Delay in filing chargesheet will be a big setback for graft case involving former BU vice-chancellor, PMK leader says

TNN | Dec 8, 2018, 03.59 PM IST

COIMBATORE: Pattali Makkal Katchi (PMK) founder S Ramadoss on Saturday slammed the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC) for not filing chargesheet against the suspended vice-chancellor of Bharathiar University, A Ganapathi, even 10 months after his arrest in a bribery case.

In a statement on Saturday, Ramadoss said it did not seem a natural happening that a chargesheet had not yet been filed in the case.

Ganapathi was arrested on February 3 this year for demanding and accepting a bribe of Rs 30 lakh from an assistant professor aspirant. He was suspended from his vice-chancellor post on February 7.

Observing that it had been 310 days since Ganapathi was arrested, Ramadoss said it was shocking because just like in criminal cases, in graft cases too chargesheet should be filed within 90 days.

“Usually, when DVAC sleuths nab someone in a graft case, there would be a government witness. DVAC has only to gather evidences which they would complete in a few days. So in such cases chargesheet can be filed very soon,” he said in his statement and added that if in such cases chargesheet was not filed in time, they could face a setback.

Citing news reports which said the DVAC had stated that the procedures had been delayed as it was waiting for documents from the governor’s office, Ramadoss said, “The governor has been saying university administrations have been cleaned up due to the measures he had taken. If it is true that he has not given the documents needed to file chargesheet in this case, it will be a big misdeed.”

He also said there was also a chance for Ganapathi to seek the VC post again as there has been no chargesheet against him so far.

Meanwhile, academicians said there were several roster violations in appointments done in the university during the 11th and 12th plan periods and it called for an independent inquiry.

The appointments made in violation of the roster during the 11th plan period were also regularised later, which was another violation, said C Pichandy, former general secretary of Association of University Teachers (AUT).

“Appointments made during both the plan periods need to be investigated. The state should appoint a retired judge to do it,” he said.

Court orders Karnataka to produce V K Sasikala on December 13

TNN | Dec 8, 2018, 06.27 AM IST

CHENNAI: A special Enforcement Directorate cases court in the city on Friday directed the Karnataka prison authorities to produce ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala on December 13 in connection with Foreign Exchange Regulation Act violation cases.

The issue pertains to payments in US and Singapore dollars to foreign firms for hiring transponders and uplink facilities for Jaya TV in 1995-96.

In July 2017, the court allowed Sasikala to appear through video conferencing from Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru. With her personal appearance required to sign documents and complete framing of charges, the authorities were asked to produce her on November 30. Since the prison authorities failed to produce her due to health reasons, the court issued the order on Friday.

Court orders Karnataka to produce V K Sasikala on December 13
TNN | Dec 8, 2018, 06.27 AM IST

CHENNAI: A special Enforcement Directorate cases court in the city on Friday directed the Karnataka prison authorities to produce ousted AIADMK leader V K Sasikala on December 13 in connection with Foreign Exchange Regulation Act violation cases.

The issue pertains to payments in US and Singapore dollars to foreign firms for hiring transponders and uplink facilities for Jaya TV in 1995-96.

In July 2017, the court allowed Sasikala to appear through video conferencing from Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru. With her personal appearance required to sign documents and complete framing of charges, the authorities were asked to produce her on November 30. Since the prison authorities failed to produce her due to health reasons, the court issued the order on Friday.

Why are men more hurt by breakups than women?

times of India  09.12.2018

The end of a relationship is never easy. Both men and women hurt when the familiar feeling of happiness is suddenly snatched away due to a breakup. Now, a British study has claimed that men suffer more long-lasting pain from breakups than women. The question is: why is this so? How and why are men hurting more when it is they who usually seem to move on from breakups faster and more painlessly? According to a previous study, men struggle more after a breakup than women because emotionally, men often react badly to major life upheavals. Moreover, men’s methods for dealing with changed circumstances are not always helpful. Researchers found out that going to the pub was named the best way to ‘get over’ a split while one third of those polled said the jilted party would be better off if he acts unbothered. Right there, is one of the reasons why men suffer — the unwillingness to face what happened and come to terms with reality. On the other hand, women are more comfortable finding a shoulder to cry on and letting it all out. Women also have a wider circle of friends and will confide to family in a way most men wouldn’t countenance. That explains why they come to grips with reality and find the strength to close a chapter and move on.

Another reason why women don’t suffer as much as men after a breakup is because they do the breaking up more times than men. What this means is that, women have more time to start processing the pain ahead. By the time they are done with that phase, the man may just be beginning his.

— Agencies

This is how many French fries you should be eating

Chelsea Ritschel  TOI 09.12.2018

A Harvard professor said it would be “nice” if an order of fries only contained six — to which people have reacted with outrage and disbelief.

Despite being one of the most delicious foods, French fries are understandably frowned upon by doctors and nutritionists - who are keen to make people aware of the health risks associated with consuming sliced, fried potatoes.

And in a recent New York Times article, Professor Eric Rimm, a nutrition professor in Harvard University’s School of Public Health, who described potatoes as “starch bombs,” suggested it would be better if people ate them in six-fry increments — as higher consumption is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and diabetes.

Apart from heart disease, obesity and diabetes, the study referenced by the New York Times also found people who ate fries didn’t live as long as people who didn’t indulge.

Currently, Americans are consuming potatoes more than any other vegetable, with two-thirds in the form of French fries, chips, or other processed potatoes, according to the Agriculture Department.

The ever-increasing portions of food are also the problem — with an order of French fries now averaging just under 200 grams, according to Beth Fontenot, MS, RD, LDN.

According to Dr Rimm, portion control could help.

“There aren’t a lot of people who are sending back three-quarters of an order of French fries,” he said in the article, which describes the country’s voracious appetite for potatoes, especially fried ones, and the health risks associated. “I think it would be nice if your meal came with a side salad and six French fries.”

The advice, if realistic, would be beneficial — but on social media, Dr Rimm’s suggestion was jokingly ridiculed.

“Who is this hostile alien they are interviewing?” one person asked.

Another said: “What kind of MAD MAN would want six French fries? I get it, they are bad for you, but eating SIX sounds like torture. I’d rather not have them at all. But we all know that’s not going to happen.”

If you are going to exercise control when it comes to French fries, Tracy Lockwood Beckerman, a registered dietician in New York City, told The Independent that you should avoid “french fries that are doused in toppings like gravies, cheese, aiolis or heavy, salty seasoning” in favour of baked fries, and “as a rule of thumb, regardless of the type of potato, ask for the fries without salt and if you wish, salt them yourself at the table.”

She advises pouring the salt in your hand “before sprinkling them onto your fries to prevent oversaturating your meal with salt.”

And while Beckerman “generally recommends consuming fried foods as seldom as possible,” if you do eat the fries, “Try extra hard at your next meal to eat an arrangement of antiinflammatory foods like lean proteins, cruciferous vegetables and beans.” THE INDEPENDENT


SMALL FRY: Professor Eric Rimm was mocked on social media for suggesting a healthy serving should only contain six fries

3,474 varsity students to earn credits on e-platform
92 Universities OK Credit Transfers From Swayam

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:09.12.2018

In a first, 3,474 regular students across 20 universities are set to to earn credits through the online-learning platform Swayam. With 92 universities, including some of India’s best like University of Hyderabad, Central Universities of Punjab, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Karnataka, besides Jamia Millia Islamia and Anna University having approved credit transfers, scholars of these universities can now learn from home and earn as much as 20% of the total credit through this online-learning-platform.

Swayam offers courses from class 9th to post graduate level where regular school or university students can register and learn online. Students can earn credits for some of the Swayam’s UG/PG level courses by taking the credit test conducted by NTA. This credit will get added to the total credits needed by a student to complete his course in his parent university. This is convenient and allows the scholar flexibility both in terms of time as he can pace his study and also provides a wider choice in terms of subjects.

According to R Subrahmanyam, secretary, higher education, ministry of human resource development, the National Testing Agency (NTA) conducted computer-based tests for 90 Massive Open Online Courses of undergraduate and post graduate courses for Swayam candidates on December 1 and 2. The tests were conducted at 87 centers in 61cities and 3,474 candidates were in attendance.

“As many as 92 universities, which includes central, state, deemed and private universities, have come on board in accepting credit transfer for courses done through Swayam platform. It’s an encouraging beginning with over 3,800 students registering for the credit exams. More universities are to come on board,” said Subrahmanyam. So far majority of the credit courses accepted by the universities are for the optional papers, while a few are also accepting core papers for credit transfer. “In sync with the semester system, the credit exams are to be conducted by the NTA and certificates of credit will be issued. Students then will submit the certificate of credits to their parent universities,” added the secretary.

2 poll officials suspended for misplacing EVM

Jaipur/Kota:09.12.2018

Two polling officials were suspended on Friday night by the returning officer of Kishanganj in Baran district for “negligence”. Of the 12 machines the two were ferrying from the store to the warehouse, one fell off on the way, the Baran collector said. It was, officials say, an “unpolled” back-up unit-.The machine was later found on NH-27 near Mugawali Road in Shahabad area of Kishanganj assembly constituency.

The two officials suspended are Abdul Rafique and Naval Singh Patwari, said Kishanganj returning officer Chandan Dubey.

“It was an unpolled ballot unit, which is kept in the reserved category. They (officials) were bringing 12 machines from the store to the warehouse for submission. One of those fell off from their vehicle and they did not realise it and are suspended with immediate effect for negligence,” said Baran collector Satyapal Singh Bhadia.

