கூத்தாநல்லூர்: தூய்மைப் பணியாளரை தனது வாகனத்தில் அனுப்பி கௌரவித்த நகராட்சி ஆணையர்

கூத்தாநல்லூர்: தூய்மைப் பணியாளரை தனது வாகனத்தில் அனுப்பி கௌரவித்த நகராட்சி ஆணையர்

திருவாரூர் மாவட்டம், கூத்தாநல்லூரில் பணி ஓய்வு பெற்ற நகராட்சி துப்புரவுப் பணியாளரை, தனது வாகனத்தில், வீட்டிற்கு நகராட்சி ஆணையர் ஆர்.லதா அனுப்பி வைத்தார்.

அந்தக் காலத்தில் தெருவில், தண்டோரா போட்டு, அரசு வேலைக்கு அழைப்பார்களாம். காப் பணம் சம்பாதித்தாலும், கவுர்மெண்ட் சம்பளமா இருக்க வேண்டும் எனச் சொல்லுவார்கள். ஆனால், இப்போது, பள்ளிக்கூடத்தில் சேரவே பணத்தை அள்ளிக் கொடுக்க வேண்டிய நிலை. அரசாங்க வேலை என்றால், என்ன படித்து இருந்தாலும் சரி, எத்தனை இலட்சம் தருகிறார்கள் என்று தான் பார்க்க வேண்டிய கட்டாய நிலை ஆகிவிட்டது. அப்படிப்பட்ட இந்தக் காலத்தில், எந்த ஒரு அரசாங்க வேலையாக இருந்தாலும், நல்ல முறையில், எந்தவிதக் கெட்டப்பெயரும் இல்லாமல் பணி ஓய்வு பெறுவது என்பது எல்லாவற்றையும் விடப் பெரும்பாடாக இருக்கிறது.

அப்படிப்பட்ட நிலையில் தான், இந்த கொடூரமான கரோனாக் காலத்தில் கூத்தாநல்லூர் நகராட்சியில் 35 ஆண்டுகளுக்கும் மேலாக தூய்மைப் பணியாளராக பணியாற்றி இருவர் பணி ஓய்வு பெற்றனர். அவர்களைப் பாராட்ட, கௌரவப்படுத்த நகராட்சி ஆணையர் ஆர்.லதா நினைத்தார். அதன்படி, துப்புரவு மேற்பார்வையாளர் வாசுதேவன் மற்றும் ஊழியர்களின் ஏற்பாட்டில், பிரிவுபசார விழா நடத்த ஏற்பாடு செய்யப்பட்டன.

கூத்தாநல்லூர் நகராட்சியின் தூய்மைப் பணியாளர்கள் பணி நிறைவு பிரிவுபசார விழா நகராட்சி அலுவலக வளாகத்தில் நடைபெற்றது. விழாவிற்கு, ஆணையர் ஆர்.லதா தலைமை வகித்தார். மேலாளர் எஸ்.லதா முன்னிலை வகித்தார். சுகாதார ஆய்வாளர் கி. அருண்குமார் வரவேற்றார். விழாவில், ஊரக வளர்ச்சி உள்ளாட்சித் துறை ஊழியர் சங்கத்தின் மாநிலத் தலைவர் நா.பாலசுப்ரமணியன், மாவட்டச் செயலாளர் கே.முனியாண்டி உள்ளிட்ட பலர் சமூக இடைவெளியுடன் பங்கேற்றனர். பாராட்டின் நிறைவாக, பணி ஓய்வுபெற்ற தூய்மைப் பணியாளர்கள் இரண்டு பேரையும், தனது வாகனத்தில், ஏற்றி வீட்டுக்கு அனுப்பி வைத்து நகராட்சி ஆணையர் ஆர்.லதா மகிழ்ந்தார். இச்சம்பவம், அங்கிருந்த அத்தனை பேரையும் கண் கலங்க வைத்தது.

இதுகுறித்து நகராட்சி ஆணையர் ஆர். லதா கூறியது..

வாழ்நாளில் முக்கால் வாசி ஆண்டுகளை, நம்முடன், நம்மூர் மக்களுக்காக 40 ஆண்டுகள் தூய்மைப் பணி செய்து, நகரத்தைச் சுத்தப்படுத்திய அந்த பெரும் மனிதரை, இந்த பணி ஓய்வு பெறும் நாளிலாவது வாகனத்தில் கொண்டு விடலாம் என்றுதான் அப்படிச் செய்தேன் என்றார் பெருமையாக ஆணையர் லதா.

இது குறித்து, ஊரக வளர்ச்சி உள்ளாட்சித்துறை ஊழியர் சங்கத்தின் மாநிலத் தலைவர் நா.பாலசுப்ரமணியன் கூறியது.

கூத்தாநல்லூர் நகராட்சி ஆணையருக்குப் பெருந்தன்மையான மனது. ஆமாம், பெண்ணின் குணம் இரக்கமுடையது என்பதை நிரூபித்து விட்டார். இந்த கரோனாக் காலத்தில், எப்படி வேண்டுமானாலும், எதையாவது சொல்லி விழாவை ரத்து செய்தோ, தட்டிக் கழித்தோ இருக்கலாம். ஆனால், விழாவை சிறப்பாக நடத்தியதுடன், தனது காரிலேயே வீட்டில் கொண்டு போய் விடச் சொன்னதும், பாராட்டுதலுக்குரியதாகும்.

இதற்கு முன்பு, கரூரில் அந்த மாவட்ட ஆட்சியராக இருந்த அன்பழகன் என்பவர், மாவட்ட ஆட்சியரகத்தில் பணியாற்றிப் பணி ஓய்வு பெற்ற, ஊழியரை, தனது காரிலேயே ஏற்றி அமர வைத்து, வீட்டில் கொண்டு போய் தானே விட்டு வந்தார் என்பது குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது என்றார்.

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'ஜே.இ.இ., - நீட்' தேர்வுகளும் ஒத்திவைப்பு?

'ஜே.இ.இ., - நீட்' தேர்வுகளும் ஒத்திவைப்பு?

Updated : ஜூலை 02, 2020 23:20 | Added : ஜூலை 02, 2020 23:11 |

புதுடில்லி: ''நீட் மற்றும் ஜே.இ.இ., தேர்வுகளை திட்டமிட்டபடி நடத்துவதா அல்லது தள்ளி  வைப்பதா என்பது குறித்து, கல்வித் துறை நிபுணர்கள் குழு, நாளை அறிக்கை சமர்ப்பிக்கும். அதன் அடிப்படையில், தேர்வு குறித்து விரைவில் முடிவு செய்யப்படும்,'' என, மத்திய  மனிதவள மேம்பாட்டுத் துறை அமைச்சர், ரமேஷ் பொக்கிரியால் தெரிவித்தார்.

ஐ.ஐ.டி., உள்ளிட்ட உயர் கல்வி நிறுவனங்களில், இன்ஜினியரிங் போன்ற தொழில் கல்வி படிப்பதற்கான, ஜே.இ.இ., முதன்மை நுழைவுத் தேர்வை, ஜூலை, 18 - 23ம் தேதிகளில் நடத்தப்படும் என, என்.டி.ஏ., எனப்படும், தேசிய தேர்வு முகமை அறிவித்திருந்தது.

இதேபோல், மருத்துவப் படிப்புக்கான, 'நீட்' நுழைவுத் தேர்வு, ஜூலை, 26ல் நடத்தப்படும் என, அறிவிக்கப்பட்டிருந்தது.

ஆனால், கொரோனா வைரஸ் பரவல் காரணமாக, தேர்வு தேதிகளை ஒத்தி வைக்க வேண்டும் என, மாணவர்களும், அவர்களது பெற்றோரும் வலியுறுத்தி வருகின்றனர்.

