Nobel laureate Esther Duflo, Raghuram Rajan in team to help revitalise TN's economy

Nobel laureate Esther Duflo, Raghuram Rajan in team to help revitalise TN's economy

Dr. Arvind Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, and Prof. Jean Dreze, noted development economist, will also be in the panel.

Published: 21st June 2021 12:41 PM |

Former RBI governor Raghuram Rajan (Photo | PTI)

By T Muruganandham

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Giving a comprehensive policy outline of the DMK government on priority issues, Governor Banwarilal Purohit on Monday told the state Assembly that an Economic Advisory Council (EAC) comprising renowned economists including Nobel laureate Esther Duflo and former RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan would be formed to advise the Tamil Nadu government on revitalising the state economy.

The other key announcements made by the Governor in his customary address to the first session of the 16th Assembly in Tamil Nadu include a white paper on the state’s finances, separate budget for agriculture, legislation to protect students from NEET, enacting a Right to Services Act to streamline the delivery of various public services by government agencies, according priority for Tamil medium students in state government jobs, setting up of satellite towns in suburban areas and forming a committee to formulate schemes for revival of MSMEs.

“The EAC is comprised of Nobel Laureate Prof Esther Duflo of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), USA, Prof Raghuram Rajan, former Governor, Reserve Bank of India, Dr Arvind Subramanian, former Chief Economic Advisor to the Government of India, Prof Jean Dreze, Development Economist and Dr S Narayan, former Union Finance Secretary,” the Governor said.

While outlining the policy initiatives, the Governor also touched upon the avowed ideologies of the DMK in his speech. Asserting that the DMK government would tread the path shown by social reformer ‘Thanthai’ Periyar, the Governor said, “This government is determined to transform Tamil Nadu into a state with a society with self-respect, with an empowered citizenry enjoying their rights and which is prosperous in all respects,” amidst thumping of desks by DMK MLAs.

Reiterating that this government is guided by the spirit of the Dravidian movement, and identifies social justice, gender equality, economic equity, opportunity-for-all through reservations, and progress through education and social reforms as its core values, the Governor said these values would drive every action, every legislation, every scheme and every initiative of this government.

The Governor also reiterated the DMK’s views on federalism and more powers for the state. “Strong states are needed to create a strong Union. This government will staunchly stand in defence of the rights of the states and constitutionally oppose any infringement of such rights. At the same time, we will maintain a cordial relationship with the Union government as partners in the process of nation building, in line with our policy of extending our hand in friendship, even as we speak up for our rights,” he underscored.

The DMK government, through the Governor’s address, assured the people that it would be a government for all and not one party’s government. “This government will be driven by the fundamental principle of social justice, “everything for everyone” and will serve as a government for all. This will be a people's government and not a party's government. This government will govern in a manner that all the people in the state will be united in proudly and wholeheartedly proclaiming it, “Our government”, the Governor added.

The Governor said this government would ensure that native Tamils, especially those that have studied in Tamil-medium and government schools, would be given priority in recruitment for government posts. The requisite changes to undo past orders which are contrary to this intent would be undertaken at the earliest.

Giving a detailed account on the expeditious steps taken for preventing the spread of COVID-19 and providing treatment to the affected persons, the Governor said so far, Rs 335.01 crore has poured in as contributions to the Chief Minister‟s Public Relief Fund from various quarters and of this Rs 241.10 crore has been allocated for COVID-related works.

Indicating that the new government is ready to face a third wave of Covid as medical experts have warned about it, the Governor said all necessary measures to counter the possible third wave would be taken. “Health infrastructure is being further strengthened. All the ongoing construction projects in the health sector, including that of the eleven new medical colleges, are being expedited for early completion. A new 500 bedded multi-specialty hospital will be constructed in the King Institute campus, Chennai, at a total cost of Rs 250 crore,” he added.