Rafique, ILR employee at Shahabad tehsil, and Singh, will report at the district headquarters during the suspension period, said the order issued by the collector late on Friday night. TNN

PhD scholar in MKU files complaint against guide

Madurai:09.12.2018

A full-time PhD scholar of Madurai Kamaraj University has lodged a complaint of harassment against her guide with the registrar of the university. Apart from harassment, she has claimed that the guide took her as a full-time research scholar after obtaining 2 lakh from her.

However, K Karnamaharajan, the guide and head of the department of the centre for film and electronic media studies, rubbished the complaint as “absolutely false and fabricated”. He suspected that it was a motivated complaint at a time when he had issued a showcause notice to her for taking unauthorized leave. “I am planning to meet the registrar to seek his permission to conduct a press meet, where I will come out with the evidences,” he said. TNN

SCHOLARSHIP ISSUE

SC/ST students to get ₹984cr in arrears  HC Order To Benefit 1.4L TN Students
TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai: 09.12.2018

In a reprieve to more than 1.4 lakh SC/ST students who were denied the central government scholarship, the Madras high court has directed the Centre to release scholarship arrears to the tune of ₹984 crore in two months.

A division bench of Justice S Manikumar and Justice Subramonium Prasad passed the order while allowing a PIL moved by advocate D Ashokkumar based on a news report — 1.4 lakh students denied hall ticket over unpaid fees — published in TOI on December 18, 2017.

“Though the Centre’s department of finance is not a party to this lis, allocation of funds has to be made as per the scheme, promptly. Therefore, the director of the department is directed to disburse the arrears of ₹822.91 crore, representing the postmatric scholarship to SC students up to 2016-17, within two months, along with ₹162 crore, for the 2017-18 year,” said the bench.

According to the petitioner, students from SC/ST communities whose family income is below ₹2 lakh per annum are eligible for scholarships to pursue higher education. As per the scheme,

which was introduced in 2012, tuition fees for higher education including in self-financing colleges, would be borne by the state under the central government post-matric scholarship programme.

While so, on August 11, 2017 the state issued a GO reducing the scholarship amount provided for students studying in self-financing colleges. As per the new GO, students who joined courses under the management quota in self-financing colleges, could get scholarship amount only as much being charged for the students under the government quota fixed tuition fees.

“Now, for the academic year 2017-18, for which fees has been fixed as ₹85,000 for engineering courses, only ₹50,000 will be borne by the government under the scheme. Remaining ₹35,000 has to be paid by the students. Earlier, medical students from SC/ST communities, can get up to ₹12.5 lakh as scholarship. Now, as per the new GO, they can get only a meagre amount of ₹4 lakh and the remaining ₹8 lakh should be paid by the students. Similarly, for BDS course students have to pay up to ₹3.5 lakh from their own funds,” the petitioner said.

The petitioner also referred to a media statement released by the state government in which it had claimed that the central government had not released ₹1,546 crore meant for distribution of postmatric scholarship and the situation was cited as the reason for reduction of scholarship provided for such students. In its response, the state government submitted that due to the delayed and inadequate release of central assistance, a burden is caused on the state's exchequer.

Madras HC sets aside transfer order to differently-abled 
headmistress 

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Nov 30, 2018, 6:18 am IST

Updated Nov 30, 2018, 6:18 am IST 

The judge directed the authorities to post the petitioner within a week, as headmistress in the Thazhancheri HC, which is situated near her residence. 


Madras High Court

Chennai: The Madras high court has set aside an order of the authorities transferring a differently-abled headmistress to a far away school.

“When the law is so concerned for the disabled persons and makes provision, it is the obligation of the law executing authorities to ensure implementation in quite promptitude”, said Justice S. Vimala while disposing of a petition from R.Thamaraiselvi, a differently-abled woman.

The judge directed the authorities to post the petitioner within a week, as headmistress in the Thazhancheri high court, which is situated near her residence.

According to Thamaraiselvi, she was appointed as a teacher and posted in a high school in Korkai in 1997. Subsequent to her promotion as headmistress in 2018, despite her 50 percent disability and request to post her in a high school in Thazhancheri, which was just 10 km away from her residence, she was offered the high school in Periathumbur, which was 104 km away, during counseling. Therefore, she filed the present petition, she added. The judge said the transport system and the population using it were alarming and accidents were escalating each day. The population traveling over the top of the bus cannot be forgotten while considering the transfer request of a disabled person. Normally, place of posting was left to the discretion of the administrators, but in this case, this court did not have the hope that the administrators would take care of the interest of the differently abled person namely the petitioner, the judge added and gave the above directive.

Faulty medical devices cause for deaths and injuries 

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Dec 1, 2018, 2:47 am IST

The researchers said that eight percent of all implants had no evaluated evidence due to the lack of a proper regulation process.

The high failure rate of implants highlighted the need for an adequate evidence base for medical implants.

Chennai: A report led by the International Consortium of Investigative Journalists (ICIJ) and its partner news organizations. The British Medical Journal and BBC Panorama revealed that 83,000 deaths and 1.7 million injuries were associated with faulty medical devices. The safety regulations do not keep up with the advancements in med tech, raising the need of a better regulatory system on the medical devices.

One of the earlier reports by the BMJ revealed that hip replacement surgeries use implants with no readily available evidence related to their safety and effectiveness. The researchers said that eight percent of all implants had no  evaluated evidence due to the lack of a proper regulation process.

The high failure rate of implants highlighted the need for an adequate evidence base for medical implants. Many implants are available to surgeons without an evidence of clinical effectiveness to support their use.

The report highlighted that governmental authorities do not review medical devices before they reach the market. Instead, medical device companies seek approval from notified bodies for approval. Though the scenario was based on the European market and med tech industry mainly, various countries such as India are main consumers of the same.

The report said that safety and efficacy of medical devices are not subject to the same transparency rules as medicines; so much so that surgeons performing these procedures don’t always see the evidence related to the devices.

Responding to the report, UK’s Royal College Of Surgeons demanded drastic  regulatory changes in the way medical devices are evaluated. Medicos say that all implant devices should be registered and tracked to monitor efficacy and patient safety in the long term.

ID cards: Stick to SC fiat on Aadhaar, citizens tell MTC

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Dec 2, 2018, 1:51 am IST

Senior citizens have demanded that MTC officials do not ask for copy of Aadhaar. 


MTC should make do with a copy of ration card alone, from this time onwards. Officials should instruct all depots in this regard accordingly, they added.

Chennai: As free travel coupons for senior citizens for the period January, February and March 2019, comes up for renewal sometime during the middle of this month, senior citizens have demanded that MTC officials do not ask for copy of Aadhaar.

In line with the apex court verdict on use of Aadhaar, which stated that banks, telecom units and private entities, should not demand Aadhaar number of customers, the MTC also should strictly comply with the order, and refrain from asking for Aadhaar numbers, the citizens noted.

MTC should make do with a copy of ration card alone, from this time onwards. Officials should instruct all depots in this regard accordingly, they added.

President of T. Nagar Welfare Association, Jayaram Sivaram, said, "MTC issues identity cards affixing the photograph of the beneficiary every year. Details of the coupons are also properly recorded to ensure travel only by the beneficiary to whom the coupons are issued."

"Such IDs will become invalid by December 2018 and has to be re-issued. In December 2017, while issuing the new cards for 2018, MTC had asked senior citizens to surrender their old identity cards. When questioned, the counter staff said that old ID cards were asked to be surrendered as per orders from top officials," the civic activist said, adding that one does not understand the logic behind such an order.

Retention of the old ID of a beneficiary by the MTC defies all logic, and the corporation should therefore, instruct all depots not to retain the old IDs, said another citizen. A senior MTC official said that the MTC has instructed all branch managers not to ask for Aadhaar when applying for coupons. "Action would be taken against officials who ask for unnecessary documents and we will look into the issue of retention of the old IDs," the official added.

Offer college seat to child prodigy: Madras High Court 

DECCAN CHRONICLE. | J STALIN

Published Dec 2, 2018, 2:11 am IST

16-year-old had recited 1,330 Tirukkural couplets in LKG. 


Madras High Court

Chennai: The Madras high court has directed the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy to permit a 16-year-old meritorious girl student, who recited all 1,330 Tirukkural couplets while studying in LKG itself, to take part in the counselling for the B.A.M.S course and, if she is found eligible in the counselling, admit her in Maria Ayurveda Medical College in Kanyakumari district.

Justice T.Raja gave the directive while disposing of a petition from the girl student Yazhesy Tha, who was not considered for selection on the ground that she has not completed 17 years as on December 31, 2018, as per clause 45 of the prospectus issued by the Director, Indian Medicine and Homeopathy Department.

According to Yazhesy Tha, after passing plus-2, she applied for BSMS/ BAMS/ BNYS/BUMS/BHMS courses for the year 2018-19. Though she has scored 157.25 cut off marks and her rank falls in between 1648 and 1666, she was not considered for selection on the ground that she has not completed 17 years as on December 31, 2018, as per clause 3 of the prospectus, she added.

The judge said it was an admitted fact that the petitioner is a meritorious student who evidently proved her memory and intelligentsia as she started reciting all 1,330 Tirukkural couplets, even from LKG itself and she was awarded a certificate by Deiveeka Sidhantha Ilakiya Mandram on August 2, 2006. She was also conferred title “Tirukkural Maamani by Thalainagar Tamizhasangam on July 24, 2011.

Further, the World Tamil Research Centre, Thramani also awarded certificate on the 66th birth anniversary of former Chief Minister J. Jayalalithaa, certifying that she had participated in Tirukkural recitation competition while studying 8th standard.

