Allahabad High Court Issues Show Cause Notice To State Election Commission Over Death Of 135 Panchayat Election Duty Staff Due To Covid-19

Allahabad High Court Issues Show Cause Notice To State Election Commission Over Death Of 135 Panchayat Election Duty Staff Due To Covid-19: The Allahabad High Court has taken Judicial notice of thedeath of 135 persons, who were on elect

Judge wants to learn about same sex relationships before penning judgment

Judge wants to learn about same sex relationships before penning judgment

He requests psychologist to assist him in understanding the subject

29/04/2021

Mohamed Imranullah S. CHENNAI

In an unprecedented move, a judge of the Madras High Court has decided to undergo psychoeducation before penning a judgment on same sex relationships.

Justice N. Anand Venkatesh felt the words on the subject should come from his heart and not from his head. Therefore, he requested a psychologist to give him an appointment so that the professional could help him understand such relationships and pave the way for “his evolution”.

Passing interim orders on a petition filed by two young women with same sex orientation, the judge, on Wednesday, said, “Insofar as the request made by the learned counsel S. Manuraj, for the petitioners, to set out guidelines in cases of this nature is concerned, I want to give myself some more time to churn. Ultimately in this case, the words must come from my heart and not from my head, and the same will not be possible if I am not fully woke on this aspect.”

Hence, he wanted to subject himself to psychoeducation with Vidhya Dinakaran, a psychologist. “If I write an order after undergoing psychoeducation, I trust that the words will fall from my heart.”

The two women graduates from Madurai had approached the High Court last month fearing threat to their lives from their parents. They had fled home, taken refuge with a non-governmental organisation in Chennai and were looking for jobs. After holding in-camera proceedings with them and their parents, the judge found that they all required counselling by a psychologist and accordingly asked them to attend a session with Ms. Dinakaran.

After the first round of counselling, the psychologist submitted a report on Wednesday, stating that the petitioners perfectly understand the relationship between them and had absolutely no confusion in their minds.

After taking the report on file, the judge said the parents could not be expected to change their notions overnight.

Therefore, he directed them to attend one more counselling session before the case could be heard next on June 7.

Covaxin shields from B.1.617’

Covaxin shields from B.1.617’

People vaccinated with it protected against double mutant variant: study

29/04/2021

Safe bet: A health worker giving a shot of Covaxin in New Delhi. SHIV KUMAR PUSHPAKAR Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

R. PrasadCHENNAI

A study has found that people who have been vaccinated with Covaxin have protection against the double mutant (B.1.617) variant first found in India. A preprint of the study carried out by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and Bharat Biotech researchers has been posted in biorXiv. Preprints are yet to be peer-reviewed and published in medical journals.

So far, 21 countries have detected the B.1.617 variant. Of those, the majority of cases has been reported from India.

The researchers used the sera collected from 28 people who had participated in the Covaxin phase-2 trial. They also collected sera samples from 17 people who were infected with older strains of SARS-CoV-2 virus and had recovered. “The study found that the neutralising capacity against the double mutant [B.1.617] variant was found to be good in both groups — people who have received the vaccine and those who have recovered from COVID-19,” say Dr. Samiran Panda, a senior scientist at ICMR and one of the co-authors of the preprint. “Compared with people who have recovered from COVID-19, the ability of the sera of vaccinated people to neutralise the B.1.617 variant was found to be two-fold less.”

An earlier study had found that Covaxin neutralises the B.1.1.7 variant first found in the U.K.

“The assurance of neutralisation of B.1.617 variant with sera of Covaxin vaccines and recovered COVID-19 sera will provide the much-needed boost for the COVID-19 vaccination programme in India,” the authors write.

Speaking to presspersons during a conference call on April 27, Dr. Antony Fauci, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), said: “Despite the real difficulty that we’re seeing in India, vaccination could be a very important antidote against this [variant].”

The B.1.617 variant has two mutations — E484Q and L425R — of concern. These mutations are found in the receptor-binding domain of the spike protein. Though how the two mutations behave individually is well-known, the combined effect of these mutations when present together is not known. “Further studies are needed to understand the transmissibility and infectivity of the B.1.617 variant,” the authors write.

AI Express suspends flight to Kuala Lumpur

AI Express suspends flight to Kuala Lumpur

29/04/2021

Special Correspondent Tiruchi

Air India Express suspended its service on the Tiruchi-Kuala Lumpur sector from Wednesday.

The move by the State carrier followed restrictions imposed by Malaysia on incoming flights from India in view of the prevailing COVID-19 situation.

Airport sources said Air India Express had been operating flights to the Malaysian capital from Tiruchi under the Vande Bharat Mission.

However, the service was suspended in view of the restrictions imposed by the Malaysian government on flights coming from India.

Air India Express, however, continued to operate daily flights to Singapore from Tiruchi, the airport sources further added

CMCH nurses stage protest over manpower shortage

CMCH nurses stage protest over manpower shortage

29/04/2021

Nurses staging a protest at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital on Wednesday.

Staff Reporter COIMBATORE

Nurses working at the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital (CMCH) on Wednesday staged a protest, seeking attention of the government into severe manpower shortage. Organisers of the protest said that 320 nurses were currently working at the hospital of which 100 of them are from the Government Medical College and ESI Hospital, Coimbatore, on deputation.

According to them, the nurses were working in three shifts, taking care of the COVID-19 wards and other wards at the hospital. “The normal inpatients range from 1,100 to 1,200 at the hospital. In addition, COVID-19 patients are being treated. The current strength is insufficient and nurses are working under tremendous stress now,” said a representative. Of the existing strength, a few nurses will be on leave, including those who get tested positive for COVID-19 infection, she said. “More than 50 nurses had COVID-19 last year. Nurses are getting tested positive for the disease in the second wave, too,” a nurse said.

CMCH had 514 COVID-19 patients as per the data shared by the district administration as of Wednesday evening. CMCH Dean A. Nirmala held talks with the nurses. They said that the Dean has assured to represent their demands.

