60k teachers to skip counting of votes in UP polls

60k teachers to skip counting of votes in UP polls

01.05.2021 

Teachers’ unions in Uttar Pradesh, including one affiliated to RSS, announced on Friday they would boycott their poll duty on May 2, the day panchayat election votes would be counted. The unions claim to have more than 60,000 teachers with them, reports Kanwardeep Singh.

UP Shikshak Mahasangh president D C Sharma told TOI, “They (the government) are not at all bothered that we lost 706 teachers (to Covid-19) due to election duty. The number could increase. After a final meeting, we have decided to strike work that day. The government can take any decision they want. The lives of the teachers are more important than anything else.” TNN

Bihar chief secy, judge, 3 lawyers die of Covid-19

Bihar chief secy, judge, 3 lawyers die of Covid-19

Patna:01.05.2021 

Bihar chief secretary Arun Kumar Singh died of Covid-19 at a hospital here Friday, the fourth IAS officer in the state to have fallen to the virus. A 44-year-old additional district judge, who was posted at Sasaram in Rohtas district, three lawyers of the Patna high court and an HC officer also succumbed to Covid in the last 24 hours. Singh’s funeral will take place with full state honours, CM Nitish Kumar said.

While ADJ Piyush Kumar Srivastava died at a Sasaram hospital, former additional advocate general of Bihar Shivaji Nath (75) and high court lawyers Ravindra Griyage and Nirbhay Kumar Singh died in Patna on Friday. TNN

Stipend of Covid duty resident doctors up by 40%

FROM APRIL 1

Stipend of Covid duty resident doctors up by 40%

Came After Surat Doctors Threatened To Boycott Work

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Gandhinagar:01.05.2021 

In a significant decision aimed at ensuring that medical personnel are available without interruption for Covid-19 duties, the Gujarat government on Friday announced a 40% increase in the stipend of resident doctors at Covid hospitals.

The decision was taken after a video conference between deputy CM Nitin Patel and representatives of the Junior Doctor’s Association (JDA) on Friday, even as resident doctors in Surat threatened to boycott work from Saturday. Doctors from across the state extended their support to the Surat doctors.

“We held a video conference with Nitin Patel, who has agreed to our demands to increase the stipend. This should have been done earlier. Now that the stipend has been increased, doctors have withdrawn their decision to boycott work,” said Biswajit Raj, president, JDA.

As many as 6,401 resident doctors — 5,767 at government medical colleges and 634 of GMERS — will benefit from this increase. The government said it will have to bear an additional burden of Rs 100 crore because of the increase.

Although the stipend varies for different years of medical education, on average, the monthly stipend for a resident doctor is about Rs 60,000. There will be a 40% increase to this amount.

Deputy chief minister and state finance minister Nitin Patel, who also holds the health portfolio, ratified the decision from hospital, where he is being treated for Covid-19.

The stipend of resident doctors is revised every three years and Nitin Patel held meetings with representatives of the JDA, which had written to the government, asking for a revision of stipend. Patel said the stipend of doctors of medical, dental, homoeopathy, ayurveda and physiotherapy will increase. The increased stipend will be applicable from April 1.

Covid-orphaned medical student returns to duty

Covid-orphaned medical student returns to duty

20-Year-Old Reports Back At Samras Hostel Despite Losing Parents A Few Weeks Ago

Nimesh.Khakhariya@timesgroup.com

Rajkot:01.05.2021

One day she will graduate as a certified doctor, bound by the oath to treat the sick before considering self. But 20-year-old second-year MBBS student Apeksha Maradiya has already infused herself with the essence of the Hippocratic oath — serving others notwithstanding her own personal twin tragedies.

Life suddenly threw the PDU student of Rajkot into the deep sea when Covid-19 snatched away her parents, one after the other, in a matter of five days only. Her father lost the battle on April 6, while her mother too succumbed to the infection on April 10. Left alone with a 15-year-old brother, the medico didn’t bow to the pressures of the unforeseen, but decided to battle the virus her way. She rejoined her duties in Samras hostel fighting to save the loved ones of others.

There was no pressure on Apeksha to join duty so soon, looking at her unfortunate circumstances, but along with the other medical students she too donned the PPE suit once again on April 27.

“I lost my parents but I decided to do whatever I could do as a medical student to save the lives of loved ones of others that would be the real tribute to my parents,” Maradiya told TOI. She further said that while she is frightened that her younger brother may get infected, there was nothing that she could do to help people by being at home.

“I, therefore, decided to help people. It’s also my duty to help people because I am on the path to becoming a doctor,” the young warrior asserted.

At Samras hostel, Covid patients needing oxygen support are treated. A 30-year-old female patient became critical and was required to be shifted on a ventilator on April 28. “I took her (the patient) in an ambulance to the civil hospital because here we don’t have ventilator beds. I am happy that I could save her life by timely shifting her to the ventilator,” Apeksha, who treats each patient as her family members, said. “I feel so happy when I do something to save their lives from this deadly virus,” she added.

Charansinh Gohil, deputy collector and head of Samras hospital said, “Apeksha could have been spared from this duty by the administration if she so wished. But she gave priority to her duty and instead of drowning in grief, she stood up to fight and heal other people’s pain.”

Apeksha Maradiya, a 20-year-old second-year MBBS student, lost her parents to the pandemic in a matter of five days only

EC moves Madras HC after judge's 'murder' remark goes viral but court refuses to restrain media

EC moves Madras HC after judge's 'murder' remark goes viral but court refuses to restrain media

"Media should be instructed not to sensationalize anything, it is a difficult task to conduct elections in these times," Rakesh Dwivedi for the Election Commission of India submitted.

