Stay on action against Anna varsity V-C Surappa extended

Stay on action against Anna varsity V-C Surappa extended

HC extends interim order restraining govt action against the Anna University ex-VC

Published: 17th April 2021 06:04 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday extended, until further orders, an interim order restraining the Tamil Nadu government from taking any decision on an inquiry report against former vice chancellor of Anna University MK Surappa.

Justice M Govindaraj passed the orders on the plea moved by Surappa that the State government had passed a notification dated November 11,2020 constituting a commission of inquiry headed by a retired judge of the High Court, Justice P Kalaiyarasan, to probe the allegations of bribery and corruption during his tenure. This was so as the ruling dispensation was not happy with the fact that he was not toeing the line of the political masters, Surappa pleaded.

According to him, “The notification is an abuse of process of law as the very complainants do not exist, and the commission of inquiry was not appointed to inquire into the complaints received but to find out if any complaint can be made against the petitioner to harass the petitioner.”

“Certain actions I took as a vice-chancellor and as an academician did not find favour with the Higher education secretary as these actions hurt the political agenda of the ruling dispensation,” he added. Surappa’s three-year term as Vice Chancellor came to an end a few days ago.

The State government during the hearing on Friday sought time to file an additional counter on the plea. The judge noting the earlier interim orders of a single judge extended the plea until further orders and adjourned it to June.

Brothers aged six and fifteen complain of threat to their lives from parents

Brothers aged six and fifteen complain of threat to their lives from parents

Both the father and mother were involved in extramarital relationships but continued to live together with their partners in the same house, according to the complaint letter.

Published: 13th April 2021 09:28 PM 

By Express News Service

ERODE: Two brothers, aged six and fifteen, on Monday, filed a complaint with the Superintendent of Police seeking action against their parents for allegedly torturing and threatening to kill them.

In their complaint, the children said that they were forced to do household chores, failing which they were tortured by their parents and two of their paramours. "The punishments included rubbing chilly powder in our private parts, forcing us to eat food cooked with rotten vegetables, making us drink toilet cleaners, and sleep in the bathroom or on the terrace without shirts," they said in the complaint.

The children's maternal grandparents accompanied them to the district police office.

Both the father and mother were involved in extramarital relationships but continued to live together with their partners in the same house, according to the complaint letter.

The children were also asked to call the man in a relationship with their mother as 'father' and their own father as 'uncle', according to the complaint.

On February 23, the siblings escaped to their grandparents' house after their parents threatened to carry out a 'narabali', a superstitious sacrifice.

Later, the grandparents later lodged a complaint with a local police station. On receiving information, the Child Welfare Committee issued a 'temporary placement order', allowing the children to stay with their grandparents till the case is fully investigated.

However, the grandparents and other relatives constantly received threats from their parents to send the children back to their house, the complaint added.

Sources in the Child Welfare Committee said that a call would be taken on sending the children to a government home if the problem persisted. Police officials said that they were investigating the case and would take action as required.

College teachers fear getting Covid at work

College teachers fear getting Covid at work

‘Fresh protocols should be issued holding college managements responsible for reporting cases & contact tracing’

Published: 14th April 2021 05:01 AM |

A woman personnel dressed as virus, creates awareness, at Egmore Railway Station, on Tuesday | Sri Loganathan V

By Sushmitha Ramakrishnan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Amid the spike in Covid cases, faculty members at city colleges fear their health is at risk since they have to be on campus on all working days. They want the government to issue fresh protocols holding college managements responsible for reporting Covid cases and contact tracing on campus.

The faculty of a popular government-aided arts and science college in central Chennai told Express there has been a rise in the number of Covid cases on campus, causing anxiety among teachers. “When a teacher tests positive, we are not informed formally, but hear only after a few days through word-of-mouth from other teachers,” said Maria (name changed).

She said many teachers were exposed to infected colleagues while on election duty. “Some of us were even presiding officers, coming in contact with thousands of voters. A faculty on the administrative team, who came in contact with almost all teachers in the past week, tested positive, but we were not informed about it officially,” she alleged.

Another faculty member from the college said all teachers have been mandated to come to work in view of the upcoming NAAC inspections. “We interact with each other a lot and have to come to work,” she said. The principal of the college argued that all teachers in government-aided colleges have been showing up for work. “We ask them to take leave as soon as they have symptoms. So no other teacher would have been exposed,” she asserted.

A faculty member from another arts and science college in central Chennai told Express there is still a lot of stigma regarding reporting Covid. “Many teachers silently take leave, putting the rest of us at risk. We would like to work from home and take online classes from there. We would at least like a transparent system in which we are informed when our colleagues test positive,” she said.

She added that teachers with comorbidities or suppressed immunity should be allowed to work from home. “Across colleges in Chennai, the number of Covid cases is rising, and very few people seem aware about it. The government should act quickly before we have clusters everywhere,” she exclaimed.

Covid 2.0: Dry eyes, fatigue, diarrhoea common symptoms

Covid 2.0: Dry eyes, fatigue, diarrhoea common symptoms

As the State gears up to tackle the second wave of Covid, the symptoms and infection manifestation have changed quite a bit, say doctors.

Published: 14th April 2021 05:02 AM 

A health worker takes swab sample of a worker in GSN Coaching Depot, in Chennai. (Photo | R Satish Babu, EPS)

By Sowmya Mani

Express News Service

TIRUCHY: As the State gears up to tackle the second wave of Covid, the symptoms and infection manifestation have changed quite a bit, say doctors. While asymptomatic patients were high in number earlier, more patients are showing symptoms at present. Severe muscle pain, diarrhoea, stomach pain, eye irritation and fatigue are the most prevalent symptoms now, doctors in Tiruchy said.

“We are witnessing mixed presentation amongst our patients. Many have several symptoms but no fever. Also, more patients now are in the age group 25 to 45 years. Earlier, the younger ones were asymptomatic,” says Dr K Vanitha, Dean of MGMGH.

Recent symptoms also include, eye irritation and dryness in eyes. Doctors say that it is important for people to be aware of these symptoms, as normally people attribute eye irritation to the summer heat. “We are also seeing some older patients have confusion and slight memory loss. They are unable to remember things like if they ate medicines, etc.

Loose stools is also a common symptom now,” said Emergency Physician Dr A Mohamed Hakkim. “People with slight fever, fatigue and eye irritation think it’s because of the heat. They need to be aware that it could be symptoms of Covid,” he added.

Smell, taste not reduced too much

Doctors say that loss of smell and taste were not commonly reported recently. “We are seeing people feel extremely tired. This is because of muscle pain and loss of appetite. Some people also have trouble breathing,” said Dr Sathish of the Medicine Department, MGMGH.

Beware! Now, Covid-19 can clutch you in ways you don’t even know

Beware! Now, Covid-19 can clutch you in ways you don’t even know

In fresh concerns for health department, people down with headache, vomiting and diarrhoea also are testing positive for Covid-19.

Published: 14th April 2021 05:02 AM 

A health workers takes swab sample for Covid testing. (Photo | Shekhar Yadav)

By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: In fresh concerns for health department, people down with headache, vomiting and diarrhoea also are testing positive for Covid-19. With positivity rate of 7.9 per cent, officials advised people to take a test if they exhibit any of the above symptoms in addition to fever, cold, and cough.

Dean of Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) A Nirmala said the hospital of late has been recording several instances of patients with complaints of headache, vomiting, and diarrhoea testing positive.

