Govt ‘summons’ Infosys CEO after income tax portal outage

Govt ‘summons’ Infosys CEO after income tax portal outage

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:23.08.2021

A day after the income tax portal became “unavailable”, the finance ministry on Sunday said that it has “summoned” Infosys CEO Salil Parekh to explain why errors have not been fixed two-and-a-half months after the platform was launched.

Although the “emergency maintenance” of the website was completed on Sunday evening, and it went live again, the shutdown had caused considerable embarrassment. On Saturday, Infosys had tweeted about a “planned maintenance”, although the tax department had remained silent about it until about 2pm on Sunday when it tweeted about the Infosys CEO being “summoned”.

During this time, several users had come across a message saying the “portal is going through a maintenance”.

Just last week, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had told reporters that revenue secretary Tarun Bajaj was regularly monitoring the issue and the glitches would be removed in the next few days.

This is the second time that the government has publicly named Infosys in the case. Two months ago, the company brass held consultations with the FM and other stakeholders after she had flagged the concerns on social media, hours after the June 7 launch.

Government functionaries are to Parekh again on Monday.

‘I-T portal launched without enough tests’

During this time, users came across a message saying the “portal is going through a maintenance”. Last week, finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman had said revenue secretary Tarun Bajaj was regularly monitoring the issue and the glitches would be fixed soon. This is the second time that the government has publicly named Infosys in the case. Two months ago, the company brass held consultations with the FM and other stakeholders after she had flagged the concerns on social media, hours after the June 7 launch.

Government functionaries are likely to meet Parekh again on Monday.

Sunday’s tweet points to the government’s growing impatience over the quality of service offered by Infosys with GST

Network and MCA-21 (for corporate filings and database) being other assignments where the Indian tech giant’s role has come under the lens. While the government has repeatedly blamed the IT vendor for the problems with the new income tax portal, it has offered no response on how a faulty system was allowed to go live by officials handling the high-profile project. Some of their colleagues and former tax officials have suggested that sufficient tests were not conducted before the system was launched.

A source said the portal was ready for launch last year itself, but the rollout was planned to be done in phases, a decision that was changed later.

A questionnaire sent to the Central Board of Direct Taxes on Sunday remained unanswered, while Bajaj did not respond to text messages. In the past too, tax authorities have refused to offer any explanation on how the department had failed to spot multiple glitches in the platform. The problems with the portal have already prompted the tax department to offer some concessions. Besides, officials have blamed the snags for a massive slowdown in tax refunds.

Between April and August 16, refunds added up to Rs 49,696 crore against close to Rs 96,000 crore between April and August 25 last year. The number of refunds which added up to over 25.5 lakh till August 25, 2020, have dropped to 22.7 lakh so far this year. Also, repeated disruptions have led to demands to defer the deadline for filing returns apart from seeking other relaxations.

Although some experts had suggested reverting to the earlier system till the issues in the new portal were sorted out, Sitharaman has ruled out the possibility. “While several of the issues have been resolved, new problems keep coming up,” a leading CA said.

“The new e-filing portal was expected to replace the existing e-filing portal. It was viewed to create a strong technology backbone by enabling (a) host of new functionalities to taxpayers, including enhancement of look, feel and usage experience. We regret to say that after the expiry of more than two months, the portal is still not functioning and is suffering from several serious problems,” the Bombay Chartered Accountants’ Society said in a letter to the FM on August11.

Government functionaries are likely to meetInfy chief Salil Parekh again on Monday

Eligibility terms for pre-law assistant professors struck down

Eligibility terms for pre-law assistant professors struck down

The court said these qualifications suffer from ‘patent irrationality’, ‘unreasonableness’ and ‘arbitrariness.’

Published: 21st August 2021 05:18 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has struck down the eligibility condition that candidates seeking appointment to the post of Assistant Professors (pre-law courses) in government law colleges in Tamil Nadu should have a Master of Laws (ML) degree and enrolment as advocate in addition to having a postgraduate degree in the relevant subject. The court said these qualifications suffer from ‘patent irrationality’, ‘unreasonableness’ and ‘arbitrariness.’

A Bench of Justice N Kirubakaran and Justice V Parthiban on Thursday passed the orders on a set of writ petitions challenging the qualifications prescribed for the post of Assistant Professors in government law colleges.

The Bench thus declared G.O. Ms No 1349 and G.O. Ms No 264 dated 19.11. 1985, and 20.12.2005, as illegal and unconstitutional as the same are repugnant to the minimum standards laid down by the Bar Council of India (BCI) in the Legal Education Rules, 2008, in terms of section 7 (1) (h) (i) read with section 49 (af) and (d) of the Advocates Act, 1961.

It also stated that candidates who obtained master’s degrees via distance education or by correspondence are ineligible for appointment as Assistant Professors (Pre-Law); so are candidates with cross major degrees.

Nonetheless, appointments already made for year 2014 and 2017-18 shall not be affected by this ruling, the Bench said, directing the State government authorities to ‘revisit’ the entire eligibility criteria.