Published: 30th April 2021 01:24 PM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court on Friday refused to restrain the media despite the submissions made by the Election Commission of India to not report on oral observations made by the court.

The first bench comprising Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy during the hearing of the suo motu plea refused to concur with the submissions made by Rakesh Dwivedi for the Election Commission of India.

"Media should be instructed not to sensationalize anything, it is a difficult task to conduct elections in these times," Dwivedi submitted.

However, the bench said, "We will leave it at that."

It may be recalled that the Madras High Court had orally remarked on Monday that "EC officers should be booked on murder charges probably" for allegedly turning a blind eye to poll rallies amid the COVID-19 second wave.

"Some people have proceeded to lodge FIRs against election officials terming them as murderers, some protection may be granted," the ECI counsel further stated in his submission.

However, the bench refusing to concur, observed that "Courts are there and such frivolous matters will be dealt with."

The bench also in its hearing suggested the state conduct exclusive drives to encourage people to take the Covid-19 vaccinations. The court also directed all the political parties to follow the Covid-19 protocol on the counting day and should keep away from bursting crackers as part of their victory celebrations.

In its interim orders, the bench said ".. information should be made available on the internet and any other medium so that there is no panic whether in seeking the drug or obtaining supplies of oxygen or finding out the nearest bed."

The counsel for the Central government ASG R Sankaranarayanan submitted that a clear picture of the availability of the vaccines, drugs and doses will be available by May 3.

The bench adjourned the plea to May 5 for further suggestions by the Centre by observing that it will be available during the first fortnight of the vacation to take up the urgent matters pertaining to the case.

Tiruvannamalai Remdesivir black marketing: More skeletons expected to tumble out of the closet

Tiruvannamalai Remdesivir black marketing: More skeletons expected to tumble out of the closet

Informed sources said that a well-oiled network of staff at the Govt Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital had been part of the racket to smuggle out Remdesivir.

Published: 30th April 2021 09:11 PM 

The Govt Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital (GTMCH).

By R Sivakumar

Express News Service

TIRUVANNAMALAI: With the arrest of a multipurpose health worker in connection with the life-saving Remdesivir drug racket, more skeletons are expected to tumble out of the closet in the Govt Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital (GTMCH).

Acting on a tip-off, cops attached to Civil Supplies-CID (CS-CID) secured 26-year-old Vignesh, a multipurpose health worker employed on a contract basis, from GTMCH on Thursday.

According to police, their interrogations revealed that he had stolen the drug from the covid wards to hand over his contacts, who, in turn, are alleged to have passed it on to a doctor based at Tambaram in Chennai. The doctor and a few others too were held by the police. Chennai city police are investigating the matter.

A medical officer with the casualty unit of the hospital had allegedly helped Vignesh sneak out the drug from GTMCH. He was also secured by the police for interrogations.

Informed sources said that a well-oiled network of staff at the GTMCH had been part of the racket to smuggle out Remdesivir. They had cleverly worked in the hospital to steal the drug.

As per the practice, Remdesivir vials are received from the pharmacy, after the concerned doctors of the covid ward provide the intent for the drug, and are taken to the wards where it will be kept safely in storerooms before being used.

The records will show without doubt the number of vials sought, handed by the pharmacy, and stocked at the storeroom. But where the unscrupulous elements play is at the end-use stage. Without injecting the drug to all needy patients, these elements steal some of the vials and sell them outside, the sources noted.

“The case sheets of critically ill covid patients are not properly maintained, entries are not rightly made. There wouldn’t be any evidence of whether a particular patient was administered the injection or not. And there is no cross-checking mechanism. So these elements easily sneak out the drug,” said a source.

Remdesivir, a drug of limited efficacy that is not considered life-saving, is in short supply across the nation and is allegedly easily available at two hospitals in Tiruvannamalai, run by doctors employed at GTMCH. Patients from even far-off places reportedly source the drug from Tiruvannamalai.

When queried about the issue, top authorities of GTMCH refused to comment saying that the matter is ‘under police investigation’.

Director of Medical Education (DME) Dr. Narayanababu promised to look into the issue and find out how the drug was stolen.

“The police have already been holding investigations. We will definitely hold inquiries and check the records to find out how the drug was taken out of the hospital and initiate appropriate action,” he said.

Perambalur: Govt school teacher hands over Rs 50k as Covid relief

Perambalur: Govt school teacher hands over Rs 50k as Covid relief

A government school teacher in Perambalur district handed over Demand Draft worth Rs 50,000 to District Collector P Sri Venkata Priya to help Covid patients on Friday.

Published: 01st May 2021 04:53 AM 

By P Thiruselvam

Express News Service

PERAMBALUR: A government school teacher in Perambalur district handed over Demand Draft worth Rs 50,000 to District Collector P Sri Venkata Priya to help Covid patients on Friday.

This is not her first sweet gesture. Last year, she spent a lakh from her savings to buy 16 smartphones and sim cards for Class X students, taking their financial background into account. K Bairavi (41) works as a maths teacher in Elambalur Government Higher Secondary School.

Talking to TNIE, she said, “During the last lockdown, I decided to get my students mobile phones to avail lessons. I have been recharging their sim cards till this month and communicating to them daily. I was very happy when the district was free of coronavirus.

But this year, in the second wave, it is saddening to see people suffer. My students told me that we should offer some help. So, I took ‘Demand Draft’ for Rs 50,000 in the name of the Collector and gave it to her.”

She along with her students went to the collectorate on Friday and handed over the demand draft. The Collector praised Bhairavi for her efforts.

Reduced bank hours leads to crowding in Karur

Reduced bank hours leads to crowding in Karur

Radhakrishnan, a resident of Karur, told TNIE, “Earlier, people used to leave the bank in a few minutes after finishing their work.

