80C YOUR TAX-SAVING KNIGHT...

80C YOUR TAX-SAVING KNIGHT...

02.02.2021

Those with taxable income at 30% can save 45,000 by claiming 1.5 lakh as deduction under Section 80C and not opting for the new ‘simplified’ personal income tax regime

1  Your Provident Fund (PF) contribution

2 Principal component of your housing loan from prescribed institutions

3 You can invest 500 to 1.5 lakh every year in a Public Provident Fund (PPF) account

4 Tuition fees of two children

5 Life insurance premiums for self, spouse and kids

6 Contribution to Unit-linked Insurance Plan for self, spouse and children

7 Invest in National Savings Certificates (NSC) schemes (through post offices)

8 A 5-year term deposit with a bank under a notified scheme or a post office

9 Investment of up to 1.5 lakh a year in Sukanya Samriddhi Account in the name of your daughter (limited to two children)

...AND SAVINGS BEYOND 80C

If you have not opted for the new ‘simplified’ personal income tax regime and your basic salary is over 1 lakh a month, your 80C limit will be used up by provident fund contributions alone. Want to save more? You can save up to 82,500 a year in taxes over and above the 1.5 lakh limit allowed under 80C if you invest 50,000 in NPS, pay 25,000 for medical insurance and also repay interest of 2 lakh on housing loan for a self-occupied property.

A few more deductions are available:

1 Interest earned on savings bank account with a bank or post office. If you are less than 60, up to 10,000 (even for NRO savings a/c). If you are 60 or more, up to 50,000. Interest from FD also exempt for senior citizen

2 Interest on education loan. No limit, but deduction available for maximum 8 years

3 Disability-related tax benefits 75,000 ( 1,25,000 in case of severe disability) for expenditure towards rehab, treatment or training of self, dependent spouse, child, parent or even sibling. This can either be claimed by the dependent or by the individual on whom he/she is dependent

4 Treatment for certain diseases such as AIDS or malignant cancers for self and dependents up to 40,000 (up to 1,00,000 for patients who are 60 years or more)

5 Donation: 100% or 50% of the amount donated (subject to conditions), depending on the institute/fund to which contribution is made. No deduction is allowed if donation is made in cash over 2,000

6 Deduction of 1.5 lakh on the interest paid on loans taken to purchase electric vehicles from any financial institution

SALARY COMPONENTS: TRADES & TACTICS TO USE

SALARY COMPONENTS: TRADES & TACTICS TO USE

02.02.2021

House rent allowance (HRA)

This is the most common CTC component. Those staying in rented accommodation can avail of an exemption against the HRA received and only the balance will be taxable

THE EXEMPTION IS LIMITED TO THE LOWEST AMONG

1 Rent paid less 10% of salary*

2 50% of salary* if the house is situated in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata or Chennai OR 40% of salary in other cities

3 Actual HRA received

*Salary means basic salary and dearness allowance

If your CTC doesn’t contain HRA, deduction for rent paid is available from gross taxable income, subject to various limits (maximum deduction 5,000 per month)

If you live in a house you own, the HRA component is fully taxable

Work from home expenses

If you are working from home fulltime and your employer is reimbursing certain expenses such as telephone, internet, printing and stationery expenses you need not pay tax on these reimbursements. You may need to provide the requisite bills to the employer for claiming these reimbursements, as per the corporate policy.

While computers and laptops provided by employers do not give rise to any taxable perquisite, provision of any other asset say a swivel chair, computer desk or printer, would be taxed as a perquisite as per Rule 3 (7) (vii) in the hands of the employee, at the rate of 10% of the original cost of the asset as reduced by any charges recovered from the employee.

Leave travel concession (LTC)

LTC exemption is allowed on two domestic journeys taken in a block of four years. The new block commenced on January 1, 2018. Restrictions apply. For example, if you are travelling by air, it is limited to economy class airfare for the shortest route to your destination. No exemption is available for hotel and local conveyance expenses.

LEAVE ENCASHMENT: If you haven’t availed of your entitled leave, you may have an option to get it encashed – your employer may permit this only on retirement or resignation. The maximum aggregate exemption available in a lifetime is 3 lakh.

LTC cash voucher scheme

You may have made plans to travel in 2020 (during the four-year block period starting January 1, 2018), but owing to the pandemic found yourself stuck at home. Well, if you have not opted for the simplified personal tax regime, you can avail of the LTC cash voucher scheme that lets you purchase some goods and services.

However, some conditions have to be met:

You need to buy goods or services worth three times the deemed LTC fare between October 12, 2020 and March 31, 2021. If you spend less you don’t get the full exemption. For instance if the deemed LTC fare for a family of four is 80,000, then the employee is required to spend 2.4 lakh. However, if he spends only 75% of this amount ( 1.8 lakh). In this case, only 60,000 (75% of the deemed LTC) will be eligible for tax exemption.

The money must be spent on goods or services attracting GST of 12% or more.

The payment must be made through digital mode and employee must produce the GST invoice.

The tax exemption will be restricted to the deemed LTC fare up to a maximum of 36,000 per person. This exemption is only available for the financial year 2020-21.

Employee Provident Fund (EPF)

PF withdrawal after five or more years in continuous service is tax free. However, interest earned on accumulated balance in PF account post end of employment or retirement is taxable. If employee’s contribution to PF on or after 1 April 2021 exceeds 2.5 lakh in any year, Interest on contribution above 2.5 lakh shall be taxable on withdrawal.