Private hospitals bear the brunt of vaccine shortage

Private hospitals bear the brunt of vaccine shortage

29/04/2021

Wilson Thomas COIMBATORE

Many private hospitals in Coimbatore have complained of shortage of COVID-19 vaccines as they are unable to administer doses to people who come for first and second jabs alike.

Some hospitals had to send back people who had come from faraway places after making registrations through the CoWIN portal.

One of the directors of a private hospital told The Hindu that it was unable to give first and second shots to people who came for vaccination on Wednesday.

“We had to return people who took the first dose of Covaxin from our centre and came for the second shot on Wednesday due to lack of supply. Covishield also ran out of stock.

The Health Department is not giving clear information regarding the supply due to which we are unable to give assurance to people,” said the director-cum-doctor.

He added that if the shortage of supply persists, the crisis will escalate from May 1 when vaccine rollout for all aged above 18 starts.

An administrative official from a private hospital in Coimbatore said that private hospitals were not getting proper communication about the registrations done through CoWIN portal.

“People come to private vaccination centres after making registration through the CoWIN portal. However, the centres are not getting details of the registrations from the central portal. The portal allows registration for vaccination from a centre when it is not having vaccine stock.

We had to send back people who had come from faraway places,” said the official.

According to the official, the hospital had returned vaccine doses to the Health Department after it demanded and they were not allotted again.

“We are having minimal stock. We have not been informed about the next allotment though we are constantly contacting the Health Department,” said a spokesperson of another hospital.

An official in the know of vaccine supply in Coimbatore district said that the stock at the main walk-in cooler of the Health Department was minimal. He added that all the districts in the State were in the wait for adequate stock of vaccines.

HC upholds enhancing minimum age for recruiting doctors to govt. service

HC upholds enhancing minimum age for recruiting doctors to govt. service

29/04/2021

Special Correspondent

The High Court of Karnataka has upheld enhancement of minimum age to 26 years from 21 years for recruiting doctors to posts of senior medical officers, specialists, and general duty medical officers in the Department of Health and Family Welfare.

“There is reasonable classification and a rational nexus exists with the object sought to be achieved by amending the minimum age criteria from 21 to 26 and it is not violative of Article 14 or Article 16 of the Constitution of India,” the court held.

A Division Bench comprising Justice Aravind Kumar and Pradeep Singh Yerur passed the order while dismissing the petitions filed by Vikas Gowda K.P and others who are working in government service on contract basis.

The petitioners had questioned the constitutional validity of Directorate Health and Family Welfare Services (Recruitment of Senior Medical Officer/Specialists, General Duty Medical Officers and Dental Health Officers) (Special) (Amendment) Rules, 2020.

The court said that enhancement of minimum age is based on the intelligible differentia of experience and rural service with the object to provide experienced medical service to the public.

Pointing out that a candidate joining MBBS course would be around 25 years when completing MBBS course of four-and-a-half-years, and the internship and the compulsory rural service of one year each in Karnataka, the Bench said that fixing of 26 years of age for appointment cannot be termed as arbitrary in nature.

Stating that it is the prerogative of the State government to fix age criteria for recruitment to a particular post and the courts cannot interfere, the Bench also said that one of the reason for enhancing minimum limit was to absorb doctors having rural work experience into government service.

Coimbatore couple pledges jewellery, donates 100 fans to Covid ward

Coimbatore couple pledges jewellery, donates 100 fans to Covid ward

It was a sultry Tuesday afternoon when Radha* and Chandran* visited the hospital and offered to donate 100 pedestal fans to the Covid ward.

Published: 29th April 2021 04:32 AM 

Though the couple requested to avoid publicity, Express decided to carry the photograph released by the dean as they were anyway wearing masks

By Express News Service

COIMBATORE: Humanity is all that counts in these times of darkness and uncertainty. While most people are actively arranging oxygen cylinders and Remdesivir drug for needy patients through social media, one couple from Coimbatore is providing relief to infectees at the ESI hospital here.

It was a sultry Tuesday afternoon when Radha* and Chandran* visited the hospital and offered to donate 100 pedestal fans to the Covid ward. The hospital administration was elated at not just their generosity, but their way of offering, for the couple had pledged their ornaments to make this donation.

M Raveendran, the dean of the hospital, told Express, “We were initially reluctant to accept the offer. But they just wouldn’t leave the premises without making the donation.” The couple had in fact, pledged gold ornaments worth Rs 2.20 lakh to buy the fans. Since Radha and Chandran were so certain about their decision, Raveendran contacted District Collector S Nagarajan, and got a go-ahead to accept the offer.

“The good samaritans also requested us to avoid publicising their contribution as they called it a favour they did for Covid patients,” said the dean. The fans donated by the couple are kept on the third floor where Covid patients are being treated.

The dean said they had recently purchased about 300 fans to be equipped in Covid wards as they are not supposed to turn on air-conditioning. “We have also requested philanthropists to come forward and donate fans,” he added. When Express contacted the couple, they said the contribution was made for patients’ welfare and refused to comment further.

However, the ESI hospital on Tuesday night, came out with a letter stating that a city-based couple had sponsored 100 pedestal fans by pledging jewellery. The couple did not have cash in hand and that is why they pledged the ornaments, the statement said.

(*Names changed)

From the archives: When MGR sailed on sympathy in 1984 polls

From the archives: When MGR sailed on sympathy in 1984 polls

The 1984 elections was held in the backdrop of assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Published: 28th April 2021 04:12 AM |

By S Kumaresan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: The 1984 elections was held in the backdrop of assassination of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The parliament and State Assembly members resigned as her son and heir apparent Rajiv Gandhi sought a fresh mandate. Soon after 1980 poll victory of AIADMK, Congress ditched its ally DMK and joined hands with the MGR’s party. They both contested as allies in 1984, and swept the polls. What helped the Congress was the sympathy for Indira Gandhi and MGR.

MGR’s party earned the unique distinction of winning Assembly polls for three consecutive times and that too when its CM candidate did not even campaign. The only campaign material for AIADMK were the visuals of MGR undergoing treatment and the funeral procession of Indira Gandhi. Also were the songs seeking MGR’s well-being. And it worked. AIADMK won 132 of the 155 seats it contested and its ally Congress won 61 of the 73. DMK was pushed to a distant third with just 24 MLAs.

