A journey of 70 km to get vaccine

A journey of 70 km to get vaccine

09/05/2021

M. Soundariya Preetha Coimbatore

For 47-year-old Raghu (name changed on request) a resident of Tiruppur district, taking the first shot of the COVID-19 vaccine turned out to be challenging, as private hospitals had run out of stocks and there was a rush at the Tiruppur Government Hospital.

Since Raghu has to often travel on work to other districts and did not want to take a risk with his health, based on a suggestion from a relative, he decided to try getting the vaccine at a rural primary health centre.

He decided to drive down to a rural areas.

He stopped at a PHC near Dharapuram, over 70 km from Tiruppur. There was no one there except the doctor and a healthcare worker and vaccines were available. He gave his Aadhaar card, registered and got his first dose.

Many like Raghu in Coimbatore and Tiruppur are travelling to villages for the vaccine, mainly due to lack of availability in some towns and to get vaccinated at a centre where there is no crowd.

Some large companies are enquiring in different locations where they have plants, for the vaccine, for their employees.

Vaccine shortage

However, this trend worked only for a week or 10 days when vaccination was opened for those aged above 45. Now, people face problems of crowding and vaccine shortage in rural areas too, says a textile sector entrepreneur in Coimbatore.

In some of the PHCs and hospitals located close to the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border in Coimbatore, many are coming in from the border areas of both States to take the vaccines.

“There is a huge rush and people who come for a short visit get restless when they are told that there is no vaccine stock as they have waited for hours,” says the doctor at a hospital.

Hospital asks patient to get ventilator

Hospital asks patient to get ventilator

09/05/2021

Vignesh VijayakumarSALEM

A private hospital in Salem allegedly asked a COVID-19 patient to get a ventilator.

A 40-year-old man, working as marketing executive, was admitted to a hospital at Kondalampatti in early May.

The hospital, which was running short of beds, allegedly asked the kin of the patient to get a ventilator for further treatment. The attendants of the patient were unaware that it would not be possible to get ventilators in the open market.

Health officials said that action would be taken against the hospital.

Apollo Hospitals starts vaccination for those above 18 years

Apollo Hospitals starts vaccination for those above 18 years

09/05/2021

Staff Reporter Madurai

Apollo Speciality Hospitals in Madurai has started the third phase of vaccination for citizens aged above 18 years.

A press release from the Chief Operating Officer of Apollo Hospitals Rohini Sridhar said that the beneficiaries are required to register on the CoWIN app or Aarogya Setu app to book their appointment slot before arriving for the vaccination.

In the second wave of infections, more younger patients were getting affected and thus vaccinating everyone aged above 18 was an important precautionary measure. Till now, around 3,000 persons aged 45 and above have been vaccinated in the hospital, added the press release.

How are you monitoring private hosp treatment fee, HC asks govt -

How are you monitoring private hosp treatment fee, HC asks govt -

 The Times Of India

K.Kaushik@timesgroup.com

Madurai:

08.05.2021

The Madras high court on Thursday sought a response from the state government on the mechanism put in place to monitor strict implementation of government orders to allocate 50% of the beds in private hospitals for Covid care, and as to whether the hospitals were following the treatment cost fixed by the government.

The court was hearing a public interest litigation filed by A Veronica Mary of Madurai district, who sought the government to ensure strict implementation of treatment costs fixed by the government and sought action against hospitals that charged more. Veronica also sought the government to strictly implement a GO dated April 30, that asked all private hospitals to allocate 50% beds for treatment of Covid-19 patients.

A division bench of justices M S Ramesh and B Pugalendhi observed that the grievance of the petitioner is that though the government has fixed treatment cost, it is not followed by the private hospitals. “This court appreciates the valuable services rendered by doctors, nurses, all health workers and all other frontline workers during this pandemic. At the same time, the receipt placed before this court shows that exorbitant charges have been collected by some hospitals even during this difficult time, which cannot be permitted. The hospitals are taking advantage of the situation,” observed the judges.

The judges sought a response from the state to the following queries: Whether the maximum cost for Covid-19 treatment fixed by the government is displayed prominently in all hospitals so the public can see it, and the details of the authority to whom any complaint regarding exorbitant charges can be lodged.

The judges asked what the penal provision or penalty contemplated for violation of the GO was and which authority was monitoring the implementation of the GOs. It also asked about the number of complaints received about exorbitant treatment costs and details of the action taken, if any.

The court asked the state to inform it about the maintenance of a portal on bed availability in private hospitals along with their treatment charges. The judges sought details of Covid-19 patients who have benefited from the chief minister’s comprehensive health insurance scheme at private hospitals and whether government employees are entitled to take treatment for Covid-19 in such hospitals under the Tamil Nadu employees health insurance scheme.