Gratuity

Gratuity received under the Payment of Gratuity Act after completion of 5 years of continuous service is eligible for exemption of up to 20 lakh. But remember the exemption is the cumulative of all gratuity payments received by an individual in his/her lifetime.

PERSONAL INCOME TAX ‘CHECKS’ YOU MUST WATCH OUT FOR

PERSONAL INCOME TAX ‘CHECKS’ YOU MUST WATCH OUT FOR

02.02.2021

Relief from income-tax return filing for senior citizens (aged 75 or more) will not be available if the individual has more than one bank account or has income other than pension and bank interest.

Gap of up to 20% between stamp duty value and sale consideration is only allowed for first-time allotment of residential unit between November 12, 2020 and June 30, 2021. For all other cases (such as purchase of house from an existing owner), the current limit of 10% in variation will continue to apply.

LTC cash scheme is only applicable for the financial year 2020-21. No tax benefit on LTC is available for goods or services purchased after April 1, 2021.

There is lack of clarity on whether EPF interest will be taxable even where the employee’s contribution exceeding 2.5 lakh was made before April 1, 2021 but the interest accrues on such past contributions after April 1, 2021.

Same tax, less hassle for 75-plus

Same tax, less hassle for 75-plus

TEAM TOI

02.02.2021

The Budget has attempted to reduce the compliance burden on senior citizens above 75 years of age having only pension and interest income by exempting them from filing tax returns.

However, if seniors have any other income like rentals from house and investments in mutual funds, they will have to file the return. Therefore, its effectiveness would be limited to those pensioners who do not have any income other than pension. In addition to such pension income he or she may also have interest income from the same bank in which the pension is coming in.

Also, certain conditions need to be satisfied for getting exemption from return filing. In order to implement the scheme, the central government plans to notify a few banks as specified bank for the purpose. In order to avail the benefit, the pensioner will have to open his or her account in the specified bank.

Pensioner will also be required to furnish a declaration to the specified bank containing particulars as specified by the government. The bank will also verify the declaration.

Once the declaration is furnished and verified, the specified bank would be required to compute the income of the senior citizen after giving effect to the deduction and rebate allowed under the I-T Act. The bank will deduct the necessary tax, and the senior citizen will be saved the hassle of filing returns.

IT’S A BREEZE FOR SENIORS

Many happy returns... Only if you file by Dec 31

Many happy returns... Only if you file by Dec 31

TEAM TOI

02.02.2021

From the compliance point of view, the Budget seems to offer many pluses for the taxpayer. But, if you scratch beneath the surface, it does seem to be a mixed bag.

Let’s begin with the sting in the fine print of the finance bill. The time-limit for belated or revised returns (to correct any errors) is shorter, and these can now be filed three months before the end of the relevant assessment year, or before the completion of the tax assessment, whichever is earlier. Let us look at a case study.

For a salaried taxpayer, the date of filing his I-T return for the financial year ending March 2021will be July 31, 2021. The belated or revised return — which could earlier be filed by March 31, 2022 — now have a deadline of December 31, 2021, or before completion of assessment. whichever is earlier.

“The reduction of such time-limits will impact taxpayers whose returns are due by October 31 (businessmen who need to get their audits accounted) or November 30, for companies having significant international transactions. Typically, mistakes in the original returns are discovered only after a few months. Not complying with the requirement by these dates could attract severe consequences — penalty for nondisclosure of income, besides potential prosecution,” says Gautam Nayak, tax partner at CNK & Associates.

Coming to tax-audit requirements. Currently, if the turnover of a businessman exceeds Rs 1 crore, the books of accounts are required to undergo a tax audit. The FM, in her speech, pointed out that she had increased the limit to Rs 5 crore for those who carry out 95% of their transactions digitally. To give a further push, this compliance turnover threshold is now increased to Rs 10 crore.

Gautam Nayak, tax partner at CNK & Associates, says it is a positive move. “However, for informal businesses having a larger number of transactions in cash, the limit is still unchanged at Rs 1crore; this should have been enhanced to at least Rs 2 crore,” states Nayak.

A dispute-resolution committee is proposed to be set up to reduce litigation for small taxpayers. Anyone with a taxable income of up to Rs 50 lakh and disputed income of up to Rs 10 lakh can approach this committee, the proceedings of which shall be faceless. The exact contours will be notified later.

JUMBO HURDLE TO CROSS

Apex court to open doors for physical hearings after a year

Apex court to open doors for physical hearings after a year

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:02.02.2021

The Supreme Court is likely to resume physical hearings in three to four weeks, the Bar Council of India (BCI) said on Monday after its chairman and other bar leaders met CJI S A Bobde and sought normal functioning of the court, disrupted for nearly a year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The CJI met BCI chairman Manan Kumar Mishra, solicitor general Tushar Mehta, SC Bar Association leader Kailash Vasdev, leaders of advocates' on record association and former SCBA president Vikas Singh to chalk out the modalities and standard operating procedures to begin a hybrid system of working, with both physical and virtual hearings.

"From today's meeting, it is clear that physical hearings are going to start in the Supreme Court within three to four weeks," Mishra said in a press release. Mishra said he conveyed to the CJI that virtual hearings through video-conferencing mode was unacceptable to advocates and there could be no substitute to physical hearings in courts.