The party had campaigned by placing corruption charges against the AIADMK and the massacre of Sikhs by Congressmen in the wake of Indira Gandhi’s assasination. It was J Jayalalithaa who compensated for the absence of MGR by extensively campaigning for the party and this also marked a milestone in her political career. Also, for DMK leader M Karunanidhi, this period proved that despite the party losing three elections, there could not even be a word raised against his leadership.

In this tenure as the CM, MGR managed to achieve a major victory in the Sri Lankan Tamils issue. He was instrumental in signing of India-Sri Lanka accord between the then PM Rajiv Gandhi and Lankan president JR Jayewardene, aimed at resolving the Lankan civil war. For the DMK, the renewed attempt by the Congress to impose Hindi came handy to put MGR in check. The new education policy envisaged setting up of Navodaya schools where Hindi will be one of the languages taught. It was also said that the Centre was insisting that all communications with it from the States should be in Hindi.

While MGR was not very vocal in his opposition, Karunanidhi and his partymen staged massive protests. Citing the incident in which the DMK burnt copies of the section of the Constitution, 10 MLAs were disqualified by the Speaker. Karunanidhi was sentenced to 10 weeks in jail. In prison, he was given the white uniform for convicts in half trousers. His photo in the prison uniform leaked in newspapers and caused much outrage. 1986 was also an eventful year for it was in that year MGR abolished the Legislative Council. This was after his nominee, actress ‘Venniraadai’ Nirmala, could not become a member since she had declared insolvency.

DMK had subsequently tried to revive the Legislative Council and could not till date. It remains even now a poll promise of DMK. In the next year, 1987, the State was rocked by Vanniyar Sangam protests seeking exclusive reservations. Its members blocked the transport movement for about a week in northern districts and ended with police crack down, killing 13 people in firings. This was followed by talks with its representatives but no decision was taken on the issue as MGR met with a sudden death on December 24, 1987. This led to another period of turmoil.

VR Nedunchezhiyan immediately assumed as the CM. The next month, MGR’s wife Janaki Ramachandran was elected as the CM and she was sworn in. However, the party was split into two as J Jayalalithaa also laid claim to the leadership of the party. On January 28, 1988, amidst unprecedented events in the Assembly, Janaki Ramachandran won the vote of confidence with support of just 99 members. Supporters of Janaki and Jayalalithaa clashed in the Assembly and Speaker PH Pandian disqualified six supporters of Jayalalithaa.

In the afternoon session, when just 110 members were present in the house, she won the vote of confidence. However, in just two days, on January 30, the Centre dissolved the government and imposed President’s rule. Meanwhile, actor Sivaji Ganesan was upset with this move and quit Congress. He floated a new political party, Tamilaga Munnetra Munnani. After the State government was dissolved, the then PM Rajiv Gandhi frequently visited and toured across TN with the aim of reviving Congress. History showed he was not very successful in this.

Last MGR cabinet

Cabinet members of

MGR’s third regime

(1985-1987): VR

Nedunchezhiyan,

S Ramachandran,

KA Krishnaswamy,

RM Veerappan, C

Aranganayagam,

K Kalimuthu, C

Ponnaiyan, HV Hande,

S Muthusamy, S

Thirunavukkarasu,

R Soundararajan,

MR Govendhan,

Gomathi Srinivasan,

Vijayalakshmi

Palanisamy, YSM Yusuf,

KKSSR Ramachandran,

K Rajaram, VV

Swaminathan,

T Veerasamy, N

Nallusamy, Anoor

PG Jagadeesan,

T Ramasamy, A

Arunachalam

1984 POLLS

Tota l seats :234

AIADMK won : 132

(37.03% vote share)

INC: 61 (16.28%)

DMK : 24 (29.34%)

CPI : 2 (2.62%)

CPM: 5 (2.76%)

Janata: 3 (2.28%)

Gandhi Kamaraj

Congress: 2 (0.56%)

Ambedkar

Kranti Dal: 1 (0.22%)

Independents: 4

Remdesivir: Higher demand, longer wait

Remdesivir: Higher demand, longer wait

Govt hospital lands in controversy after complaints that Remdesivir was being diverted to the grey market; cost of one vial touches Rs 30K

Published: 29th April 2021 04:34 AM 

Kin of patients waiting to buy the drug at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital in Chennai

By Express News Service

CHENNAI/SALEM/TIRUNELVELI: With the demand for Remdesivir soaring, and queues outside counters getting longer, TS Selvavinayagam, Director of Public Health, in a video message on Wednesday clarified that the drug is not a life-saving one and is not recommended as mandatory by the WHO.

“Unnecessary panic buying is a cause for concern. Not all patients need Remdesivir, and it does not increase one’s survival chances; it can only reduce the duration of hospital stay for symptomatic patients,” he added. Noting that all government hospitals have sufficient stock, purchased through TNMSC, he said private hospitals should not make people run pillar to post.

Meanwhile, relatives of a Covid patient, admitted to Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital, alleged that the nurses had written Remdesivir in the case sheet for three days without administering it. Speaking to media, one Saravanan, said: “As soon as I raised the issue, the nurses struck out Remdesivir from the list.

When I checked other patients’ case sheets, I realised that the staff had done the same. I suspect malpractice,” he added. Express contacted a hospital authority who refuted the allegations and said the staff might have written Remdesivir “by mistake”.

As State gasps, some are busy stuffing coffers

Not very far away, in Salem, the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital (GMKMCH) landed in a controversy after complaints that Remdesivir was being diverted to the grey market. A single dose is allegedly sold in Rs 10,000 to Rs 30,000 range in the district. The hospital administration refuted the charges but has ordered an inquiry. Hospital sources, however, admitted that the drug was being diverted to the grey market. “It is a fact that Remdesivir is sold to private hospitals in Salem and also in other districts. Records were fudged to show that it was given to in-patients.

