department of Dr B R Ambedkar Studies and a chair in Ambedkar’s name.Theuniversity,however, is yet to set them up.

The proposal to establish the department of Dr Ambedkar Studies was placed before the university in December 2006. The syndicate discussed and approved the proposal following which it was sent to the governor. The governor’s nod came in February 2007. Things stand there till now.

Meanwhile, the assent of Dr Ambedkar Foundation under the Union ministry of social justice and empowerment to create Dr B R Ambedkar Chair with a seedfundof ₹50lakhhad been pending since 2005 as the university made no efforts to set it up. “Since 2005, we have been reminding every vicechancellor to establish the chair and starting the department (Dr Ambedkar Studies)but not much has been done,” said I Elangovan, former syndicate member of the university and president of Thiruvalluvar University Employees’ Union.

The previous vice-chancellor, K Murugan, constituted a seven-member board of studies to frame the syllabus and come up with other requirements. But the task was not accomplished, he said.

He added that apart from the seed money, Dr Ambedkar Foundation was ready to provide additional financial support to sustain the activities if the university was ready to allocate a separate building or a wing of a building to run the chair. “Till 2010, the university was functioning on the premises of Vellore Fort and did not have sufficient infrastructure. However, no steps were taken after the university moved to a new campus at Serkadu,” he said.

Professor K Anthony Baskaran, one of the serving syndicate members, had raised the issue in the first meeting held after the new VC Thamaraiselvi Somasundaram took over last year. She had assured to take necessary steps. “Though the present VC launched a number of new courses, she did not take this department forward,” Baskaran said.

Thamaraiselvi, when contacted,saidshewasunawareof the board of studies formed by the former VC. She said, “We will form a committee soon and take necessary steps to establish the department of Ambedkar Studies and the chair. Getting the approval is easy but funding is a difficult task.”