The SG had suggested easing the difficulties faced by advocates in getting petitions listed for hearing by assigning mentioning work to one or two judges. This was supported by the BCI chairperson. The CJI said he would consult other judges on this.

On resumption of physical hearings, the CJI said that he would consult medical experts, assess infrastructure and availability of staff before taking a decision on full-scale resumption of physical hearings.

Murderer cant be denied pension if ase not linked to hubby.s death HC

 

Murderer can’t be denied pension if case not linked to hubby’s death: HC

Murderer can’t be denied pension if case not linked to hubby’s death: HC

Saurabh Malik

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, January 31

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has made it clear that a family is debarred from getting family pension if involved in committing or abetting the murder of a government employee “on the old fable that one cannot kill the goose which lays the golden eggs”, but a government employee’s widow cannot be denied pension on account of her conviction in a murder case unrelated to her husband’s death.

The ruling by Justice GS Sandhawalia came on a petition by a widow for releasing family pension and other admissible benefits after her husband’s death during service in November 2008.

Justice Sandhawalia observed that the reasoning given to deny the benefits was that the petitioner’s conduct was not good as she had been convicted by court.

The Bench, during the course of hearing, was told that the petitioner’s husband was working as teacher in the Education Department on regular basis since 1986.

He died, leaving behind his wife and children, and the petitioner continued to draw monthly financial assistance for some time.

She was involved in an FIR registered in July 2009 and was convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in November 2011.

Justice Sandhawalia observed that the relevant rule talked about withholding or withdrawing pension in case of a pensioner’s conviction for a serious crime or if found guilty of gross misconduct, but the same did not refer to the family receiving financial aid.

“It is not disputed that the petitioner has committed the offence of murder and is on bail and her sentence has been suspended.

“Therefore, she requires to maintain herself and cannot be denied financial assistance. It is not a bounty as such and is her right on account of the services rendered by her husband to the government,” Justice Sandhawalia observed.

Referring to the Family Pension Rules, Justice Sandhawalia asserted that the petitioner was denied family pension on account of her conviction for murder, but the conviction was not on account of murdering her husband and the provision could not be relied upon by Haryana and other respondents to deny the claim.

“The purpose behind Rule 4-A(a) of the Family Pension Rules, 1964, is to debar the family members from getting family pension if they are involved in committing the murder or abetting the murder of the government employee,” Justice Sandhawalia observed.

Holding that the order denying pension to the petitioner due to her conviction was unrelated to her husband’s death, Justice Sandhawalia ruled that it was not sustainable and should accordingly be set aside.

Madanapalle murders: Ex-students of couple hire lawyers for defence

 Madanapalle murders: Ex-students of couple hire lawyers for defence

TNN | Jan 31, 2021, 04.30 AM IST

Tirupati: A group of students taught by lecturer couple, Dr V Purushotham Naidu and his wife Padmaja who are accused in the murder of their daughters, have come forward to provide legal assistance to the couple. The students have hired the services of senior advocate PV Krishnamachari to defend the couple in the double murder case. The lawyer had previously represented the four accused in the rape and murder of a veterinary doctor near Hyderabad in December 2019.

On January 24, the couple had allegedly killed their daughters, Alekhya and Divya, believing that they would be resurrected in the Satya Yug. The couple are still said to be in a state of trance with jail authorities referring them to a mental health hospital for psychiatric treatment.

Advocate Rajini, who is part of Krishnamachari’s team, interacted with Dr Purushotham after obtaining special permission from jail authorities. She has now sought permission for an interaction with Padmaja. Speaking to reporters, Rajini said several old students approached Krishnamachari and requested him to represent the couple’s case.

“The couple have trained and shaped many students, who are now working as doctors, advocates, engineers and in many other professions. How can the couple, who shaped the future of many youngsters throughout their careers, destroy the very future of their own daughters? It has to be probed as to how the entire family was driven into a state of trance and by whom,” said Rajini.

Meanwhile, police ruled out financial gain motive behind the double murder. “Both Purushotham Naidu and Padmaja are wealthy and their net worth runs into several crores. With both their daughters dead and both parents behind the bars, who stands to benefit from their wealth now?”, Rajini sought to know.

The post-mortem report of the deceased is yet to come.

Lockdown over, but MTC bus services struggle for patronage before COVID

Lockdown over, but MTC bus services struggle for patronage before COVID

According to official records, the patronage of MTC buses currently is nearly 17 lakh, which is half of the average patronage recorded before March.

Published: 01st February 2021 02:30 AM 

Government staff boarding a MTC bus in Chennai.| DEBADATTA MALLICK

By KV Navya

Express News Service

CHENNAI: It has been five months since the Metropolitan Transportation Corporation bus services resumed post-lockdown, but the corporation is still struggling to match the average patronage it received before Covid. This has been attributed to more people opting to work from home or choosing to use their own vehicles.

According to official records, the patronage of MTC buses currently is nearly 17 lakh, which is half of the average patronage recorded before March. “The wait for buses has become longer as the fleet has been cut down. While we got a bus every 15 minutes earlier, now we have to wait at least 40 minutes.

It is easier to take the metro or cab,” said K Padma, a resident of Velachery. Figures show that the number of buses on Old Mahabalipuram Road (OMR) have been cut from 450 to 250 per day. Similarly, services have been cut down in the Mount-Poonamalle belt.