Published: 01st May 2021 04:59 AM 

By Express News Service

KARUR/THANJAVUR: Cutting down service hours at banks owing to spread of Covid has come as a cause for concern, as more people are seen flocking the banks, defeating the very purpose of the announcement.

Banking hours were made 10 am to 2 pm from April 26. However, the reduced hours have only led to more people crowding the banks to avail themselves of services like cash deposit, withdrawal, transfer and loan inquires.

Radhakrishnan, a resident of Karur, told TNIE, “Earlier, people used to leave the bank in a few minutes after finishing their work. Now, one has to wait outside in a long queue to enter the bank. And, people have been flocking banks owing to reduced working hours. This issue has to be addressed or the banks will turn into Covid hotspots.”

When contacted, a Health Department official said, “The reduced service hours is definitely a reason for the increased crowding. The decision needs to be reversed or banks must take alternative measures to avoid such huge crowds.”

While a review of the banking hours is expected to be made after April 30, sources said the curtailed timing would continue until further notice. Meanwhile, the branch of a private bank in Kumbakonam was closed on Friday, after its staff tested positive.

According to sources, around 20 people work in the branch near Uchchi Pillayarkoil. One of the staff members took ill a few days ago and subsequently tested positive. The municipality held a camp to collect samples from bank staff, in which three more reportedly tested positive. The branch was closed on Friday.

This TN barber accepts payment in cash or kind for haircut

This TN barber accepts payment in cash or kind for haircut

The practice of taking grain or accepting an yearly payment, irrespective of the number of times a service is utilised, was around when barter system was in vogue.

Published: 01st May 2021 05:05 AM 

Ramaiah

By Aadhithya MS

Express News Service

PUDUKKOTTAI: Try paying a spa a bag of grains after your haircut, and you will perhaps be laughed at. However, Ramaiah (70) of Pudukkottai is more than happy to accept this as payment for his services, reminding people of an old tradition.

The practice of taking grain or accepting an yearly payment, irrespective of the number of times a service is utilised, was around when barter system was in vogue. “I serve customers in villages of Tindaiman Viduthi, Mandhakudi and Kaatupatti. I take my bicycle, my bag of shaving and cutting equipment, and leave to these villages once in three days. On other days, people come to my home to get the service,” says Ramaiah.

He lives with his wife Indrani (65). Though their son Sekar is also a hair dresser, he has set up a shop of his own. Though each customer pays Ramaiah a different sum of money for service, several villagers still pay him in kind either with grains from their harvest or with a one-time payment for a year. “Some time, they will be facing losses or the harvest might be poor. So, they might pay a lesser amount. Still, we manage with that,” says Ramaiah.

On how the villagers have changed with time, he says, “The younger generation might prefer a new and fancy salon. But, elders in these villages are particular to take my service.” Apart from giving people a good look, Ramaiah also serves people in a way which many might hesitate to. His wife Indrani says, “If there is death in a house, they will call my husband to cut the thread knots on toes and to carry out a few rituals. If my husband is ill or not available, my son would go.”

Even as time looks frozen for Ramaiah, he has married off his four daughters and two of them live overseas. Sekar’s son Praveen (19) is studying computer science at a reputable engineering college in Coimbatore.

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை மாவட்டங்களில் கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுப்பது சவாலாக உள்ளது: ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்:

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை மாவட்டங்களில் கரோனா பரவலைத் தடுப்பது சவாலாக உள்ளது: ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்ராதாகிருஷ்ணன்: 

சென்னை

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை உள்ளிட்ட மாவட்டங்களில் கரோனா தொற்றுப் பரவலைத் தடுப்பது சவாலாக உள்ளது என சுகாதாரத்துறைச் செயலாளர் ராதாகிருஷ்ணன் தெரிவித்தார்.

சென்னை டிஎம்எஸ் வளாகத்தில் இன்று (ஏப். 30) அவர் செய்தியாளர்களைச் சந்தித்துப் பேசியதாவது:

"கோவிட் தொற்று ஒவ்வொரு நாளும் அதிகமாகிக் கொண்டிருக்கிறது. நேற்று மட்டும் இந்தியா முழுவதும் 3 லட்சத்து 86 ஆயிரத்து 654 பேர் பாதிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளனர். 3,501 பேர் உயிரிழந்துள்ளனர்.

தமிழ்நாட்டில் பல்வேறு செயல்பாடுகளைக் கட்டுப்படுத்தச் சொல்கிறோம். அரசு கட்டுப்பாடுகளை விதிக்கிறது என்ற எண்ணத்தில் மக்கள் இருக்க வேண்டாம். இதனை உங்கள் கடமையாக நினைத்தால்தான் தொற்று பாதிப்பை வேகமாகக் குறைக்க முடியும்.

சென்னை, செங்கல்பட்டு, கோவை, திருச்சி, சேலம் போன்ற மாவட்டங்கள் இன்னும் நமக்குச் சவாலாகத்தான் உள்ளன. சென்னை, ராணிப்பேட்டை, கோவை, தேனி ஆகிய மாவட்டங்களில் தொற்று பாதிப்பு உறுதி செய்யும் விகிதம் அதிகமாக இருக்கிறது. செங்கல்பட்டு, திருவண்ணாமலை, நாகப்பட்டினம், தூத்துக்குடி, சேலம், திருவள்ளூர் போன்ற மாவட்டங்களும் நமக்குச் சவாலாக உள்ளன. மாவட்ட ஆட்சியர்கள், சுகாதாரப் பணியாளர்கள் களப்பணியாற்றிக் கொண்டிருக்கின்றனர்".

இவ்வாறு ராதாகிருஷ்ணன் தெரிவித்தார்.

