Kerala HC issues 10 directives to EC in order to prevent bogus voting

BATTLEGROUND KERALA

Kerala HC issues 10 directives to EC in order to prevent bogus voting

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kochi:01.04.2021

The Kerala high court on Wednesday directed the Election Commission of India to take all possible steps to prevent double voting or impersonated voting during the assembly election. Disposing a petition filed by opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala seeking steps to prevent fake or double voting, a division bench of Chief Justice S Manikumar and Justice Shaji P Chaly issued 10 directives.

It asked the election commission to finalize the list of demographically similar entries (DSE) and absent-shifted-dead voters (ASD) in the voters list and furnish copies to political parties and presiding officers forthwith. The commission should issue a public notice cautioning voters that any attempt to cast multiple votes will be dealt with strictly, it directed.

The photographs of all identified ASD voters should be taken in the polling booths and their signature and thumb impression taken. A declaration should also be collected from such voters, the court said.

It also asked the commission to ensure that ASD voters are allowed to leave the polling booths only after the indelible ink on their finger dries. The court recorded the submission of the election commission’s counsel that photographs of ASD voters will be collected, digitized and kept. All safeguards provided in the Representation of People's Act for free and fair election should be scrupulously followed to avoid multiple or bogus voting, the judgment said.

Ragging: Fresher withdraws plaint against seniors

Ragging: Fresher withdraws plaint against seniors

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mysuru:01.04.2021

In a new twist to the ragging case at Chamarajanagar Institute of Medical Sciences, a compromise has been worked out between the student and the seven seniors who were accused of the offence.

The complainant and his father informed police and CIMS authorities that they will no longer pursue the issue. They also withdrew the complaint.

On Sunday, the first-year student had complained of ragging by the seven seniors during a welcome party in the college hostel.

On Wednesday evening, SP Divya Sara Thomas and senior officials of district police visited the campus and interacted with the college’s anti-ragging committee. At the meeting, the SP advised college authorities to take security measures, including surprise visits to hostels at night, installing CCTV cameras in corridors, interacting with juniors and seniors.

“We asked the anti-ragging committee to be more pro-active,” the SP told TOI.

MU goof-up: Students to take exams with ID cards

MU goof-up: Students to take exams with ID cards

Kevin.Mendonsa@timesgroup.com

Mangaluru:01.04.2021

Perhaps for the first time in the history of Mangalore University (MU), students appearing for first and third semester exams will enter the hall without hall tickets. Due to a technical goof-up, students will have to show their college ID cards.

The development follows the varsity’s adoption of ‘MULinx’, a new in-house software to conduct the examination. However, this led to confusion, and is widely being criticised by students and faculty members, as several colleges failed to receive the list o candidates who can appear for the examination.

Chaos prevailed at several colleges under the university on Wednesday, after students who waited for long hours for hall tickets had to return without one.

At 3 pm, an official circular from the university was released, stating that candidates can appear for exams by producing identity cards issued by the college.

Generally, hall tickets are issued to candidates at least 4-5 days before examination. Not issuing admission tickets till the last minute added to stress and preexam jitters among students. “The university should have been more responsible and quick considering the Covid-19 crisis. However, they and the college administration are at the receiving end. We are not sure how far it is practical to conduct examination without a hall ticket. Besides, the introduction of the new software has led to several changes in the exam process,” said a professor.

College heads who spoke to TOI said they are yet to receive instructions on classroom markings and other details of the exam. “All this must be done at least a day in advance, but we are still awaiting the candidates’ list. That is more important than hall ticket,” said a principal.

‘Hall tickets to be issued in 2 days’

MU registrar (evaluation) PL Dharma, while admitting that it is the varsity’s mistake said: “We have taken measures so that students do not bear the brunt. Hall tickets will be issued in a day or two.”

Referring to the candidates’ list, he said colleges have been asked to allow registration or roll numbers that have been uploaded on the official website. In a message sent to colleges and students,he said the exam will be held as per the timetable. If a candidate has tested positive and is in a position to write the exam, the college will have to make arrangements, he added.