CMCH sources said at least 10 out of 100 Covid patients exhibited symptoms of diarrhoea, headache or vomiting. On March 29, a 23-year-old Covid positive patient died at the CMCH reportedly after she complained of vomiting and fever. Nirmala reasoned that the woman might have ignored symptoms and sought medical help late.

Director of Public Health and Preventive Medicine T S Selvavinayagam told TNIE that a person would be declared Covid positive only on the basis of RT-PCR test result. “Vomiting and diarrhea could also be the symptoms. A person must undergo a test when in doubt,” he added.

Late hospitalisation a cause for worry

Despite the high positivity rate, the mortality rate is relatively less in the district. Six Covid deaths were reported in Coimbatore in the last seven days, sources said. “Patients invariably wait till their condition deteriorate. This could be one reason for the deaths,” Nirmala said.

A senior official in the city corporation said some persons who tested negative died due to lung damage. “The second wave is now seeing a rise in the graph. People must not take this condition lightly but get tested as soon as they develop symptoms,” he added. Public health expert, P Rathan, reasoned that mutant variant of Coronavirus could be the reason for persons without lung issues testing positive.

COVID death: Mix-up at hospital sees Muslim family bury Hindu man in Tamil Nadu

COVID death: Mix-up at hospital sees Muslim family bury Hindu man in Tamil Nadu

On Wednesday morning, relatives of Zaheer Hussain and Arumugam collected the bodies and left for their respective villages.

Published: 14th April 2021 10:08 PM 

Representational image. 

By Bagalavan Perier B

Express News Service

CUDDALORE: In a grave mix-up, staff of the Cuddalore government hospital handed over bodies of two COVID-19 victims, who died on the same night, to the wrong families. One of the families unknowingly buried the body of the Hindu victim as per its Islamic rituals.

According to sources, Zaheer Hussain (59) of Perumathur village near Bhuvanagiri in Cuddalore was undergoing treatment for Covid at the government hospital. He died on Tuesday night and his body was kept at the mortuary. Meanwhile, Arumugam (51) of Puthupettai near Panruti, who was being treated in the same ward also died that night.

On Wednesday morning, relatives of Zaheer Hussain and Arumugam collected the bodies and left for their respective villages. While Hussain's family buried the body they received at the Muslim cemetery at Perumathur with safety measures and as per their religious customs, relatives of Arumugam found that the body they had received were not his. Immediately, they took the body back to the hospital. Only then did the staff realise that there had been a mix-up.

Hussain's relatives were informed that they had buried the mortal remains of Arumugam. However, villagers there were opposed to exhuming Arumugam's body. Finally after talks with revenue officials, the villagers agreed to the exhumation and on Wednesday evening, the mortal remains of Arumugam were dug out with the help of a pockline machine and handed over to his relatives. Hussain's body was handed over to his family, who once again performed the burial rituals as per their religious beliefs.

However, a health department official in Cuddalore added that an inquiry is on.

On the lines of CBSE, Jamia also postpones examinations

On the lines of CBSE, Jamia also postpones examinations

New Delhi:15.04.2021

Jamia Millia Islamia has also postponed Class X and XII board exams scheduled to begin from April 15.

With the steep rise in Covid-19 cases, students and teachers had raised concern over holding of offline exams. TOI had reported about it on April 14.

A note issued by the examination controller of the university, said, “The competent authority of JMI — seeing the situation of covid-19 and taking into account the safety and well-being of the students — has postponed the annual board examination 2020- 21 of Class X and XII with immediate effect.”

It added, “This postponement is on the lines of postponement of CBSE exams based on the directives of the Prime Minister and minister of education.” TNN

Univs prepare for delayed start for 2nd year in a row

Univs prepare for delayed start for 2nd year in a row

Mohammad Ibrar & Shradha Chettri TNN

New Delhi:15.04.2021

With the Central Board of Secondary Education announcing the postponement of the Class XII final exams due to the rampaging pandemic, universities across the country are gearing up for delayed admissions for the new academic sessions. Most universities, including Delhi University, have admission systems based on the Class XII exam scores. Only private institutions of higher learning did not appear to be affected by the announcement.

Acknowledging that exam postponement would impact admissions at DU for a second year in a row, acting vice-chancellor P C Joshi said, “As a national university, we even wait for results of the state boards to accommodate their students. There is no clarity yet on the central entrance exams for universities, so the Covid situation will impact our schedule.” Joshi added, “Like last year, we will try to make admissions an entirely online process and quicken the process after the CBSE results are published.”

S P Aggarwal, principal, Ramanujan College, said, “Perhaps if the Covid situation improves, CBSE can conduct the exams in June and enable us to complete the admissions by September.” Aggarwal wasn’t certain about CUCET, the proposed entrance exam for central universities, being implemented this year. So, he argued, entry would have to be based on board exam scores. “And we will have to wait for that, even if it takes till December,” he said.

Former DU deputy dean of students’ welfare Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, however, felt the postponed exams would not have “a major impact on DU except for some changes in the academic calendar”.

The schedule of Delhi government’s District Institutes of Education and Training will also be affected. The nine DIET colleges offer courses such as nursery teacher training and diploma in elementary education, admission for which depends on marks obtained in Class XII, with Class X scores used as tiebreakers. When asked if there was an alternative, Rajesh Kumar, principal, DIET, Gumanhera, said, “Jamia Millia Islamia and DU have admission tests. So, we can think along those lines. However, a Class XII pass is a must.”

At Delhi Technological University, there is less of a hubbub because admission depends on the scores from the Joint Entrance Examination Main. “If JEE Main is held in time, admission won’t be a problem,” said a DTU official. Jawaharlal Nehru University and Jamia Millia Islamia too are not totally reliant on Class XII marks. Jamia conducts its own entrance tests, but aspirants need to have scored a certain percentage to be able to sit for these tests. JNU admits students to its undergraduate courses through the National Testing Agency exam.

At private universities though, the CBSE announcement hasn’t created waves. A Shiv Nadar University spokesperson told TOI, “In the wake of the pandemic, we had altered our admission process last year. We are making provisional admission offers to candidates based on their performance in remotely proctored entrance tests and personal interviews. Selected candidates only need to secure a defined minimum percentage in Class XII exams, which can be updated whenever the results are declared. We also accept JEE, SAT and ACT scores from applicants.”

An Ashoka University spokesperson similarly said, “We are in a position to make a firm offer of admission to applicants without waiting for their Class XII results based on SAT, ACT or mandatory Ashoka Aptitude Assessment scores. This reduces the uncertainty for applicants.”

6 2  THOUSAND SEATS IN DU COLLEGES

Court exam cheating: 2 govt employees held

Court exam cheating: 2 govt employees held

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:15.04.2021 

Delhi Police has arrested ten people, including two government employees, and claimed to have busted a gang that was allegedly involved in helping candidates cheat during an exam for a job opening at Tis Hazari court.

On February 28, the police had received information from one of the examination centres that some candidates were using Bluetooth devices for cheating. Later, the candidates, identified as Rajesh Kumar, Rahul Jatain and Kunal Sharma, were caught and the devices were recovered from them.

During questioning, the trio told police about the whereabouts of the main accused, currently posted as a peon in the irrigation department at Bhiwani, Haryana. He was then arrested from north Delhi’s Sant Nagar. “On the directions of the main accused, the trio had hid these micro devices under their face mask and clothes. They were all provided with answer keys over a WhatsApp call,” said deputy commissioner of police (outer north) Rajiv Ranjan Singh. Later, police nabbed more people involved, including another government official.