According to official data, MTC receives 83 per cent of its revenue from tickets. MTC officials said ticket sales have dipped for both for normal and small buses. The corporation is currently operating only half of its total fleet of 200 small buses.

“Hygiene and condition of buses are other reasons to avoid MTC. Only for the first fortnight after services resumed, social distancing was followed. After that, there was neither mask-wearing or use of sanitisers,” said P Ramesh, a resident of T Nagar. Moreover, with local trains resuming operations, demand for MTC buses along GST Road, Avadi High Road and Marina Beach has dropped.

Medical Students demand G.O. for fee reduction in RMMC

Medical Students demand G.O. for fee reduction in RMMC

On Sunday, over 100 students staged a protest at Chepauk for the same. They also said they would continue protest till Health Department passes the order.

Published: 01st February 2021 02:46 AM 

Members of TN Medical Students’ Association protesting in Chepauk on Sunday | Sri Loganathan V

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Tamil Nadu Medical Students Association staged a protest in Chennai demanding that the Health Department pass a Government Order reducing the fees for Rajah Muthiah Medical College (RMMC) in Chidambaram.

The government had passed an order on Wednesday taking over the college. Though Health Minister C Vijayabaskar and Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan have orally assured that the students’ demands would be considered and the fees would be reduced, the students demanded that the Health Department pass a G.O. in this regard. On Sunday, over 100 students staged a protest at Chepauk for the same. They also said they would continue protest till Health Department passes the order.

Pregnant woman dies after taking abortion pill in Tamil Nadu

Pregnant woman dies after taking abortion pill in Tamil Nadu

The baby also died. According to police, Murugesan (43) of Manapparai admitted his wife Sumathi (40) in the Tiruchy GH for stomach problem on Thursday last week.

Published: 01st February 2021 03:43 AM 

By Express News Service

TIRUCHY: An eight-month pregnant woman from Manapparai in Tiruchy died after taking abortion pills without a prescription from a doctor on Sunday.

The baby also died. According to police, Murugesan (43) of Manapparai admitted his wife Sumathi (40) in the Tiruchy GH for stomach problem on Thursday last week.

On checking, a doctor found out that the patient had taken abortion pills without consultation with doctor. Since she was already eight months pregnant, consuming pills resulted in the death of the mother and fully-grown fetus. Sources said that Sumathi allegedly took the decision to abort due to mental stress. Investigation is underway.

Tamil Nadu govt extends lockdown with relaxations till February 28: Here's what's allowed

Tamil Nadu govt extends lockdown with relaxations till February 28:

 Here's what's allowed

Colleges and schools for Class 9 and 11 will resume from February 8. 100% seating capacity in cinema halls from February 1.

Published: 31st January 2021 02:17 PM 

Tamil Nadu CM Edappadi K Palaniswami (File photo | EPS)

By T Muruganandham

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday extended the lockdown period in the state till February 28 with more relaxations by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures.

The relaxations included the resumption of classes for students of Standards IX and XI, undergraduate and postgraduate (including diploma courses) from February 8, 100 per cent seating capacity for cinemas/theatres/multiplexes from February 1, permission for devotees taking a holy dip at Rameswaram sea, round the clock functioning of petrol bunks, opening of swimming pools and exhibition halls.

ALSO READ: Full occupancy to be allowed in cinemas from February 1, following COVID protocols must

Social, political, entertainment, sports, cultural, educational and religious gatherings will continue to be allowed with a maximum of 50 percent of the hall capacity or with a ceiling of 600 persons in closed spaces. Earlier, only 200 persons were allowed. For those programmes which are held in open places, 50 percent seating capacity only will be allowed.

Grievance Redressal Days can be observed in all districts.

Sports events, including cricket, are allowed with 50 percent seating capacity.

Stating that the positivity rate had come down to one percent due to the concerted efforts of the Tamil Nadu government, the CM said, "During the past 10 days, new coronavirus cases have been reduced to around 550 per day while the active cases which stood at a whopping 50,000 had come down to 4,629. Now, the lockdown has been extended for one more month considering the views expressed by the District Collectors and members of the Health Experts Committee."

The restrictions on international flight services except those allowed by the Centre will continue. The lockdown will be enforced fully in containment zones across the state.

Sasikala can’t contest polls till 2027

Sasikala can’t contest polls till 2027

01/02/2021

Mohamed Imranullah S. CHENNAI

Former Chief Minister Jayalalithaa’s close aide V.K. Sasikala, who got released from prison recently after serving a four-year sentence in a disproportionate assets case, can neither contest an Assembly election nor a Parliamentary election till January 27, 2027, though there is no legal bar on her leading a party.

Section 8 of the Representation of the People (RoP) Act of 1951 lists instances where a person will suffer disqualification from contesting elections if he/she gets convicted for certain offences. Section 8(1)(m) brings a conviction under the Prevention of Corruption (PC) Act of 1988 under the ambit of disqualification

The provision also states that if a person has only been fined by a court of law for offences such as indulging in terror activities, rape, subjecting women to cruelty and promoting enmity between two groups, listed under Section 8(1), he/she will stand disqualified for six years from the date of such conviction. But if he/she has been imprisoned for those offences, then the disqualification will begin from the date of such conviction and continue for a further six years from the date of release from prison.