முடிவு

இந்நிலையில், மத்திய மனிதவள மேம்பாட்டுத் துறை அமைச்சர், ரமேஷ் பொக்கிரியால் நேற்று கூறியதாவது:கொரோனா பரவல் குறையாத நிலையில், நீட் மற்றும் ஜே.இ.இ., தேர்வுகளை தள்ளி வைக்க வேண்டும் என, பல தரப்பிலிருந்தும் கோரிக்கை வந்துள்ளது. இதையடுத்து, தேர்வுகளை நடத்துவதற்கான நிலைமையை ஆய்வு செய்ய, என்.டி.ஏ.,வைச் சேர்ந்த அதிகாரிகள் மற்றும் கல்வித் துறை நிபுணர்கள் அடங்கிய குழு அமைக்கப்பட்டு உள்ளது.

இந்தக் குழு, நிலைமையை ஆய்வு செய்து, தேர்வுகளை நடத்துவது தொடர்பான பரிந்துரைகளை, நாளை சமர்ப்பிக்கும். அதன் பின், தேர்வுகளை திட்டமிட்டப்படி நடத்துவதா அல்லது தள்ளி வைப்பதா என, முடிவு செய்யப்படும். இவ்வாறு, அவர் கூறினார்.

சி.ஏ., தேர்வு நடக்குமா? 10ம் தேதி தெரியும்!

சி.ஏ., எனப்படும், பட்டய கணக்காளர் தேர்வுகளை நடத்துவது குறித்து, 10ம் தேதிக்குள் இறுதி முடிவை அறிவிப்பதாக, இந்திய சார்டர்ட் அக்கவுன்டன்ட்ஸ் மையம் நீதிமன்றத்தில் தெரிவித்துள்ளது.வழக்கமாக, சி.ஏ., தேர்வுகள், மே மாதத்தில் நடத்தப்படும். கொரோனா வைரஸ் பாதிப்பு மற்றும் ஊரடங்கால், இந்தாண்டுக்கான தேர்வு ஒத்தி வைக்கப்பட்டது. தற்போது, ஜூலை, 29 முதல் ஆக., 16 வரை வரை நடத்தப்படும் என்று அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இந்த முறை, 'ஆப்ட் அவுட்' எனப்படும், தேர்வு எழுத முடியாதவர்கள், தேர்வில் இருந்து விலகிக் கொள்ளும் வாய்ப்பு அளிக்கப்படுவதாக அறிவிக்கப்பட்டது.இதை எதிர்த்து, உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தில் வழக்கு தொடரப்பட்டுள்ளது. மனுவில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளதாவது:சி.ஏ., தேர்வை, 4.67 லட்சம் பேர் எழுதுகின்றனர். ஆனால், நாட்டில், 259 இடங்களில் மட்டுமே தேர்வு மையங்கள் அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன. நாட்டின், 70 சதவீத மாவட்டங்களில், தேர்வு மையங்கள் அமைக்கப்படவில்லை. இதனால், கிராமங்கள் மற்றும் ஊரகப் பகுதியில் உள்ளவர்கள், தேர்வு எழுத முடியாத நிலை ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது.

இந்த நிலையில், ஆப்ட் அவுட் முறையால், இந்தப் பகுதியைச் சேர்ந்த மாணவர்களின் உரிமை பறிக்கப்படுகிறது. அதிக இடங்களில் தேர்வு மையங்களை அமைக்க உத்தரவிட வேண்டும்.

இவ்வாறு மனுவில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த வழக்கை, நீதிபதிகள், ஏ.எம்.கன்வில்கர், தினேஷ் மகேஸ்வரி, சஞ்சீவ் கன்னா அமர்வு விசாரித்து வருகிறது.

'வீடியோ கான்பரன்ஸ்' முறையில், நேற்று நடந்த விசாரணை யின்போது, இந்திய சார்டர்ட் அக்கவுன்டன்ட்ஸ் மையத்தின் சார்பில் ஆஜரான, வழக்கறிஞர் ராம்ஜி ஸ்ரீனிவாசன் வாதிட்டதாவது:

பல மாநிலங்களில், 'கொரோனா' வைரஸ் பாதிப்பு தீவிரமடைந்துள்ளது. இந்த நிலையில், தேர்வுகளை நடத்துவது சாத்தியமா என்பது தெரியவில்லை.

இது தொடர்பாக, மையத்தின் மாநிலப் பிரிவுகளை கலந்தாலோசித்து, தேர்வு நடத்தப்படுமா என்பது குறித்து முடிவு எடுக்கப்படும். இவ்வாறு, அவர் கூறினார். அதையடுத்து, வரும், 10ம் தேதிக்குள் பதிலளிக்கும்படி, அமர்வு உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

'இ - பாஸ்' கேட்டு இதுவரை 37 லட்சம் பேர் விண்ணப்பம்

'இ - பாஸ்' கேட்டு இதுவரை 37 லட்சம் பேர் விண்ணப்பம்

Added : ஜூலை 02, 2020 22:49

ஊரடங்கின் போது, 'இ - பாஸ்' கேட்டு, இதுவரை, 37 லட்சம் பேர் விண்ணப்பித்துள்ளனர்; அதில், 13 லட்சம் விண்ணப்பங்களுக்கு மட்டுமே, தமிழக அரசு அனுமதி வழங்கி உள்ளது.

கொரோனா பரவலை கட்டுப்படுத்த, மார்ச், 25 முதல், தொடர்ந்து ஊரடங்கு அமல்படுத்தப்பட்டு வருகிறது. இந்த நேரத்தில், கல்யாணம், இறப்பு, தொழில் சம்பந்தமாக, வெளியூர், வெளி மாநிலம் மற்றும் வெளி நாடுகளுக்கு செல்ல, தமிழக அரசு சார்பில், 'ஆன்லைன்' வாயிலாக, இ - பாஸ் வழங்கப்பட்டு வருகிறது. இதேபோல, வெளி மாநிலங்கள் மற்றும் வெளி நாடுகளில் இருந்து, தமிழகத்திற்கு வரவும், இ - பாஸ் பெறுவது அவசியம்.

இந்த திட்டம் அமல்படுத்தப்பட்டது முதல், வெளியூர் பயணங்கள் செல்ல, தமிழகத்திற்கு வர என, பல லட்சம் விண்ணப்பங்கள் பதிவாகி உள்ளன.இது குறித்து, அரசு அதிகாரிகள் கூறியதாவது:கொரோனா ஊரடங்கு காலத்தில், பல்வேறு காரணங்களுக்காக வெளியூர் செல்லவும், தமிழகத்திற்குள் வருவதற்கும், இதுவரை, 37.35 லட்சம் பேர் விண்ணப்பங்கள் பதிவு செய்துள்ளனர். அதில், மாவட்டங்களுக்குள் செல்ல, 52 ஆயிரத்து, 282 விண்ணப்பங்கள்; மாவட்டங்களுக்கு வெளியே செல்ல, 29.05 லட்சம்; தமிழகத்திற்கு வெளியே செல்ல, 3.01 லட்சம்; தமிழகத்திற்கு உள்ளே வர, 2.66 லட்சம் விண்ணப்பங்கள் பதிவாகி உள்ளன.

இவற்றில், இதுவரை, 13 லட்சம் விண்ணப்பங்களுக்கு அனுமதி வழங்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. அதில், வெளி மாநிலங்களில் இருந்து வருவதற்கான விண்ணப்பங்களில், 57 ஆயிரம் பேருக்கு அனுமதி அளிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. தமிழகத்திற்கு வெளியே இருந்து பதிவான விண்ணப்பங்களில் பெரும்பாலானவை, போலி ஆவணங்கள் வாயிலாக, விண்ணப்பிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.இவ்வாறு, அவர்கள் கூறினர்.