Highlights of the TN Governor’s address

To revitalise the state’s economy, an Economic Advisory Council to the Chief Minister with leading economic experts from all over the world as its members would be formed.

The Lok Ayukta will be revitalized and empowered to deal with complaints against public authorities including elected representatives and Government officials.

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) will be energized and pending complaints dealt with expeditiously.

A Right to Services Act will be introduced to streamline the delivery of various public services by government agencies.

New legislation to regulate groundwater use will be enacted to protect the interests of farmers and common people dependent on groundwater.

Will enact legislation to ensure that the students of Tamil Nadu are not adversely affected by NEET and will take steps to obtain the consent of the President for the same.

Satellite towns will be developed in sub-urban areas with modern amenities to decongest large cities in the state.

The preparation of the Third Master Plan for Chennai in consultation with all stakeholders will be completed well before the due date of 2026.

A Master Plan for fully realising Tamil Nadus tourism potential will be unveiled in the current year

A State Level Advisory Committee for all major Hindu temples will be constituted to enhance facilities for devotees, improve the maintenance of temples and to advise on related issues.

Native Tamils, especially those that have studied in Tamil-medium and in government schools, are given priority in recruitment for government posts.

The grievance redressal process for police personnel will be strengthened. Compassionate ground appointments will be expedited, especially in the case of those who die in the line of duty.

A white paper on the state’s finances will be released in July.

Separate budget for agriculture will be tabled in the State Assembly every year.

Uzhavar Sandhais (farmers’ markets) will be revitalized and more such farmers‟ markets will be established in the state.

This government will take all steps to achieve the target of 125 lakh metric tonnes of food grain production during 2021-22.

The Anna Centenary Library will be renovated and revitalised.

A mission mode project that will ensure continuity of education delivery will be implemented. ICT will be leveraged, and refresher courses will be delivered to children in order to make up for learning losses during the pandemic period.

An expert committee consisting of industrialists, banking and financial experts and government officials will be constituted to formulate schemes for revival of MSMEs.

Steps will be taken for establishing more industries in the northern districts covered under the Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor and the Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor which are still industrially backward.

Singara Chennai 2.0 programme will be launched to provide modern world class infrastructure and services in Greater Chennai Corporation.

Necessary steps will be taken to expedite the Maduravoyal to Chennai Port elevated road project which was needlessly stalled.

Feasibility studies for Mass Rapid Transit Systems for Madurai, Tiruchirappalli, Salem and Tirunelveli will be taken up.

A Master Plan for fully realising Tamil Nadu's tourism potential will be unveiled in the current year.

Backlog of unfilled vacancies intended for Adi-Dravidars and Scheduled Tribes in government jobs will be filled through a special recruitment drive.

UGC questions Christ University over online exams

UGC questions Christ University over online exams

In a letter to the university, the UGC South West Regional Office also brought into question the institute’s mode of evaluation.

Published: 21st June 2021 03:57 AM 

Christ University

By Pearl Maria D’Souza

Express News Service

BENGALURU: The regional office of the University Grants Commission (UGC) has questioned the decision of Christ deemed-to-be-university to conduct its end semester examinations in the online format.

In a letter to the university, the UGC South West Regional Office also brought into question the institute’s mode of evaluation.

The letter was based on complaints the commission’s office received from the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) and from students.

The students’ body had sought that the university not rely on artificial intelligence (AI) and proctored mode (invigilated online) of evaluation. NSUI suggested alternative methods of examination such as open book and assignment-based ones, and also demanded that it be taken into confidence while framing the policy for evaluation.

UGC education officer Latha KC confirmed to The New Indian Express that the university was asked to consider the students’ requests, and not “target them”.

“If the institute fails to implement these directions, it could invite punitive action,” the letter states.

The regional office asked the university to reconsider holding its online remote proctored end-term examinations as the move was an “unilateral policy formulated without consulting the students or taking into account the students’ best interests”.