Since Sasikala was imprisoned besides being fined, she will stand disqualified for six more years from the date of her release. The trial court had found her guilty under sections 109 (abetment of an offence) and 120-B (criminal conspiracy) of the Indian Penal Code, read with sections 13(1)(e) [being in possession of wealth disproportionate to known sources of income] and 13(d) [criminal misconduct by public servant] of the PC Act of 1998.

Petition dismissed as petitioner has no required qualification: HC

Petition dismissed as petitioner has no required qualification: HC

01/02/2021

Staff Reporter Madurai

The Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court dismissed a petition filed by a man who had sought a direction to the authorities to register his clinic under the Tamil Nadu Private Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Act. He obtained a Diploma Certificate in Community Medical Services in 2005. He had set up the establishment and wanted the recognition.

The court was hearing the petition filed by K. Thangavelu who had completed a Diploma, the certificate for which was issued by the Indian Council of Medico Technicals and Health Care. The application to recognise his establishment was rejected by the Joint Director of Medical and Rural Health Services, Karur district.

The rejection was challenged.

During the course of the hearing, the Standing counsel for the Tamil Nadu Medical Council C. Karthik submitted that a registered medical practitioner is a person who possesses any of the government recognised medical qualification and was enrolled in the register of Council or Board or any other body recognised by the State.

Rule 2 (1) (i) of the Tamil Nadu Clinical Establishments (Regulation) Rules defines a doctor as a registered medical practitioner offering consultation or treatment under Allopathy or AYUSH, it was submitted. Justice G. R. Swaminathan dismissed the petition taking note of the fact that the petitioner had not acquired the required qualification in any of the mentioned systems of medicine

டாக்டர்கள் கோரிக்கை: அரசுக்கு உத்தரவு

டாக்டர்கள் கோரிக்கை: அரசுக்கு உத்தரவு

Added : பிப் 01, 2021 00:21

சென்னை: மத்திய அரசு டாக்டர்களுக்கு இணையான சம்பளம் வழங்கக் கோரிய மனுவுக்கு, தமிழக அரசு பதில் அளிக்க, சென்னை உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

செங்கல்பட்டு அரசு மருத்துவக் கல்லுாரி டாக்டர் பெருமாள் பிள்ளை, மதுரை மருத்துவக் கல்லுாரி டாக்டர் தாஹிர், தேனி மருத்துவக் கல்லுாரி டாக்டர் நளினி உள்ளிட்ட எட்டு டாக்டர்கள், தனித்தனியாக உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் மனுக்கள் தாக்கல் செய்தனர். மனுக்களில் கூறியிருப்பதாவது:மத்திய அரசு பணியில் உள்ள இளநிலை மருத்துவர்களுக்கும், தமிழகத்தில் பணியாற்றும் முதுநிலை மருத்துவர்களுக்கும் இடையே, 40 ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் வரை சம்பள வேறுபாடு உள்ளது.அரசு மருத்துவர்களுக்கான சம்பள மறு ஆய்வு குறித்து, 2009ம் ஆண்டில் பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவை அமல்படுத்தவில்லை.

இதனால், எங்களுக்கு பெரிய அளவில் இழப்பு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. எங்கள் கோரிக்கைகளை நிறைவேற்ற, அரசுக்கு உத்தரவிட வேண்டும்.இவ்வாறு, மனுவில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது.இம்மனுக்கள், நீதிபதி மகாதேவன் முன், விசாரணைக்கு வந்தன. மனுக்களுக்கு பதில் அளிக்கும்படி, அரசுக்கு உத்தரவிட்டு, விசாரணையை பிப்., 3க்கு, நீதிபதி தள்ளி வைத்தார்.

STORY BOARD Queen’s aide, never the queen, Sasikala PARAKH, PARAKH!

STORYBOARD

Queen’s aide, never the queen, Sasikala PARAKH, PARAKH!

ARUN RAM

01.02.2021

For those who waited for the scene of V K Sasikala walking out of jail on January 27, fire in her eyes and fury in her steps, it was an anticlimax. The former aide of J Jayalalithaa was wheeled into a Bengaluru hospital with Covid-19 days before her prison term was to end. Now that she is out of the hospital, the next big scene would be a cavalcade screeching to a halt at House No. 179, Habibullah Road, T Nagar coming Sunday, and Sasikala stepping out of one of the cars. Will she wave at the gathering or will she greet them with folded hands? Will there be fire in her eyes?

Optics aside, what matters will be how she makes her second shot at politics. It’s not just the last additional ‘a’ from her name that Sasikala shed to come on her own after Jayalalithaa died on December 5, 2016. She took charge of Veda Nilayam and the party, but not for long. The Supreme Court verdict in the disproportionate wealth case soon took her away from the remaining comforts and sent her to the confines of the Parappana Agrahara prison in Bengaluru, where she served a four-year sentence.

Sasikala wasn’t righteous, but she was wronged. People she handpicked to be the chief minister and ministers backstabbed her. Those who fell at her feet till four years ago now treat her as an untouchable. Those who ate out of her hands are now baying for her blood. If the prison term hasn’t done something magical to her psyche, Sasikala isn’t going to be silent or subservient. The first clear indication to this effect came in the form of a full-page article in Namadhu MGR, now the mouthpiece of the AMMK led by Sasikala’s nephew T T V Dhinakaran that averred that Sasikala would reclaim the leadership of the AIADMK. Not many would have missed that when she left the Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru on Sunday, the flag on her car wasn’t that of the AMMK — it was of the AIADMK.