-- நமது நிருபர்- -

இளம் வக்கீல்களுக்கு மாதம் ரூ.3000 உதவித் தொகை

இளம் வக்கீல்களுக்கு மாதம் ரூ.3000 உதவித் தொகை

Added : ஜூலை 02, 2020 23:23

சென்னை; இளம் வழக்கறிஞர்களுக்கு, இரண்டு ஆண்டு களுக்கு, மாதம், 3,000 ரூபாய் உதவித்தொகை வழங்க, முதல்வர் இ.பி.எஸ்., உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

சட்டப்படிப்பை முடித்து, கல்லுாரியில் இருந்து வெளிவரும் இளம் வழக்கறிஞர்கள், பார் கவுன்சிலில், நிரந்தர பதிவு சான்றிதழ் பெற, முதலில், தேசிய அளவிலான வழக்கறிஞர்கள் குழும தேர்வில், தேர்ச்சி பெற வேண்டும்.அதன்பின், இளநிலை வழக்கறிஞர்களாக, மூத்த வழக்கறிஞரிடம், இரண்டு அல்லது மூன்று ஆண்டுகள் பயிற்சி பெற வேண்டும்.கிராமப்புறங்கள் மற்றும் ஏழை குடும்பங்களில் இருந்து, சட்டம் படிக்கும் மாணவர்கள், படிப்பை முடித்து, வழக்கறிஞர்களாக பணியாற்ற, குறைந்தது நான்கு அல்லது ஐந்து ஆண்டுகள் தேவை.

இக்காலகட்டத்தில், பல வழக்கறிஞர்கள், மிகவும் வறுமையான நிலையில் உள்ளனர்.சிலர் தங்களை வழக்கறிஞர்களாக நிலைநிறுத்தி கொள்ள இயலாமல், வேறு தொழிலுக்கு செல்லும் நிலை உள்ளது.எனவே, வறுமையில் வாடும் இளம் வழக்கறிஞர்களுக்கு உதவி செய்வதற்காக, சிறப்பு திட்டத்தை, அரசு செயல்படுத்த உள்ளது.இத்திட்டத்தின் கீழ், இளம் வழக்கறிஞர்களுக்கு, இரண்டு ஆண்டு களுக்கு, மாதம், 3,000 ரூபாய் உதவித்தொகை வழங்க, முதல்வர் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளார்.

வேறு கிளைகளிலும் சேவை வங்கிகளுக்கு கோரிக்கை

வேறு கிளைகளிலும் சேவை வங்கிகளுக்கு கோரிக்கை

Added : ஜூலை 02, 2020 22:58

சென்னை; 'ஊரடங்கின் போது, கணக்கு வைத்திருக்கும் வங்கி கிளை மட்டுமின்றி, வேறு கிளைக்கு சென்றாலும், சேவை வழங்க வேண்டும்' என, வாடிக்கையாளர்கள் கோரிக்கை விடுத்துள்ளனர்.

கொரோனா பரவலை தடுக்கும் வகையில், மார்ச் முதல், தமிழகத்தில் ஊரடங்கு அமலாகியுள்ளது.சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, காஞ்சிபுரம், திருவள்ளூர், மதுரை மாவட்டங்களில், வரும், 5ம் தேதி வரை, முழு ஊரடங்கு அமல்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இந்த ஊரடங்கு காலத்தில், வங்கிக்கு சென்று சேவை பெற, மிகுந்த சிரமம் ஏற்படுவதாக புகார் எழுந்துள்ளது.இது குறித்து, வங்கி வாடிக்கையாளர்கள் கூறியதாவது:பணம் எடுத்தல், பணம் செலுத்துதல், காசோலை பரிவர்த்தனை மேற்கொள்ளுதல் உட்பட, பல்வேறு சேவைகளை பெற, கணக்கு வைத்திருக்கும் வங்கி கிளைகளுக்கு செல்ல வேண்டும் என, வங்கி அதிகாரிகள் பொதுவாக அறிவுறுத்துவர்.சாதாரண நாட்களில், கணக்கு வைத்திருக்கும் வங்கிகளுக்கு செல்ல முடியும்.

ஆனால், ஊரடங்கின் போது, தொலைவில் உள்ள வங்கி கிளைகளுக்கு செல்ல முடியவில்லை. பிற கிளைகளுக்கு சென்றால், கணக்கு வைத்திருக்கும் கிளைக்கு செல்லும்படி கூறுகின்றனர். இதனால், அவசர தேவைகளுக்கு, வங்கி சேவை கிடைப்பதில், மிகுந்த சிரமம் ஏற்படுகிறது.எனவே, ஊரடங்கு முடியும் வரை, வங்கியின் எந்தக் கிளைகளுக்கு சென்றாலும், சேவை வழங்க நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். அதற்கான உத்தரவை, கிளைகளுக்கு நிர்வாகம் பிறப்பிக்க வேண்டும்.இவ்வாறு, அவர்கள் கூறினர்.

TN moves SC to seek direction to HC for early decision on pleas for OBC quota in medical admissions

TN moves SC to seek direction to HC for early decision on pleas for OBC quota in medical admissions

Some of the petitioners, in their interim prayers before the High Court, had sought to stall the ongoing admissions for PG medical courses.

Published: 02nd July 2020 07:56 PM 

Supreme Court 

By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Tamil Nadu government moved the Supreme Court Thursday seeking a direction to the Madras High Court to expeditiously decide the pleas challenging the Centre's decision not to grant 50 per cent quota to OBCs in medical seats surrendered by the state in all India quota for undergraduate, postgraduate and dental courses in 2020-21.

It has assailed the June 22 high court order which refused to grant any interim order on the OBC quota row and adjourned the hearing till July 9 saying that a similar petition was already scheduled to be heard on July 8 by the Supreme Court.

"The Supreme Court is already seized of the matter and let us wait and see what transpires (on July 8)," the high court had said.

The state government and some political parties such as DMK, All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK), CPI (M), Tamil Nadu Congress Committee and CPI had moved the high court after the Supreme Court, on June 11, refused to entertain their petitions and asked them to approach the high court.

"Direct the High Court to expeditiously hear and dispose of the writ petitions...," the state government said in its plea before the top court.

"The High Court has in effect declined to take up the writ petitions in spite of the fact that the Respondents (Centre, MCI and others) had virtually conceded to the prayer sought for in the writ petition.

"The High Court has failed to appreciate that the respondents are stalling adjudication of the issue. The (High) Court has been misled by the Respondents' contentions and has unjustifiably kept the Petitioner's writ petition in abeyance till this court issues orders in an ostensibly identical matter...which is tentatively listed for July 08," it said.

The high court had refused to pass any interim order on the pleas after taking note of the Centre's submission that since 1986 no reservation has been provided in the AIQ (All-India quota) seats for medical admission as per the apex court directive.

"The same was modified after 10 years, providing reservation for SC/ST. In 2015, pleas were moved seeking OBC reservation, which is still pending before the apex court, which has to take a call and modify the order," the counsel for the Centre had told the High Court.

The state government and various political parties have challenged the Centre's decision not to grant 50 per cent reservation to OBCs as per Tamil Nadu law.

Some of the petitioners, in their interim prayers before the High Court, had sought to stall the ongoing admissions for PG medical courses.

The pleas had alleged that the Centre also did not follow its own policy of 27 per cent reserved seats for OBCs under the 2006 Act.

Anna University staff fear getting back ‘here’

Anna University staff fear getting back ‘here’

The university staff have expressed concerns over returning to work post intense lockdown, that ends on July 5.