மூன்று ஆண்டில் 2 பாடம் படித்தவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக்கப்பட்டது சரியானதே: உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு

மூன்று ஆண்டில் 2 பாடம் படித்தவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக்கப்பட்டது சரியானதே: உயர் நீதிமன்றம் உத்தரவு

மதுரை

மூன்று ஆண்டு இளநிலை பட்டப்படிப்பில் 2 பாடங்கள் படித்தவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக்கப்பட்டது சரியானதே என உயர் நீதிமன்ற அமர்வு உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளது.

மதுரை ஆரப்பாளையத்தைச் சேர்ந்தவர் பாபு. இவர் இளநிலை பட்டப்படிப்பில் 2 ஆண்டுகள் பி.எஸ்.சி. (கணிதம்) படித்தார். 3-வது ஆண்டில் பி.ஏ. (வரலாறு) படித்தார். இவருக்கு 1995-ல் மதுரை காமராஜர் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் பி.ஏ. (வரலாறு) பட்டம் வழங்கப் பட்டது. பின்னர் பாரதியார் பல்கலை.யில் பி.எட். முடித்தார்.

ஆசிரியர் தேர்வு வாரியம் நடத்திய பட்டதாரி ஆசிரியர் பணித் தேர்வில் சான்றிதழ் சரிபார்ப்புக்குச் சென்றார். ஆனால் 3 ஆண்டு இளநிலை பட்டப்படிப்பில் முதல் 2 ஆண்டுகள் ஒரு பாடமும், இறுதி ஆண்டில் மற்றொரு பாடமும் படித்ததால் ஆசிரியர் பணி மறுக் கப்பட்டது.

அந்த மறுப்பை ரத்து செய்து தனக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி கேட்டு, உயர் நீதிமன்ற கிளையில் பாபுமனுத் தாக்கல் செய்தார். அவருக்கு ஆசிரியர் பணி வழங்க வேண்டும் என தனி நீதிபதி உத்தரவிட்டார்.

இந்த உத்தரவை ரத்து செய்யக் கோரி ஆசிரியர் தேர்வாணையம் சார்பில் உயர் நீதிமன்ற கிளையில் மேல்முறையீடு மனுத் தாக்கல் செய்யப்பட்டது.

இதை நீதிபதிகள் என்.கிருபாகரன், பி.புகழேந்தி அமர்வு விசாரித்தது. பின்னர் நீதிபதிகள் தங்கள்உத்தரவில், மனுதாரர் மூன்று ஆண்டில் 2 பாடங்களை படித்துள்ளார். இது ஆசிரியர் பணிக்குத் தகுதியாக கருத முடியாது. தனி நீதிபதிஉத்தரவு தள்ளுபடி செய்யப்படுகிறது என தெரிவித்துள்ளனர்.

All pvt hosp to allot 50% beds for Covid care

All pvt hosp to allot 50% beds for Covid care

Chennai:01.05.2021

All private hospitals in Tamil Nadu have been instructed to allot 50% of beds across all categories, including oxygen beds and ones in ICU, for Covid care.

In a two-page order issued on Friday, state health secretary J Radhakrishnan also asked private hospitals to reduce or avoid elective surgeries and planned admissions until further orders. Many private medical college hospitals in TN have allotted less than 100 beds, while private hospitals have allotted 25% or fewer beds for Covid, he said.

Available beds are being converted into oxygen beds, he told reporters at a press conference. So far, the directorate of medical and rural health services has given permission to 578 private hospitals to treat Covid-19 patients. “Now Covid care is being expanded to all hospitals in the state,” he said. Director of medical education Dr R Narayanababu said he has been working with the private medical colleges to increase beds and standardize treatment protocols.

Only 6 states to start vaccine drive

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

01.05.2021

Only six states will be able to start vaccination for the 18–44 age group when the nationwide drive to inoculate the younger lot kickstarts on Saturday. All other states and Union territories have either deferred vaccination for this age group by a few days or are uncertain about starting the exercise as they face vaccine shortage.

Even in these six states – Maharashtra, Rajasthan, UP, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat and Odisha – the May 1 drive will be a ‘token’ one. In most of these states, it will be limited to just a few districts.

In Maharashtra, three lakh Covishield doses were distributed on Friday evening for the May 1 exercise after CM Uddhav Thackeray announced that everyone in the 18-44 age group would be vaccinated and the state would bear the cost of the coverage. Pune, Mumbai and Thane each got the largest share of 20,000 doses while other districts were given anywhere from 3,000 to 10,000 doses each.

In Uttar Pradesh, another worst affected state, the drive will start on May 1 in only seven of the total 75 districts. Health department officials said the drive will take place only in Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Gorakhpur, Meerut and Bareilly initially.

Raj to start vax drive in only 3 of 33 districts

Maharashtra health minister Rajesh Tope told TOI that “we have planned to start vaccinating this age group in a small way initially as we are still short of doses”. He said that while the state needs around 12 crore doses for a population of 5.7 crore in the 18-44 age group, both Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech have given in writing to the state that they could provide13 lakh and 3.45 lakh doses, respectively, to Maharashtra in May alone.

Rajasthan will start the drive in only three of the 33 districts — Ajmer, Jaipur and Jodhpur — and was expecting three lakh vaccine doses by Friday midnight.

Gujarat CM Vijay Rupani announced that vaccination for the age group will start in 10 out of 33 districts which have the highest load of Covid-19 positive cases.

The Odisha government announced the start of vaccination from Saturday after it received a consignment of 1.5 lakh doses of Covaxin on Friday evening.

Chhattisgarh health minister T S Singhdeo said the government will roll out the drive from May 1, but will give priority to Antyodaya cardholders and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

However, all other states have deferred the drive due to uncertainty about the stocks.