That, however, appears to be a tall order now. But for a lone former minister (Gokula Indira) and a few functionaries, nobody from the ruling party has expressed sympathies, leave alone support, for Sasikala. CM Edappadi K Palaniswami and several ministers have said she would have nothing to do with the party. But then, there are feelers that can’t be dismissed as blabber, though they come from people like K P Munusamy who on Sunday said the party may consider an apology from TTV for readmission.

Politics is a drama of surprises, but if Sasikala decides to be her old self, she has the potential to spoil the AIADMK’s plans. Besides having money power — which, however, may not match that of the resurgent AIADMK — Sasikala continues to hold considerable sway over sections of the thevar caste which has traditionally stood by the AIADMK. Today, the balance of power in the ruling party has shifted from the thevar community to the gounder community from which the chief minister hails. Deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam, a thevar, has not been able to expand his base beyond some Theni villages.

While EPS & Co, which runs the government in the name of Amma, has opened a Jayalalithaa memorial and a temple for her and MGR, it can never claim the proximity Sasikala had to the former AIADMK prima donna. Sasikala will silently project her incarceration as a penance, a punishment Jayalalithaa should also have undergone had she been alive. But what could ultimately fuel Sasikala’s revenge is her politically weak position.

Albert Einstein said weak people revenge, strong people forget, intelligent people ignore. If the father of the theory of relativity doesn’t make sense to Sasikala, American author Jodi Picoult, whose protagonists are mostly women, should. Picoult said, “When you begin a journey of revenge, start by digging two graves.”

arun.ram@timesgroup.com

‘If TTV apologises, we may reinduct him, Sasi’

 ‘If TTV apologises, we may reinduct him, Sasi’

01.02.2021

News of V K Sasikala’s impending return to Chennai caused a churn in Tamil Nadu politics with AIADMK leaders letting loose a fusillade of pungent statements. AIADMK deputy coordinator K P Munusamy caused quite a stir when he told reporters in Krishnagiri on Sunday that the AIADMK may consider taking back Sasikala’s nephew and AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran if he wrote a letter of apology to the party and expressed regret for “whatever he did''. When reporters asked him if a merger of the AIADMK and AMMK was possible, Munusamy said, “It is not possible under any circumstance. Dhinakaran had tried to oust the current regime and destroy the AIADMK. How can we accept such a person?” It was the norm for the party to take back anyone who realised their mistake and tendered an apology, he said. TNN

Sasikala discharged from hospital

Sasikala discharged from hospital

To Return To Chennai After Feb 7

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

01.02.2021

Former AIADMK leader V K Sasikala was on Sunday discharged from Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru where she was treated for Covid-19. On January 27, while she was in hospital for Covid treatment, Sasikala, was released from the Bengaluru prison where she completed four years of imprisonment following her conviction in a disproportionate assets case.

An AIADMK flag fluttered on the bonnet of the car in which Sasikala left the hospital. She headed to a resort near Nandi Hills, on the outskirts of Bengaluru, where she’s expected to recuperate for a week.

Around 11.30am, she walked out of the hospital to cheers and slogans from about 300 supporters. They showered flower petals as she got into the front seat of her car, a Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, which was part of an eight-car convoy.

Sasikala’s release turned on the heat in Tamil Nadu politics, coming as it does ahead of the April-May assembly election in Tamil Nadu. Among the supporters waiting to welcome her was her nephew and AMMK leader T T V Dhinakaran. “She will return to Chennai after February 7,” he said. The plan, as of now, is that she’ll go by road to Tamil Nadu in a massive show of strength and support.

Dr Ramesh Krishna K, medical superintendent, Victoria Hospital, said, “Sasikala Natarajan is asymptomatic, is stable in all vital parameters and blood sugar is under control."

FREE TO GO: V K Sasikala walks out of Victoria Hospital in Bengaluru on Sunday after being discharged

AIADMK flag on Sasikala car creates flutter

The AIADMK flag on the car carrying V K Sasikala to a farmhouse in Bengaluru outskirts drew sharp reactions from party leaders in Tamil Nadu. Law minister C Ve Shanmugham warned legal action would be taken against anyone, who is not a member of the party, misusing the flag. Minister D Jayakumar said, “She is not associated with the party in any way. She is not even a primary member of the AIADMK. How can she use the party flag?” AIADMK deputy coordinator K P Munusamy said, “I strongly condemned Sasikala for using our party’s flag in her car." TNN

Lax enforcement: Not many takers for masks in trains

Lax enforcement: Not many takers for masks in trains

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:01.02.2021

Train passengers do not wear masks at railway stations and inside express trains, including air-conditioned coaches, putting at risk the lives of fellow travells in trains.

Many do not carry a mask with them while a few others who board trains with masks remove it soon after they are seated. Though experts have stressed that wearing a mask is important and crucial in overcoming the pandemic, railway officials are lax in enforcing norms.

A railway official said that people were cautious at least in AC coaches soon after services resumed after the lockdown but now behave as if the situation is back to normal.

“On Sunday, many people who travelled by Kollam-Chennai train in its AC coaches were not wearing masks. Peoplewhowerewaiting atthestations were without masks. A few who had masks removed as soon as they settled down on their seats or berths.