Order to curb meetings that can be avoided

Order to curb meetings that can be avoided

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:  15.04.2021 

Amid rising Covid cases, Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has ordered restrictions in unnecessary interactions among officers and directed all the departments to avoid unnecessary meetings. Over a dozen people, including interns, who worked in different floors of Delhi Secretariat have recently tested positive.

“As the Covid cases are consistently increasing, hence, for effective management, it is necessary that, besides reductions in attendance in the officers of Delhi government, unnecessary interaction among officers/officials are restricted,” the DDMA order stated.

“The competent authority has directed that no meetings in person shall take place, except meetings related to Covid-19 management, court matters and matters of urgent nature,” the DDMA order added.

Why chances of getting a false Covid report have increased

Why chances of getting a false Covid report have increased

Multiple mutations in the coronavirus over the past 15 months are making parts of it unrecognisable to RT-PCR test kits

Abhilash.Gaur@timesgroup.com

15.04.2021

It starts with a cough. Then comes fever and you feel short of breath. An alarm goes off in your mind. Is it Covid? You are so relieved when the test comes out negative, but four days later you are no better. A second test confirms Covid.

Many patients have experienced this in the second wave. As TOI reported on Tuesday, about 1 in 5 patients may get a false negative report.

Sometimes, second and third tests also fail to spot the virus.

It’s worrying because the coronavirus is now fooling RT-PCR tests — the most reliable type. A false negative report is bad for the patient as they might delay consulting a doctor. It’s also bad for others, as the patient might not isolate, and spread the virus around.

Why are tests failing? It’s because the virus they were designed to detect has changed its look and behaviour considerably since last year. It’s like you lost a puppy a year ago and are still trying to trace it with old photographs.

Tests based on old virus

A research paper by University of Illinois and Michigan State University scientists had raised this concern last September: “PCR diagnostic test reagents were designed based on early clinical specimens containing a full spectrum of SARS-CoV-2, particularly the reference genome collected on January 5, 2020, in Wuhan.”

The rise of fast-spreading coronavirus variants in the UK, South Africa and Brazil was still months away when the scientists warned that mutations “will cause a large number of false positive and false negative tests if currently used diagnostic reagents are undermined.”

Tests detect the virus by identifying a few specific parts of it — like a fingerprint scan or an iris scan can identify you. These parts are called ‘diagnostic targets’. By September, the virus had already changed enough for the scientists to say: “essentially all of the current Covid-19 diagnostic targets have undergone mutations.”

Fears coming true

Other countries have also faced the problem of false negative results this year. In February, reports from Finland said mutations in the viral nucleoprotein of a local variant “may make this latest variant more difficult to detect with some PCR tests.”

In March, French authorities identified a new variant in the Brittany region. In one hospital, PCR tests failed to detect all 8 carriers of this variant.

Later, tests based on blood samples and tissue taken from the respiratory system confirmed they had Covid.

“What’s remarkable about this particular mutation is that the novel coronavirus may have already evolved in such a way as to bypass detection by conventional PCR tests,” a report in Forbes said.

Arvind Kothandaraman, general manager at diagnostics company PerkinElmer, told Technology Networks in February that mutations in the spike protein of the UK variant could make tests less reliable. The UK variant has been detected in many samples from Punjab.

“The 69–70 deletion in S gene of the UK variant has been reported to cause a negative result owing to a complete dropout of the genetic region targeted by certain RT-PCR assays,” Kothandaraman said.

FDA issued alert in Jan

The US Food and Drug Administration had flagged the same concern in a January 8 letter to clinical laboratory staff and healthcare providers. “False negative results may occur with any molecular test for the detection of SARS-CoV-2 if a mutation occurs in the part of the virus’ genome assessed by that test,” it had said.

For example, it found that one brand of RT-PCR tests could be less reliable when a patient’s sample contained a genetic variation at “position 28881” in the virus.

Another test could have “significantly reduced sensitivity due to certain mutations, including one of the mutations in the recently identified B.1.1.7 (UK) variant.”

RT-PCR tests usually look for more than one part of the coronavirus but “the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in a patient sample can potentially change the performance of the SARSCoV-2 test.” The FDA also said the frequency of false negative results would vary with the prevalence of variants in a population.

Keeping false negative results in mind, it advised doctors to “consider negative results in combination with clinical observations, patient history, and epidemiological information,” and “consider repeat testing with a different test if Covid-19 is still suspected.”

Virus behaviour has changed

There’s another reason why RT-PCR tests are returning more false negatives now. On Tuesday, Dr Pratibha Kale, associate professor of clinical microbiology at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, told TOI: “It’s possible that in these patients the virus did not colonise the nasal or throat cavity because of which swab samples taken from these areas didn’t yield a positive result.” It’s as though we are learning to deal with a whole new virus this year.

RT-PCR tests usually look for more than one part of the coronavirus but “the presence of SARS-CoV-2 genetic variants in a patient sample can potentially change the performance of the test”

Paramedic, MR & med student sell key drug at 4x price, held

Paramedic, MR & med student sell key drug at 4x price, held

Nitasha.Natu@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:15.04.2021

A paramedic, a medical student and a medical representative (MR) were arrested for allegedly selling Remdesivir injections in the black market. Police said the MR procured the injections from the pharmacy of a suburban hospital in a legal manner while his co-accused sold it at a higher price in black.

An informant told Malwani police earlier this week that a paramedic known to him was offering Remdesivir injections at Rs 20,000 each against the actual price of Rs 5,400. The paramedic had suggested to the informant he could resell it at a higher rate and make his own commission. Malwani police immediately informed the Food and Drugs Authority (FDA). A trap was laid in Kandivli on April 13.

Around 7.30pm, the paramedic, Rizwan Mansuri (32), arrived at the location with a student, Siddharth Yadav (21). The police had already sent their informant with Rs 60,000 in cash to make the purchase so they could nab the accused red-handed. “Mansuri handed over three Remdesivir injections to the informant while Yadav accepted the cash. Our team and the FDA team swung into action and the two men were taken into custody,” said investigating officer Rakesh Pawar. It turned out that Yadav is a medical student based in Kandivli and comes from a family of doctors.

Yadav told the police that he had procured the injections through an MR, Chiranjeevi Vishwakarma (28), employed with a pharma company. The cops got Yadav to dial Vishwakarma and summon him for a meeting. When Vishwakarma arrived, he was taken into custody. Vishwakarma told officials he had presented a Covid-19 patient’s health report, his Aadhar card and a doctor’s prescription for purchasing the three Remdesivir injections.

RGUHS to study spread of infection in slums

RGUHS to study spread of infection in slums

Sunitha.Rao@timesgroup.com

Bengaluru:  15,04,2021

A team of community medicine researchers from Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences (RGUHS) will conduct a study in 24 slums in Bengaluru to analyse exposure to Covid-19 in the crowded habitations.

A dozen medical colleges have been assigned two slums each and they will conduct Covid-19 antibody tests on slum dwellers.

During a meeting last month between the chief minister, technical advisory committee members and heads of departments including police, Praveen Sood, Karnataka DG&IGP, had asked why cluster outbreaks were being reported from apartment complexes but not from slums.

TAC members discussed the matter further and Dr MK Sudarshan, chairperson, asked the government to conduct a serosurvey in slums.

“This will help us understand precisely what is happening in slums,” said Dr Sudarshan.

Dr Ranganath TS, HOD, department of community medicine, Bangalore Medical College and Research Institute and principal investigator of the project, said, “A huge majority of cases are largely of people from middle to upper sections of society, especially those living in apartments. People in slums, who could be going out every day for work, are not coming for Covid tests or seeking treatment. We need to find out if they are falling ill, where they are going and what sort of treatment they are receiving if so.”