Published: 03rd July 2020 06:00 AM 

Staff setting up beds at the Covid Care Centre at Anna University on Friday; (inset) a view of the centre | Ashwin prasath

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: “The patients are brought to the campus everyday. Walking into a campus with isolation wards feels like walking into a lion’s den,” said an assistant professor, working at Guindy campus of Anna University.

The university staff have expressed concerns over returning to work post intense lockdown, that ends on July 5. The varsity buildings have been serving as isolation wards for Covid patients, creating fear and hesitation among the staff. One of the administrative staff said, even though he does not have to go into the buildings used as isolation wards, he fears coming in contact with the ones who have to. “The government has asked us to keep away from containment zones.

Isn’t the varsity a containment zone entirely?” he asked. The varsity, through a circular on Tuesday said, its campuses, offices, and departments coming under containment zones across the State will remain closed until July 5. The circular does not offer a clarity on whether the staff has to report to work afterwards.

Speaking to TNIE, Anna University’s Vice Chancellor MK Surappa said, a decision on the issue will be taken only after considering sufficient transport facilities for teachers to reach campus. “The campus is protected from the buildings being used as isolation wards. But I understand their concern, he said.

Doctor, I am sure you will save me: Chennai medicos haunted by last moments of dying COVID-19 patients

Doctor, I am sure you will save me: Chennai medicos haunted by last moments of dying COVID-19 patients

Doctors in Chennai, which has seen close to 1000 deaths, say they are weary and traumatised from seeing patients, especially young ones, dying alone.

Published: 02nd July 2020 11:26 PM | Last Updated: 03rd July 2020 

With no drug of choice or targeted treatment available, doctors say they feel helpless. (Photo | Meghana Sastry, EPS)

By Sinduja Jane

Express News Service

CHENNAI: “Doctor, I am sure you will save me.” It has been a few days now, but Dr KV Raja Lakshmi remains haunted by the words uttered by Kiran (name changed) minutes before he succumbed to COVID-19. 

As Tamil Nadu’s caseload inches towards the 1-lakh figure, over 1,300 people have been killed by the viral infection.

Doctors in Chennai, which has seen close to 1000 deaths, say they are weary and traumatised from seeing patients, especially young ones, dying alone. With no drug of choice or targeted treatment available, doctors say they feel helpless.

For Dr Raja Lakshmi, head of General Medicine Department at Kilpauk Government Medical College Hospital, the death of Kiran, a man in his 30s, is the most unforgettable and traumatic incident of her career. 

She recalls him greeting her with that same phrase each time she approached him during treatment. “Even as his condition deteriorated, he was confident we would save him,” she says. "Those words still flash through my mind.” 

“I couldn't guarantee him anything and I knew his chances of survival were slim," adds Dr Raja Lakshmi.

"Everyday I declare at least six deaths at my hospital,” says one anaesthesiologist posted in the ICU of a private hospital in the city. “I cannot bear to see the emotional trauma that the patients’ families undergo,” the doctor says. 

The doctor, like others, admits to allowing family members into the ward so the patient can see their loved ones at least once before they die. 

“Recently I allowed a young son to see his critically ill father. The son stood beside his father's bed and cried inconsolably for a long time. Then he quietly walked out,” the doctor recalls. “That moment reduced me to tears." 

In another instance, the doctor says a husband and wife were admitted in the same ICU. 

"The husband started struggling a lot in his last moments. We were around him, desperately trying to save him but couldn’t and the man died,” the doctor says. “When I turned around, I realised the curtains had not been drawn.” 

The patient’s wife had witnessed the distressing last moments of her husband’s death. “I immediately drew the curtains around her husband, but I was disturbed. The next day, the wife died," the anesthesiologist says. 

A senior doctor involved in the critical care of Covid patients, at Rajiv Gandhi Government General Hospital, says the most distressing fact is that even in the ICU, the patients are conscious and aware of their surroundings. 

"Unlike other patients, Covid-19 patients are able to converse coherently even when their oxygen saturation levels fall below 60. They know they are going to die. Their only request is to be sent home," the doctor says. According to this doctor, at any point of time, there are at least 80 seriously ill patients at the RGGGH Covid-19 ICU.

"With no attenders allowed, these patients die alone,” says Dr K E Govindarajulu, professor of Medicine at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital.

“Declaring the death of young patients is so much more difficult for us,” he says.

With relatives often afraid to come and visit the patients, even if called by phone to do so, doctors find the deaths painful to witness. 

“Unless it is the patient’s parent or wife, relatives rarely come,” Govindarajulu notes. So doctors try to make video calls and connect the patient and their family. 

“But with Covid-19 even healthy patients suddenly collapse due to the lung infection. Their loved ones are unable to understand how they have suddenly died and we are unable to explain it either,” Govindarajulu says. “It is very painful.”

PLEA TO DEFER BDS EXAMS

PLEA TO DEFER BDS EXAMS

Dental exams: HC notice to Pb, BFUHS

To File Reply By Friday; Hearing Fixed For July 3

Times News Network

Chandigarh:  03.07.2020

The Punjab and Haryana high court, on Thursday, issued a notice to the medical education department, Punjab, Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) and Dental Council of India on a plea against holding MDS and BDS examinations. Baba Farid University has been directed to respond with reference to the central government notification directing all schools, colleges and institutions to remain closed till July 31.

Since the varsity has scheduled examinations for July 7, the HC has fixed hearing for July 3 at 12pm. All parties have been asked to file a reply by Friday. Justice Nirmaljit Kaur of the HC passed these orders while hearing a petition filed by the Dental Surgeons Association of India.

Petitioners are aggrieved by the examination notification issued by the BFUHS, which states that the examination for MDS and BDS courses are scheduled to commence from July 7.

According to the petitioners, the notifications have been issued without appreciating ground realities and threats posed by the Covid-19 pandemic and the fact that no direction for opening of educational institutions have been issued by the central and state government.

The petitioner’s association has sought directions for quashing the impugned examination notifications dated June 1 and 2, 2020 whereby the university has notified that the examination for MDS and BDS would commence from July 7.

Directions have been sought to restrain Baba Farid University of Health Sciences from holding physical examinations until proper guidelines, arrangements and infrastructure are made available and the processes for unlocking of Universities and colleges are notified under the Disaster Management Act 2005 by the Central and state governments.

UT to review decision on calling faculty to colleges

UT to review decision on calling faculty to colleges

Kamini.Mehta@timesgroup.com

Chandigarh:  03.07.2020

The UT education department has planned to review its order on calling faculty members to colleges, after ministry of human resource and development (MHRD) asked them to allow teachers to work-from-home till July 31.

The order was issued after the ministry of home affairs (MHA) issued guidelines on Unlock 2.0 on June 29, whereby it was directed that colleges and educational institutions will remain closed till July 31, 2020. It was further stated that the online or distance learning should continue and shall be encouraged at the same time.

The order issued by the MHRD states that, “In order to ensure safety of the faculty members, teachers, researchers and non-teaching staff of the higher educational institutions, precautions like encouraging employees to continue to work-from-home till July 31, 2020 and that faculty members, teachers and researchers should utilise this period for various academic activities.”

The letter issued by the MHRD also said that the said period should be counted as being on duty for all faculty members, teachers, researchers, and non-teaching staff, including those on Ad-hoc and teachers on contract, whose contracts are valid up to July 31.

It was reiterated that the Aarogya Setu App, which enables easy identification of potential risk of infection, should be installed by students, faculty and employees.

“In case of exigency, any faculty member, teacher, researcher or non-teaching staff may attend or be asked to attend the educational institution with all precautionary measures as mentioned in the guidelines issued by the MHA. All the employees should provide their contact details to their institutions so that they may be contacted in case of emergency,” read the letter.

Rubinderjit Singh Brar, director of higher education, said, “We will review the orders.”