Full report on www.toi.in

Vax shortage: Jab drive for 18+ won’t start in TN today

Vax shortage: Jab drive for 18+ won’t start in TN today

Pushpa.Narayan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021

The next phase of vaccination for all adults above 18 years of age will not start on Saturday in Tamil Nadu as the state does not have adequate vaccines. The existing programme of vaccinating citizens above 45 will, however, continue across the state.

“We will start vaccinations only after we get more information about the number of vaccines allotted to us by the Centre and a delivery schedule from vaccine manufacturers,” said state health secretary J Radhakrishnan. The state has authorised Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation to buy 1.5 crore doses, but SII and Bharat Biotech, the manufacturers of Covishield and Covaxin, have not responded with an offer letter or delivery schedule yet. Greater Chennai Corporation commissioner G Prakash, too, said the city will not start the drive on May 1.

The immunisation wing of the directorate of public health on Friday morning said the state had 6.69 lakh doses of vaccine — 5.20 lakh doses of Covishield and 1.49 lakh doses of Covaxin. The registry also showed there were 31.80 lakh people waiting for their second dose. So far, 12.94 lakh people in Tamil Nadu have received both doses of vaccine.

Fear over patients’ kin in Covid wards

Hit by ever-increasing numbers of patients and shortage of staff, government hospitals including tertiary care medical college hospitals are now asking relatives to sit by the bedside of patients in high infection zones such as Covid-19 isolation wards and intensive care units, sparking fear over possible spread of the infection. P 4

‘Covaxin kept for people who need second dose’

Joint director immunisation Dr K Vinay Kumar said, “We are asking people to take the second dose of the vaccine when it is time. In most centres, Covaxin is reserved only for people who need it for the second dose. Many people in this group have higher risk either because they had comorbidities or because of age.”

Some private hospitals, including Apollo Hospitals Group, however, announced that they would begin vaccinating individuals between the ages of 18 to 44 years. Apollo said it “has taken the initiative and arrangements to procure the vaccines directly from the manufacturers as per government directive”.

Biomed waste removed, but dumped at another location within Porur Lake

Biomed waste removed, but dumped at another location within Porur Lake

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021 

Four days after TOI highlighted how private hospitals and Iyyappanthangal panchayat were illegally dumping biomedical waste in Porur Lake, instead of removing it completely, local authorities have moved it to a different area within the lake area in the name of follow-up action.

Earlier, used Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) of healthcare workers, bed covers and biomed waste were found dumped on government poramboke land (survey number 165 as per state revenue records). On the day when the news report was published, Iyyappanthangal panchayat deployed JCBs and garbage trucks to remove the waste from the location.

"Initially we were all happy that some action has been taken after repeated complaints for over a period of almost 10 years. But the joy was short-lived when we found out the waste was dumped in a different spot (survey number 138), which is closer to the core lake area and even more dangerous. From Kolathuvancheri, the entire waste has now been shifted to Thelliar Agaram side," said V Pattabiraman, vice president of Maduram Nagar House Owners' Welfare Association.

A board has been installed at the old dumping site warning private hospitals and others that legal proceedings will be initiated against those disposing of biomed and other waste in the area. At least 70,000 tons of waste have accumulated in the waterbody over the years, Pattabiraman said, adding that it was not a difficult task to remove all the waste and desilt the lake, so that sidewalks can be constructed.

Though National Green Tribunal Southern Zone (NGT SZ) had taken suo motu cognizance of this issue and is monitoring the waste removal progress, local body and revenue authorities seems to be not bothered about finding a permanent solution and are finding adhoc arrangements to avoid legal action, say Iyyappanthangal residents.

The Kundrathur Block Development Office (BDO) said that they were unable to find an alternate dumping site. Though the authorities have been directed to pay ₹12 lakh, the same was yet to be remitted, according to Tamil Nadu Pollution Control Board (TNPCB) officials.

AS IT STANDS: (Left) JCBs deployed to shift waste accumulated in Porur Lake; A board erected at the previous dumping site warning private hospitals and others that legal proceedings will be initiated against those disposing of biomed and other waste in the area; (Below) Report published in TOI on April 26

Three docs among 11 arrested for illegal sale of Remdesivir

Three docs among 11 arrested for illegal sale of Remdesivir

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021

As many as 11 city healthcare workers including three doctors were arrested in the past 24 hours for selling Remdesivir at an excess price in the black market. Initial investigations by police revealed that they either imported the drug from Bangladesh or sourced it from the government and private hospitals they worked in and the exclusive counter at Kilpauk Medical College (KMC) Hospital.

TOI on April 23 reported how sale of the drug was flourishing in the city’s black market, with people paying up ₹14,000 per vial. Based on the report, Tamil Nadu Civil Supplies CID unit started cracking the whip by conducting inspections across the state. On Thursday, a team lead by S Santhi, superintendent of police (SP) from the special unit, arrested Dr Mohammed Imran from Tambaram along with three others. One of them, Vignesh, a temporary medical staff at the Tiruvannamalai Government Medical College Hospital, sourced the drug from the GH and handed it over to Imran, who sold it for ₹20,000 per vial.

On Friday, the police team arrested another doctor, 28-year-old Deepan from Pallikaranai, and seized six vials from him. Hours later, the team nabbed Joseph Kinsley, 41, a pharma vendor from Pallavaram, for selling imported stock of the drug at ₹12,500 a vial. Police also set up two traps based on specific tips and arrested Karthikeyan, 33, a pharmacy assistant from Mint Street, for procuring Remdesivir from KMC counters using forged medical certificates and selling it in black. His aid Jano is absconding. In the second case, physiotherapist Saambasivam, 46, and nurse Raman, 29, were arrested for the same offence. All have been booked underthe Essential Commodities Act, 1955, and various other sections of the Indian Penal Code.

