NEWS DIGEST

BSNL extends validity for prepaid users

20.04.2020

State-run telecom operator BSNL has extended the validity of prepaid mobile numbers till May 5 in view of extension of the lockdown period. This would allow subscribers of BSNL prepaid mobile numbers to receive incoming calls without recharge for the next fortnight. A press release said BSNL has also launched “Recharge Helpline” on toll-free number 5670099. It has facilities such as ‘Ghar Baithe Recharge’ and ‘Apno ki madad se recharge’ for all subscribers, who are unable to recharge through digital platforms. This feature, which is currently available in north and west zones, will be available in south and east zones from April 22. Under the ‘Ghar Baithe Recharge’ scheme, subscribers can register request for recharge, wherein a BSNL executive will reach the subscriber and facilitate the required recharge for mobile numbers, the release added.

CITU asks govt to send guest workers home: The state committee of Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) has urged the Tamil Nadu government to conduct negotiations to send the stranded guest workers to their native places. In a release on Saturday, A Soundara Rajan, the state president of the union, said many states are relaxing the lockdown from April 20 following the Centre’s direction. He also urged the state government to not collect any toll for vehicles transporting essential goods like vegetables and food grains till the lockdown is lifted. “The decision to collect toll would increase the prices of essential items,” he said.

HC proceedings only through video-conferencing: All juidicial proceedings in the Madras high court will be conducted only through video-conferencing in view of Covid-19 crisis to prevent the spread of any infection, the court announced on Sunday. In a circular, registrar general C Kumarappan said, “The court halls will not be accessible for any judicial function during the lockdown period to keep the court-halls sanitized and hygienically fit for any future use.” “All judicial functioning by the respective Hon’ble Judges as per the roster assigned will be only through video-conferencing till further orders,” he added.