Medical colleges will cover select slums nearby, said Dr Ranganath. The survey is likely to begin in two days. Dr Riyaz Basha, another principal investigator of the project and head of community medicine, Bowring and Lady Curzon Medical College Hospital, said they will conduct both RT-PCR test and antibody tests on 720 people in 24 slums.

“All medical colleges work closely with urban primary health centres,” said Dr Basha. “Medicos who are working in these UPHCs will conduct the research in slums. From each slum, we plan to include at least 30 people in the study. The cohort will be those aged above 18 years of age.”

Dr Basha said they will also collect details such as vaccination status, previous exposure to the disease, infections among immediate neighbours and facilities they have for home isolation.

“This survey will help us understand at least two aspects. The first is if the people surveyed are Covid positive, they will be immediately isolated and their primary and secondary contacts will be traced. If they have already developed antibodies, then it means that they had prior exposure to the virus. In such cases, we must educate them about the Covid-19 vaccine and ensure that all those in slums who are eligible get vaccinated,” said Dr Basha.

In case they test negative for both RT-PCR and antibodies, questions will arise on how safe they are living in crowded localities and if it has anything to do with their immunity levels, researchers said. The survey also aims at improving vaccination status among the slum-dwellers.

During a Covid-19 meeting last month Praveen Sood, Karnataka DG&IGP, had asked why cluster outbreaks were being reported from apartment complexes but not from slums

Class XII exams’ delay may hit JEE, NEET

Class XII exams’ delay may hit JEE, NEET

Yogita.Rao@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:15.04.2021

The decision to postpone CBSE Class XII exams is likely to have a cascading effect on admissions to engineering and medical colleges this year. While the Centre plans to review the Covid-19 situation on June 1to decide on the exam dates, students are worried JEE (Advanced) for admissions to IITs and the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical exams may be pushed further too, in a repeat of the 2020 scenario.

Last year, JEE (Main), JEE (Advanced) and NEET were all held in September due to the pandemic and the resultant lockdown. With academic session starting late last year, this year’s entrance tests have already been affected. JEE (Advanced) 2021, usually held in May, is scheduled on July 3, while NEET is on August 1. With the Centre’s decision to postpone Class XII board exams by over a month, parents are worried all these entrance exams will be pushed further, leading to a delayed start to the academic session this year too.

A parent representative, Sudha Shenoy, said when the national lockdown was announced on March 23 last year, the state board exams were nearly over and only a few papers were pending for the national boards. “This year, the boards are yet to be conducted. We do not know when they will be held or when the results will be announced. There is a lot of uncertainty in the Covid-19 situation. The CBSE board will have to give a two-week notice before holding the exam in June. If it starts even in the third or fourth week of June, they may have to postpone JEE (Advanced) and NEET,” she said. “Even if the entrance exams are conducted on time, there will be delays in announcing the board results. Students require Class XII board scores to be eligible for medical admissions,” said Shenoy. Some of the parents are in favour of the board exams being held twice so that students who are unable to take the exam now can do so later.

Full report on www.toi.in

‘Decision on 12th exams will be taken on 1st June’

‘Decision on 12th exams will be taken on 1st June’

Ramesh Pokhriyal

15.04.2021

I would like to thank the honourable Prime Minister for calling the high-level meeting regarding the conduct of board examinations. At the onset of the meeting he has given a clear vision and reiterated that “the well being of the students has to be the top priority for the government”. He also stated that “the Centre would keep in mind the best interests of the students and ensure that their health is taken care of at the same time their academic interests are not harmed”.

His directions and vision made us take the decision to cancel the tenth class board exams and postpone the 12th class exams. The decision regarding the 12th exams will be taken on 1st June after reviewing the situation. I am very sure that this will give clarity to the students.

Every year almost 30 lakh students write the board examinations of CBSE. To be precise this year there are 21,50,761 and 14,30,247 students who were to appear in the Class X and Class XII exams respectively. CBSE, in normal circumstances, schedules Board exams for Classes X & XII from 15th February to the first week of April. The Board exams-2020 were disrupted due to the pandemic and had to be rescheduled.

In the current year, to accommodate for the loss in learning time and closure of schools, the Board exams 2021 were scheduled from 4th May to 14th June, instead of mid-Feb as was done normally. This announcement was made on 31.12.2020. The trend in Covid cases was also going down when the exam schedule was announced.

However, in the recent few weeks, the downward trend in Covid cases has reversed and the number of new cases daily has started increasing. This situation has given rise to concerns and apprehensions in the minds of students/parents/teachers about the conduct of examination in a safe manner as well as disruptions that may arise due to restrictions that may be imposed from time to time.

CBSE has made arrangements for the conduct of the exams from May 4th, however in view of the rising number of cases, an assessment of the situation in terms of a conducive and safe environment for conducting the exams was done in an objective manner.

Full interview on www.toi.in

TN sees highest single day spike with 7,819 fresh cases

TN sees highest single day spike with 7,819 fresh cases

Doubling Period Down From 1,323 In Feb To 98

Pushpa.Narayan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:15.04.2021

Tamil Nadu crossed a grave milestone on Wednesday, reporting 7,819 new cases – the highest one-day tally, exceeding the 6,993 cases reported on July 27, 2020.

After the discharge of 3,464 people and 25 deaths, TN now has 54,315 active cases. The case tally is 9,54,948 and the toll 12,970. Hotspot Chennai reported 2,564 cases in the 24 hours till Wednesday afternoon. Tuesday’s 2,482 cases crossed the highest number (2,393), reported on June 30, 2020.

The doubling time for cases, 1,323 days on February 23, dropped to 98 days on Wednesday. The average test positivity rate (TPR) – positive cases out of every 100 people tested – was a little more than 6%.

“Epidemiological indicators show cases are likely to increase further,” said health secretary J Radhakrishnan on a day the state tested 96,513 – the highest ever.

The spread in tier 2 cities and rural areas is worrying. On Wednesday, Nagapattinam, with 157 positive cases, had a TPR of nearly 10%, followed by Tuticorin (244 cases) with 9%. In Coimbatore, Tirunelveli, Tirupur, Tiruvallur and Chengalpet, TPR was between 7% and 8%. There are 262 labs, including 69 in the government sector where tests are free. Though TN, on an average, tests 2,35,740 people per million compared to 1,87,831per million in India, testing in 17 TN districts is below the national average. Nagapattinam is at the rock bottom with 1,14,039 tests per million followed by 1,19,518 in Krishnagiri.

On Wednesday, all districts were asked to send samples drawn from at least 20 contacts of all positive cases and anyone reporting symptoms to the nearest government or private labs. The private labs will be refunded up to ₹800 per test.

Directorate of public health data shows that until Tuesday, 8,473 of 1.2 lakh habitations had active cases. Of these, 282 were under micro-containment as they had more than three cases each. In urban areas, 12,650 of the 1.2 lakh streets had active cases – 1,461 had more than three cases each. Director of public health Dr T S Selvavinayagam said people should step out of homes only when necessary. “When you must go out for work or otherwise, wear a mask and maintain social distancing. Those eligible for the vaccine should take it.”

On Wednesday, Chennai and neighbouring Chengalpet reported 772 cases. Together with Tiruvallur (383) and Kancheepuram (124), the Chennai region had nearly 50% of TN’s new cases. It had 28,843 active cases including 20,144 in Chennai. Of the 25 deaths reported in the state, 13 were from the region. Coimbatore reported 540 cases topping the west. Tirupur  (225), Trichy (216), Madurai   (199), Tirunelveli (193), Cuddalore (175), Salem (175), Thanjavur (158), Krishnagiri (156), Erode (153), Vellore (113), Dindigul (112) and Tiruvarur (108) reported three digit increase.