Besides several other awards conferred on her clearly show that the petitioner is a highly talented student and also a child prodigy. The difficulty faced by her at the hands of the authorities shows that as she has applied for the said courses and she also secured 157.25 marks, for the simple reason that she is below 17 years as on December 31, 2018, the authorities have denied permission, the judge added.

Pointing out the eligibility criteria as per the amended notification, the judge said when the petitioner has admittedly complied with the admission qualifications, as per the amended notification dated November 7, 2016, the authorities cannot rely upon the old notification dated October 13, 2006 issued for Siddha by citing the age factor that she has not completed 17 years of age as on December 31. This court finds no impediment on the basis of the latest amended notification to allow the petitioner to take part in the counseling. Additional advocate general A.Kumar submitted that on the basis of her cut off marks, she may not be able to get admission in government colleges for Siddha but she can be considered for admission in private colleges and since counseling was presently going on and there was vacancy in Maria Ayurveda Medical College, she will be considered in the said college, the judge added and gave the directive.

Microsoft gives 25 offers to IIT-M students on day 1 

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Dec 2, 2018, 3:07 am IST


Apple and Goldman Sachs are other major recruiters with eight and seven offers respectively on the first session. 


IIT Madras

Chennai: Software giant Microsoft has offered as many as 25 offers to students from IIT Madras on day 1 of the placement season.

Apple and Goldman Sachs are other major recruiters with eight and seven offers respectively on the first session.

The placement season at IITs began on Saturday. During the first session, 19 top companies including Apple and Google gave 85 offers including 6 international offers to the students from top engineering institute in the country.

The top three global consulting majors McKinsey, The Boston Consulting Group and Bain & Co. have participated in the first session and accounted for 13 offers.

Isro and ONGC have already recruited 7 candidates from IIT Madras taking the total offers to 92 in the first session which was held from 7 am to 2 pm on Saturday.

Professor Manu Santhanam, advisor, Training and Placement, IIT Madras said that finance and analytics sector also gave a high number of offers on the first session with 29 offers received from these companies.

More than 1,300 students are registered for placement this year from IIT Madras and over 326 companies have expressed interest to recruit the students.

Alekhya Reddy from Computer Science and Engineering Department got selected for Redmond campus of Microsoft in the US. She expressed a sense of satisfaction after attending interviews of software giants and answering nerve-wracking coding questions.

Health cover from Tamil Nadu government raised from Rs 2 Lakh to Rs 5 Lakh

The new insurance cover will come into effect from December 1, he said in an official release.
 
Published: 01st December 2018 01:27 AM |

 
Image for representational purpose only.

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu government has hiked the health insurance cover, under the Chief Minister’s Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CMCHIS), from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 5 lakh, Chief Minister Edappadi K Palaniswami announced on Friday.

The new insurance cover will come into effect from December 1, he said in an official release.

Under the CMCHIS, 1.58 crore families are covered for 1,027 procedures for Rs 1 lakh per annum and for 154 procedures for up to Rs 2 lakh per annum, P Uma Maheswari, Project Director, Tamil Nadu Health Systems Project, explained.

However, under the Pradhan Mandri Jan Arogya Yojana Scheme, which the TN scheme is linked from September, beneficiaries selected based on level of deprivation in rural regions and on occupation in urban regions get a cover of up to Rs 5 lakh per annum.


“People who don’t fall into those categories are not eligible for the central scheme,” she said.

“The State decided to raise the cover under CMCHIS to Rs 5 lakh to ensure that all benefit equally, regardless of whether they are covered under the central health insurance scheme or not,” she added.

Families covered under the scheme can utilise it without paying any fee, the CM said.

I-T dept asked to keep mum on noon meal scheme probe

Justice T Raja granted the injunction while passing interim orders on a petition from Christy Friedgram industry, by its proprietor T S Kumaraswamy in Andypalayam in Namakkal district on Tuesday.

  Published: 30th November 2018 02:16 AM 

 
Madras High Court (File photo | EPS)
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Income-Tax officials at various levels, including its Director-General at Nungambakkam, have been restrained by the Madras High Court from divulging anything to the print and visual media on the ongoing investigation into the allegations against a private firm in Namakkal district, which supplied food materials for the State government’s noon meal scheme.

Justice T Raja granted the injunction while passing interim orders on a petition from Christy Friedgram industry, by its proprietor T S Kumaraswamy in Andypalayam in Namakkal district on Tuesday.

“In the light of the observations of the Supreme Court, as well as Rule 11 of the Central Civil Service (Conduct) Rules, since the IT department cannot directly or indirectly communicate and provide any information on the pending inquiry of any government servant or any person, more particularly any sub judice matters, the respondents (IT officials) are directed not to divulge any information or undertake media trial with regard to the investigation of the inquiry being conducted against the petitioner company till further orders,” the judge said and posted the main petition for further hearing after three weeks. Petitioner alleged that IT officials had purposely leaked out incorrect information with regard to his company’s dealings with the government.

Tamil Nadu government offices in villages to have free WiFi in a year

The wifi will be protected by an emergency response team that will prevent hackers from stealing data, said Santhosh Babu, State Information Technology Secretary.
 
Published: 01st December 2018 05:44 AM 

 
For representational purposes (File | PTI)

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: All government establishments in villages will be enabled with free Wi-Fi within a year with around 50,000 km of cable being laid across the State. The wifi will be protected by an emergency response team that will prevent hackers from stealing data, said Santhosh Babu, State Information Technology Secretary, on Friday.

Speaking at the International Computer Security Day conference, he said “While our nation has a Computer Emergency Response Team India (CERT-In), a national nodal agency to resolve computer security problems, we are striving to build a Computer Emergency Response Team- Tamil Nadu( CERT-TN). At a cost of Rs 29.39 crore, we are also creating a Cyber Security Architecture, that will detect unwanted intrusion and stop stealing of information, he said.

Warning about information being sold he said, “Information is a commodity that is bought and sold in the grey market. Most of us do not understand the seriousness of our identity being stolen. Citizens should be aware about cyber crimes and should take necessary steps to secure the data at our level.”

Any information shared on the internet reaches the servers in the United States of America before it reaches us, he said. With the upcoming Cyber Security Architecture, any information that is shared will be scanned and prevented, if the content is of high value, before it reaches the open space in the server.


“Cable wires will be laid over 50,000 km of landscape across Tamil Nadu to provide high speed internet connectivity through free wifi at village level. The wi fi will be provided at all government establishments like hospitals and police stations,” he said.

He also said the office of the Director-General of Police here is being transformed into a ‘paperless e-office’ towards which many officers are striving.

Applauding the work of the State cyber crime police officers, Santhosh Babu said the officers are managing to resolve any intrusion in CCTNS website which is vulnerable and anyone can place an FIR inside.

He said it is a must to warn people about the bitcoin transactions and any other usage that goes through the dark web. “Security on the cyberspace is not a necessity, it’s a national security issue,” he said.

City police commissioner A K Viswanathan said about 10,254 complaints were lodged in the cyber crime cell in the last five years and 399 cases were solved.

Tamil Nadu officials asked to produce list of teachers transferred in 2018

While teachers working away from their home district for more than 10 years were not given transfer to their districts, transfer orders were issued to juniors within a few months of their joining.

Published: 01st December 2018 01:41 AM 

 
Madras High Court. (File Photo | Express Photo Service)

By Express News Service

MADURAI: Admitting a PIL seeking inquiry into corruption in the transfer counselling conducted for teachers, the Madurai Bench directed the Secretary and Director of School Education Department to produce the list of teachers transferred this year and mention the reasons.

KK Ramesh of Madurai submitted in his litigation that the authorities issued transfer orders to a lot of teachers, citing administrative grounds by collecting bribe from them during the general transfer counselling in 2018.

While teachers working away from their home district for more than 10 years were not given transfer to their districts, transfer orders were issued to juniors within a few months of their joining, stated the litigant, questioning the transparency of the method.

These practices result in an imbalance in vacancies. This is evident from the statement made by the government during the counselling that teachers should not be transferred from southern to northern districts, Ramesh stated and prayed the Court to direct an inquiry into such irregularities.


Hearing the plea, a bench comprising K K Sasidharan and P D Audikesavalu issued a notice to the department with specific directions to its Secretary and Director to submit a report on the list of teachers transferred during this year’s counselling.

The report should contain relevant details with regard to the earlier period of service of the teachers and reason for their transfer, the judges added and adjourned the case to December 11.

8000 students graduate from SRM Institute of Science and Technology More than 50 students received gold medals and 53 received PhD degrees which were given away by the chief guest for the event, V K Saraswat, member of NITI Aayog.

  Published: 02nd December 2018 07:43 AM 

 
Image used for representational purpose only. 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Around 8,000 students of SRM Institute of Science and Technology got their undergraduate and postgraduate degrees during its 14th convocation day, on Saturday at Kattankalathur campus.


More than 50 students received gold medals and 53 received PhD degrees which were given away by the chief guest for the event, V K Saraswat, member of NITI Aayog. He said that for India to climb higher in the global innovation index science and technology innovation, eco-system must be altered.

“In the present approach, engineers wrap up the process after a design is seen on the computer, using imported design and simulation tools. This is not good for innovation. The process must involve design, simulation, building, testing, evaluation and validation till the product goes to the market,” he added.

Maharashtra farmer gets Rs 1,064 for 750 kg of onion; sends money to PM Modi in mark of protest

The money order was sent on November 29 from the Niphad office of India Post. It was addressed to "Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India".
 
Published: 02nd December 2018 07:27 PM |

 

PM Modi (File Photo)

By PTI

MUMBAI: An onion-grower from Maharashtra who had to sell his produce for little over Rs 1 per kg has sent his earnings to the Prime Minister to mark his protest.