Fuel prices on upswing, NSUI targets Kirron

Chandigarh: Targeting the sitting MP of Chandigarh, Kirron Kher, the Nnational Students Union of India (NSUI), Panjab University launched, a “find my MP” campaign on the university campus. Around 20 to 25 activists approached people in the market and distributed a “Missing MP” pamphlet. The pamphlet announced a prize money of Rs 1,100, who suceeds in finding the missing MP of Chandigarh. The NSUI’s social media chairman Manoj Lubana said, “It is shocking that with fuel prices on upwsing, these people are nowhere to be seen.”

Is Sasikala getting released? This query haunts jail officials

Is Sasikala getting released? This query haunts jail officials

Rajiv.Kalkod@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:  03.07.2020

In between their regular duties, police officials at Central Prison, Parappana Agrahara, have another task to attend to — answering phone calls or emails seeking information on former AIADMK secretary Sasikala Natarajan’s early release.

The grapevine about Sasikala’s release is something these officials have to regularly deal with. “If we say no, they ask us ‘why’, if we say that we are unsure, they ask ‘when will she be released’. Speculation about her release date has turned out to be a major headache for us,” said prison authorities.

While such questions usually peak in the run up to Republic Day, Pongal and Independence Day celebrations every year, the corona anxiety now seems to have triggered another wave of queries.

Sasikala, her foster-son VN Sudhakaran and close associate J Ilavarasi have been lodged in Central Jail since February 15, 2017, after the Supreme Court set aside their acquittal by the Karnataka high court. Their release date is fixed for February 15, 2022, provided they pay a penalty of Rs 10 crore each. In case they don’t, their jail term will get extended by another year.

A senior prison official said answering questions on Sasikala’s release gets tough. “People who make such queries are of the opinion that we can release her as per our wish. Last week, a man identifying himself as a local politician from Tamil Nadu asked why we should not write to Karnataka government seeking her release? Before disconnecting the call, which was made on the landline, he hyperventilated that we hate her and that’s why we are not making any attempts for her early release,” he said.

Another officer said whenever a list of convicts, proposed for premature release, is drawn up, word reaches Tamil Nadu, saying Sasikala’s name is in the list. “The nature of her punishment doesn’t fall under ‘premature release’. Only convicts imprisoned for life are entitled to premature release. We try to explain this to those calling us from TN and Karnataka, but in vain,” he said.

The rumours get stronger whenever politicians from TN visit her in person. “Local channels there start beaming news saying the time has come for her release. We are flooded with phone calls and emails on the matter,” said an official from Central Prison.

LOOKING BACK

In September 2014, the special trial court of judge John Michael Cunha had sentenced former Tamil Nadu chief minister late J Jayalalitha, Sasikala, Sudhakaran and Ilavarasi under Section 109 of IPC read with section 13 (2) of the Prevention of Corruption Act to four-year simple imprisonment. Jayalalitha had been fined Rs 100 crore.

Private operators to run 12 pairs of trains from K’taka

Private operators to run 12 pairs of trains from K’taka

Christin.MathewPhilip@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:  03.07.2020

You could soon be able to travel in private trains from Karnataka to Guwahati, Delhi, Howrah, Ranchi, Patna, Gorakhpur, Prayagraj, Visakhapatnam and Jaipur. Railways has decided to allow private players to run 12 pairs of trains from the state.

Most of these trains from Bengaluru are likely to be operated from Third Coaching Terminal Byappanahalli, which is expected to be operational by October. Private firms will operate trains on Mysuru-Bhubaneswar, Kalaburagi-Mumbai, Mangaluru-Chennai routes.

While private-run trains may improve punctuality, reliability and upkeep of coaches, many passengers are worried about the fare structure.KN Krishna Prasad, a member of Karnataka Railway Vedike, said: “Private trains may improve passenger experience and other facilities, but there is no clarity on the fare. If they charge more than double the railway fare, low-income people may not be able to afford it.”

He said the timing given for the Bengaluru-Delhi private train is almost similar to the existing timing of Bengaluru-Delhi Rajdhani. “We’ll have to wait and see how they run both trains parallelly and its impact on Rajdhani. There won’t be any concessions for senior citizens and the differently abled in private trains and food served on-board may also be expensive.”

A railway source told TOI: “We’re operating several passenger services on loss-making routes as well as suburban trains as a social obligation. But if private firms start running only on long-distance profitable routes, then we’ll be under severe loss. Private operators will not run trains for charity and their aim will be to make profit. Cleanliness of trains and stations has improved drastically over the years.” According to him, poor infrastructure is causing delay in train services. Work on doubling, quadrupling, electrification and automatic signalling is yet to be completed in most sections which results in delays, he said, adding that occupancy rate of trains will be affected if private firms are given preference. “We’ll not cancel any existing train. The proposal to invite private companies to operate trains is still in the initial stage. There’s a huge demand for trains so occupancy rate of those run by the railways won’t be affected,” SWR chief public relations officer E Vijaya said.

Union ministry of railways on Wednesday invited request for qualifications (RFQs) for private participation for operation of passenger train services on over 109 pairs of routes across the country.

Apple, Google take down 59 Chinese apps from app stores

Apple, Google take down 59 Chinese apps from app stores

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  03.07.2020

Apple and Google have taken down the 59 Chinese apps ordered blocked by the Indian government from their app stores following instructions from the authorities.

The government had on Monday banned 59 Chinese applications saying they were prejudicial to sovereignty, integrity and security of the country. A day later popular short video app TikTok was taken down from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The other 58 Chinese apps have now also been removed.

Google said that it has temporarily blocked access to the banned apps on its India Play Store. “While we continue to review the interim orders from the Government of India, we have notified the affected developers and have temporarily blocked access to the apps that remained available on the Play Store in India,” a Google spokesperson said.

The spokesperson did not disclose details of the apps that Google had blocked. TNN Similar action has been taken by the Apple App Store.

PG courses: Dual degree not allowed, clarifies DU

MISSION ADMISSION

PG courses: Dual degree not allowed, clarifies DU

Mohammad.Ibrar@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: 03.07.2020

In its first-ever open house for PG admissions, Delhi University officials received a barrage of queries. While most of the applicants were eager to know if they could edit their forms, several others were worried about the PG entrance exams as National Testing Agency was yet to release the dates.

The webinar saw over 1,600 applicants joining in through Google Meet and Facebook.

At the start, the applicants were informed about the PG admissions and that there were two modes of getting admission—merit-based and entrance-based, with 50% of PG seats for each. Those from outside DU will have to go through the entrance test.

Dean of admissions at DU, Shobha Bagai, however, stated that DU students can also opt for entrance-based admissions as there are several courses that only have entrancebased admissions.

Bagai added that she and other members of the admission branch have been receiving several queries about editing of forms.

“You should try to fill the form with focus so that you make no mistakes. If you don’t have certificates, you can upload old certificates for now but at the time of admissions, you will have to upload new certificates. We will inform you about the dates for that,” she explained.

Many applicants were also keen on knowing if they could apply for multiple courses in DU.

To this, Suman Kumar, admission branch member, said that “DU has not accepted the UGC’s directions of dual degrees. And the dual degree option will be valid only when you apply in two different universities. No student can take admission simultaneously in two courses at DU.”

Clearing doubts about the admission process, senior PG admission official Ashutosh Bharadwaj stated that applicants need not visit any department or college for physical verification of their documents. “Due to Covid-19 situation, the process will be done online and applicants have to log into the portal, select the course and apply there. The department will verify their documents online.”

No UGC nod, TNOU cancels admissions for 2018-19 B Ed

No UGC nod, TNOU cancels admissions for 2018-19 B Ed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:  03.07.2020

The Tamil Nadu Open University has cancelled B Ed admissions for the 2018-19 batch as the University Grants Commission (UGC) didn’t for the programme. TNOU also said it would reimburse admission and exam fee paid by 306 candidates who joined the course.