CBSE directive on Class X, XII board exams get mixed reactions from students, teachers

CBSE directive on Class X, XII board exams get mixed reactions from students, teachers

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:16.03.2021

The latest directive from the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), cancelling Class X board exams and postponing Class XII board exams due to a spike in Covid-19 cases, has received mixed reactions from both students and teachers.

Exams for Class XII were to be held from May 4 to June 14, and for Class X from May 4 to June 7. While Class X students are worried about how they will be marked in the finals, those in XII are confused about college admissions. “I have an entrance test on April 29, and the college usually starts the admission process by June. But the CBSE will be reviewing the situation only on June 1. We have no clarity on how everything will work out,” said KR Pratik, a Class XII student who has applied for BBA. Similar are the concerns raised by others as well.

T Hema, another Class XII student said they also wanted to be done with the boards.

Sreeram Ramakrishnan, a Class X student raised concerns on how he will be evaluated in his finals. “Our teachers haven’t told us if they will review our internals or preboards or will be taking in other tests as well.”

Bhavani Shankar, principal of Lalaji Memorial Omega International School said that they are waiting for instructions on evaluating Class X results. The principal said many of the school’s teachers are disappointed with the directive. “They feel that further postponement of exams will only disrupt continuity in preparations. And over a period of time, it might become difficult to engage students’ productivity and capability,” he said.

Mita Venkatesh, principal of Sankara Senior Secondary School, said that despite the uncertainty parents seem largely happy with the decision, “They were apprehensive about sending children to exam centres, given the spike in Covid cases,” she said.

Kuldeep Thadani, parent of a Class X student said the authorities should have made this decision long ago since the chances of exam centres turning into clusters are high. “Even if they follow all safety protocols, the chances of children contracting the virus are not nil. Their health and safety is most important,” he said.

PMK welcomes decision

Chennai: PMK founder Dr S Ramadoss has welcomed the decision to cancel CBSE Class X exams and postponing Class XII exams. “This is a right decision keeping in mind the welfare of students’ at a time the country is in the midst of a second wave.” In a series of tweets, the leader said the decision by the central government is welcome. The PMK leader has also called for cancellation of Class XII exams in the state. TNN

CBSE cancels Class X exam, postpones Class XII boards

CBSE cancels Class X exam, postpones Class XII boards

Decision On New Dates After June 1 Review

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:15.04.2021

Keeping in view the rising Covid cases and apprehensions expressed by students and school administrators, the Centre on Wednesday decided to cancel the Class X Board exams and reschedule Class XII Boards with a decision to be taken on fresh dates on June 1.

The decisions were taken at a review meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Initial discussions considered rescheduling both Class X and XII exams but the Prime Minister is understood to have remarked that students had already suffered considerable uncertainty and should be spared further travails to the extent possible. The meeting decided that the Class X Board exam be scrapped with students unhappy with their results permitted to take the tests whenever they are held next.

The Centre’s decision pertains to India’s largest board CBSE and the Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations, a private Board with a much less number of affiliated schools, will announce its plans in the next two days. It was felt that Class XII Board exams have a significant bearing on higher education choices and so should not be scrapped right now. An official said the assessment formulae could impact students unevenly, and the effort would be to try and hold the exam at a later date.

According to CBSE officials, this is the first instance when the Board has to scrap the Class X Board exams altogether. Last year, due to the riots in North East Delhi and Coronavirus infections, the exams were partially cancelled. A formula based on marks scored in the exams a student did take was used to calculate a final result.

This year, 21,50,761 candidates were scheduled to appear in Class X exams, which is nearly 2.5 lakh more than 2020. A total of 14,30,243 candidates registered for the Class XII exams, which is again 2.15 lakh more than last year.

T R Baalu tests +ve; doing fine, says son

Lok Sabha MP, T R Baalu, has tested positive for coronavirus and was doing fine, his son said on Wednesday. Baalu, who had taken the first dose of covid vaccine, is also the DMK parliamentary party leader. “My father Thiru T R Baalu has been admitted to a hospital and is stable,” Balu’s son T R B Rajaa, a DMK MLA, said in a tweet on Wednesday.

Ch’garh health officer dies even after 2 jabs

Chhattisgarh health services joint director Subhash Pandey died of Covid-19 at AIIMS Raipur on Wednesday. The 64-year-old had taken his second Covid vaccine dose in the last week of March. A hypertension and diabetes patient, Pandey was hospitalised on Monday with fever and mild cough. But, his health deteriorated. P 10

Sputnik vax may be available for use in April-June

Sputnik V vaccine will be available for use in the April-June quarter with doses expected to be shipped from Russia as early as mid-May. Local manufacturing will kick in from the July-September quarter, top officials of Dr Reddy’s Laboratories said, reports Swati Bharadwaj. Discussions on pricing are under way. Globally, RDIF has been selling Sputnik V at $10 per dose, while the Centre has capped the prices of vaccines at ₹150 ($2) per dose. P 10

2-fold increase in production of Remdesivir

To ensure Remdesivir availability for Covid-19 patients, the Centre has given fast-track approval to companies to ramp up production to 78 lakh vials per month, double the current capacity of 38.8 lakh vials. Manufacturers have also agreed to reduce the price to less than ₹3,500 by the end of this week. At present, seven Indian companies are producing the drug under a voluntary licensing agreement with the US company Gilead Sciences, which holds the patent for the product. P10

Students will be notified 15 days ahead of exams: Govt

The meeting to review the examinations was attended by education minister Ramesh Pokhriyal, the principal secretary to the PM, the cabinet secretary, school and higher education secretaries and other top officials.

With active Covid-19 cases crossing the 13-lakh mark, TOI had on Tuesday reported that the government was reviewing the Board exam schedule. In the meeting on Wednesday, it was decided that the Board exams for Class XII, scheduled to be held from May 4 to June 14, will be rescheduled and a further review of the situation will be held on June 1 by CBSE. A notice of at least 15 days will be given before the start of the examinations.

CBSE will prepare objective criteria for results of Class X. Any candidate who is not satisfied with his or her marks on this basis will be given an opportunity to sit in an exam as and when the conditions are conducive to hold it.

Many school principals and educationists welcomed the decision, while others demanded that the criteria be decided in consultation with stakeholders. Parents also expressed concerns about the delay in schedule for Class XII, saying either board exams be cancelled or a schedule announced soon to ease the students’ anxiety.

“It’s a judicious decision taken by the government keeping in mind the well-being and safety of our children which is paramount,” said Sunita Tanwar, Principal of DPS, Dwarka.

But for many students, the decision to postpone Class XII exams has raised fresh worries. Class XII student Ashna Mehta, from R N Podar, Santa Cruz, Mumbai, said: “Only 15-day prior notice will be given. As per earlier notified schedule, the exam was supposed to start in the month of May and we were preparing accordingly. So either the Board immediately cancels the exam or gives us at least a month’s time before announcing the dates.”

Full report on www.toi.in

கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுக்க ரயில் பயணிகள் பின்பற்ற வேண்டிய நெறிமுறை என்ன?- தெற்கு ரயில்வே விளக்கம்

கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுக்க ரயில் பயணிகள் பின்பற்ற வேண்டிய நெறிமுறை என்ன?- தெற்கு ரயில்வே விளக்கம்

சென்னை  13.04.2021 

கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுக்க, ரயில் பயணிகள் பின்பற்ற வேண்டிய நெறிமுறைகள் என்னென்ன என்பது குறித்து தெற்கு ரயில்வே விளக்கம் அளித்துள்ளது.