DE BADATTA ADATTAADATTA ADATTA MA LLICK

This started in January and people involved in this are making a lot of money,” said a doctor on condition of anonymity. While officials in the district medical warehouse did not respond to questions on the stock supplied to the GMKMCH, Dr R Murugaesan, who is the dean of the hospital, said: “After assuming office, I verified availability of the drug and doses administered to patients.

There is no mismatch.” Relatives of a 70-year-old Covid patient, admitted to a private hospital, said, “The hospital told us that it did not have Remdesivir in stock and that it could be bought from the GMKMCH. When we approached them, officials told us that it was meant for in-patients only. We then got to know that the State is selling Remdesivir at Kilpauk Medical College in Chennai for Rs 1,500.

We will be going to Chennai to buy it.” Meanwhile, serpentine queues are being witnessed at Government Kilpauk Medical College Hospital, where a special counter for the sale of Remdesivir was opened on Monday. Some even fainted while standing under the scorching sun. A request from one of the treating doctors stating that the patient is receiving oxygen support, with the hospital’s name, RT-PCR positive report, CT scan report showing severe lung involvement, and Aadhaar card are mandatory to purchase the drug. T he counter will be open from 10 am to 5 pm.

What is this drug for?

The treatment protocol issued by AIIMS, ICMR-Covid national task force and the joint monitoring group states Remdesivir can be used in patients with moderate to severe disease within 10 days of onset of symptoms. It is not to be used in patients not on oxygen support, or in home settings, the Health Ministry had said.

HC: Holding Kumbh made Uttarakhand a laughing stock

HC: Holding Kumbh made Uttarakhand a laughing stock

Prashant.Jha@timesgroup.com

Nainital:29.04.2021

The Uttarakhand high court (HC) on Wednesday took to task the state government over the Covid-19 situation, saying that the “state has become a laughing stock” over organising the Kumbh Mela in the midst of a raging pandemic.

The remarks came in the form of an oral observation from the bench of Chief Justice RS Chauhan and Justice Alok Kumar Verma while it was hearing a bunch of PILs about the state's handling of the Covid-19 situation.

The judges also questioned the decision of going ahead with the Char Dham Yatra which is slated to begin from next month, saying that the prospect of conducting the pilgrimage in these times is “a frightening one.” The government, meanwhile, said that it will come with the SOPs for the yatra very soon.

The court also issued a series of directions after it was informed by counsels appearing for the petitioners about the shortage of beds and oxygen which is causing panic among patients and their kin.

Full report on www.toi.in

Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

MISSION EXAMINATION

Tips for students to stay motivated during these uncertain times

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

29.04.2021 

Today’s generation needs to equip itself with multiple skill sets and interest sets as that is the key to preparing for the future, said Anil Srinivasan at the twopart Facebook Live webinar Mission Examination held on Wednesday, an initiative by The Times of India and presented by Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai.

The Kalaimamani award winner and pianist, who was part of the first session on helping students of class 10, 11 and 12 stay motivated and focused in these uncertain times, also advised students to look for short term online courses to upskill. “Try this three-step formula -- create an information database; take short term courses that you are interested in; and pursue your passions.”

Education consultant Ruchi Mohunta said children need to start thinking about what they want to do when they are in class 9, then revisit their choices in class 11, and again when they are in college. “It is never too late to change your career,” she said. “Career guidance for children begins with conversations at home with parents.”

V Jayakumar, Chairperson, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Amrita School of Engineering, said he believed there is no short cut to hard work. “Put a little extra effort each day. It will translate to so much more over the months and years. For instance, I wanted to improve my English vocabulary. Every day I learn ten new words.”

In the second session on ‘Clearing your mind and destressing during uncertain times’, health and education experts shared their views and clarified doubts of viewers on how to stay motivated while locked at home and the way forward in the education system.

Psychiatrist Dr Kannan Gireesh advised plus two students waiting to write their board exams to look for patterns of negative thoughts and seek help through parents, friends or helplines to release themselves of these thoughts while they prepare for exams. “Use the diary technique to write and release your thoughts, and use peer learning to prepare for exams,” he said.

For students preparing for both board and competitive exams, Balaji Sampath, director of Ahaguru said students should spend an hour and half for school homework and consistently spend three to four daily to prepare for competitive exams. “Three hours of daily preparation is enough to top all competitive exams,” he said.

With virtual classes becoming the only option for teaching school and colleges for the last one year, Prof Vinata Sai, chairperson, Department of science and humanities, Amrita School of Engineering, Chennai, said education institutions may adopt a blended learning where students will experience both online and face to face teaching. “The initial euphoria about online classes has died down. Today we understand we have to supplant online teaching with face to face teaching. Though online classes have become an integral part of teaching, a teacher cannot be replaced,” she said.

GCC to hire 150 doctors, nurses in two days

GCC to hire 150 doctors, nurses in two days

Chennai:29.04.2021 

Greater Chennai Corporation will hire 150 doctors and nurses on a temporary basis in the next two days to manage crowd at triaging centres as many people flock hospitals due to the Covid-19 second wave.

The doctors will be paid ₹60,000 per month and nurses ₹15,000.

Interested candidates can walk-in directly to Ripon Buildings for the interview on April 29 and 30, with their original documents. They will not be made permanent employees. The doctors and nurses will have to work at the fever camps, screening centres and vaccination centres during the pandemic. TNN

SII cuts vax price for states to ₹300/dose

SII cuts vax price for states to ₹300/dose

Rupali.Mukherjee@timesgroup.com

29.04.2021

Facing a public outcry over pricing of Covishield, Serum Institute of India on Wednesday announced a 25% or ₹100 reduction in its price for state governments, describing it as a “philanthropic gesture”. The bad news is that at ₹300 a shot, it will still be twice what the Centre is paying. For private hospitals, the price has been left unchanged at ₹600 a shot.

The vaccine is also unlikely to be easily available in private market until September-October.

A Serum Institute official had earlier told TOI: “Owing to the complexity and urgency of the situation, it is challenging to supply it independently to each corporate entity.”