The railway staff were wearing masks but they were not enforcing the mask rule on passengers."

Chennai resident Rakesh Kumar*, who was on the train, said, “It looks like people are lowering their guard. People were spotted without masks at most of the stations and the few who had the masks removed them as soon as they boarded the train. I got scared when people sneezed and coughed, that too without masks.”

Kumar saidthattherewere RPF personnel on the train who did not bother to check if people were following the rule.

A senior railway official said that they are taking action when there is a complaint. “We insist that there should be masks. All railway staff wear masks. If people complain that those who are in the nearby berth are not wearing masks, we crackdown on such elements.”

COSTLY ERROR: Passengers, many of them without masks, waiting to board their train at Chennai Egmore railway station

Colleges, offline classes for IX, XI students to start from Feb 8

Colleges, offline classes for IX, XI students to start from Feb 8

Ragu Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.02.2021

The state government on Sunday allowed colleges to reopen and conduct classes for all undergraduate and postgraduate students on February 8. Offline teaching for Classes IX and XI in schools can also start from that date, a statement issued by chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami on Sunday said.

The state, which allowed reopening of colleges for final year students from December 7, 2020, and schools for Classes X and XII from January 19, 2021, has now allowed hostels in educational institutions to function.

Movie theatres, including multiplexes and screens in malls, will be allowed to operate at 100% seating capacity from February 1, the CM said, announcing fresh relaxations from curbs initiated to help prevent the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

TN has recorded less than 550 fresh cases per day in the past 10 days. “The total number of active cases has come down from more than 50,000 cases to 4,629 cases,” the CM said.

While swimming pools and exhibition halls can be opened by adhering to standard operating procedures, petrol pumps will be allowed to function 24 hours from February 1. Public grievances redressal meetings can also be held.

FULL HOUSE: The state govt allowed cinema theatres to operate with 100% seating capacity. TN theatres reopened in November 2020 with 50% seating capacity

Religious gatherings allowed at 50% capacity

The state has also allowed indoor meetings, including religious gatherings, cultural events, college festivals and entertainment events at either 50% capacity or up to a maximum of 600 people. Devotees will be allowed to take holy dip at Rameswaram temple.

The ban on international flights, except for those allowed by the Union home ministry, will continue.

Officials from colleges and universities said they would conduct practical experiments for all students on rotational basis using the relaxation. “The state government has already said attendance was not mandatory for this semester. So online classes would continue for all students and physical classes will be made optional,” an official from the Madras University said.

Colleges like Loyola are planning to conduct a survey among students to plan the reopening from February 8, while some colleges have convened meetings with their staff members.

It isn’t for leisure or exercise, but for the 80-year-old to earn a living.

This 80-year-old cycles 20 kms daily, has plenty of ‘fans’ but only one supporter - his wife

Kunji thapatham and his wife Vasantha (76) have been making and selling palm-leaf hand-fans for the past 40 years.

Published: 31st January 2021 05:02 AM 

Kunjithapatham and his wife Vasantha make palm-leaf hand-fans outside their house in T Palur village of Ariyalur district. They sell each for about `15 |

 EXPRESS

By P Thiruselvam

Express News Service

ARIYALUR: Every morning begins with a 20-km cycle ride for R Kunjithapatham, of T Palur village near Jayamkondam. It isn’t for leisure or exercise, but for the 80-year-old to earn a living. Kunji thapatham and his wife Vasantha (76) have been making and selling palm-leaf hand-fans for the past 40 years.

He first rides his cycle to source the palm leaves, and then to places such as Udayarpalayam, Jayakondam, Ariyalur and Kumbakonam to sell the fans. He usually receives Rs 15 for each.

“I used to work as a daily-wage labourer, and since I couldn’t afford a fan, I used a hand-made one. That’s when I realised I could make them for a living,” Kunjithapatham recalled. He learned to make palmleaf hand-fans at his cousin’s house, and it eventually became his primary source of income for more than four decades.

“After collecting the palm leaves, I dry them, and make fans with the help of my wife. They are still popular in many places. Due to our age, we can only make 10-15 fans a day, and I sell them only once or twice a week.”

The couple have no children or family to depend on, and live in a thatched hut, for which they pay a rent of Rs 500 per month. The bicycle Kunjithapatham rides is often damaged but he can’t afford a new one.

“We receive senior citizens’ pension. Despite that and selling these fans, I find it hard to make ends meet. We were severely affected during the lockdown last year, and once it was relaxed, I went from village to village on my bicycle seeking to earn an income. My wife is my strength and gives me the motivation to continue to work hard,” said Kunjithapatham.

Given anesthesia at private hospital, five-year-old dies

Given anesthesia at private hospital, five-year-old dies

As the boy, Naveen, was suffering from foot-corn issues, his parents sought medical care from V-Cure Hospital in Pallikaranai, police said.

Published: 30th January 2021 06:01 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The father of a five-year-old boy has filed a complaint against a private hospital in Pallikaranai for allegedly providing wrong treatment and causing the death of his son. However, the hospital management has denied the al legat ion and blamed the parents for allegedly breaking the preoperative fasting rule and concealing the information.

As the boy, Naveen, was suffering from foot-corn issues, his parents sought medical care from V-Cure Hospital in Pallikaranai, police said. As part of the treatment, a surgery was scheduled by doctors on Thursday evening. After administering anesthesia, the boy went into an unconscious state, his father Sridhar claimed in the complaint.