UGC approval was made mandatory for all Open and Distance Learning mode courses from 2018-19. Till then, universities were offering B Ed courses with National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) approval.

“TNOU admitted students to the B Ed course following NCTE approval and appealed for UGC approval for the two-year degree programme. But UGC has said students were admitted without its approval and based on its direction, we are cancelling BEd admission for 2018-19 batch,” TNOU registrar K Rathnakumar said in a letter to students. Admissions had been given with the clause that they were subject to the UGC recognition,” he added.

Though the university spent money on study material and conducting contact classes, the syndicate has decided to refund the money collected from candidates who will have to submit their name, B Ed registration number, bank account number and other details.

Due to streamlining of ODL courses, UCC approval was made mandatory for all courses from 2018-19. “We made many attempts to get UGC approval for the BEd degree. But, we could not get it as the appellate authority meets once in a year. Now, due to the pandemic, the UGC has decided not to entertain applications for recognition or approval of UG and PG courses for 2020-21. If we offer a degree without UGC's approval, our students will not be eligible for government jobs. We don't want our students to suffer,” said TNOU vice-chancellor K Parthasarathy.

Though the university spent money on study material and conducting contact classes, the syndicate has decided to refund the money collected from candidates

Lockdown still intense, but city’s roads choked

Lockdown still intense, but city’s roads choked

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:03.07.2020

With lockdown still in force, a few roads in the city and suburbs saw surge in the traffic on Thursday. Since most of the city roads are barricaded, those venturing out had to take a longer route to reach their destinations, leaving that particular stretch crowded.

More barricades have been erected in places where the number of COVID-19 cases were high. Some of the local residents of these places have now started using two wheelers instead of walking to buy essentials. Commercial areas like Purasaiwalkam, Sowcarpet, Flower Bazaar, Triplicane, T Nagar, Tambaram and Velachery witnessed heavy traffic and some autorickshaws were also seen commuting on these roads. Despite of several warnings from the authorities, many two-wheelers were seen plying with pillion riders without masks or helmets. Police sources said that not less than 1000 vehicles are seized everyday for flouting the norms.

Though some of the stretches are barricaded to stop vehicle movement, some of the motorists were seen trying to remove the brricades trying sneak in.

“Some of them study the routes where there are no barricades and also take advantage of the absence of police personnel and use bikes,” said a SI, who was posted at T Nagar.

“The motorists whose vehicles argue with the us whether it is possible to walk looking for grocery shops,” said the SI. “We have blocked all the main roads and keep only a particular road free, to discourage people from travelling unnecessarily. This will also ensure, they get caught during the police check,” said a senior police officer.

FLOUTING THE RULES: A busy Peters road in Royapettah

Pvt schools seek TN nod to collect 70% of fee

Pvt schools seek TN nod to collect 70% of fee

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:03.07.2020

Private educational institutions have requested the Tamil Nadu government to permit them to collect 70% of the annual fee payable by students in three installments during the lockdown period.

“Various associations of private institutions have made representations to the state seeking permission to collect 70% of the annual fee so they would be in a position to pay salaries of staff and take care of the maintenance costs,” advocategeneral Vijay Narayan informed the Madras high court.

Narayan made the submission in response to a public interest writ petition moved by E Gopalakrishnan seeking direction to the state to restrain private educational institutions from demanding fee from parents.

He added that a single judge of the court was already seized of a batch of petitions filed by associations of the institutions, challenging the government order restraining them from collecting fees during lockdown. The single judge has passed an interim order directing the government to consider the representation of the institutions and come up with a solution by July 8, Narayan said.

Recording the submissions, a division bench of Justice R Subbiah and Justice Krishnan Ramaswamy adjourned the hearing to July13.

According to the petitioner, though the state has prohibited institutions from demanding fees during the lockdown period, most schools and colleges are insisting that parents pay the fees.

Citing various news reports that highlighted the issue, counsel for the petitioner Balaji Thirumoorthy submitted that such actions are nothing but violations which are punishable under the Disaster Management Act. “The educational officers of the state are empowered under the Act to initiate criminal action against such violators,” Balaji said.

Therefore, the petitioner wanted the court to direct the state authorities to ensure strict implementation of the GO passed under the Disaster Management Act. On June 23, while admitting the pleas moved by associations of institutions challenging the restriction, a single judge of the court wondered as to how the state could expect private schools and colleges to pay salaries to their staff if they are prohibited from collecting even minimum fees.

Advocate-general Vijay Narayan told the Madras high court that private institutions wanted to collect 70% of annual fee to cover staff salaries and maintenance costs

Soon, reach Trichy in 4 hrs on pvt trains

Soon, reach Trichy in 4 hrs on pvt trains

Rlys To Pick Cos To Run Better, Faster Services

Ayyappan.V @timesgroup.com

Chennai:03.07.2020

In three years, private firms will operate faster trains with world class amenities using 16-coach modern rakes from Chennai to Madurai, Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Trichy, Kanyakumari, Howrah, Mangalore, Delhi.

The plan to run private trains kicked off in October 2019 and is moving closer to reality as Indian Railways has issued a request for qualification (RFQ) to select companies who can bid to fund and operate trains using modern rakes under public private partnership .

Twelve pairs of trains will be operated by private players for 35 years using 16 rakes in the area covered by Southern Railway, which is called the Chennai cluster in the RFQ floated on July 1. In a presentation, chairman of railway board Vinod Kumar Yadav said financial bids are expected in six to eight months.

Most trains within the state will have travel time ranging from 6 hours to nearly 12 hours. Chennai-Trichy route will be covered in four hours and 15 minutes against the current five and a half hours while Chennai-Kanyakumari will be covered in 11 hours and 45 minutes against the current 13 hours. Chennai-Delhi route will be covered in 27 hours and Chennai-Mumbai in 22 hours.

The trains, which will be designed for a maximum speed of 160kmph, will be faster than the fastest one run by railways on these routes. These services are planned to reduce travel time and improve comfort.

“The trains may become successful over a period of time. The Lucknow-Delhi and Mumbai-Ahmedabad private trains were well received,” Sridhar Joshi, member of Indian Railways fan club, said.

While private-run trains may improve punctuality, reliability and may ensure better upkeep of coaches, passengers are worried about the fare.

“The fare is going to be expensive and may fluctuate like the charges levied by omni buses when demand is high. Railways have cut down on introducing new trains since 2015 and many trains that are in the timetable are yet to be introduced. This has created a demand on many routes which will now be useful for private-run trains,” said Edward Jeni, secretary, Kanyakumari District Rail Users Association.

பிளஸ் 2 ரிசல்ட் இப்போது வேண்டாமே! தேவையில்லாத பதற்றம் உருவாக வாய்ப்பு

பிளஸ் 2 ரிசல்ட் இப்போது வேண்டாமே! தேவையில்லாத பதற்றம் உருவாக வாய்ப்பு

Updated : ஜூலை 02, 2020 05:05 | Added : ஜூலை 02, 2020 05:02 

கோவை : ஊரடங்கு நீட்டிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள இச்சூழலில், பிளஸ் 2 ரிசல்ட் வெளியிட்டால், உயர்கல்வியில் சேருவது குறித்த தேவையில்லாத பதற்றம் ஏற்படும் என, கல்வியாளர்கள் கருத்து தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

தமிழகம் முழுக்க, பிளஸ் 2 பொதுத்தேர்வு, மார்ச் 2ம் தேதி துவங்கி 24ம் தேதியுடன் நிறைவடைந்தது. இவர்களுக்கான ரிசல்ட்டை, விரைவில் வெளியிடுவது குறித்த ஆலோசனைகள் நடக்கின்றன. ஊரடங்கு நீட்டிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள இச்சமயத்தில், ரிசல்ட் வெளியிடுவதால், பல்வேறு குழப்பங்கள் ஏற்படலாம் என்பது, கல்வியாளர்களின் கருத்தாக உள்ளது.