Criticism from state governments and civil society, however, seems to have forced Serum Institute to reduce prices. A news agency report had also said that the Centre has taken up the issue with Serum Institute and Bharat Biotech as both companies had raised prices.

Covaxin neutralises Indian strain: Fauci

America’s leading pandemic expert Dr Anthony Fauci said most recent data from people who received Covaxin, India’s domestically made Covid-19 vaccine, found it neutralised the 617 variant rampaging through India. “So, despite the real difficulty that we're seeing in India, vaccination could be a very, very important antidote against this virus,” Dr Fauci said at a White House briefing. P 10

Move will save countless lives, says Poonawalla

“As a philanthropic gesture on behalf of @SerumInstIndia, I hereby reduce the price to the states from ₹400 to ₹300 per dose, effective immediately; this will save thousands of crores of state funds going forward. This will enable more vaccinations and save countless lives,” the company CEO Adar Poonawalla said on Wednesday, four days after defending his company’s pricing policy.

He, however, did not comment on his company’s efforts to link Centre’s procurement price with that for states. The Centre’s procurement price was around ₹150 per jab for the initial orders placed in January and March.

Covishield price in India is higher than other countries such as South Africa and Sri Lanka (around ₹390 per dose each), European Union $2.15 (around ₹160) and UN initiative, Covax $3 (around ₹225).

With infection rising at a rapid pace, there is greater demand for vaccines and calls for the government to step up the drive. But manufacturers are unable to step up production.

SHOT OF HOPE: With infection rising at a rapid pace, there is greater demand for vaccines and calls for the government to step up the drive

1.2cr 18+ register for shot, but appointment may get delayed

1.2cr 18+ register for shot, but appointment may get delayed

Time Slots Based On Availability Of Centres: Govt

Sushmi.Dey@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:29.04.2021 

An enthusiastic response greeted the opening of online registrations for Covid-19 vaccination for those above 18 on Wednesday with the Co-Win platform recording over 1.23 crore registrations even though scheduling of appointments for May 1 onwards is not possible as yet.

There were more than 1 crore online registrations with 90% users registered after 4pm, when the portal began accepting 18-plus beneficiaries, a senior official said. The exact numbers of new beneficiaries would be a dynamic figure, officials said. In the first three hours (4-7 pm), 383 million API hits, initially as high as 2.7 million hits per minute, were recorded. As many as 1.45 crore SMS were successfully delivered, the health ministry said.

The registration process was accompanied by the announcement that appointments at state government centres and private centres will depend on how many vaccination centres are ready on May 1 for vaccination of 18-plus beneficiaries. Several states have indicated they may not be able to begin the 18-plus vaccination on May 1. The platform experienced initial glitches as the system was flooded with registration requests and OTPs were not received for a while. The portal, however, became accessible after a while and registrations proceeded smoothly shortly after being opened to the widest category of beneficiaries after 4pm on Wednesday.

A SHOT OF HOPE

Surge in registrations a welcome sign

Though scheduling was not possible, the surge in registrations and high interest in the younger population as evident on social media and WhatsApp conversations was a welcome sign amid concerns that fresh infections are discouraging people from getting vaccinated. It will help convince states, private hospitals and vaccine-makers that there is a demand for vaccination.

As of now, vaccinations are available in private hospitals only for 45 plus people till the end of the month. Thereafter the Centre-supported vaccine rollout for this category will be available only in government hospitals. Under the new scheme, states, private hospitals and corporates can access 50% production of Covishield and Covaxin for the 18 and above category. The intention, according to central officials, is to allow states more leeway in planning vaccinations and creating incentives for vaccine- manufacturers to boost production. The higher price at private hospitals will also allow those who can pay to reduce the load on government facilities.

So far, the vaccination drive was driven by walk-in registrations. Of the total 14.71 crore registrations so far, 9.33 crore are walk-ins, whereas 2.82 crore people are online. Around 2.55 crore health and frontline workers have also been registered by state governments. According to officials, online registrations witnessed a major jump after 4pm on Wednesday. For people between 18-44 years, online registration and booking of appointments is mandatory for receiving a vaccine against Covid-19.

IAS officer of TN cadre new finance secy

IAS officer of TN cadre new finance secy

New Delhi:29.04.2021 

Expenditure secretary T V Somanathan has been designated as the finance secretary, a personnel ministry order issued on Wednesday said.

He is a 1987-batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer of the Tamil Nadu cadre.

The appointments committee of the Cabinet has approved designating Somanathan, secretary, department of expenditure, ministry of finance as the finance secretary, the order said.

The senior-most officer among all the secretaries in the finance ministry is designated as the finance secretary.

Somanathan’s batchmate Debasish Panda is secretary, department of financial services. Tuhin Kanta Pandey and Ajay Seth are secretaries, department of investment and public asset management (DIPAM) and department of economic affairs, respectively. Tarun Bajaj, a 1988-batch IAS officer of the Haryana cadre, is the revenue secretary. PTI

Can’t exempt pvt hospital from civic taxes: Madras HC

‘CHARITABLE TRUST’

Can’t exempt pvt hospital from civic taxes: Madras HC

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:29.04.2021 

City-based Sundaram Medical Foundation’s plea to exempt it from payment of property tax, water and sewerage charges has been rejected by Madras high court.

The hospital has not provided any proof to show that it is providing medical services free of cost to the poor and at confessional rates to others as per the object of the deed of trust under which it was established. Instead, an inspection made in the hospital has revealed that it was treating only the rich and affluent, said Justice S M Subramaniam on Wednesday.

Rejecting a petition from the hospital, the judge said it could not be treated as a charitable trust for the purpose of granting such exemption under the Chennai City Municipal Corporation Act.

“Under the guise of running a charitable medical institution, if huge collections are made for the services provided, then one cannot trust upon the genuineness of the charitable institution and under those circumstances, even the benefit of doubt is to be extended in favour of the revenue and not to the institution,” Justice Subramanian said.

The issue pertains to petitions moved by the foundation challenging demand notices issued by the Chennai Metro Water Supply and Sewerage Board and the Chennai corporation in 2018 demanding payment of pending tax dues over ₹1 crore.