People hire agents to stand in queue for Remdesivir

People hire agents to stand in queue for Remdesivir

Komal Gautham@timesgroup.com

Chennai:01.05.2021

As queues get longer at Remdesivir counters at Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital, people are paying agents and locals about ₹500- ₹1,500 a day to stand in for them to get the drug.

Nanganallu resident Muthulingam R*, who tested positive for Covid-19 along with five other family members, said they had no choice but pay a local and send all the proof with him to buy the drug. “One of us is admitted to hospital and requires this drug. None of us can go and stand in line for the whole day.”

V Rama Rao, a social activist, said he got about five calls on Friday alone from elderly people who wanted the drug but couldn’t get it. “So, we are seeking help of some volunteers and known persons to stand in queue for us in return for some money.”

At the two counters at KMCH, about 500 people are able to get the drug daily, but more than 2,000 people come. The lines begin at 5am and the counters open only at 9am. “Every day at 5pm, there is a struggle to close the counters as public are enraged; many threaten road rokos,” said a public health official.

A directorate of medical services official said hospitals were told to only prescribe the drug based on WHO guidelines. “A panic has been created due to shortage of supply. The government has placed orders for about 4.5 lakh vials. Many doctors are prescribing it out of fear so that the patients don’t question them,” said the official.

Rama Rao said one of his friends waited in the queue from 8am to 5pm but returned empty handed. “Two in the four-member family have mild symptoms, while the others have tested positive and require the drug. There is nobody to stand in the queue. The government should distribute the drug only to government approved hospitals and empanelled hospitals to ensure patients don’t struggle.”

Senior public health officials said authorities were using it judiciously at government hospitals. “We have instructed private hospitals to use it only when required,” said an official.

(*name changed)

THREAT IN ITSELF: People waiting outside Kilpauk Medical College and Hospital to buy Remdesivir from the counters set up by the state

Two in a friend’s four-member family have mild symptoms, while the others have tested positive and require the drug. There is nobody to stand in the queue

RAMA RAO | Chennai resident

"You Are Not A Doctor, Medical Student or A Scientist”: Supreme Court Dismisses With Cost Plea Seeking Directions For Covid Treatment And Tests

"You Are Not A Doctor, Medical Student or A Scientist”: Supreme Court Dismisses With Cost Plea Seeking Directions For Covid Treatment And Tests: Supreme Court has on Monday dismissed with costs, a plea filed seekingdirections regarding tests

From the archives: When Jaya emerged as independent leader from shadows of MGR

From the archives: When Jaya emerged as independent leader from shadows of MGR

Assassination of Rajiv Gandhi had turned the tide in favour of AIADMK in 1991 Assembly polls

Published: 30th April 2021 04:40 AM 

By S Kumaresan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Just five days ahead of the scheduled date for the 1991 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated by a LTTE suicide bomber when the leader was campaigning in Tamil Nadu. This turned the entire political scene against the DMK, which until then had gained the sympathy of people as the Union government had dismissed its government without a valid reason.

From May 26, the poll was rescheduled to June 15. These few days were enough for AIADMK and its then ally Congress to hammer a heated campaign against DMK. Both the parties centred their rhetoric on the perceived proximity of DMK to the LTTE. When the results were out, AIADMK had won 164 seats and Congress 60. DMK managed to win just two, its worst performance ever since the party started contesting elections in 1957. The election marked the emergence of Jayalalithaa as an independent leader from the shadows of her mentor MGR.

Jayalalithaa’s first order as Chief Minister was to shut down the low-price liquor shops that were opened by the previous DMK regime. All Womens Police Stations, and Cradle Baby Scheme which aimed at preventing female infanticide were among the schemes brought in by Jayalalithaa.

Another historic achievement of Jayalalithaa’s regime was safeguarding of 69 per cent reservation system in the State. Following a Supreme Court’s verdict that the total reservation quota should not exceed 50 per cent, the system followed in Tamil Nadu was under threat. The State government passed Tamil Nadu Backward Classes, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act in 1993 and got the President’s approval of it too. This Act protected the 69 per cent reservation as followed in the State.

Jayalalithaa’s rule was also infamous for extensive use of Terrorist and Disruptive Activities (Prevention) Act (TADA). Opposition party members and social activists were arrested under the draconian law.

Among the incidents that left a black mark on the regime was the death of 48 people in the stampede when she and her close aide Sasikala were in Kumbakonam to take the holy dip in the Mahamaham tank there. The most infamous was the extravagant wedding of Jayalalithaa’s foster son VN Sudhakaran in 1995.

This regime was also the period when actor Rajinikanth became more visible in the political scene. He even tried to convince the Congress national leadership at the time against forming an alliance with AIADMK. In DMK, its unquestionable leader M Karunanidhi met the toughest challenge to his leadership from Vaiko, who subsequently launched a new party, MDMK.

Jayalalithas had also earned the unique distinction of being the first Chief Minister of the State, except K Kamaraj, to have completed the full five-year term. The government’s survival was also helped by the landmark 1994 Supreme Court verdict in the SR Bommai case curtailing the abuse of Article 356 under which the Centre can dismiss the State governments. This paved way for stable governments in Tamil Nadu.