When taken to another hospital, he was declared brought dead, said Sridhar, a college lecturer and a resident of Pallikaranai. Police sources said that based on the complaint, an FIR has been registered under section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code (suspicious death) and an investigation is on.

A staff of the hospital told Express that the parents were clearly instructed to keep the child in preoperative fasting four hours before the surgery. “But, they fed the child and failed to inform us. Had we been informed, we would have dropped the surgery plan,” the staff said. The body was sent to a government hospital for postmortem examination.

Chennai's Stanley Hospital provides free orthotics equipment to differently abled kids

Chennai's Stanley Hospital provides free orthotics equipment to differently abled kids

Children from poor backgrounds who may need this equipment can reach out to the hospital’s District Early Intervention Centre, said Dr J Ganesh

Published: 30th January 2021 02:07 PM 

In the first phase, ten pieces of equipment worth Rs 50,000 were distributed to the children in the presence of their parents on Saturday (Photo | Special arrangement)

By Omjasvin MD

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Stanley Government Medical College Hospital would be providing up to 40 pieces of orthotics equipment to physically challenged children free of cost in a phased manner.

Orthotics are externally worn devices, custom-made for individuals, which help them to correct biomechanical foot issues and walk, stand and run.

On Saturday, in the first phase, Dean of the hospital Dr P Balaji distributed 10 pieces of equipment worth Rs 50,000 for differently abled children. The initiative is being done in association with NGO Masusa Foundation.

“We have decided to provide free orthotics to children who may need it. It would take some days to measure the leg of the child and place orders. We will be providing up to 40 pieces in a phased manner,” said Dr J Ganesh, Director of Institute of Social Pediatrics.

He said that children from poor backgrounds who may need this equipment can reach out to the hospital’s District Early Intervention Centre.

Set up under the National Health Mission, the DEIC aims to identify children with birth defects and deficiencies and provides treatment for them.

Chennai book fair to be held from Feb 24

Chennai book fair to be held from Feb 24

“We will ensure all Covid protocols are in place including creating wider pathways.

Published: 31st January 2021 06:00 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Much to the joy of book lovers in the city, the annual Chennai Book Fair will be held from February 24 until March 9 at the YMCA grounds, according to members of the Book Sellers’ and Publishers’ Association of South India (BAPASI), that holds the event every year.

The fair will go on from 11 am until 8pm. Confirming the announcement, K Nagarajan, Vice President of BAPASI said, “We will ensure all Covid protocols are in place including creating wider pathways. Other than that, everything including the ticket system will be the same.”

The announcement comes amidst rumours that the event may not be held this year due to the Covid situation since the fair is usually held in January. However, though there has been a delay, organisers have decided to go ahead with the event.

Calcutta HC judge dies of cardiac arrest

Calcutta HC judge dies of cardiac arrest

Pinak Priya Bhattacharya

Jalpaiguri:31.03.2021

Justice Ashis Kumar Chakraborty of Calcutta High Court, who was scheduled to join the Jalpaiguri circuit bench from Monday till February 12, died of a cardiac arrest at a private nursing home in Siliguri on Saturday. He was 56.

Justice Chakraborty was first taken to the district hospital in Darjeeling, where he had arrived with his family on Friday, and later to Siliguri the same night after he started vomiting blood. He was with Calcutta HC for the past five years.

CBI begins probe into Agra doc’s mysterious death

FAMILY ALLEGES DOWRY DEATH

CBI begins probe into Agra doc’s mysterious death

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Lucknow:31.01.2021

A CBI team from Lucknow special crime branch reached Agra on Saturday to collect documents related to the mysterious death of a doctor, Deepti Agarwal, who was allegedly killed by her in-laws for dowry on August 3 last year.

On the plea of the victim’s father, Dr Naresh Mangla, the Supreme Court had earlier handed over the investigation to CBI. Initiating probe, the probe agency lodged a fresh FIR under charges of dowry death, causing miscarriage without the woman’s consent, criminal intimidation and cruelty against Deepti’s husband Dr Sumit Agarwal, fatherin-law SC Agarwal, mother-in-law Anita Agarwal, brother-in-law Amit Agarwal and sister-in-law Tulika Agarwal.

Dr Mangla had accused his son-in-law and his family of murdering his daughter while the Agra police had claimed that Deepti committed suicide after being tortured for dowry.

Dr Mangla said Deepti suffered two miscarriages after which the couple adopted a girl child. He claimed Deepti was often harassed by her in-laws. “About 18-19 days before she was found hanging, she was assaulted by her inlaws for dowry,” he alleged.

Deepti, a resident of Tajganj in Agra, was married to Sumit on November 3, 2014.

After she was found hanging in her flat on August 3 last year, her husband claimed that he found her hanging in the room and had to break open the door which was locked from inside.

Deepti was taken to a hospital where she remained in coma till her death on August 7.

Mangla alleged that police only arrested Sumit who also secured anticipatory bail on September 29 from the high court. Later on October 24, police hastily filed a charge sheet.

Mangla, however, approached the Supreme Court demanding fresh investigation by the CBI.

“All the documents related to the case, including the post-mortem report, had to be taken from police for which a team was dispatched to Agra,” a CBI official said.