இது தொடர்பாக தெற்கு ரயில்வே நேற்று வெளியிட்டுள்ள செய்திக்குறிப்பில் கூறியிருப்பதாவது: தெற்கு ரயில்வே நாடு முழுதும் உள்ள முக்கிய இடங்களுக்கு சிறப்பு ரயில்களை இயக்கி வருகிறது. அத்துடன் சென்னை புறநகர்மின்சார ரயில்களும் இயக்கப்பட்டு வருகின்றன. தற்போது கரோனாவின் 2வது அலை கடந்த மாதம் முதல் நாடு முழுவதும் சவால்களை ஏற்படுத்தி வருகிறது. இந்நிலையில் கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுக்கவும், பாதுகாப்பான பயணத்தை மேற்கொள்ளவும் பின்வரும் நெறிமுறைகளை பயணிகள் பின்பற்ற வேண்டுமென அறிவுறுத்துகிறோம்:

பயணிகள் முகக்கவசம் அணிவது, சமூக விலகல் மற்றும் கை சுகாதாரம் போன்ற அடிப்படை கரோனாமுன்னெச்சரிக்கை நடவடிக்கைகள் ரயில் நிலையங்கள் மற்றும்ரயில்களில் தொடர்ந்து பின்பற்றப்பட வேண்டும், தேவையற்ற பயணம் மற்றும் குழுக்களாக பயணம்செய்வது தவிர்க்க வேண்டும்.

கவுன்ட்டர்கள் மற்றும் பிளாட்பாரங்களில், சமூக இடைவெளியை கடைபிடிக்க வேண்டும், காய்ச்சல், இருமல், சளி போன்ற அறிகுறிகள் இருந்தால்பயணத்தைத் தவிர்க்கவும். கரோனா சோதனை முடிவுகளுக்காக காத்திருப்பவராகவோ, தனிமைப்படுத்தலில் இருக்குமாறு அறிவுறுத்தப்பட்டவாரகவோ இருந்தால் பயணத்தைத் தவிர்க்கவும். கிருமிநாசினி திரவம், சோப்புபோன்ற பாதுகாப்பு உபகரணங்களையும், உணவு, நீர் போன்றவற்றையும் பயணத்தின்போது எடுத்துச் செல்லவும்.

ரயில் நிலையங்கள் மற்றும்ரயில்களில் பொது சுகாதாரம் மற்றும் பாதுகாப்பை பாதிக்கும் அசுத்தமான அல்லது சுகாதாரமற்ற எந்த செயலிலும் ஈடுபட வேண்டாம். உள்துறை அமைச்சகத்தின் வழிகாட்டுதல்களைத் தவிர, ஒவ்வொரு மாநில அரசும் இ-பதிவு, இ-பாஸ், சோதனை மற்றும் தனிமைப்படுத்தல் போன்ற பிற மாநிலங்களிலிருந்து வரும் நபர்களுக்கு கரோனா பாதுகாப்புநெறிமுறைகளை கட்டாயப்படுத்தியுள்ளது. அவை பயணத்தின்போது கண்டிப்பாக கடைபிடிக்கப்பட வேண்டும். இவ்வாறு அதில் கூறப்பட்டுள்ளது.

கரோனா அடுத்த அலை விடுக்கும் எச்சரிக்கைகள்

கரோனா அடுத்த அலை விடுக்கும் எச்சரிக்கைகள்

13.04.2021 The Hindu Tamil 

இந்தியாவில் தினசரி ஒரு லட்சம் பேருக்கும் மேல் புதிதாக கரோனா தொற்று ஏற்படுவதும், தினசரி தொற்று விகிதத்தில் உலகிலேயே முதல் இடத்தில் நாம் இருப்பதும் பெரும் கவலை அளிக்கிறது. 2020 ஜனவரி முதலாக 1.34 கோடிப் பேருக்குத் தொற்று ஏற்பட்டிருக்கிறது. இவர்களில் 1.21 கோடிப் பேர் குணமடைந்திருக்கின்றனர்; சுமார் 1.70 லட்சம் பேர் உயிரிழந்திருக்கின்றனர். இதே நிலை தொடர்ந்தால், மே 1 வாக்கில் மேலும் 40 லட்சம் பேருக்குத் தொற்று ஏற்பட்டிருக்கும் என்று வல்லுநர்கள் எச்சரிப்பதை அரசும் மக்களும் கவனத்தில் கொள்ள வேண்டும். தடுப்பூசியின் வரவு பெரிய ஆறுதல் என்றாலும், அது மட்டுமே கரோனாவை எதிர்கொள்ளும் ஒரே ஆயுதம் ஆகிவிடாது என்ற எண்ணம் எல்லோருக்கும் வேண்டும்.

தடுப்பூசி போடும் பணி தொடங்கிய 85 நாட்களில் 10 கோடிப் பேருக்கும் மேல் தடுப்பூசி போடப்பட்டுள்ளது ஒரு சாதனை. ஆயினும், நம்முடைய மக்கள்தொகையின் காரணமாக, தொற்று பரவும் வேகத்துக்கு முன் உற்பத்தியாகும் தடுப்பூசிகளின் எண்ணிக்கை பற்றாக்குறையில் விழுந்துவிடுகிறது. தடுப்பு மருந்து தயாரிக்கும் நிறுவனங்கள் இந்தியாவுக்கு முன்னுரிமை கொடுத்து, மருந்துகளை வழங்குவதற்கும் தடுப்பூசி இயக்கத்தின் வேகத்தை மேலும் அதிகரிக்கவும் அரசு நடவடிக்கை எடுக்க வேண்டும். அதோடு சேர்த்து, ‘முழு ஊரடங்கு’ எனும் மோசமான நிலைக்கு நாடு மீண்டும் சென்றுவிடுவதைத் தவிர்க்கும் வகையில் முன்கூட்டிய கட்டுப்பாட்டுச் செயல்திட்டத்தையும் வகுக்க வேண்டும். கரோனா தடுப்பு என்பது அரசின் கைகளில் மட்டும் இல்லை, சமூகத்தின் கூட்டுப்பொறுப்பு அது என்கிற உணர்வு மக்களிடையே உருவாக வேண்டும்.

கரோனா தொற்றிலிருந்து குணமானவர்களுக்கு உடலில் கரோனாவுக்கு எதிரான எதிர்ப்புச் சக்தி சில மாதங்களுக்குத்தான் நீடிக்கும் என்பதைச் சமீபத்திய ஆய்வு ஒன்று தெரிவிக்கிறது. ஆக, கரோனா தொற்றிலிருந்து குணமானவர்கள் தமக்கு மீண்டும் தொற்று ஏற்படாது என்று அலட்சியமாக இருந்துவிடக் கூடாது. அதேபோல, கரோனா தடுப்பூசியும் ஆயுட்காலப் பலன் அளிக்கக் கூடியது அல்ல. குறிப்பிட்ட ஒரு காலத்துக்கு உடலில் எதிர்ப்புச் சக்தியை அது கூட்டுகிறது; ஒருவேளை தொற்று ஏற்பட்டாலும் பாதிப்பு குறைவாக இருக்கும் என்ற அளவிலேயே அது செயலாற்றுகிறது. ஆக, தடுப்பூசி போட்டுக்கொள்வதாலேயே முற்றிலுமாகத் தொற்றுக்கு விடை கொடுத்துவிட்டதாகவும் கருதிட முடியாது.