Seats won/ Vote share

Total seats: 234 (Year 1991)

AIADMK: 164 (44.39%)

Congress: 60 (15.19%)

DMK: 02 (22.46%)

MGR Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam: 02 (1.51%)

PMK: 01 (5.89%)

CPI: 01 (1.24%)

CPM: 01 (3.15%)

Indian Congress Socialist: 01 (0.23%)

Janata Dal: 01 (1.69%)

Independent: 01

Cabinet colleagues of Jayalalithaa

The cabinet colleagues of Jayalalithaa included VR Nedunchezhian, KS Krishnaswamy, SD Somasundaram, RM Veerappan, K Rajaram, C Aranganayagam, S Muthusamy, KA Sengottaiyan, EA Madhusoodhanan, S Kannappan, Azhagu Thirunavukkarasu, Ku Pa Krishnan, TM Selvaganapathy, Mohamed Asif, R Indira Kumari, M Anadhan, D Jayakumar, S Nagoor Meeran and G Viswanathan

Colleges start postponing exams in State

Colleges start postponing exams in State

Anna University, IIT-M, & Madras University have deferred some of their examinations

Published: 30th April 2021 06:00 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Higher educational institutions, including Anna University and IIT-Madras, have postponed some of their exams in view of the second wave of the pandemic that is raging across Tamil Nadu and the country.Anna University has postponed the retests which were scheduled to be conducted from May 3.

The decision was taken as a one-time measure in view of the Covid-19 situation. The revised dates of the retest will be announced soon on the official website. “It is informed that the retest will not begin on May 3, 2021. The new retest date will be announced shortly with the revised time table,” a statement on the university website reads.

Students who were unable to appear for the semester exams earlier due to pandemic-related difficulties or faced technical problems in the online exam would have appeared for the retests. To check the latest updates or information about Anna University examinations, students are advised to visit the official website regularly. Not just Anna University, IIT-Madras has also postponed its semester exams and even online tests.

According to a statement from the institute, new dates of the examination will be announced later. IIT-M had planned to conduct written January-May semester exams from May 10 at the Kendriya Vidyalayas.

Due to the ongoing pandemic, most of the universities and colleges in Tamil Nadu and across the country have deferred examinations for the semester of 2021.

The University of Madras, which had planned to conduct semester examinations from May 17, has also postponed its examinations. A few other arts and science colleges in the city are also unsure if the exams will be conducted as scheduled.

MHA to states: No lockdown, go for containment measures

MHA to states: No lockdown, go for containment measures

Bharti.Jain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:30.04.2021

Based on a framework issued by the health ministry on April 25, the Centre on Thursday suggested intensive, local and focused containment measures in districts and areas with test positivity of 10% and more in the last one week and where more than 60% of oxygen-supported or ICU beds are occupied.

The MHA order, which invoked provisions of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, directed states and Union Territories (UTs) to consider containment measures such as restrictions on gatherings, operations of markets, offices, schools and universities and intensified testing and tracking for immediate implementation based on their assessment of the situation until May 31.

Despite the surge in Covid-positive cases and deaths in April, the fresh guidelines steered clear of imposing lockdowns. It said national directives for Covid-19 management, which require wearing of face masks and social distancing in public places and encouraging of work-from-home, shall continue to be strictly followed.

20 of 100 samples test +ve in Chennai

For every 100 samples tested for Covid-19, at least 15 returned positive in Chennai, Tirunelveli and Tuticorin, authorities said on Thursday, when the state reported 107 deaths and 17,897 new cases. With a test positivity rate of 20%, Chennai is the highest, followed by 17% in Tirunelveli and 16% in Thoothukudi. While the positivity rate in Tenkasi was 14.2%, at least 13 more districts had more than 10% TPR. P 2

‘Make available details of hosp beds & vacancies online’

All district magistrates are required to strictly enforce state-level directives on containment measures as well as the national guidelines. Violations, the MHA order said, would attract penal action under the Disaster Management Act.

The health ministry had called for measures like night curfew, prohibiting public gatherings for political, social, religious, sports or entertainment purposes, capping attendance at marriages to 50 and at funerals to 20, closing of shopping complexes, cinema halls, gyms, spas, restaurants (dine-in), stadia and operating public transport at 50%, and a cap of 50% attendance in government and private offices.

“However, these are indicative activities, and states and UTs should make a careful analysis of the local situation, areas to be covered, and probability of transmission and then take a decision,” the health ministry had advised.

The restrictions were prescribed for 14 days across the containment zones, which shall be declared such after a public announcement outlining the rationale and the nature of restrictions while asking for a test-track-treat-vaccine approach and ensure Covid-appropriate behaviour.

Apart from suggesting 100% vaccination of eligible age groups, the health ministry had said that details of hospital beds and vacancy status be made available online on a daily basis. It also said details on availability of oxygen, drugs, vaccines and vaccination centres, including the guidelines related to use of drugs like remdesivir and tocilizumab, should be widely publicised to generatepublic confidence.

Full report on www.toi.in

HC asks actor to pay ₹2 lakh to TN

HC asks actor to pay ₹2 lakh to TN

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:30.04.2021

Actor Mansoor Ali Khan, facing a case for his statements against Covid-19 vaccine, has to pay ₹2 lakh towards the state government’s vaccine campaign as precondition for anticipatory bail in the case.

Justice M Dhandapani, granting conditional anticipatory bail to the actor, said: “He was creating unnecessary panic among the public. You do not know how health professionals are working hard in government hospitals.”

The issue pertains to a statements made by Mansoor Ali Khan in front of a private hospital where actor Vivekh had been admitted after he suffered a heart attack on April 16. Khan alleged that Vivekh fell ill only because of the Covid-19 vaccine that he took on April 15. The video of the actor making such statements went viral on social media.

Subsequently, based on a complaint filed by a health officer of the Chennai Corporation, the Vadapalani police registered an FIR under sections 153 (wantonly giving provocation), 270 (Malignant act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 505 (1)(b) (intent to cause fear to the public) of the IPC besides invoking provisions of the Epidemics Act and the Disaster Management Act.