Sanjay Sathe, a resident of Niphad tehsil in Nashik district, was among the handful of `progressive farmers' selected by the Union agriculture ministry for an interaction with then US president Barack Obama when he visited India in 2010.

Speaking to PTI on Sunday, Sathe said, "I produced 750 kg of onion in this season but was offered a rate of Rs 1 per kg at Niphad wholesale market last week.

"Finally I could negotiate a deal for Rs 1. 40 per kg and received Rs 1,064 for 750 kg," he said.


"It was painful to see such paltry returns on four months of toil. Hence I have donated Rs 1,064 to the Disaster Relief Fund of the PMO as a protest. I had to pay additional Rs 54 for sending it by money order," he said.

"I do not represent any political party. But I am angry because of the government's apathy towards our woes," he added.

The money order was sent on November 29 from the Niphad office of India Post.

It was addressed to "Narendra Modi, Prime Minister of India".

Nashik district in north Maharashtra accounts for 50 per cent of onion production in India.

Asked about his meeting with Obama eight years ago, he said, "I have been using a voice-based advisory service (run by a telecom operator) for farmers for a long time. I used to call them and get information about weather changes, and thus succeeded in increasing my production."

"I had also been invited to speak about my experiments in agriculture on local radio stations of AIR. So the agriculture ministry selected me to set up a stall at St Xavier's College in Mumbai when Obama visited it. I could speak to him for a couple of minutes through an interpreter."

Cyclone Gaja: Tamil Nadu Agricultural University to give 12 lakh coconut seedlings to delta districts by October 2019

If they are left without proper care, future yield would be affected. Our team is concentrating on the problem,” said the vice-chancellor.

Published: 02nd December 2018 07:24 AM 

 
A family checking the remains of their coconut trees that were entirely levelled by cyclone Gaja at Ambalapattu in Thanjavur. (Photo |EPS) 

By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU) has informed the government that it can provide up to 12 lakh coconuts seedlings for the delta districts, where Cyclone Gaja uprooted 31 lakh coconut trees, according to government estimates. However, it will need time till October 2019 to produce them.

“After assessing the sources, we wrote to the government that TNAU can produce up to 12 lakh seedlings by October 2019. If the government wants us to do it, we will proceed with the plan to produce them,” Vice Chancellor N Kumar told Express. Meanwhile, using satellite technology and drones, the TNAU Department of Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System is making an accurate count of the number of coconut trees uprooted in Nagapattinam, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and Pudukkottai districts. When the work is completed, a report will be submitted to the Agriculture Department, he added.

As there is also the risk of the palms being affected by diseases, the TNAU has sent a team from its Pathology Department to make a study and suggest preventive steps needed immediately. “Partially affected trees just 3-5 years old are very vulnerable. The cyclone would have loosened and damaged their roots and affected their steadiness. If they are left without proper care, the future yield would be affected. Our team is concentrating on the problem,” said the vice-chancellor.

Give Tamil medium certificate, Madras HC tells State Board of Technical Education and Training

Preference was given to those who had completed the Polytechnic course through Tamil medium. 

  Published: 02nd December 2018 08:14 AM |

 
Madras HC (File | EPS)
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras high court has directed the State Board of Technical Education and Training to consider representation from a candidate, who sought issue of a certificate that he has studied Diploma in Civil Engineering in Tamil medium, to allow him to apply for the post of Draughtsman.


The petitioner, A Gopalakrishnan, said he completed Diploma in Civil Engineering in Tamil medium. TNPSC has issued a notification dated October 30, 2018, calling applications for the post of Draughtsman, Gr.III in the Town and Country Planning Department. Preference was given to those who had completed the Polytechnic course through Tamil medium.

While State Board of Technical Education and Training didn’t issue a certificate to that effect to enable him to apply for the post, Justice T Raja said there was no impediment for the State Board of Technical Education and Training to consider the case of the petitioner.

Treated as servants by accused, say sex abuse victims in Tiruvannamalai According to the investigation officer, there were 49 children at the orphanage. Only two children were boys while all of them were between the age group of 6 and 17 years.

  Published: 01st December 2018 01:39 AM
Image used for representational purpose only 

By Express News Service

TIRUVANNAMALAI: With the arrest of four people in connection with the alleged sexual abuse of orphan children at Merci Children’s Home at Thiruvalluvar Nagar on Thindivanam road here, the victims have revealed that they were made to work as servants at the orphanage and the accused people had treated them very badly.

The owners of the orphanage -- Luban Kumar (65) and his wife Merci Rani (57) -- were arrested along with the third accused, Justin Manavaalan (60), on November 26 under the Juvenile Justice Act and section 6 and 8 of the POCSO Act after a case was registered at the All Women Police Station here. Following an inquiry, the fourth person, Jhansi Rani (60), was arrested on Wednesday.

According to the investigation officer, there were 49 children at the orphanage. Only two children were boys while all of them were between the age group of 6 and 17 years. When the children were questioned, it was revealed that four girl children were sexually abused by Luban Kumar and Justin Manavaalan. The third accused, Justin Manavaalan, had allegedly made the children clean the houses, and wash dishes and clothes. They were also forced to cook food for themselves. The officer said that the children had been treated badly and made to do menial tasks.

Corporation chided by Madras HC for vague submissions in Vadapalani building mishap

The corporation had filed a status report in June 2017 stating that action had been initiated against the officials and the owner of the building and that they were asked to pay the demolition cost.

  Published: 30th November 2018 02:05 AM 

 

Madras High Court. (File Photo | Express Photo Service)

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has indicted Greater Chennai Corporation for filing a vague affidavit with regard to the unauthorised multi-storey building at Vadapalani in which four persons died due to a major fire accident two years ago and similar buildings at other places in the State.

After perusing the affidavit filed by the civic body, a bench of Justices Vineet Kothari and Anita Sumant said that the affidavit was very vague and bereft of facts.

Earlier, the corporation had filed a status report in June 2017 stating that action had been initiated against the officials and the owner of the building and that they were asked to pay the demolition cost. Now, the corporation says the violated portions were demolished in September last.

What happened in the interregnum, is not mentioned in the affidavit. Besides this, the prosecution launched, if any, against the officials, who had erred, and the result has not been mentioned. Moreover, with regard to compensation, the corporation had earlier stated that it was not liable to pay. But it had paid Rs 1 lakh as an ex-gratia from CM’s Relief Fund.


“Is it a charity?” the bench asked.

Additional Advocate-General Rajagopal said disciplinary proceedings had been initiated against the officials.

When the bench asked what the result of the inquiry was, the AAG said he did not have the details.

Chennai has highest number of new HIV cases reported in Tamil Nadu

Chennai tops the list with the highest number of new cases, shows data shared by the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society. 

Published: 30th November 2018 05:12 AM 

 
For representational purposes (File | PTI) 

By Sinduja Jane

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The number of new HIV positive cases detected in the State decreased from 11,775 in 2016-2017, to 10,527 in 2017-2018. However, Chennai tops the list with the highest number of new cases, shows data shared by the Tamil Nadu State AIDS Control Society.

Next to Chennai, Salem and Tiruchy reported a high number of cases. Those reported from Salem are 751, and Tiruchy 623. Experts say the reason for these districts having reported more cases could be because of a higher floating population. However, activists urge for segregated data collection to know the actual reasons.

“Chennai is a big city where almost 20 per cent of the State’s population lives. Moreover, being an urban area, it receives floating population like migrant workers and others. They get tested here, so the numbers indicate the population. Similarly, Salem and Tiruchy are bigger districts with more area to cover,” Dr K Senthilraj, Project Director, State AIDS Control Society told Express.


Asked about cities like Coimbatore and Madurai reporting lesser number of cases when compared to the above mentioned districts, Senthilraj said, Salem and Tiruchy have a greater area to cover than Coimbatore and Madurai. However, a source in the department said, “The number of cases reported from areas like Tiruchy and Salem, have been higher for the last two decades. It could be because of people from other districts coming to the tertiary care centres here and getting tested. But, again, we don’t know the actual reason why these districts continue to report more number of cases. To know so, every individual case record should be tracked,” he added.

Collecting mere data is not enough, the officials should analyse the reason for the increase for better programme planning. “The increase in numbers could also be attributed to better data collection in these districts and better reporting. But, we really don’t know the actual reason. Complete detail of the cases and also the reasons for the person coming to the particular centre for screening and their background, should be collected.

Officials should plan their control and prevention programme based on the same for better results,” said P Kousalya, President, Positive Women Network.

Child prodigy allowed to apply for BAMS course

Justice T Raja gave the directive while disposing a petition from the girl student, Yazhesy Tha, who recited all 1,330 'thirukkurals' while studying in LKG itself. 

Published: 02nd December 2018 07:14 AM 


Image used for representational purpose only
By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Directorate of Indian Medicine and Homeopathy  to permit a 16-year-old meritorious girl student to take part in the counseling for the BAMS course and to  be admitted in Maria Ayurveda Medical College in Kanyakumari, if she is found eligible.

Justice T Raja gave the directive while disposing a petition from the girl student, Yazhesy Tha, who recited all 1,330 'thirukkurals' while studying in LKG itself, and was not considered for selection on grounds that she had not completed 17 years as on December 31, 2018, as per clause 45 of the prospectus issued by the Director, Indian Medicine and Homeopathy Department.

Pointing out the eligibility criteria as per the amended notification, the judge said when the petitioner has  admittedly complied with the admission qualifications, as per the amended notification dated November 7, 2016, the authorities cannot rely upon the old notification dated October 13, 2006, issued for Siddha by citing the age factor that she has not completed 17 years of age as on December 31. "This court finds no impediment on the basis of the latest amended notification to allow the petitioner to take part in the counselling," the judge said.