ஒரு நாட்டில் முதலாமவருக்குப் போடப்பட்ட தடுப்பூசி செயல்பாட்டில் இருக்கும் காலகட்டத்துக்குள்ளேயே கடையானவருக்கும் தடுப்பூசியைப் போட்டு முடித்து, அதற்குள் தொற்றை நாட்டை விட்டே விரட்டிட வேண்டும் என்ற செயல்திட்டத்திலேயே எல்லா நாடுகளும் உழைக்கின்றன. இந்த இலக்கை சுகாதாரத் துறை நிறைவேற்ற தொற்றாளர்களின் எண்ணிக்கை கட்டுப்பாட்டில் இருப்பது அவசியம். அதற்கு ஒரு சமூகமாக நாம் முழு விழிப்புணர்வோடு செயல்பட வேண்டும். கூடுமானவரை விழாக்கள், கூட்டங்கள், அத்தியாவசியமற்ற பயணங்கள் போன்றவற்றைத் தவிர்ப்பதில் தொடங்கி முகக் கவசம் அணிவது, அடிக்கடி கைகளைக் கழுவுவது, தனிமனித இடைவெளியைப் பின்பற்றுவது எனும் ஒழுங்குகளைக் கடைப்பிடிப்பது வரை இந்த விழிப்புணர்வு செயல்களின் வழி வெளிப்பட வேண்டும்.

சேலத்தில் ரூ.10 லட்சத்துக்கு சிறுமி விற்பனை?

சேலத்தில் ரூ.10 லட்சத்துக்கு சிறுமி விற்பனை?

Added : ஏப் 13, 2021 03:47

சேலம் : சேலத்தில், 10 லட்சம் ரூபாய்க்கு பேத்தியை விற்றதாக, பாட்டியின் ஆடியோ உரையாடல் குறித்து, போலீசார் விசாரணை நடத்துகின்றனர்.

சேலம், அன்னதானப்பட்டியைச் சேர்ந்தவர் சின்னபொன்ணு, 65; சேலம் டவுன் அனைத்து மகளிர் போலீஸ் ஸ்டேஷனில் அளித்த புகார்:என், ௧௦ வயது பேத்தி, அன்னதானப்பட்டியைச் சேர்ந்த ஒரு தொழிலதிபரிடம், வேலை பார்த்து வருகிறாள். ஏற்காடு, சென்னை, கோவா ஆகிய இடங்களுக்கு, பேத்தியை அழைத்து செல்கிறார். விசாரணை நடத்தி, பேத்தியை என்னிடம் சேர்க்க வேண்டும்.இவ்வாறு அதில் தெரிவித்துள்ளார்.

இதுகுறித்து, 'சைல்டு லைன்' அமைப்புக்கு, போலீசார் தகவல் தரவே, அவர்கள் சிறுமியை மீட்டு, காப்பகத்தில் சேர்த்தனர். இந்நிலையில், சின்ன பொன்ணு, தன் உறவுக்கார பெண்ணிடம் மொபைல் போனில் பேசிய ஆடியோ வெளியாகி உள்ளது. 'அதில், 10 லட்சம் ரூபாய்க்கு, பேத்தியை விற்பனை செய்து விட்டேன்' என, தெரிவித்துள்ளார். சமூக வலைதளங்களில், இந்த ஆடியோ பரவி வருகிறது. இதுகுறித்து, டவுன் அனைத்து மகளிர் போலீசார் விசாரிக்கின்றனர்.

கொரோனா பணியில் நர்ஸ் மரணம் நிவாரணம் குறித்து பரிசீலிக்க உத்தரவு

கொரோனா பணியில் நர்ஸ் மரணம் நிவாரணம் குறித்து பரிசீலிக்க உத்தரவு

Added : ஏப் 13, 2021 00:59

மதுரை : கொரோனா தடுப்புப் பணியில் இறந்த, அரசு மருத்துவமனை நர்ஸ் குடும்பத்திற்கு இழப்பீடு கோரிய மனுவை அரசு பரிசீலிக்க, உயர் நீதிமன்ற மதுரைக் கிளை உத்தரவிட்டது.

ராமநாதபுரம் மாவட்டம், பரமக்குடி பாண்டியூரைச் சேர்ந்த, இளையராஜா தாக்கல் செய்த மனு:என் மனைவி கலைச்செல்வி. இரண்டு மைனர் குழந்தைகள். என் மனைவி, ராமநாதபுரம் அரசு மருத்துவமனையில், நர்சாக, 2013ல் நியமிக்கப்பட்டார். ஒப்பந்த அடிப்படையில், தொகுப்பூதியம் வழங்கப்பட்டது.சிறப்பு வார்டுகடந்த, 2020ல் கொரோனா சிறப்பு வார்டில் பணிபுரிந்தார். அவருக்கு கொரோனா தொற்று ஏற்பட்டது. அதே மருத்துவமனையில் சிகிச்சை பெற்றார். ஆக., 13ல் இறந்தார்.

'கொரோனா தடுப்பில் முன்னின்று பணிபுரியும் அலுவலர்கள், டாக்டர்கள், நர்ஸ்கள், மருத்துவ பணியாளர்கள் இறந்தால், அவர்களின் குடும்பத்திற்கு, 50 லட்சம் ரூபாய் நிவாரணம் வழங்கப்படும். 'குடும்ப உறுப்பினர் ஒருவருக்கு, தகுதி அடிப்படையில் அரசுப் பணி வழங்கப்படும்' என தமிழக அரசு அறிவித்தது.இதனடிப்படையில், முதல்வரின் பொது நிவாரண நிதியில் இருந்து இழப்பீடு கோரி, சுகாதாரத் துறைக்கு விண்ணப்பித்தேன்.

'கலைச்செல்வியின் பணி, வரன்முறை செய்யப்படவில்லை; இதனால் இழப்பீடு, கருணைப் பணி கோர முடியாது' என நிராகரித்தனர். சரியாக பரிசீலிக்காமல், பாகுபாட்டுடன் உத்தரவிடப்பட்டுள்ளது. வருவாய் இழப்புமனைவி இறந்ததால் குடும்பத்திற்கு வருவாய் இழப்பு ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. நிராகரித்த உத்தரவை ரத்து செய்து, இழப்பீடு வழங்க உத்தரவிட வேண்டும். இவ்வாறு, மனுவில் கோரியிருந்தார்.நீதிபதி எம்.எஸ்.ரமேஷ், ''மருத்துவம் மற்றும் ஊரக நலப் பணிகள் இயக்குனர், மனுவை, 12 வாரங்களில் தகுதி அடிப்படையில், சட்டத்திற்கு உட்பட்டு பரிசீலித்து, தகுந்த உத்தரவு பிறப்பிக்க வேண்டும்,'' என்றார்.

அண்ணா பல்கலையில் கொரோனா கட்டுப்பாடு

அண்ணா பல்கலையில் கொரோனா கட்டுப்பாடு

Added : ஏப் 13, 2021 00:28

சென்னை : அண்ணா பல்கலையில் பணியாற்றும் பலருக்கு, கொரோனா தொற்று உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. அதனால், பல்கலை வளாகத்தில், கொரோனா கட்டுப்பாடு தீவிரப்படுத்தப்பட்டுள்ளது.