குறிப்பாக, சென்னை, காஞ்சிபுரம், மதுரை உள்ளிட்ட ஐந்து மாவட்டங்களில் ஊரடங்கு கடுமையாக பின்பற்றப்பட்டு வரும் நிலையில், ரிசல்ட் வெளியிடுவது, உயர்கல்வியில் சேருவதற்கான வாய்ப்புக்கு, முட்டுக்கட்டை போடுவதாக அமைந்துவிடும் என்கின்றனர் பெற்றோர்.வெளி மாவட்ட கல்லுாரிகளை பார்வையிடுவது மற்றும் அட்மிஷன் நடைமுறைகள் மேற்கொள்ள முனைப்பு காட்டி, பலரும் இ-பாஸ் விண்ணப்பிக்க வாய்ப்புள்ளது. தொற்று உள்ள பகுதிகளில் இருந்து, பெற்றோர் வெளியே வர முடியாத நிலை நீடிக்கிறது.

குழந்தைகளுக்கு, விரும்பிய கல்லுாரியில் சேர முடியாத நிலை ஏற்படுமோ என்ற பதற்றம் உருவாகலாம். எனவே, இயல்பு நிலை திரும்பிய பிறகு, ரிசல்ட் வெளியிட வேண்டும் என்ற கோரிக்கை வலுத்துள்ளது.

தமிழ்நாடு உயர்நிலை மேல்நிலைப்பள்ளி தலைமையாசிரியர் சங்க மாநில தலைவர் பீட்டர்ராஜா கூறுகையில், ''பள்ளி, கல்லுாரிகளில் புதிய அட்மிஷன் துவங்க கூடாது என்ற உத்தரவு நடைமுறையில் உள்ளது. எனவே இப்போது ரிசல்ட் வெளியிட்டாலும், எந்த பிரயோஜனமும் இல்லை. பெற்றோர் மத்தியில் குழப்பத்தை ஏற்படுத்தும் வாய்ப்புகள் அதிகமுள்ளன. இதோடு, இறுதித்தேர்வு எழுதாத மாணவர்களுக்கும் தேர்வு நடத்தி, மதிப்பெண்கள் கணக்கிட்ட பிறகு, ரிசல்ட் வெளியிடலாம். முதல்வரிடம் கலந்தாலோசித்த பிறகு ரிசல்ட் வெளியிடுவது குறித்து, அறிவிப்பதாக அமைச்சர் செங்கோட்டையன் தெரிவித்துள்ளார். அரசின் முடிவு, மக்களை அலைக்கழிப்பதாக அமைந்துவிடக்கூடாது,'' என்றார்.

BFUHS Starts MD, MS, PG Diploma Exams Amid COVID 19 Outbreak

BFUHS Starts MD, MS, PG Diploma Exams Amid COVID 19 Outbreak 

By Farhat Nasim 

Published On 1 July 2020 5:51 PM | Updated On 1 July 2020 5:51 PM 

Faridkot: The Baba Farid University of Health Sciences (BFUHS) has commenced the theory examinations for MD/MS courses and Post Graduate (PG) diploma courses from June 29th, 2020 onwards amidst the COVID crisis. For MD/MS exams, nearly 440 students will appear at five centers. 

The first and second-year MBBS exams will begin on June 30, while the third and final year exams of more than 3200 BDS students in 12 dental colleges are scheduled to start from July 7. 

However, this did not go down well with the BDS and MDS students as they are seeking to postpone the exams. Elaborating on their concern, the students stated that they would have to face difficulties in reaching Punjab and undergo the 14-day compulsory self-isolation. Medical Dialogues had reported earlier this month that acting on the advisory of Medical Council of India (MCI), the University, after taking into consideration the recommendations/ suggestions of the principals of the various medical colleges( who have taken the appearing students in confidence) had unanimously decided to hold the MD/MS examinations starting from 29th of June 2020, states the notice. 

"Keeping in view the safety of students, we have allowed them to opt any of the university-designated exam centres near their hometown," Dr Raj Bahadur, VC, BFUHS told The Tribune. "We have conveyed that students coming from outside Punjab will preferably be called first. The colleges have been asked to allow the entry of students in their hostels in a phased manner," he added. 

"We are already running a month behind schedule. Any further delay will be detrimental to students," the official told the daily. Baba Farid University of Health Sciences was established under an Act passed by the Legislature of the State of Punjab in July 1998. The mission of the University is to create an intellectual, academic and physical environment, conducive to free flow of ideas and exchange of information between various faculties of the University and between this University and other Universities of Health Sciences in the country and abroad, thereby opening a window to the world for the health professionals, health planners, health managers, biomedical and social scientists and educators in health sciences of the country.

https://medicaldialogues.in/news/education/medical-universities/bfuhs-starts-md-ms-pg-diploma-exams-amid-covid-19-outbreak-67215

People see god in docs today: Tope writes a heartfelt letter

People see god in docs today: Tope writes a heartfelt letter

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Mumbai:01.07.2020

Netas do have a heart, after all. State health minister Rajesh Tope’s soft side has come to the fore in a heartfelt open letter he has written on National Doctors’ Day, addressing medicos who have been the biggest army in the fight against Covid.

Thanking them for their response to battle the pandemic, Tope said he is “forever grateful to frontline workers who risk their lives to save lives of their patients”.

Giving credit for the high recovery rate of Covid patients in the state to hard work done by doctors, Topes letter goes on to say: “At a time when all religious places are shut, people can see God in a doctor today.” he writes.

The minister has added in his note, “At a time when people are staying away from friends and neighbours, fearing that they too might catch the infection, the doctors are not only treating patients, but also giving them the courage to fight this battle,” said Tope.

In an expression of empthy with the medical warriors, Tope has said that one can only imagine the state of mind of doctors who leave their family to save lives. Doctors who step out of their homes, running the risk of infection, often tell relatives of patients that they will take care of the patient and they (the relatives) should stay at home.

The letter, packed with emotion and humane feeling concludes: “I salute you and your dedication towards your profession.”

Govt reappoints Pandya as Gujarat University VC

Govt reappoints Pandya as Gujarat University VC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad: 01.07.2020

The state government today announced its decision to reappoint Himanshu Pandya, a professor at department of biochemistry and forensic science, as the vicechancellor of Gujarat University.

Pandya, who will be serving his second term at the top GU post, seem to have earlier fallen out with the BJP-backed Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) after the GU students’ union election, held after a gap of four years in March. ABVP faced a crushing defeat at the hands of Congress’ student political wing National Students’ Union of India (NSUI). Many of them had alleged that Pandya supported NSUI to win the elections. Pandya’s name was among the candidates shortlisted by the search committee headed by Gujarat governor Acharya Devvrat. His first term ended on May 16 and the charge was temporarily given to Jagdish Bhavsar, pro VC of GU. The committee, formed in February to shortlist names for the post of VC, said it could not complete the task due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the lockdown situation.

What seems to have swung things into Pandya’s favour is the recent announcement of the all National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) Ranking 2020 by the Centre where Gujarat University made a surprise entry at number 60 in the list of higher education institutes in the overall category.

Last year, when the varsity did not even figure in the top 100 names in overall rankings in the NIRF 2019 list, Pandya, the then VC, had started various initiatives to raise its quality and standards.

“I want to take GU to newer heights. A research park that is currently being built will have far reaching benefits for the students, faculty members as well as the society,” said Pandya. He will take charge of the position in the next couple of days.