Need strong medical research in India: Dr Fiona Godlee

Though India provides some of the best in the world medical care, research in India needs development.
 
Published: 01st December 2018 01:31 AM |
       
 
Representational Image. ( Photo| EPS)

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Dr Fiona Godlee, Editor-In-Chief, the British Medical Journal, who is in the City for the 5th Edition of the British Medical Journal South Asia Awards 2018 to be held on Saturday here, spoke to reporters on Friday, about the medical research in India.

How to you see India coming up in the research sector?

Though India provides some of the best in the world medical care, research in India needs development. It has a long way to go probably because it has not been introduced to strong culture of research and also may be funding is not there.

Support and training of young researchers is also lacking.


There are so many good people working in India, and BMJ hopes to keep in touch with them, so we can support Indian researchers to do very good and relevant research.

We need strong research in India because it has a huge population and many health challenges, unique to the region. So, it needs relevant, region-specific clinical research.

BMJ would like to contribute to help India built great capacity for research. It has the potential to do research and is a good home for clinical research.

Do pharma industries have influence over most of the researches?

Though there are no figures on funded studies by the pharmas available at the moment, yes, pharma industries influence in clinical research and others and the influence is enormous globally. Most of the time, the result of the research would be the outcome of the sponsors.

They favour the sponsor’s products. The right focus of any studies should be on the prevention and teaching of health. Prevention should not be medicalised. Medical journals have a responsibility to ask for scientific based proof for the results. Researches should help bring in policy changes and make the government bring in guidelines on the food habits of the people or so.

Most of the studies in India are focussed on diabetes. Do you think the researchers are exaggerating the figures?

Not exaggerating, but diabetes is an epidemic. In UK, 6 per cent of the population is diabetic, and the figures are expected to go to 20 per cent by 2030. I am sure, India, considering the population, would have more percentage of people with diabetes. But, this should be tackled with educating the people about nutritious food habits and lifestyle changes, rather than looking for medication.

Again, any organisation funded for these studies would promote their products like Insulin and their food and other products.

Tax on sugar, better guidelines on food policies, government policies and carbohydrates intake would help to change these figures.

MTC flash strike in Chennai leaves passengers in the lurch

A section of MTC bus drivers went on a flash strike on Friday demanding reimbursement of the amount that was deliberately deducted from their salaries.
 
Published: 01st December 2018 01:31 AM 

|
 
Image of MTC buses used for representational purpose. (File photo | EPS)

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: A section of MTC bus drivers went on a flash strike on Friday demanding reimbursement of the amount that was deliberately deducted from their salaries.

On Friday, at 11.30, a section of drivers stopped their buses at many depots, staging a protest.

Their pay day being November 31, the drivers saw their salary slips and found money deducted. A few of them found that Rs 5,000 to Rs 8000 was being deducted from their salary.

“When questions were raised, the officials claimed that a few days before Deepavali, a sit-in-protest was held at the depot for which the drivers were marked absent. Also, salary of one day was deducted towards Gaja Relief funds,” pointed a member.


As the protest intensified, the passengers were affected as most of them were stranded at the depots.
MTC managing director Anbu Abraham visited Tiruvanmiyur depot and spoke with drivers.

He explained about the deduction but said that the protest day would be considered as leave.

It’s a risky ride for motorists on Mount-Medavakkam Road

TNN | Dec 3, 2018, 12.15 AM IST

CHENNAI: Driving on Mount-Medavakkam Road has become a risky affair for motorists as several pockets of the arterial road are filled with potholes leaving them vulnerable to accidents. Uneven surface on a chunk of the 9-km long road stretching from the vehicular subway at Railway Station Road near Alandur to Medavakkam Cross Road is hindering a smooth ride in one of the important roads on the southern suburbs.

Elumalai, an autorickshaw driver, who was plying passengers on Medavakkam Cross Road, said the road had not witnessed any facelift in the recent years. “This road continues to be in the same condition. Only patch works are being done to fix the damaged portions and I have not seen officials relaying the entire road in the last eight years,” he said. With the monsoon having set in, the road has become riskier for motorists, he added.

Several developed residential areas are located on the stretch. Several densely populated residential localities including Puzhuthivakkam, Keelkatalai, Kovilambakkam, Nanmangalam, and Medavakkam, which fall under the purview of Greater Chennai Corporation, municipalities and village panchayats, are located on the either sides of the arterial road. The road maintained by the state highways department has an estimated traffic volume of 40,000 passenger car units everyday.

However, the road, particularly the stretch from Vanuvampet and Echankadu junction is chocked due to the construction of a stormwater drain at snail’s pace on the road. Selvaraj, a resident of Keelkatalai, said the road expansion has been going on for more than a decade, and yet remains incomplete. “Initially, when layouts were carved out about 40 years ago, this road was planned as a 100-feet-road. The encroachments by shopkeepers on both sides of the road has shrunk its space by 50% causing traffic snarls,” he said.

Motorists experience bumpy rides as several sections of the road have been severely damaged with potholes and the ongoing stormwater works has left vehicles to move from bumper-to-bumper even as the major road has transformed into a dust bowl. “Transportation is a herculean task due to acute traffic jams,” said Michel, a two-wheeler rider.

Official sources with the state highways department said the construction of stormwater drains was a major bottleneck in relaying the road, which has been hit due to delay in land acquisition in two spots on the road. “The government has sanctioned Rs 14 crore for widening the stretch from Vanuvampet and Echankadu junction, but it cannot take shape unless the stormwater drain works are completed. The width of the road would be doubled from the existing 7-9 metres to 14-18 metres,” the official added.

Parcel mafia control business at Central, Egmore, pocket Rs 3 lakh a day

TNN | Dec 3, 2018, 05.20 AM IST

CHENNAI: As a passenger, you can book a reserved ticket at any counter in Chennai Central without help from a tout or an agent. But this is almost impossible if you want to book a parcel or luggage. The business, which handles around 11,000 tonnes every month and earns Southern Railway Rs 60 crore yearly from Chennai division itself, is controlled by a section of railway employees and unauthorized agents with basic technology being made inoperable right under the nose of officials sitting in the headquarters next door.

Touts decide how much material is loaded on the trains in violation of rules, which parcel is dispatched, what bribes are to be paid and which employees should be posted in the office. Even if irregularities are found, the system slows the investigation down to ensure that the guilty go scot free.


In light of the parcel scam uncovered at Central a fortnight ago, TOI spoke to several serving and retired officials, railway employees and their union members and uncovered at least two different modus operandi of scams in parcel booking at Chennai Central and Egmore. The parcel mafia make at least Rs 3 lakh every day from bribes, a top union leader said.

“It’s scam-riddled, it’s in a huge mess,” said another top union leader, who started off as a parcel porter at Central a few decades ago.


The Chennai Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) Naveen Gulati said a detailed probe was underway in the various irregularities at the parcel office.

Apart from parcels going missing or not being delivered on time, there has been evidence of contraband like gutka being transported. A fortnight ago, meat mis-declared as fish landed at Egmore. Forest department officials suspect illegal produce from forests is also being smuggled out as the railway parcel system is considered safe as compared to road and air which have better checks. At Central and Egmore, parcel offices are dingy with narrow entry and exits, without CCTV coverage and non-functioning gadgets to check overloading.

Railway has a provision to lease 30% of parcel coaches to private agencies, but tenders for many trains get no bids. “It is an organised cartel to ensure the business remains with railway system so that the mafia control it,” said a senior official.

Former chief operations manager (COM) of Southern Railway, Abraham Jacob, said systems were in place to ensure a foolproof system. “But they are not implemented properly. Most commercial department heads are not aware of the business. Southern Railway Mazdoor Union (SRMU) rules the parcel offices,” he said.

R Elangovan, vice-president of Dakshin Railway Employees Union (DREU), who retired after 33 years in the commercial department, said periodic transfers of staff at parcel offices, a sensitive post, were not being carried out. “There are people who have worked in the office for 20 to 25 years. Officers who tried to transfer them were transferred out,” he said.