Challenging the demand, the foundation moved the high court. It claimed that it is a charitable institution providing free services to 15% of its total clients.

Refusing to accept the contention, the court held that providing free service to 15% and charging the rest 85% does not amount to doing charity.

Victory banner of AIADMK man creates a flutter

Victory banner of AIADMK man creates a flutter

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Tirupur:29.04.2021

A photograph of a banner proclaiming that AIADMK candidate of Kangayam constituency in Tirupur district A S Ramalingam has won the assembly election with a margin of 13,483 votes surfaced on social media platforms on Wednesday, creating a flutter.

AIADMK candidate Ramalingam disowned the banner and said it was put up by people who do not belong to his party. “Local AIADMK functionaries spotted the banner and removed it promptly as it was a violation of election code. Now the photograph of the banner taken at that time has been circulated. It’s an attempt to defame me and AIADMK,” he said.

The banner had images of late chief ministers C N Annadurai, M G Ramachandran and J Jayalalithaa besides chief minister Edapppadi K Palaniswami and his deputy O Panneerselvam, characteristic of all AIADMK banners.

The words on the banner profusely thanked voters and party cadres for enabling Ramalingam win Kangayam assembly constituency. In 2016, AIADMK allotted Kangayam segment to Kongu Ilaignar Peravai leader U Thaniyarasu who contested in Two Leaves symbol and won with a margin of 13135 votes. This election, AIADMK retained the seat for itself.

Ramalinagam said as soon as the issue was brought to his notice, he inquired about it with the partymen. “Even they were not aware about the identity of people behind this banner. Since the name of the printing press was not there, we could trace them,’’ he said. Ramalingam said he lodged a complaint with the police to take action against those who kept the banner as well as those who circulated images with false information that the banner was kept today.

COME AGAIN?: The banner thanks voters and party cadres for enabling Ramalingam win Kangayam assembly constituency by a margin of 13,483 votes

TOI Vaccine drive for vendors attracts good nos on Day 2

A SHOT OF HOPE

TOI Vaccine drive for vendors attracts good nos on Day 2

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:29.04.2021 

As part of Times of India’s initiative to provide Covid-19 vaccine to newspaper vendors and distributors in and around the city, a vaccination Camp was conducted on Wednesday at ACS Medical College & Hospital, Thiruverkadu.

The Camp was inaugurated by A.C.S. Arun Kumar, President – Dr. MGR Educational & Research Institute and A. Ravi Kumar, Secretary – ACS Medical College & Hospital.

ToI kickstaarted the initiative on Tuesday aiming to vaccinate about 1000 vendors and distributors across the city. On Tuesday, about 80 vendors and distributors were administered the vaccine in a camp held at Bhaarath Medical college and hospital premises in Selaiyur.

On Wednesday, over 85 Vendors and distributors in and around Tirumangalam, Mogappair, Nerkundram, Poonamallee, Thiruverkadu and Maduravoyil attended the camp at ACS college and got vaccinated.

TOI Team is encouraging vendors to take the vaccine by following government protocol and Covid-appropriate protocols such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and frequent handwashing. While vendors aged 45 years and above are being mobilized now as per government norms, from May 1 all aged above 18 vendors will be covered. TOI is helping vendors get inoculated free of cost. The drive will continue till all the eligible vendors in the city are covered.

The drive has attracted positive response from Vendors. Muruganandam, a vendor from Ayanavaram said, “I got my first dose of Covaxin last month and was waiting for the second Covaxin dose, which is very much in demand. Todays camp helped me get my second dose of Covaxin without any delay”

MTC requests office-goers to start early from home to avoid crowd

MTC requests office-goers to start early from home to avoid crowd

Maintaining Social Distancing, Controlling Commuters Tough In Peak Hours

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:29.04.2021 

Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC), Chennai has requested people, who travel to work places regularly in government buses, to start from their homes at least 30 minutes ahead of their routine schedule.

Without public support, MTC officials say it is becoming increasingly difficult to control the crowd and maintain social distancing norms during peak hour commutes.

Even if the entire bus fleet is put into operation, only 1.3 lakh people can be transported now due to Covid-19 travel restrictions in city buses. The new norms restrict standing passengers in MTC buses but official data suggests that during morning peak hours over 4 lakh people use MTC buses.

“Almost 75% among the commuters are people going to office. Almost 1,000 people get down from a suburban train in Tambaram station in one go to board MTC buses to their offices between 8 am and 9 am. The next hour or an hour prior to this, MTC buses run half-empty. So even if 30% to 40% of our regular bus users start early by 30 minutes, we will be able to avoid crowds in buses," said a senior MTC official.

In response, S Dinesh, a regular MTC user from Perungudi said, “What will we do by reaching our office so early? Even the doors will not be open for us to sit and wait for others to join us. MTC has to operate more buses to avoid such problems”.

The MTC official replied saying that there was no point in plying more buses. Diverting Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) mofussil buses, which are usually used for inter-district commute, into city routes is logistically not a good idea. After using them for one trip, they would be parked idle for the rest of the day. But MTC has to pay the bus crew for one full day, he said.

All eight transport corporations including MTC are also currently facing huge losses (roughly ₹13 crore per day), says data.

Given the ban on night buses, people from other TN districts, who come to Chennai for business reasons and medical treatment, are having a tough time reaching the railway stations.

Y Kaveen, who left for Madurai from Egmore station, said that cab drivers don't confirm bookings after 9 pm as they have to reach home before 10 pm deadline. So he paid ₹400 to reach the station from Choolaimedu.

During these trying times, autos and share autos are not only fleecing passengers but are also violating travel norms by transporting up to eight passengers in one trip where the norm allows only one or two passengers at the max per ride. The state transport department continues to be a mute spectator to these violations.

Nagercoil doc suspended for downplaying Covid threat

Nagercoil doc suspended for downplaying Covid threat

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:29.04.2021 

The Tamil Nadu Medical Council has suspended for a year the licence of a Nagercoil-based doctor for downplaying Covid-19 on social media. Dr M S Jackson’s name was deleted from the state medical register.