Colleges enhance safety norms as campuses turn containment zones

Colleges enhance safety norms as campuses turn containment zones

SruthySusan.Ullas@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:01.04.2021

With several educational institutions turning hotspots for Covid-19 infections, authorities in many colleges in the city are increasing vigilance and introducing stringent safety measures to avoid infections on campus.

For instance, RV College of Engineering (RVCE) in Bengaluru, where two faculty members had recently contracted the infection, has told fourth and sixth semester students to continue with online classes for the next three weeks.

“Even though we had started off with one student per hostel room, many were sharing rooms. Now, we have gone back to one student per room,” said principal KN Subramanya. RVCE has around 1,200 students on campus now.

BMS College of Engineering (BMSCE) has also rolled back to a blended form with batches alternating on various days. “We have formed a task force of faculty members who have been tasked with conducting random checks to ensure Covid protocols like social distancing and wearing masks are followed. The BMS hospital is also open for testing students and faculty,” said BV Ravi Shankar, principal, BMSCE. A student from the college said security guards conduct checks to ensure everyone wears a mask. NMKRV College for Women had planned to start on-campus classes from March 15 but when all students and faculty members — numbering some 2,000 — were subjected to Covid-19 tests and two students tested positive, the plan was abandoned.

“We then decided to take it slowly,” said Snehalatha G, principal. “While our science students come to the campus since they have lab classes to attend, a large majority of other students are taking classes online.”

Colleges where exams are underway too are taking precautions. “We have created a special email id and a faculty in charge,” said Meera HN, principal, Sheshadripuram main college. “The other day, special arrangements were made for one of our students, who was a primary contact, to write the exam. He walked in later than other students and left after others left.”

Visvesvaraya Technological University has asked all the toppers to furnish RT-PCR test results to attend the convocation ceremony scheduled on April 3. If their drivers too are not tested, they will not be allowed to step out of the vehicle. A maximum of 100 students will be seated in an auditorium which has a capacity to seat 800, university officials said.

TOI had reported that of the 29 containment zones in BBMP limits in the past two weeks, 10 were educational institutions. As on Tuesday evening, a total 89 students were infected. The higher education department had, however, made it clear that classes and exams will continue offline, but under stricter vigil. Students are wary as many say norms are not being followed strictly and are demanding online classes again. .

UNSAFE FEELING: Although safety measures are being ramped up, students are wary and demanding a return to online mode

17 MORE INFECTED AT MIT

Udupi/Mangaluru:

Manipal Institute of Technology continued to report fresh Covid-19 infections although not as many as previously. The campus was declared a containment zone. Of a total 56 cases reported from Udupi district on Wednesday, MIT accounted for 17. This takes the total number of infections on the campus to 1,042. Many inmates in several hostels are infected. Of the total cases reported from the district, 39 were from Udupi taluk. The district also reported the death of a 90-year-old woman. Health minister K Sudhakar, who was in Mangaluru, told officials to ensure people followed Covidappropriate behaviour. TNN

Govt slashes rates on small savings by up to 110 basis pts

Govt slashes rates on small savings by up to 110 basis pts

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:01.04.2021

The government has slashed interest rates on small savings schemes, such as post office deposits and public provident fund, by up to 110 basis points, dealing a fresh blow to savers seeking safety.

The new rates, effective Thursday and applicable for the first quarter, coincide with the government’s move to tax interest income on annual employee contributions of over Rs 2.5 lakh in PF, while giving government employees exemption up to Rs 5 lakh contribution.

The rate of interest on public provident fund is now at 6.4%, its lowest since 1974, according to National Savings Institute data.

Govt defers rollout of 4 labour codes

The Centre has deferred the rollout of the four labour codes, originally due on April 1, as several states have still not finalised relevant rules, giving more time to firms to realign their salary structures in line with the new rules. TNN

Revised rates will provide relief for banks

The latest rate action on small savings will go beyond active workers to include senior citizens as well as the girl child, who are major beneficiaries of the schemes. Senior citizens are already amongst the worst hit by falling rates as bank fixed deposit rates have crashed, leaving them with lower interest income.

Senior Citizens Saving Schemes and National Savings Scheme will see a 90-basis point reduction, while the popular PPF and Kisan Vikas Patras will see a 70-basis point fall. The sharpest cut of 110 basis points (100 basis points equal a percentage point) was reserved for oneyear fixed deposits, while three-year deposits will see a mere 40 basis points cut.