Representing the petitioner, advocate M Radhakrishnan submitted that the statement made by the actor at the entrance of the private hospital was an emotional outburst never intended to hurt anyone.

TN’s 2nd pvt univ gears for 1st academic session

TN’s 2nd pvt univ gears for 1st academic session

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:30.04.2021 

Shiv Nadar University Chennai, the second private university in the state after Annamalai University, has opened admissions for 2021-22, its first academic session. The university has planned admissions for four programmes — two in engineering and two in the commerce stream.

In engineering, it will offer BTech in artificial intelligence and data science and BTech in computer science and engineering (IoT), in which students also can specialise in areas such as applied robotics and medical technology. In artificial intelligence and data science course, students can work on a real life data analytics project.

“We have selected two computer science programmes which are in need. We wanted to produce graduates who are industry ready,” said Sriman Kumar Bhattacharyya, VC, Shiv Nadar University Chennai.

It would offer two commerce degree programmes one is general BCom and another one is BCom (professional accounting). The professional accounting programme is designed to prepare the students for CA and CMA and practice as accountants.

Other BCom courses will enable students to specialise in strategic management, financial economics and artificial intelligence and data science and they can also earn additional credits and acquire a degree of BCom (honours).

The applications for the four courses are open and entrance tests (SNUCEE) are scheduled on May 17 and 24. For more details students can visit:

https://www.snuchennai.edu.in/admissions/

Leave India as soon as it’s safe, US advises citizens

Leave India as soon as it’s safe, US advises citizens

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:29.04.2021 

Stating that “access to all types of medical care is becoming severely limited in India due to the surge in Covid cases”, the US government on Wednesday night (IST) advised its citizens “not to travel to India or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so...”

“US citizens who wish to depart India should take advantage of available commercial transportation options now,” the US state department tweeted. “Daily direct flights to the US and flights via Paris and Frankfurt are available.”

In a separate health alert, the US embassy said, “New cases and deaths from Covid-19 have risen sharply throughout India to record levels. Testing infrastructure is reportedly constrained in many locations. Hospitals are reporting shortages of supplies, oxygen, and beds for both Covid and non-Covid-related patients. US citizens are reporting being denied admittance to hospitals in some cities due to a lack of space.”

The health alert said the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) had issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice and the state department a Level 4 Travel Advisory, its highest. P 5

Rush to US: AI to run 30+ flights a week

AI will operate 32 weekly nonstop flights to the US compared to 33 in pre-Covid times, thanks to the scramble to reach there. The two big fears are that the US may shut its doors for Indians/NRIs and falling sick in India. P

Big rush to get to US, AI ups nonstops to pre-Covid level

Big rush to get to US, AI ups nonstops to pre-Covid level

People Fear US May Also Close Its Doors Like Many Others Countries

Saurabh.Sinha@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:29.04.2021

Air India is soon going to operate almost as many nonstops to the US as it did in pre-pandemic times, thanks to a scramble to reach there for two main reasons.

Indians/NRIs/PIOs fear US may also close its doors for them like several others countries have done during the ongoing uncontrolled explosion of Covid cases and are rushing back. Secondly, they fear falling sick in India at a time when the healthcare system here has crumbled.AI is going to operate 32 weekly nonstops to the US by May 11, just one short of its prepandemic frequency of 33.

“India-US flights are going full (leading to high fares) with people scrambling to return. Most AI and United India-US flights till about mid-May are almost sold out,” said sources. Flights to India, on the other hand, have much lighter loads with 150-180 passengers, they added. The rush to US has seen fares jump with one-way economy India-New York often costing Rs 1.5 lakh.

Canada last Friday (April  23) suspended all passenger flights from India for 30 days. Following this, AI had to cancel all its flights to Vancouver and Toronto till May 22.

An AI spokesperson said: “Prior to discontinuation of our flights to Canada, we were operating 29 flights per week to US. We planned to increase the frequency to 30 and 32 per week from May 16 and May 18, respectively. After discontinuation of Canada flights… increase in frequency to 30 and 32 per week has been preponed to May 9 and May 11, respectively.”

International passenegers being taken for Covid test at the Chennai airport

Ahmedabad nearly under lockdown again

BREAK THE CHAIN

Ahmedabad nearly under lockdown again

Traders Fear Recovery Will Be Slower This Year

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Barring a few, most of the restrictions from last year’s lockdown have been imposed in Ahmedabad and 28 other cities and towns of Gujarat, putting trade once again in the doldrums. Roads which were normally bustling, are again deserted in broad daylight. Due to the surge in Covid-19 cases across the state, the trade community has complied and embraced the restrictions imposed by the administration. However, industry players fear that recovery in business will be much slower than last year.

“After last year’s lockdown, pent up demand did play a huge role in boosting business. However, this time, it has already taken a hit for about a month and is expected to worsen in the days to come. There is a fear factor among people at play more than anything else, as cases have not just risen exponentially but there is a severe shortage of resources too,” said Jayendra Tanna, president, Gujarat Traders Federation (GTF).

Traders expect some clarifications from the government and the civic administration on whether wholesale traders whose offices operate from their shops, can continue business. “We also expect that the government takes measures to help curb unfair competition from online players. Like other states, online platforms must be allowed to deliver only essential commodities,” said Tanna.

Deccan Chronicle Chennai

 

'Will Pave Way For My Evolution' : Madras HC Judge Decides To Have Psycho-Education Session To Understand Same-Sex Relations Better

'Will Pave Way For My Evolution' : Madras HC Judge Decides To Have Psycho-Education Session To Understand Same-Sex Relations Better: Justice N. Anand Venkatesh of the Madras HighCourt on Wednesday remarked that he is not f