‘Appointments will not be revoked’

Nonetheless, appointments already made for year 2014 and 2017-18 shall not be affected by this ruling, the Bench said. The bench also directed the State government authorities to ‘revisit’ the entire eligibility criteria for the positions

Hairfall after Covid recovery, new side effect?

Hairfall after Covid recovery, new side effect?

Post-recovery side effects of Covid were believed to be a few issues such as tiredness and weight loss. However, patients have now started reporting hair loss, adding to their stress.

Published: 22nd August 2021 03:20 AM 

By Sowmya Mani

Express News Service

TIRUCHY: Post-recovery side effects of Covid were believed to be a few issues such as tiredness and weight loss. However, patients have now started reporting hair loss, adding to their stress.

It was a harrowing experience for 46-year-old Rohini, when she contracted Covid early in May. Even a month after recovery, she had to battle with issues ranging from continued tiredness to lack of energy. Just as she thought the ill effects of the virus were behind her, she started experiencing severe hairfall in August.

“Everytime I ran my hand through my hair, it would bring out clumps of hair. While taking a shower, more hair fell off. I was extremely scared as this continued for almost two weeks,” says Rohini.

Doctors say that hairfall is a side effect after any major illness. It is not specifically due to Covid as it happens after malaria and typhoid too.

Priyadarshini Natarajan, dermatologist, Srinidhi Hospital and Dental Park, says, “We usually see a lot of cases of hairfall, especially in women. Infections like Covid, typhoid, and malaria weaken hair roots. The condition is called Telogen effluvium, which is temporary hair loss.”

Says Nidhi Singh, senior consultant dermatologist, Gleneagles Global Health City, “We have seen patients coming in two months after Covid recovery, complaining about hair fall. Usually, hair has a growing stage and a resting phase. Post Covid, the hair which is in the growing stage moves to the resting phase, leading to fall.” According to doctors, hairfall up to 100 strands per day is normal. If it is anything higher, then it can be considered a problem. Hairfall after Covid is seen more among women, and there has been about 20 per cent increase in patients complaining of hair fall.

“It is a systemic infection after any stress. It is more important to look for associated problems like dandruff and treat those. One of the most important things we give our patients along with supplements, is reassurance,” says Niraaimathi, consultant dermatologist, Kauvery Hospital, Tiruchy.

Priyadarshini adds, “In most cases, you will grow new hair. It will take six months to recover completely from this hairfall. We give mild treatment with hair supplements and multi-vitamins. Mental stress due to hairfall is immense, which we help patients with.”

Vellore Institute of Technology features in 2021 Shanghai rankings

Vellore Institute of Technology features in 2021 Shanghai rankings

According to the Shanghai Ranking website, VIT is the only private institution of India which has made it to the list this year.

Published: 23rd August 2021 04:40 AM 

Vellore Institute of Technology campus in Chennai

By Express News Service

VELLORE: The Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) has been ranked between 801-900 among world universities in the 2021 Shanghai Ranking, also known as Shanghai - Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU).

According to the Shanghai Ranking website, VIT is the only private institution of India which has made it to the list this year. 14 Indian universities have made it to the list. The ranking is based on publications in top quality journals, highly cited researchers, top rated international awards and prizes.

Shanghai Ranking is recognized by the GoI as one of the ranking agencies for Institution of Eminence. VIT Chancellor G Viswanathan said that this is because of the hard work and quality maintained by our faculty members, research scholars and UG/PG students in teaching and research.

NAAC team to visit Kalady Sanskrit varsity

NAAC team to visit Kalady Sanskrit varsity

Vice-Chancellor Dharmarajan Adat said the university is looking forward to the visit of the NAAC peer team.

Published: 23rd August 2021 03:00 AM 

By Express News Service

KOCHI: The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) peer team will visit the Kalady Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University on Wednesday. The NAAC reassessment will be held over three days. Vice-Chancellor Dharmarajan Adat said the university is looking forward to the visit of the NAAC peer team.

“Sree Sankaracharya Sanskrit University is the only varsity in Kerala to get an ‘A’ grade in the first cycle of accreditation. The visit, as a part of the second phase of accreditation will begin on August 25,” he said. In 2018, the University implemented the system of Outcome-Based Teaching, Learning and Evaluation (OBTLE) at the postgraduate level, becoming the first university in Kerala to introduce the system.

“The reassessment and subsequent meetings and interactions between the NAAC delegation and university authorities will be held in adherence with Covid protocol and the pandemic-related guidelines issued by the University Grants Commission,” said the vice-chancellor.

Can states prescribe qualifying criteria for MBBS admissions: SC issues notice to NMC, Centre

Can states prescribe qualifying criteria for MBBS admissions: SC issues notice to NMC, Centre: New Delhi: Observing that the 'issue of law needs to be resolved', the Supreme Court has recently issued notice to the National Medical Commission (NMC) and Central Government to decide whether...

After setting bar high, people’s judge Kirubakaran bows out

After setting bar high, people’s judge Kirubakaran bows out

His resolute efforts to make certain that justice was provided to the deprived sections of the society were what earned him the sobriquet – people’s judge.