ஜெ., மரண விசாரணை: அரசு மருத்துவமனை டீன் விளக்கம்

Added : டிச 01, 2018 00:58

சென்னை, ஜெயலலிதாவுக்கு அளிக்கப்பட்ட சிகிச்சை தொடர்பாக, அப்பல்லோ டாக்டர்கள் அளித்த முரண்பட்ட வாக்குமூலம் தொடர்பாக சென்னை, அரசு ராஜிவ் காந்தி மருத்துவமனை முதல்வரிடம் நேற்று விசாரணை நடத்தப்பட்டது.ஜெ., மரணம் குறித்து, நீதிபதி ஆறுமுகசாமி கமிஷன் விசாரித்து வருகிறது. இதுவரை, 120க்கும் மேற்பட்டோரிடம் விசாரணை நடத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது. ஜெ.,க்கு, 2016 டிச., 4ம் தேதி மாரடைப்பு ஏற்பட்ட பின், அவருக்கு இதய அறுவை சிகிச்சை மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டு, 'எக்மோ' கருவி பொருத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.இதுதொடர்பாக, அப்பல்லோ மருத்துவமனை டாக்டர்கள், முரண்பட்ட வாக்குமூலம் அளித்துள்ளனர். இது, பல்வேறு சந்தேகங்களை ஏற்படுத்தியது.இந்நிலையில், சென்னை, அரசு ராஜிவ் காந்தி மருத்துவமனையில், 2016ல், இருந்த வசதிகள் குறித்த விபரங்களை, நீதிமன்றத்தில் தாக்கல் செய்யும்படி, மருத்துவமனை முதல்வர் ஜெயந்திக்கு, விசாரணை கமிஷன் உத்தரவிட்டிருந்தது.அதை ஏற்று, மருத்துவமனையில் உள்ள வசதிகள் குறித்த விபரங்கள் அடங்கிய ஆவணங்களை, மருத்துவமனை முதல்வர் ஜெயந்தி, நேற்று விசாரணை கமிஷனில், தாக்கல் செய்தார். அப்போது அவரிடம், 'எக்மோ' கருவி பொருத்தும் போது, என்ன செய்வர் என்ற விபரத்தை, நீதிபதி கேட்டார்.அதற்கு பதில் அளித்த ஜெயந்தி, அரசு மருத்துவமனையில், இதுபோன்ற சிகிச்சை அளித்ததில்லை. 'நான் படித்ததன் அடிப்படையில், எவ்வாறு செய்வர் என்பதை கூறுகிறேன்' எனக்கூறி, விளக்கம் அளித்துள்ளார்.அரசு மருத்துவமனையில், ஜெ.,வை அனுமதிக்காமல், அப்பல்லோ மருத்துவமனையில் சேர்த்தது ஏன் என்பதை அறியவே, அரசு மருத்துவமனை வசதிகள் குறித்த விபரங்களை, விசாரணை கமிஷன் கேட்டுள்ளது.இது தவிர, அப்பல்லோ டாக்டர் சாந்தி, இ.இ.ஜி., டெக்னிஷியன் புனிதா ஆகியோரிடமும், நேற்று விசாரணை நடத்தப்பட்டது.

சசி உறவு டாக்டருக்குஐந்தாவது 'சம்மன்'

சசிகலாவின் உறவினரான, டாக்டர் சிவகுமாரிடம், ஏற்கனவே நான்கு முறை, விசாரணை நடத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது. ஐந்தாவது முறையாக, நாளை மறுதினம், விசாரணை கமிஷனில் ஆஜராகும்படி, அவருக்கு, 'சம்மன்' அனுப்பப்பட்டுஉள்ளது.டிச., 4ல், அப்பல்லோ மருத்துவமனை தோல் சிகிச்சை நிபுணர் முரளிதர் ராஜகோபால், தனியார் மருத்துவமனை டாக்டர் பார்வதி பத்மநாபன்; டிச., 5ல், அப்பல்லோ மருத்துவமனை தோல் சிகிச்சை நிபுணர் ரவிச்சந்திரன், நரம்பியல் நிபுணர் மீனாட்சிசுந்தரம்; டிச., 6ல், சுரப்பிகள்நிபுணர் சிவஞானசுந்தரம்; டிச., 7ல், இதய சிகிச்சை நிபுணர்கள் கிரிநாத், விஜயசந்திர ரெட்டி, ஸ்ரீதர் ஆகியோர் ஆஜராக, சம்மன் அனுப்பப்பட்டுள்ளது.

 துணைவேந்தர்கள் நியமனத்திற்கு தடை 

Added : நவ 30, 2018 23:19

ஐந்து பல்கலைகளின் துணைவேந்தர் பணியிடங்கள் காலியாக உள்ள நிலையில், புதிய நியமனங்கள் செய்ய தடை விதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.தமிழகத்தில் உள்ள, அரசு பல்கலைகளின் நிர்வாகத்தை, துணை வேந்தர்கள் கவனிக்கின்றனர். இதில், பல்கலை நிர்வாகம், பாடத் திட்டம், வளர்ச்சி திட்டங்கள் குறித்து, பல்கலைகளின் சிண்டிகேட் மற்றும் அகாடமி கவுன்சில் கூடி முடிவு எடுக்கும்.சிண்டிகேட் முடிவின்படி, பேராசிரியர் மற்றும் ஊழியர்கள் பணி நியமனங்கள், தேர்வுகளில் சீர்திருத்தம், பாடத் திட்டம் மாற்றம் உள்ளிட்ட முக்கிய முடிவுகளை, துணைவேந்தர் மேற்கொள்வார்.

ஆனால், ஒவ்வொரு துணைவேந்தரும், தங்களின் பதவி காலம் முடிவதற்கு, மூன்று மாதங்களுக்கு முன்பிருந்து, எந்த வித பணி நியமனங்களையும் மேற்கொள்ளக் கூடாது என்ற, விதி பின்பற்றப்படுகிறது.இதன்படி, திருநெல்வேலி மனோன்மணியம் சுந்தரனார், திருவள்ளுவர் பல்கலை, தெரசா பல்கலை, ஆசிரியர் கல்வியியல் பல்கலை, தமிழ்நாடு திறந்தநிலை பல்கலை ஆகிய, ஐந்து பல்கலைகளில் துணைவேந்தர்களின் பதவி காலம், மார்ச்சுக்குள் முடிகிறது.எனவே, பதவி காலம் முடியும் நிலையில், அவசர கதியில் நியமனங்கள் செய்து விடக் கூடாது என்பதால், நியமனங்கள் எதுவும் செய்ய வேண்டாம் என, உயர்கல்வித் துறை அறிவுறுத்தியுள்ளது. - நமது நிருபர் -

செட்டில்மென்ட்' பத்திரம் இனி ரத்து செய்யலாம்!

Added : நவ 30, 2018 22:17


சொத்து பரிமாற்றத்தில் எழுதி கொடுக்கப்படும், 'செட்டில்மென்ட்' பத்திரங்களை, அதில் கூறப்பட்ட நிபந்தனைகள் நிறைவேறாத நிலையில், ரத்து செய்ய அனுமதிக்கலாம் என, பதிவுத் துறை உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.பொதுவாக, குடும்ப தலைவர் பெயரில் உள்ள சொத்தை, உயில் வாயிலாக, வாரிசுகளுக்கு வழங்கலாம். இல்லையெனில், 'செட்டில்மென்ட்' எனப்படும், தானமாக எழுதி தரப்படும் பத்திரங்கள் வாயிலாகவும் கொடுக்கலாம்.

இவ்வகையில், திருவண்ணாமலையைச் சேர்ந்த, கண்ணன் என்ற விவசாயி, 'செட்டில்மென்ட்' வாயிலாக, மகன்களுக்கு நிலத்தை பங்கிட்டு கொடுத்துஉள்ளார். அதன்பின், மகன்கள், அவரை முறையாக பராமரிக்கவில்லை என, கூறப்படுகிறது.இது தொடர்பான புகாரை விசாரித்த, திருவண்ணாமலை கலெக்டர், சம்பந்தப்பட்ட நபர் எழுதி கொடுத்த, 'செட்டில்மென்ட்' பத்திரத்தின் பதிவையும், பட்டா மாறுதலையும் ரத்து செய்து, கண்ணன் பெயருக்கே, அந்த சொத்து திரும்ப கிடைக்க ஏற்பாடு செய்தார்.இந்த சம்பவம், சமூக வலைதளங்களில் பரவி வருகிறது. தற்போது, செட்டில்மென்ட் பத்திரங்களை எழுதி கொடுத்தவர், ரத்து செய்ய அணுகினால், அந்த கோரிக்கையை, எப்படி அணுக வேண்டும் என்பதில், குழப்பம் ஏற்பட்டு உள்ளது.

இது தொடர்பாக, பதிவுத்துறை தலைவர், குமரகுருபரன் பிறப்பித்துள்ள உத்தரவு: எவ்வித நிபந்தனைகளும் இல்லாத, செட்டில்மென்ட் பத்திரங்களை எழுதி கொடுத்தவர் மட்டும், ரத்து செய்வதற்கான ஆவணத்தை தாக்கல் செய்தால், அதை ஏற்காமல், மறுப்பு சீட்டு வழங்கலாம் எழுதி கொடுத்தவர், பெற்றவர் இருவரும் நேரில் ஆஜராகி, ரத்து ஆவணம் அளித்தால், அதை ஏற்று, செட்டில்மென்ட் பத்திரத்தை ரத்து செய்யலாம் செட்டில்மென்ட் பெற்றவர், அதில் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ள நிபந்தனைகளை நிறைவேற்றவில்லை என்று, ரத்து ஆவணம் தாக்கல் செய்தால், அதில் நிபந்தனைகளை ஆராய்ந்து, சார் -- பதிவாளர் முடிவு எடுக்கலாம் நிபந்தனைகள் நிறைவேற்றப்படாதது உறுதியாக தெரியும் நிலையில், ரத்து ஆவணத்தை, சார் - பதிவாளர்கள் ஏற்கலாம்.இவ்வாறு அதில் குறிப்பிடப்பட்டுள்ளது. - நமது நிருபர் -

திருப்பதி லட்டு இனி அட்டைப்பெட்டியில்

Added : டிச 01, 2018 04:40 |



 
திருப்பதி : திருமலை, திருப்பதி தேவஸ்தானம், லட்டு பிரசாதம் எடுத்துச் செல்ல, பிளாஸ்டிக் கவர்களுக்கு பதிலாக, அட்டை பெட்டிகளை தயாரித்துள்ளது.

ஆந்திர மாநிலம் திருமலையில், கடந்த மாதம் முதல், பிளாஸ்டிக் கவர்கள், பொருட்கள் பயன்படுத்த, தேவஸ்தானம் தடை விதித்தது. ஆனால், லட்டு பிரசாதம் எடுத்துச் செல்லும் லட்டு கவருக்கு மாற்றுத் தீர்வு காணும் வரை, பிளாஸ்டிக் கவர்களையே பயன்படுத்த தேவஸ்தானம் முடிவு செய்தது. தினமும், திருமலையில், ஐந்து லட்சம் லட்டு பிரசாதம் விற்பனை செய்யப்படுகின்றன. அதை எடுத்துச் செல்ல, ஒரு லட்சம் கவர்களை தேவஸ்தானம் விற்று வருகிறது.