It pointed out that students did not have access to the library after physical classes were suspended, and some teachers did not even provide proper study material. The syllabus was not also completed before the examinations, it said in the letter.

“Students had only around four weeks of classes to complete almost 70-75 per cent of the syllabus, resulting in the syllabus of many subjects remaining unfinished,” said the letter.

The proposed remote proctored examination is not a sound evaluation policy, it added about the AI’s technological limitations failing to account for practical difficulties of students, and requiring them to have uninterrupted electricity and internet connections.

Latha said that the university was yet to respond to the letter. “Although there are separate bureaus (for deemed-to-be-universities), here the complaint was by students during the pandemic, and the regional offices should respond,” she said.

Christ Vice-Chancellor Dr Fr Abraham VM told The New Indian Express that students were given a chance to write physically proctored examination if they were unable to attend the online one. “How can they (UGC regional office) ask us to adhere to the NSUI’s demand?” he said, adding that the exams started for the junior semesters on Friday, and was attended by 1,430 out of 1,450 students.

Meanwhile, the university’s student council stated that it has been kept informed and was consulted on holding the exams through the online software Mettl platform.

Anitha's father writes to TN NEET panel, parent of 2020 victim unaware of committee's existence

Anitha's father writes to TN NEET panel, parent of 2020 victim unaware of committee's existence

The high-level panel headed by Justice AK Rajan was formed by the DMK government to examine the pros and cons of the NEET in Tamil Nadu.

Published: 21st June 2021 09:32 PM 

Anitha allegedly committed suicide after failing to clear the medical entrance exam

By P Thiruselvam

Express News Service

ARIYALUR: T Shanmugham, the father of late NEET aspirant Anitha, has written to the AK Rajan high-level committee looking into the medical entrance exam stating that the test does not uphold merit as claimed by its supporters, but leads to medical seats being allotted for money.

The high-level panel headed by Justice AK Rajan was formed by the DMK government to examine the pros and cons of the NEET in Tamil Nadu.

On June 17, the committee invited public opinion on the subject through e-mail or post. On Monday, Rajan revealed that the committee had received 25,000 letters from the public in four days.

Shanmugam, who resides in Kuzhumur near Sendurai in Ariyalur district, in his letter to the panel said that his daughter had scored 1,176 out of 1,200 in the Class 12 board exams which would have been enough to get a medical seat under the earlier system of medical admissions. However, she was denied the seat because of the introduction of the NEET, he said. Dejected at the turn of events, Anitha had ended her life. Her death sparked widespread protests in Tamil Nadu against the test.

Shanmugam chronicled the developments that followed the implementation of the NEET in 2017 and recalled how Anitha had fought against the test by meeting several political leaders across the State and by reaching out to the Supreme Court in New Delhi.

"If the exam was for those people with access to equal opportunities and uniform education, then we could have had the mental strength to accept the failure. But as that is not the case with NEET, we could not accept it," he wrote.

However, the father of another NEET victim in the Ariyalur district did not even know about the formation of the committee, let alone its call for public opinion.

Vignesh (19) from Ilanthakuzhi scored 1,006 out of 1,200 marks in the Class 12 exams. He had attempted the NEET twice and, with his preparations for the test hampered by the pandemic-induced lockdown, he ended his life before he was to take the test for the third time in 2020.

"We do not know about the committee and that it has asked for public opinion on NEET. My son studied well in Class 12 but he ended his life due to the NEET. The test shatters the dreams of many students. There should not be any more deaths. The government should find a solution to this," Vignesh's father N Viswanathan said.

Panel studying NEET impact receives huge response

Panel studying NEET impact receives huge response

Meeting reporters on Tuesday, he said that the panel has received responses from various stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers and politicians.

Published: 22nd June 2021 05:29 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The high-level panel that was set-up by the State to study the impact of the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) on medical education, has received 25,000 representations until Monday, said Justice AK Rajan, who heads the committee.