For senior citizens with five-year deposits, the new rates are in line with the rate on three to five years deposits offered by State Bank of India, which is also at 5.8%. But the bank is paying higher than post office deposits in maturity buckets of one, two or three years. In case of other deposits, SBI is currently offering higher rates across maturities.

The move will provide relief to banks, which compete with these schemes when it comes to raising deposits.

Full report: www.toi.in

PFC and REC reduce lending rates

New Delhi:

Two of the largest lenders to the power sector, Power Finance Corporation (PFC) and Rural Electrification Corporation (REC), have cut lending rates for FY22 by 2 percentage points, a move that will help utilities reduce their interest burden. Reduced lending rates have the potential to lower tariffs for consumers by reducing borrowing costs of utilities, which in turn bring down their interest payouts. TNN

Heat wave likely across parts of TN for four days: IMD

Heat wave likely across parts of TN for four days: IMD

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.04.2021

Heat wave conditions are likely to prevail over isolated pockets of Tamil Nadu for the next four days, the India Meteorological Department has said.

While private forecasters said Meenambakkam station could breach the 40-degree mark again in the first week of April, weather bloggers said temperatures in the city could drop to normal by April 3 and in other districts by April 5.

India Meteorological Department (IMD) said temperatures are likely to shoot up by three to five degrees above normal till April 4. The rise in temperature would be more pronounced in north Tamil Nadu districts including Chennai, Kanchipuram, Chengelpet, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Villupuram, Kallakurichi and Cuddalore as well as interior districts like Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Namakkal, Karur, Trichy , Perumbalur, Ariyalur and Mayiladuthurai. Madurai, Sivagangai and Pudukottai, IMD said.

“Heatwave conditions are likely to occur in isolated pockets. Farmers, poll candidates, voters and traffic policemen are advised not to work outdoors or organise rallies between 12 noon and 4pm,” IMD said. The change in the wind direction and the delay in the onset of sea breeze in the city is due to the presence of a low pressure area over southeast Bay of Bengal which is expected to intensify further and move towards Myanmar.

Chennai and its suburbs are likely to record a maximum and minimum temperatures of 39 degree C and 28 degree C for the next 48 hours, with sky conditions likely to be clear.

“This week is going to be very hot and humid for Chennai and mercury is likely to stay above 40 deg C for the next four-five days,” said Skymet Weather.

TN to operate over 3,000 spl buses for whole of poll week

TN to operate over 3,000 spl buses for whole of poll week

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.04.2021

The Tamil Nadu transport department seems to have learned its lesson the hard way.

During the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, state-run transport corporations did not operate enough additional buses ahead of the voting day. As a result, thousands of passengers climbed on top of buses and hung on to the rear grilles to reach their native places to vote. This attracted sharp criticism and put the ruling AIADMK in an awkward situation eight to 12 hours before the votes were cast.

To avoid such embarrassment this time, the transport department announced in advance that it will be running 3,090 special buses from Chennai in addition to 2,300 regular services during poll week. Election special buses will depart only from Chennai Mofussil Bus Terminus (CMBT) at Koyambedu between Thursday and Saturday.

For the next two days, these buses will pick up or drop passengers at major transit points in the city — Madhavaram, K K Nagar, Poonamallee and Tambaram.

Buses to Andhra Pradesh will leave from Madhavaram. Poonamallee bus stand will be the origin for buses bound for Hosur, Arcot, Arani, Cheyyar, Vellore and Kancheepuram. Buses to Cuddalore and Chidambaram will depart from K K Nagar. Tambaram will be the pick-up point for passengers heading to Thanjavur, Kumbakonam Tiruvannamalai and Neyveli.

Other buses to Nagapattinam, Madurai, Trichy, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Kanyakumari, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore and Salem will leave from CMBT.

A total of 2,264 special buses would be operated from Coimbatore, Salem, Tirupur and Bengaluru to make sure that there is no congestion, said an official release on Wednesday. Similarly, the department will run 2,115 special buses to Chennai to facilitate the return journey. In other parts of the state, 1,738 moffusil buses will be operated.