தற்போது, லட்டு கவருக்கு மாற்றாக அட்டை பெட்டிகள் தயார் செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன. இந்த அட்டை பெட்டிகள், ஏழுமலையான் உருவப்படங்கள், தேவஸ்தான முத்திரையுடன் தயாரிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. இதில், லட்டு பிரசாதத்தை, 10 நாட்களுக்கு மேலாக வைத்து, தேவஸ்தான தர பரிசோதனை நிலையத்தில் சோதிக்கப் பட்டது. அதில், லட்டு பிரசாதத்தின் தரமும், சுவையும் மாறாததால், அவற்றை பயன்பாட்டிற்கு கொண்டு வர, தேவஸ்தானம் முடிவு செய்துள்ளது. இதன் மூலம், பிளாஸ்டிக் கவர்களின் பயன்பாட்டிற்கு முற்றுப்புள்ளி வைக்க, தேவஸ்தானம் முடிவு செய்துள்ளது.

கதையின் அடிப்படையே கோளாறு: ‘2.0’ படம் குறித்து சாரு நிவேதிதா

Published : 30 Nov 2018 14:46 IST

 


ரஜினி நடிப்பில் நேற்று (நவம்பர் 29) ரிலீஸான படம் ‘2.0’. ஷங்கர் இயக்கியுள்ள இந்தப் படம், ‘எந்திரன்’ படத்தின் இரண்டாம் பாகமாகும். ஹீரோயினாக எமி ஜாக்சன் நடிக்க, வில்லனாக அக்‌ஷய் குமார் நடித்துள்ளார். ஏ.ஆர்.ரஹ்மான் இசையமைத்துள்ள இந்தப் படத்தை, லைகா புரொடக்‌ஷன்ஸ் தயாரித்துள்ளது.

இந்தப் படத்தைப் பார்த்த பெரும்பாலானவர்கள் பாராட்டி வருகிறார்கள். தொழில்நுட்பத்தில் மிகச்சிறந்த தமிழ்ப்படமாக இது இருக்கிறது என ஆச்சரியப்படுகின்றனர். ஆனால், எழுத்தாளர் சாரு நிவேதிதாவோ இந்தப் படத்தைக் கடுமையாகத் தாக்கி விமர்சனம் செய்திருக்கிறார்.

  இதுகுறித்து தனது முகநூலில், “சிலரைப் பார்த்து, ‘இவர் தப்பான ஆள்’ என்று சொல்வோம் இல்லையா... அதுபோல் ‘2.0’ ஒரு தப்பான படம். பொதுவாகவே ஷங்கரின் படங்கள் ஆரம்பத்திலிருந்தே தப்பான கருத்துகளை மக்கள் நலனைப் பேணும் கோட்பாடுகளாக முன்வைக்கப்படுகின்றன. 5000 கோடி ஊழல் பண்ணினவன் பற்றிப் பேச்சே இருக்காது; ஆனால், அம்பது ரூபாய் லஞ்சம் வாங்கும் ட்ராபிக் போலீஸை ஷங்கரின் ஹீரோ சுட்டுப் பொசுக்குவான். இதுதான் ஷங்கரின் சமூகவியல் அறிவு.

அதே அறிவுதான் இந்தப் படத்திலும் வெளிப்பட்டிருக்கிறது. அதிலும் கொஞ்சம்கூட சுவாரசியமே இல்லாமல், படு அலுப்பைத் தரும் விதத்தில். செல்போன் டவர்களால் பறவை இனங்கள் அழிகின்றதாம்; அதனால் மனித இனத்துக்குக் கேடு விளைகிறதாம். ஆரம்பக் காட்சியில் செல்போன் டவர்களையும், அதன் பக்கத்தில் சிட்டுக்குருவிகளையும் பார்த்த கணத்திலேயே, ‘ஐய்யய்யோ... மோசம் போனோமே... முடிஞ்சுது கதை’ என்று தலையில் கையை வைத்துவிட்டேன். ஏனென்றால், இதுபோன்ற போலி விஞ்ஞானக் கோட்பாடுகளை நாம் தொடர்ந்து கேட்டுக்கொண்டே தானே இருக்கிறோம்? ‘ராக்கெட் விடாதீங்க... போய் விவசாயம் பாருங்க...’ என்று கூச்சல் போடும் தலைவர்களை நாம் பார்க்கிறோம் இல்லையா? அதேதான் ‘2.0’. இப்படியே இவர்கள் சட்டை வேட்டி கூடப் போட வேண்டாம் என்று சொல்லி, நம்மையெல்லாம் காட்டுமிராண்டி காலத்துக்கு அழைத்துப்போய் விடுவார்கள். இதுபோன்ற கலாச்சாரப் புரட்சிவாதிகளை நாம் சீனாவில் மா சே துங் ஆட்சியில் பார்த்திருக்கிறோம். தாலிபான்களின் ஆட்சியிலும் சமீபத்தில் பார்த்தோம். இப்படிச் சொல்பவர்கள் எல்லாம் அடிப்படையில் தாலிபான்கள். ஆனால், தாலிபான்களுக்கும் ஷங்கருக்கும் என்ன வித்தியாசம் என்றால், தாலிபான்களிடம் இருக்கும் அடிப்படை நேர்மை கூட ஷங்கரிடம் இருக்காது. உதாரணம், செல்போன் டவர்களால் பறவையினங்கள் அழிந்து மனித குலத்துக்குக் கேடு என்று சொல்லும் ‘2.0’வை 600 கோடி ரூபாயில் எடுத்த லைகா நிறுவனமே செல்போன் விற்பனை செய்யும் நிறுவனம்தான். அதிலும் ஐரோப்பாவில். எப்படி இருக்கிறது பாருங்கள்... ஊருக்கு உபதேசம் செய்பவன்தான் ஊரைக் கெடுப்பதில் முதல் ஆளாக நிற்பான்.

படத்தில் சுவாரசியம் என்பது துளிகூட இல்லை. முதல் காட்சியில் செல்போன் டவர்களையும் சிட்டுக்குருவிகளையும் பார்த்ததுமே ரஜினி என்ன செய்யப் போகிறார், அக்‌ஷய் குமார் என்ன செய்யப் போகிறார், ரஜினி கடைசிக் காட்சியில் என்னென்ன வசனம் பேசப் போகிறார் என்ற விபரத்தையெல்லாம் நான் என் அருகில் அமர்ந்திருந்த நண்பரிடம் சொல்லிவிட்டேன். இப்படித் தெரிந்துபோனால் அப்புறம் என்னத்தைப் பார்ப்பது?

பறவையியலாளர் சலீம் அலியை வேறு நாற அடித்திருக்கிறார்கள். ஒரு காட்சியில் படத்தில் வரும் ஆர்னிதாலஜிஸ்ட் பக்ஷிராஜன், பறவைகளைச் சாப்பிடுவதைக் கண்டிப்பது போல் வருகிறது. அதாவது பறவையியலாளர்கள் பறவைகளைச் சாப்பிடக்கூடாது. இதுபோன்ற அறிவுகெட்டத்தனமான romanticization-ஐ சலீம் அலி கடுமையாகக் கண்டித்திருக்கிறார். அவருக்குப் பிடித்த உணவு, பறவை. இதுபற்றிப் பலரும் அவ்வப்போது அவரிடம் ஆச்சரியத்தை வெளிப்படுத்தும்போது, “அட மூடர்களே, நான் பிறந்ததிலிருந்தே பறவைக்கறிப் பிரியன். எங்கள் வீட்டு டைனிங் டேபிளில் இல்லாத பறவைகளே கிடையாது. பறவை ஆய்வுக்கும், சைவ உணவுக்கும் என்னய்யா சம்பந்தம்?” என்று சொல்லியிருக்கிறார். அதேசமயம், அழிந்து வரும் விலங்கினங்களை அடிக்கக் கூடாது என்பது வேறு விஷயம் என்றும் கூறுகிறார்.

ஆனால், இந்தப் படத்தில் அநியாயத்துக்கு அதையும் romanticise செய்திருக்கிறார்கள். மேலும், இந்தப் படத்தின் இன்னொரு முக்கியமான பலவீனம், பறவைகள் காப்பாற்றப்பட வேண்டும் என்று கவலைப்படும் ஒருவன், எப்படி மனிதர்களைக் கொல்லும் அரக்கனாக இருக்கிறான் என்பது. காந்தியைக் கொலைகார வில்லனாகப் பார்ப்பது போல் இருக்கிறது. கதையின் அடிப்படையே கோளாறு என்பதால் எல்லாமே கோளாறு.

டெக்னாலஜி விஷயங்களுக்காக சின்னப் புள்ளைங்க பார்க்கலாம்.

ஜெயமோகனுக்கு ஒரு வேண்டுகோள்... அடுத்த படத்தில் ஏதாவது வில்லனுக்கு சாரு நிவேதிதா என்று பெயர் வைத்து விடாதீர்கள்” எனத் தெரிவித்துள்ளார் சாரு நிவேதிதா.

டிச., 4 முதல் மீண்டும் கன மழை!

பத்து நாட்கள் இடைவெளிக்கு பின், வரும், 4ம் தேதி முதல்,
சென்னை உள்ளிட்ட வடகடலோர மாவட்டங்களில், கன மழை பெய்யும் வாய்ப்பு உள்ளதாக, வானிலை ஆய்வு மையம் தெரிவித்து உள்ளது.