Published: 20th August 2021 05:31 AM 

Justice Kirubakaran with his mother Rajammal (90) during the farewell event held at Madras High Court on Thursday | AsAshwin Prasath

By R Sivakumar And Jegadeeswari Pandian

Express News Service

CHENNAI/MADURAI: "I was guided by dharma while making judgements," said Justice N Kirubakaran of Madras High Court on Thursday, addressing a large group of colleagues, some teary-eyed. They had gathered to bid farewell to the court’s senior-most judge. His statement was in reference to the criticism of 'judicial overreaching' some have levelled against him. But regardless of what observers may say, his resolute efforts to ensure that justice was provided to the deprived sections of the society earned him the sobriquet of the ‘people's judge’.

Born on August 21, 1959 in Nedumpirai village at Cheyyar in Tiruvannamalai district, Justice Kirubakaran entered the legal profession on September 4, 1985. After practising for about 23 years in various courts, including the Madras High Court, he became the additional judge of the High Court in March 2009 and was promoted as a permanent judge in March 2011.

Closing liquor shops in a phased manner, making helmets mandatory for two-wheeler riders and declaring J Deepa and J Deepak as the legal heirs of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, are among the many orders passed by Kirubakaran in his time on the Bench. On Thursday, the last day of his tenure, he sat with Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee on the first bench of the High Court for a brief time.

Later, his colleagues in the Bench and the Bar gave him an emotional farewell at the court premises in Chennai. While the Chief Justice honoured Kirubakaran, Advocate General R Shanmugasundaram noted that he had ensured dignity even to the deceased through his orders.

In his speech, Justice Kirubakaran recalled his modest background and struggle to reach his present position. His eyes welled up as he spoke of the role of his father, who had studied only till class 4, in shaping up his career. The judge exhorted the judicial officers of family courts to work to unite families rather than separate them. "I hope that the Union government will make appropriate amendments in the Constitution to set up regional benches of the Supreme Court. I also hope that one day prohibition will be implemented in Tamil Nadu," he added.

Meanwhile, the judge’s colleagues on the Bar from across the State spoke to The New Indian Express about his interest in changing the lives of the poor and vulnerable.

“Justice Kirubakaran is a judge with a golden heart, benevolent brain and delivering hands,” said advocate S Srinivasa Raghavan.

"His contributions to motor accident jurisprudence, especially his application of Cost Inflation Index formula for determining the notional income of persons, who die without proof of avocation and income, is remarkable," Raghavan said.

The Chairman of the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, PS Amalraj, hailed the judge’s directions on guidelines to be followed while enrolling advocates, including his recent order to introduce a biometric attendance system in law colleges outside Tamil Nadu.

“He has helped nearly 100 young and poor junior advocates, especially women, get two wheelers through charitable trusts and contributions from senior advocates,” Amalraj said. Apart from this, the judge also appointed many junior advocates as advocate commissioners in several cases and ensured they got a good remuneration, he added.

Recalling his experiences as a government counsel, advocate Aayiram K Selvakumar said, “When officials heard that Justice Kirubakaran is coming to Madurai, they would become vigilant. Senior officials would call and give detailed instructions, knowing the judge’s strict nature.”

According to advocate K Samidurai, Justice Kirubakaran’s landmark judgments have transformed the lives of disabled sportspersons across the country. “He enhanced the prize amount provided to paralympic medal winners by the government from a few thousand rupees to nearly Rs 15 lakhs. He has also helped many disabled sportspersons access job reservation. Paralympic athlete J Ranjith Kumar of Madurai was given a permanent appointment as a coach recently, thanks to Justice Kirubakaran’s order,” he added.

One such beneficiary of the judge’s orders, A Gopi Kannan, is a disabled sportsperson. He was provided a government job in recognition of his sporting achievements through Justice Kirubakaran's order. “I am indebted to the judge for life. I am not sure if I would have been alive if not for his help. He recognised my achievements. It's only thanks to him that I am able to feed my family and live with dignity,” Kannan told The New Indian Express.

Justice Kirubakaran has also shown great interest in case matters of Tamil language and archaeology. He was instrumental in bringing 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students in medical admissions. His empathy towards the issue was such that he broke down to tears during the virtual hearing of the case. This, and the anguish he expressed for the migrant workers during the pandemic, showed the level of his compassion and dedication, advocates felt.

He has also granted reliefs to various persons from oppressed communities, who have knocked on the doors of the court seeking justice. A Virudhunagar woman, who contracted HIV after being transfused with contaminated blood at a government hospital, during a virtual hearing was moved to tears by the support Justice Kirubakaran gave her by ordering the government to provide her permanent job, Rs 25 lakh compensation and a house among other relief. Litigants who argued as party-in-person thronged the courts with Public Interest Litigations during the judge’s sittings due to his strong sense of social justice and determination to serve the society. He would be missed by all, including the public, advocates said.

(with inputs from R Sivakumar @ Chennai)