“The disciplinary committee found his actions unethical and violation of ethical code,” said council president Dr K Senthil. In 2020, when the state was fighting to keep the pandemic under control, Dr Jackson uploaded two videos in social media downplaying the factual information the viral infection and “paying attention only to favourable pieces of information” to project it as “a harmless virus”. He even ridiculed the government for enforcing a lockdown. On September 5, 2020, based on the disciplinary committee opinion, the committee decided to suspend him pending finalization of inquiry.

Dr Jackson, however, moved the Madras high court for a stay on the order, and the court ordered an interim stay until the inquiry is completed. After a detailed inquiry, the council announced his suspension and directed him to surrender his registration certificates.

அரசுப் பேருந்துகளுக்கெனத் தனி இணையதளம்: மாணவரின் நல்முயற்சி!

அரசுப் பேருந்துகளுக்கெனத் தனி இணையதளம்: மாணவரின் நல்முயற்சி!

தமிழ் வண்டி இணையதளத்தின் முகப்பு, உள்படம்: அருணாச்சலம்

தனியார் பேருந்துகள் குறித்த தகவல்கள் இணையத்தில் கொட்டிக் கிடக்கும் சூழலில், தனியொருவராகத் தரவுகளைத் திரட்டி, அரசுப் பேருந்துகள் குறித்த தகவல்களுக்காகத் தனி இணையதளத்தையே உருவாக்கியுள்ளார் அருணாச்சலம் என்னும் எம்பிஏ மாணவர்.

தமிழ் வண்டி.காம் என்ற இணையதளத்தை உருவாக்கியுள்ள அருணாச்சலம், அரசுப் பேருந்துகளின் வழித்தடங்கள், நிறுத்தங்கள், பேருந்துகள் புறப்படும் நேரம், பயண அட்டவணை ஆகியவற்றை அதில் பதிவிட்டு, தொடர்ந்து தகவல்களைப் புதுப்பித்துக் கொண்டிருக்கிறார். மாநிலம் முழுவதும் இயங்கும் 275-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட பேருந்து விவரங்கள் இந்த இணையதளத்தில் உள்ளன.

திருவாரூர் மாவட்டம், கொட்டாரக்குடி கிராமத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் அருணாச்சலம், அடிப்படையில் விவசாயக் குடும்பத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர். 2017-ல் 12-ம் வகுப்பு முடித்ததும் தனியாகப் பயணமொன்றை மேற்கொண்டார். அங்கே பேருந்து நேரத்தைச் சரிவர அறியாமல் சென்னை செல்லும் பேருந்தைத் தவறவிட்டார். இதனால் அங்கு சென்று சிஏ நுழைவுத் தேர்வை எழுதும் வாய்ப்பையும் இழந்தார். தனக்கு ஏற்பட்ட நிலை மற்றவர்களுக்கு ஏற்பட்டுவிடக் கூடாது என்பதற்காகவும் அரசுப் பேருந்துகள் குறித்த விவரங்கள் அதுவரை யாராலும் தொகுக்கப்படவில்லை என்பதாலும் தனி இணையதளத்தை உருவாக்க முடிவெடுத்தார்.கோயம்பேடு பேருந்து நிலைய விவரம்

அதற்குப் பிறகு நடந்தவற்றை அருணாச்சலமே சொல்கிறார்.

''அப்போதில் இருந்து முழுக்க முழுக்க 2 ஆண்டுகளைத் தகவல்களைச் சேகரிப்பதில் மட்டுமே செலவிட்டேன். இதற்காக பி.காம். படிப்பில் சேர்ந்து, வார இறுதி நாட்களில் தமிழகம் முழுக்க ஒவ்வொரு பேருந்து நிலையத்துக்கும் நேரடியாகச் சென்றேன்.

நிறைய ஊர் பேருந்து நிலையங்களில் பேருந்து நேர அட்டவணைக்கான விவரங்கள் இருக்காது. பேருந்து நிலையத்துக்குள் சென்று கேட்பேன். யாரோ ஒரு தனி நபர், சின்ன பையன் தகவல்களைக் கேட்டால் எப்படிச் சொல்வது என்று அங்கிருந்த அதிகாரிகள் தயக்கம் காட்டினர். அதனால் பிறகு நேரம் கிடைக்கும்போது அதே இடங்களுக்குச் சென்று பார்ப்பேன். அட்டவணை ஒட்டப்பட்டிருக்கும் நேரத்தில் புகைப்படம் எடுத்துக் கொள்வேன். இதற்காக மதுரை பேருந்து நிலையத்துக்கு மட்டும் 8 முறை சென்றுள்ளேன்.

தமிழகம் முழுவதும் பெரும்பான்மையான நகரங்கள் அனைத்துக்கும் சொந்தச் செலவில் பயணித்திருக்கிறேன். இதுவரை 400க்கும் மேற்பட்ட பேருந்து நிலையங்களுக்கு நேரில் சென்று தகவல்களைத் திரட்டி, 275-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட பேருந்து நிலையங்களின் கால அட்டவணை விவரங்களை இணையதளத்தில் பதிவேற்றியுள்ளேன். ஒருசில பேருந்து நிலையங்களில் தகவல் கிடைக்கவில்லை என்றால் அங்கிருந்து இரவில் 8 மணி நேரம் பயணிக்கும் வகையில் திட்டமிட்டு, இன்னொரு நகரத்துக்குச் சென்று அங்குள்ள பேருந்து விவரங்களைச் சேகரித்துக் கொள்வேன். பிறகு வீடு திரும்புவேன்'' என்கிறார் அருணாச்சலம்.

தமிழ் வண்டி இணையதளத்தில் பேருந்து கால அட்டவணை தவிர்த்து பேருந்து நிலையங்கள் உருவாக்கப்பட்ட ஆண்டு, அதில் தினசரி பயணிக்கும் பயணிகளின் எண்ணிக்கை, பேருந்துகளின் எண்ணிக்கை, அமைப்பு, பேருந்து நிலையங்களின் அருகே உள்ள உணவகங்கள், ஏடிஎம்கள், கழிப்பறைகள் மற்றும் அருகிலுள்ள சுற்றுலாத் தலங்கள், அவற்றின் தொலைபேசி எண்கள் ஆகிய தகவல்களும் உள்ளன.