சென்னையில் உள்ள அண்ணா பல்கலையின் இணைப்பு அங்கீகாரத்தில், மாநிலம் முழுதும், 550க்கும் மேற்பட்ட இன்ஜினியரிங் கல்லுாரிகள் செயல்படுகின்றன. தமிழகத்தில், கொரோனா தொற்று பரவல் அதிகரித்ததால், கல்லுாரி மாணவர்களுக்கு, மார்ச், 31 உடன் நேரடி வகுப்புகள் நிறுத்தப்பட்டன. ஆன்லைன் வழியில் மட்டுமே வகுப்புகள் நடத்தப்படுகின்றன.அதேநேரம், பல்கலையில் பணியாற்றும் பேராசிரியர்கள், பணியாளர்கள் மற்றும் அலுவலர்கள், தினமும் பல்கலைக்கு வந்து, பணிகளை கவனிக்கின்றனர்.

அவர்களில் சிலருக்கு உடல் நலக்குறைவு ஏற்பட்டு, மருத்துவமனையில் சேர்க்கப்பட்டனர். அதில், கொரோனா சோதனையில், தொற்று உறுதி செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. இதையடுத்து, பல்கலை வளாகத்தில் பணியாளர்கள், பேராசிரியர்கள் கூடி நிற்க வேண்டாம். அலுவலகங்களில் அருகருகே இருக்கைகளை அமைத்து கொள்ள வேண்டாம். முக கவசம் கட்டாயம் அணிய வேண்டும் என, பல்கலை நிர்வாகம் அறிவுறுத்தி உள்ளது.

கொரோனா கட்டுப்பாடுகளால் தள்ளாடும் அரசு பஸ்கள்

கொரோனா கட்டுப்பாடுகளால் தள்ளாடும் அரசு பஸ்கள்

Added : ஏப் 13, 2021 00:04

கொரோனா தடுப்பு நடவடிக்கையாக, பஸ்களில், இருக்கைகளில் மட்டுமே பயணியரை ஏற்றிச் செல்ல வேண்டும் என்ற கட்டுப்பாட்டால், அரசு பஸ்கள் ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் அதிக நஷ்டத்தை சந்தித்து வருகின்றன.

தமிழகத்தில், 22 ஆயிரம் அரசு பஸ்கள் இயக்கப்பட்டு, 2.25 கோடி பேர் பயணித்த நிலையில், பஸ் கட்டண உயர்வுக்குப் பின், 1.75 கோடி பேர் மட்டுமே பயணித்தனர். நஷ்டம்கடந்த ஆண்டு கொரோனா ஊரடங்கிற்குப் பின், பயணியரின் எண்ணிக்கை மேலும் குறைந்தது. இந்நிலையில், தற்போது இருக்கைகளில் மட்டுமே பயணியரை ஏற்றிச் செல்ல வேண்டும் என, அரசு உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளதால், பஸ்களின் எண்ணிக்கை அதிகரிக்கப்பட்டுள்ள நிலையில், பயணியரின் எண்ணிக்கை குறைந்துள்ளது.

இதனால், நஷ்டம் அதிகரித்துள்ளது.இதுகுறித்து, போக்குவரத்து அதிகாரிகள் கூறியதாவது: தமிழக அரசு போக்குவரத்து கழக பஸ்களின் வாயிலாக, ஏற்கனவே மாதம், 900 கோடி ரூபாய் வருவாய் கிடைத்தது. அதில், 330 கோடி ரூபாய் சம்பளமாக வழங்கப்பட்டது. 650 கோடி ரூபாய், டீசல் மற்றும் பராமரிப்புக்கு, ஒவ்வொரு மாதமும் செலவானது. அந்த வகையில், ஒவ்வொரு மாதமும், 80 கோடி ரூபாய் வரை நஷ்டம் ஏற்பட்டது.கொரோனா ஊரடங்குக்குப் பின், எந்த வருவாயும் இல்லாமல், செலவு மட்டும் அதிகரித்தது. இந்நிலையில், தற்போது, தினமும், 10 கோடி ரூபாய்க்கு மேல் வசூல் குறைகிறது. அத்துடன், ஒவ்வொரு பஸ்சுக்கும் ஆண்டுக்கு, ௧ லட்சம் ரூபாய் வரியாக செலுத்தப்படுகிறது.

சுங்கக் கட்டணம் உள்ளிட்ட வகையில் செலவு ஏற்படுகிறது.சென்னை மாநகர போக்குவரத்து கழகங்களில், கொரோனா ஊரடங்குக்குப் பின், 2,200 பஸ்கள் இயக்கப்பட்டு, தினமும், 30 லட்சம் ரூபாய் வருவாய் ஈட்டப்பட்டது. 'இ- - பாஸ்'தற்போது, 2,700 பஸ்கள் இயக்கப்பட்டு, 15 லட்சம் ரூபாய் மட்டுமே வருவாயாக கிடைக்கிறது. இதனால், டீசல், பராமரிப்பு, சம்பளம் உள்ளிட்ட வகையில், கூடுதல் செலவாகிறது. அதேபோல, விரைவு போக்குவரத்து கழகத்திலும், 2.15 கோடி ரூபாய் தினமும் வசூலான நிலையில், 1.60 கோடி ரூபாய் மட்டுமே, தற்போது வருவாய் கிடைக்கிறது.

தற்போது, கர்நாடகாவில் இருந்து தமிழகத்திற்கு வர, 'இ- - பாஸ்' நடைமுறை உள்ளதால், பெங்களூரு உள்ளிட்ட நகரங்களில் இருந்து, வருவோரின் எண்ணிக்கையும் குறைந்துள்ளது. அதேபோல், திருப்பதி ஏழுமலையான் கோவிலில், இலவச தரிசன வசதி நிறுத்தப்பட்டு உள்ளதால், ஆந்திரா செல்வோரின் எண்ணிக்கையும் கணிசமாக குறைந்துள்ளது. எனவே, அரசு பஸ்கள் செலவுகளை சமாளிக்க முடியாமல், தள்ளாடும் நிலைக்கு சென்றுள்ளன. எனவே, அரசு பஸ்களுக்கு, சுங்கக் கட்டணம், சாலை வரி மற்றும் டீசல் வரி உள்ளிட்டவற்றை செலுத்த வேண்டாம் என, சலுகை அளித்தால், மக்கள் சேவையை தொய்வின்றி தொடர முடியும்.இவ்வாறு, அவர்கள் கூறினர்.

மன்னார்குடியில் இருந்து பகத் கி கோதிக்கு ரயில்

மன்னார்குடியில் இருந்து பகத் கி கோதிக்கு ரயில்

Added : ஏப் 13, 2021 00:04

சென்னை : மன்னார்குடியில் இருந்து, ராஜஸ்தான் மாநிலம், பகத் கி கோதிக்கு, வாராந்திர சூப்பர் பாஸ்ட் ரயில் இயக்கப்படுகிறது.

இந்த ரயில், மன்னார்குடியில் இருந்து, மே, 3 முதல், திங்கள்கிழமைகளில், மதியம், 1:10க்கு புறப்பட்டு, புதன்கிழமை மாலை, 3:15 மணிக்கு, ராஜஸ்தான் மாநிலம், பகத் கி கோதி நிலையம் சென்றடையும்l பகத் கி கோதி நிலையத்தில் இருந்து, வியாழக்கிழமைகளில், மாலை, 4:10க்கு புறப்பட்டு, சனிக்கிழமை மாலை, 4:40 மணிக்கு மன்னார்குடி சென்றடையும் l இந்த ரயில், திருவாரூர், மயிலாடுதுறை, விழுப்புரம், தாம்பரம், சென்னை எழும்பூர் மற்றும் ஆந்திரா மாநிலம், சூலுார்பேட்டை வழியாக இயக்கப்படும். இதற்கான முன்பதிவு இன்று துவங்குகிறது.