The three-member search committee included Kamlesh Joshipura, former vice-chancellor of Saurashtra University whose nomination was chosen by GU. Parimal Vyas has been chosen by the Joint Board of Vice-Chancellors (JBVC) is the third member of the committee.

COVID19: Permit Advocates To Advertise, Take Up Alternative Works During Lockdown: Plea In SC Seeks Directions To BCI & State Bar Councils For Desired Changes

COVID19: Permit Advocates To Advertise, Take Up Alternative Works During Lockdown: Plea In SC Seeks Directions To BCI & State Bar Councils For Desired Changes

By - Sanya TalwarUpdate: 2020-06-30 10:43 GMT

COVID19: Permit Advocates To Advertise, Take Up Alternative Works During Lockdown: Plea In SC Seeks Directions To BCI & State Bar Councils For Desired Changes

A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking issuance of directions to the Bar Council of India to permit use of advertisements for lawyers till March 2021, allow public listings so that other para-legal work can be taken up by them to earn their livelihood in light of the pandemic situation and allow alternative means of sustenance.

The PIL has been filed by a practicing lawyer and Senior Standing Counsel to the income Tax Department, Charanjeet Chanderpal, in his capacity as Secretary General of a Non Governmental Organisation by the name of Nitya Law Society.

Averring that existing rules need to be altered in order to accommodate advocates who are from middle and lower middle class and are unable to sustain themselves, the plea states,

"In such situations, for persons other than advocates, if one option to earn to sustain is affected, they can look for alternatives and endeavour that would come in their way. However, if an advocate works outside his profession to stabilise his income, the regulations that govern the conduct of advocates will consider it as professional misconduct"

In this backdrop, it highlights the loss of income that advocates have faced during the pandemic and subsequent lockdown as a result of which there have been reports of suicides, depression and inability to subsist. Therefore, the plea prays that changes be brought forth in the Bar Council of India Rules by issuance of a circular or modification or issuing a corrigendum or suspension of current rules as well as initiate modifications under Section 49 of the Advocates Act, 1961.

"There are reports of suicides as a result of no work, medical depression, advocates's family members expiring due to no money to pay medical fees, reports of there being domestic violence in the houses of advocates. This is widely known as the internet is full of this information. This is happening all over India and times has come that the Bar Council of India must allow relaxations within the Rules. The same is applicable to the whole of India and time has come that the Bar Council of India must allow relaxations within the rules"

The petitioner avers that a long term solution is a must in these unprecedented crisis instead of "providing Rs. 5000 or 3000 per lawyer". Illustrating the recent commission of suicide by a 35 year old lawyer, the petitioner states that many of his acquaintances are going through a financial crunch and that even Senior Advocates with selective practice are going through a financial crunch due to closure of courts.

"A number of cases of advocates getting suicidal thoughts, suffering from depressing, suffering from no income, suffering from starvation and no income- all as a result of closure of courts..... Our NGO to propose the contents of this submission ... This is necessary for the survival of the advocates belonging to the middle and lower middle class. The representation there represents lakhs of advocates across our country who have stood affected."

To substantiate the same, the plea puts forth suggestions to allay the problems faced by lawyers which include:

1) Clarification of Chapter III Rule 2 of the Bar Council Rules viz. permission to advocates to be sleeping director or sleeping partner so that they can be inducted as "legal retainers" and legal advisors in organisations as there are wrong impressions in this regard.

2) Issuance of a circular permitting use of advertisements and whatsapp messages to permit advocates to take up chamber work like income tax assistance, GST assistance, registration of societies, trusts including assistance in online filing of cases.

3) Official notification, keeping in view the current covid situation, allowing advocates to earn their livelihood by alternative means along with an undertaking that the same shall not continue after March 2021.

UGC expected to issue revised guidelines for final year exams tomorrow

UGC expected to issue revised guidelines for final year exams tomorrow

UP government has said that they will issue their university exam guidelines on July 2nd based on UGC guidelines expected to be issued on July 1st.

Scroll Staff

Jun 30, 2020 · 12:17 pm

University Grants Commission (UGC) is expected to be releasing new guidelines for the university and college examinations tomorrow, July 1. This information is based on another report where the UP government has said that they will decide on university exams in the state on July 2 based on the UGC guidelines to be issued on July 1.

The Commission had released an initial set of guidelines in the month of May in which it had asked universities and colleges to conduct examinations only for the final year or final semester students and to promote the remaining students based on past performance.

MHRD had formed another committee to give a revised set of guidelines based on the current COVID-19 situation. Moreover, AICTE Chairman Anil Sahasrabuddhe had reportedly said last week that a revised guidelines will be released keeping in mind the COVID-19 situation in various states.

He also said that these guidelines will be made after consulting various professional bodies like AICTE, Bar Council of India, Architecture Council, Pharmacy Council, among others.

Times of India had earlier reported that a decision to scrap the final year exam has already been reached by the UGC committee and a formal notice for the same will be issued soon. It should be noted that the information has not yet been confirmed independently and students should wait for an official announcement.

At least four states - Maharashtra, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, and Haryana - have taken a decision to cancel the university and college exams in their state including the final year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Students have flooded the social media requesting the government to cancel all the exams or to postpone them.

Banned apps will get chance to send in their clarifications

Banned apps will get chance to send in their clarifications

TikTok removes app from Play Store, says it follows all rules

01/07/2020

TikTok says it has not shared details of Indian users with foreign governments.AFP

A day after the Union government banned 59 Chinese applications, including popular ones such as TikTok, Shareit, Mi Video Call, Club Factory and Cam Scanner, citing threat to national security and sovereignty, an Information Technology Ministry official said the banned platforms would be given a chance to submit their clarifications.

This is in line with provisions of the Information Technology (Procedure and Safeguards for Blocking of Access of Information by Public) Rules, 2009.

Following the ban, TikTok withdrew its app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. In a statement on Tuesday, it said it had been invited to meet the authorities concerned and submit clarifications.

The company’s India head, Nikhil Gandhi, said it had complied with all Indian laws related to data privacy and had not shared information of any Indian user with foreign governments, including the Chinese. “The government has issued an interim order for the blocking of 59 apps, including TikTok, and we are in the process of complying with it.”

AUT welcomes BU move on research thesis

AUT welcomes BU move on research thesis

01/07/2020

Association of University Teachers has welcomed the Bharathiar University’s move to make available online the progress in the evaluation of Ph.D. synopsis and thesis.

The Association’s State president N. Pasupathy said by helping research scholars track the progress in acceptance and evaluation of the thesis, the University had fulfilled a long-pending demand, for in the past the candidates were left in the lurch.

A few candidates had to wait for even two years to know the result of evaluation of their thesis.

MKU College guest lecturers seek salaries

MKU College guest lecturers seek salaries

01/07/2020

A section of guest lecturers from Madurai Kamaraj University College made a representation to Madurai Kamaraj University (MKU) Vice-Chancellor M. Krishnan, demanding salaries for the months of May and June.

K. C. Palani Kumar, one of the representatives, said that there were a total of 63 guest lecturers who were recruited in 2019 to the MKU College for a salary of ₹15,000 each. Mr. Palani Kumar claimed that while some guest lecturers in MKU’s other constituent colleges have received their salaries, it was only the 63 members at MKU College who were yet to be paid.

With regular classes for this academic year not likely to begin soon due to the ongoing COVID-19 restrictions, Mr. Palani Kumar said they were worried that they would be left without an income for many months. “How will we feed our families? It would be really kind if the university chooses to pay our salaries at least for the month of June,” he said.

The MKU V-C said that guest lecturers in Tamil Nadu were yet to receive their salaries as universities were still waiting for proper guidance from the State government regarding the matter.

“As soon as we get the nod, we will begin disbursing salaries,” he said.