மதுரை பேருந்து நிலையத்தில் உள்ள பிற வசதிகள்

தமிழ்நாடு முழுவதும் இயங்கும் அரசுப் பேருந்துகள் மட்டுமல்லாமல், சென்னை, திருச்சி ஆகிய பகுதிகளில் இருந்து பெங்களூரு, மதுரையில் இருந்து திருப்பதி, திருவனந்தபுரம் டூ சென்னை என அண்டை மாநிலங்களில் இருந்து தமிழகம் வந்து செல்லும் பேருந்து விவரங்களையும் அருண் பட்டியலிட்டு, பயணிகளின் பயணத்தை இலகுவாக்கி உள்ளார்.

தமிழ்நாடு அரசு போக்குவரத்துக் கழக (டிஎன்எஸ்டிசி) இணையதளத்துக்கும் தமிழ் வண்டி இணையதளத்துக்கும் என்ன வேறுபாடு என்று அவரிடம் கேட்டதற்கு, ''டிஎன்எஸ்டிசியில் நீண்ட தூரம் செல்லும் அரசுப் பேருந்துகளின் விவரம் மட்டுமே உள்ளது. அதில் சுமார் 1,500 அரசுப் பேருந்துகள், 200 டிஎன்எஸ்டிசி பேருந்துகள் குறித்து அறிந்துகொள்ளலாம். தமிழ் வண்டி இணையதளத்தில் சுமார் 10,000 பேருந்து நேர அட்டவணை விவரங்கள் உள்ளன.

அதேபோல இணையதளதைப் பார்வையிடுபவர்களின் சந்தேகங்களுக்குப் பதிலளிக்கும் வகையிலும், அவர்களின் கருத்துகளைப் பகிரவும் தனியாக இடம் இருக்கிறது. அதைப் பார்க்கும் ஏராளமான பயணிகள் பேருந்து விவரங்கள், குறைந்த தூரத்தில் எப்படிப் பயணிக்கலாம் என்பது குறித்த சந்தேகங்களை இணையத்திலேயே கேட்கிறார்கள். தினந்தோறும் எம்பிஏ வகுப்புகளை முடித்துவிட்டு, அவற்றுக்குப் பதிலளித்துவிட்டுத்தான் பிற வேலைகளுக்குச் செல்வேன்.

பேருந்துப் பயணம் குறித்து அறிந்துகொள்ளும் வசதி

தற்போது கரோனா காரணமாகத் தமிழக அரசின் இரவு நேர ஊரடங்கு அமலில் உள்ளதால், மாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்ட அரசுப் பேருந்துகளின் நேர அட்டவணையையும் பதிவேற்றி உள்ளேன்'' என்கிறார் அருணாச்சலம்.

இணையதளம் தவிர்த்து தமிழ் வண்டிக்கெனத் தனிச் செயலியை உருவாக்கவும் அருணாச்சலம் திட்டமிட்டுள்ளார். இவற்றால் அனைவருக்கும் அரசுப் பேருந்து பயணம் இனி எளிதாகி, இனிதாகும் என்று நம்பிக்கை தெரிவிக்கிறார் மாணவர் அருணாச்சலம்.

இணையதள முகவரி: https://www.tamilvandi.com/

க.சே.ரமணி பிரபா தேவி, தொடர்புக்கு:

 ramaniprabhadevi.s@hindutamil.co.in

ஸ்டார் ஓட்டல் அறைகள் நீதிமன்றம் அதிருப்தி

ஸ்டார் ஓட்டல் அறைகள் நீதிமன்றம் அதிருப்தி

Added : ஏப் 27, 2021 22:41

புதுடில்லி: டில்லி உயர் நீதிமன்ற நீதிபதிகள், நீதிமன்ற அதிகாரிகள் மற்றும் அவர்களது குடும்பத்தினர், கொரோனாவுக்கு சிகிச்சை பெற, ஐந்து நட்சத்திர ஓட்டலில், 100 அறைகள் பிரத்யேகமாக ஒதுக்கப்பட்டதற்கு, உயர் நீதிமன்றம் கடும் அதிருப்தி தெரிவித்துள்ளது.

'டில்லி உயர் நீதிமன்ற நீதிபதிகள் மற்றும் அவர்களது குடும்பத்தினர், கொரோனாவால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டால், அவர்களின் சிகிச்சைக்காக, ஐந்து நட்சத்திர ஓட்டலான, டில்லி அசோகா ஓட்டலில், 100 அறைகள் ஒதுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன' என, சாணக்கியபுரி துணை கலெக்டர் கீதா குரோவர், அறிவித்தார்

இது குறித்து, டில்லி உயர் நீதிமன்றம் கூறியதாவது:நீதிபதிகள், நீதிமன்ற அதிகாரிகள், அவர்களது குடும்பத்தினர் கொரோனாவால் பாதிக்கப்பட்டால், அவர்களுக்கு மருத்துவ மனையில் அனுமதி கிடைக்க ஏற்பாடு செய்ய வேண்டும் என்று தான், நீதிமன்றம் தெரிவித்தது. அசோகா ஓட்டலில், 100 அறைகளை ஒதுக்கும்படி, உங்களிடம் யார் கேட்டது?

இது போன்ற சர்ச்சைகளை ஏன் உருவாக்குகிறீர்கள். ஒரு பிரிவினருக்கு மட்டும், இப்படிப்பட்ட வசதிகளை எப்படி வழங்கலாம்?இந்த விவகாரத்தில், டில்லி அரசு பிறப்பித்த உத்தரவு முற்றிலும் தவறானது. இது தொடர்பாக, டில்லி அரசு பதில் அளிக்க வேண்டும்.இவ்வாறு நீதிமன்றம் தெரிவித்தது.