தமிழகத்தில், வடகிழக்கு பருவ மழை, நவ., 1ல் துவங்கியது.
முதலில், சென்னை உள்ளிட்ட வடக்கு கடலோர மாவட்டங்களிலும், பின், டெல்டா மாவட்டங்களிலும், தொடர்ந்து, தென் மாவட்டங்களிலும் மழை கொட்டியது.இதையடுத்து, 'கஜா' புயல் உருவாகி, நவ., 16ல், நாகை மாவட்டத்தில் கரையை கடந்தது. இந்த புயல், தமிழக டெல்டா மாவட்டங்களுக்கு, மிகப்பெரிய சேதத்தை ஏற்படுத்தியது. புயல் தாக்கிய பகுதிகளில், மீட்பு மற்றும் நிவாரண பணிகள் நடந்து வருகின்றன.அதேநேரம், வடகிழக்கு பருவ மழையின் தீவிரமும் குறைந்தது. நவ., 23 முதல், பெரும்பாலான இடங்களில் மழை இல்லை. நேற்று முன்தினம் முதல், தமிழகத்தின் பல்வேறு பகுதிகளில், மீண்டும் மழை துவங்கியது. நேற்று காலை, 8:30 மணி நிலவரப்படி, 24 மணி நேரத்தில், தமிழகத்தில் அதிகபட்சமாக, கும்ப கோணத்தில், 8 செ.மீ., மழை பெய்துள்ளது.

இதற்கிடையில், வடக்கு கடலோர மாவட்டத்தினர், மழையை பெரிதும் எதிர்பார்த்துள்ளனர். வரும் கோடை காலத்தை சமாளிக்க, நீர்நிலைகளில் பருவமழை வாயிலாகவே, நீரை சேகரிக்க வேண்டிய கட்டாயம் உள்ளது. அதனால், மழையை எதிர்பார்த்து, மக்கள் காத்துள்ளனர்.இந்நிலையில், சென்னை வானிலை ஆய்வு மையம் வெளியிட்டுள்ள அறிவிப்பு:கிழக்கு திசையில் இருந்து வீசும் காற்று, வரும், 3ம் தேதி முதல், மீண்டும் வலுப்பெறும் என, இந்திய வானிலை ஆய்வு மையம் தெரிவித்துள்ளது. அதனால், 4ம் தேதி முதல், தமிழகத்தின் பெரும்பாலான மாவட்டங்களில், பரவலாக மழை பெய்ய வாய்ப்பு உள்ளது.சென்னை, திருவள்ளூர், காஞ்சிபுரம், புதுச்சேரி, காரைக்கால் உள்ளிட்ட வடக்கு கடலோர மாவட்டங்களில், கனமழை பெய்யலாம். எனவே, தமிழகம் மற்றும் ஆந்திர கடல் பகுதிக்கு, டிச., 4ம் தேதியில், 11 செ.மீ., வரை மழை பெய்வதற்கான, 'மஞ்சள் அலர்ட்' விடப்பட்டுள்ளது.இவ்வாறு அறிவிப்பில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது.

NEET: TN seeks extension of application deadline

Posted on November 29, 2018 by NT Bureau


 

Following Cyclone Gaja affecting the delta districts of the State, the Tamilnadu government has requested the NTA to extend the deadline for applying for NEET (UG) – 2019 medical entrance examination.

With just a day left for the deadline to apply for the test, students in the delta districts are in trouble as they do not have access to Internet to apply for the competitive examination, it said.

Medical aspirants of eight districts in central Tamilnadu became victims of Cyclone Gaja and most of them have lost their house, properties and their families, their livelihood. The last date to apply for NEET (UG) – 2019 is 30 November 2018.

HDFC unveils next-gen mobile banking app 

Posted on November 30, 2018 by NT Bureau

 

Chennai: HDFC Bank unveiled its next-gen mobile banking app that it claims offers users effortless access to their bank account on the go.

HDFC says the app has simple, intuitive navigation and incorporates features such as biometric log in for enhanced security and access. It also eliminates all financial and technical jargon for users by grouping transactions into three easy to understand categories – pay, save, and invest, the bank says.

The over 120 transactions available on the app have been selected based on an intensive study of existing navigation and usage patterns coupled with customer research and feedback, the bank stated in a release.

Country head – Digital Banking, HDFC Bank, Nitin Chugh, said, “The next-gen mobile banking app is effortless and intuitive, allowing you to #BankTheWayYouLive. Today, the way that people use the mobile is constantly evolving and our next-gen app reflects this evolution. The next gen app is one more step by the bank in its on-going journey to become a constant part of customers’ life, understand their needs and give products and services that offer a real time experience.”

Sister of unmarried man entitled to damages: Madras HC 

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Dec 1, 2018, 3:36 am IST

The judge directed the United Insurance Company to pay Rs 2 lakh as compensation to Malliga. 


 
Madras high court

Chennai: The Madras high court has held that the sister of an unmarried man, who died in a road accident, is also entitled to compensation.

Partly allowing an appeal from Malliga, sister of deceased Ganapathy, Justice M.V.Muralidaran set aside an order of the Motor Accident Claims Tribunal, Vellore, declining the entitlement of compensation by the appellant.

The judge directed the United Insurance Company to pay Rs 2 lakh as compensation to Malliga.

According to Malliga, even though the tribunal had held that the accident had occurred due to rash and negligent driving of the lorry driver and that the owner and the insurance company were liable to pay compensation, it refused to pass any order on October 29, 2014, since she had failed to prove that she was the legal heir of the deceased. Hence, she filed the present appeal, she added.

Citing judgments of the Supreme Court and high courts, the judge said as regards dependency compensation was concerned, there was no hard and fast rule that brothers and  sisters cannot maintain a claim petition for compensation under the said head. Each case has to be considered on its own merits. In the case on hand, the appellant was the sister of the deceased and she has produced the  relationship certificate to that effect.

“This court is of the view that the appellant is the dependent of the deceased and she is entitled to maintain the claim petition for the death of her deceased brother, as no class I heir available,” the judge added.

Chennai: Courier firm to pay man Rs 10,000 damages 

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Dec 1, 2018, 3:51 am IST

Tendering an apology, a customer relation representative stated that the consignment was not sent as a result of an operational error. 


 
The firm had not committed any deficiency in service and FedEx was not liable for damages.

Chennai: The District Consumer Disputes Redressal Forum, Tiruvallur, directed an American based multinational courier firm to pay a compensation of Rs 10,000 to a person for failure to deliver a package to his son in the US three years ago. He had planned to send an Apple mobile phone in a parcel.

In the petition, Z.Ashok Zachariah of Korattur submitted that he planned to send an Apple mobile phone in a parcel to his son residing in the United States of America. When he contacted customer care staff of M/s.FedEx Express, they informed him that the parcel would be delivered in three days. On April 20, 2015, the pickup man from FedEx Express, Padi came to his residence and collected the parcel. He paid freight charges of Rs 3,693. He also submitted a copy of the mobile bill, ID proof and a letter declaring the contents of the parcel and its value.

On April 22, when he tracked the movement of the parcel on the internet he found that the parcel was in Bengaluru, and on April 25 it returned to Chennai. Later, a staffer informed him that the parcel could not be sent to the US. It was returned to him five days after he booked it.

Tendering an apology, a customer relation representative stated that the consignment was not sent as a result of an operational error. However, the firm did not refund the freight charges. He said that act of the firm caused him mental agony and hardship and sought a compensation of Rs 1 lakh along with refund.

In its reply M/s.FedEx represented by its manager, Andheri East, Mumba, submitted that the complaint was false. The consignment could not be delivered due to customs and regulatory related clearances. Consequently the  consignment had to be returned to the sender. The firm had not committed any deficiency in service and FedEx was not liable for damages.

The bench comprising president S.Pandian and member R. Baskarkumaravel said that it was crystal clear that FedEx had committed deficiency in service. The bench directed FedEx to refund Rs 3,693 along with 9 per cent interest per annum and also pay him Rs 5,000 for causing mental agony and hardships and a cost of `2,000.

Madras HC sets aside transfer order to differently-abled headmistress 

DECCAN CHRONICLE.

Published Nov 30, 2018, 6:18 am IST

The judge directed the authorities to post the petitioner within a week, as headmistress in the Thazhancheri HC, which is situated near her residence. 


Madras High Court

Chennai: The Madras high court has set aside an order of the authorities transferring a differently-abled headmistress to a far away school.

“When the law is so concerned for the disabled persons and makes provision, it is the obligation of the law executing authorities to ensure implementation in quite promptitude”, said Justice S. Vimala while disposing of a petition from R.Thamaraiselvi, a differently-abled woman.

The judge directed the authorities to post the petitioner within a week, as headmistress in the Thazhancheri high court, which is situated near her residence.

According to Thamaraiselvi, she was appointed as a teacher and posted in a high school in Korkai in 1997. Subsequent to her promotion as headmistress in 2018, despite her 50 percent disability and request to post her in a high school in Thazhancheri, which was just 10 km away from her residence, she was offered the high school in Periathumbur, which was 104 km away, during counseling. Therefore, she filed the present petition, she added. The judge said the transport system and the population using it were alarming and accidents were escalating each day. The population traveling over the top of the bus cannot be forgotten while considering the transfer request of a disabled person. Normally, place of posting was left to the discretion of the administrators, but in this case, this court did not have the hope that the administrators would take care of the interest of the differently abled person namely the petitioner, the judge added and gave the above directive.