Meeting reporters on Tuesday, he said that the panel has received responses from various stakeholders, including parents, students, teachers and politicians. “We got mixed feedback on NEET. Although more people want it scrapped, there are many who want the test to be held. Some have suggested reintroducing it after a few years and some others have suggested scrapping it after a few years,” he said.

Justice Rajan added the panel is currently collating data required to answer questions raised by the government. “We still have not collected sufficient data. We will make recommendations to the government based on the data we get,” he said, adding that there will not be an extension of time period for public feedback as the panel has already received overwhelming feedback.

MTC operates 1,800 buses

MTC operates 1,800 buses

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:22.06.2021

After 43 days, Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) buses are back on city roads on Monday. On day one,1,800 buses were operated.

This included 925 ordinary-fare buses in which women, transgenders and disabled people travelled for free for the first time. Transport minister RS Rajakannappan released the specially-printed tickets for these passengers and said the government has provided ₹1,200 crore as subsidy towards this announcement by the CM last month.

After inspecting preparedness at Central Depot, Rajakannappan told reporters almost 85% of the MTC workforce has been vaccinated and around 2,800 buses were disinfected and ready for operation, However, more passengers arrived at bus stops, particularly in the suburbs, than expected. Therefore, crowding was reported in some of the buses and conductors had a tough time in managing the 50% seating capacity rule.

Meanwhile, one MTC bus met with an accident at Poonamallee after one of the front tyres burst. The driver and three passengers suffered minor injuries.

ON THE MOVE: MTC resumed its service after 43 days on Monday

2 jabs on same recipients within 10 min? Officials rubbish claims

2 jabs on same recipients within 10 min? Officials rubbish claims

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bhubaneswar/Dumka:  22.06.2021 

Two people — a man in Odisha and a woman in Jharkhand — have alleged that they were given back-to-back Covid vaccine shots, in gross violation of inoculation protocol. However, in both cases, the authorities have refuted their accusations.

A 51-year-old man, Prasanna Kumar Sahu, in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district claimed that he was administered two doses of Covishield within five minutes at a vaccination camp on Saturday.

“I was advised by the healthcare staff to stay at the centre for 30 minutes after vaccination for observation. While I was waiting, I was administered another dose,” Sahu said. “When I said I had been given an injection about five minutes ago by another nurse, the second nurse wouldn’t listen.” Both the doses were reportedly administered on the same arm.

Additional chief secretary (health) Pradipta Kumar Mohapatra said, “The director of family welfare was asked to verify and submit the findings. It was ascertained that repeat vaccination was not actually done.” In Jharkhand, a probe was ordered on Monday, a day after a 22-year-old claimed she was given two doses of Covishield in Poriyahat. Bulbul Dutta said she was resting after taking her first dose when the nurse called her again after 10 minutes and administered the second dose.

Optional board exams to be held between Aug 15-Sept 15: CBSE to SC

Optional board exams to be held between Aug 15-Sept 15: CBSE to SC

AmitAnand.Choudhary@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:22.06.2021

CBSE on Monday told the Supreme Court that optional Class XII board examinations for students not satisfied with their assessment would be held any time between August 15 and September 15, subject to the situation being conducive.

In an affidavit filed in the apex court, the board said the result, on the basis of its assessment policy, will be declared by July-end, after which it will provide online facility for registration for the optional examination for those students who are not satisfied with their results. It, however, said the examination will be conducted only in the main subjects and “the marks obtained by a candidate in this examination will be treated as final”.

It said policy for tabulation of marks for Class XII board examination has been formulated by CBSE to ensure standardisation of marks, as marks of Class XI and XII component will be awarded at school level and, therefore, they will strictly not be comparable across schools due to variations in quality of question papers, evaluation standards and processes and the mode of conduct of exams etc.

As some of the parents opposed cancellation of the board examination and pleaded that it could be conducted in view of the Covid-19 pandemic being under control, a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari said it would hear their plea also and take a final call.

Full report on www.toi.in

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