Police to strictly enforce stay-at-home orders

Police to strictly enforce stay-at-home orders

Inessential travel banned, helpline 112 to assist citizens

08/05/2021

Special Correspondent Thiruvananthapuram

The police will strictly impose stay-at-home orders in the State from May 8 to May 16 to curb the rise in COVID-19 cases.

The police are poised to prioritise strict enforcement of lockdown restrictions over personal liberty during the nine-day lockdown period. They have set up a helpline (112) to rush aid to citizens in crisis.

Inessential travel is banned. There will be no public transport.

People should shun long walks, sporting activities, and exercise at home.

There is no restriction on going to vaccination centres or hospitals. However, they should carry the necessary papers. Taxis and auto-rickshaws should ferry only emergency travellers and air and rail passengers. The passengers should carry identity cards and travel documents.

People should wear two masks outdoors and confine shopping to neighbourhood stores. Persons who strayed a good way from their homes without reasonable cause risk detention and fine. The police will stop and question people, including pedestrians and motorists, randomly. They will set up checkpoints at inter-district borders.

Traditional fishers and hawkers can ply their trade.

Shops selling food, groceries, fruits and vegetables, meat and fish, and bakeries can remain open till 7.30 p.m. Places of worship will remain closed. Not more than 20 persons should attend weddings.

Urgent steps needed to increase beds:

Urgent steps needed to increase beds:

Stalin

‘Be open in sharing details with us’

08/05/2021

Special CorrespondentCHENNAI

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said on Friday that his government had to take measures on a war footing to increase the number of beds and check the spread of COVID-19. He asked officials to ramp up bed capacity and the availability of oxygen and medicines.

At his first meeting with the Collectors, police officers and medical experts, he said experts projected that cases in the State, which now averaged 25,000 a day, were likely to go up in the next couple of weeks. “Only if the spread of the virus is contained, will we be able to reduce the number of deaths and the load on medical infrastructure. Our government has come to power at a time when we are facing severe challenges, and we have a responsibility to protect the lives and livelihood of the Tamil people,” he said.

The Chief Minister said he had a responsibility to support the officials fighting the pandemic. Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals were working hard to save lives. “Chennai city, Kancheepuram, Tiruvallur, Chengalpattu, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli are seeing a high case load. This has to be controlled; only then will the number of deaths come down. Officials working in these areas must work diligently and ramp up medical infrastructure,” he said.

Mr. Stalin also asked the officials to increase the rate of vaccination, especially in these districts. He advised those aged above 45, who were at an increased risk of hospitalisation and death, to come forward and get themselves vaccinated.

He advised officials to make sure that all details were shared with the government so that issues could be resolved. “Be transparent in sharing information about needs, shortcomings, what the government needs to do. Only if we face the truth, we can find solutions to issues,” he said.

Rush at usury dens

Rush at usury dens

08/05/2021

Ms. Jyothi is not alone in being faced with a financial crisis due to the pandemic, which has hit several thousand families. For these desperate families, who have no other source, gold has become the mythical Sanjeevani (panacea) to raise the much-needed funds for medical treatment.

Similar is the story of Yalamanchili Ramu (name changed) from Gayathri Hill who sold 30 tola (one tola equals 10 grams) of family jewellery for the treatment of his mother, daughter and himself who were admitted to a corporate hospital in Secunderabad. After a week, Ramu ran out of cash and had no other option but to dispose of the gold. “Selling land is a long process and gold has come to the rescue of my family. We paid more than ₹10 lakh for treatment of three persons,” he said.

Enquiries with pawnbrokers and gold loan companies reveal there is a steady footfall of desperate people to pledge their gold ornaments. “Yes, for the past one month there is a steady increase of people who are pledging gold ornaments for treatment. When they say they want money for treatment, I’m giving money at a very low rate of interest,” said a jeweller from Secunderabad

Irai Anbu made Chief Secretary; 4 Secretaries to assist CM

Irai Anbu made Chief Secretary; 4 Secretaries to assist CM

Shilpa Satish to handle grievance redressal system

08/05/2021

V. Irai AnbuHANDOUT_E_MAIL

T. UdhayachandranJOTHI RAMALINGAM B

P. UmanathJOTHI RAMALINGAM B

M.S. ShanmugamHANDOUT_E_MAIL

Anu GeorgeRAGHUNATHAN SR

Dennis S. Jesudasan CHENNAI

On its first day in office on Friday, the DMK government named senior IAS officer V. Irai Anbu as its Chief Secretary, replacing incumbent Rajeev Ranjan. It also named four IAS officers — T. Udhayachandran, P. Umanath, M.S. Shanmugam and Anu George as Secretaries I, II, III and IV respectively to Chief Minister M.K. Stalin.

The State government also appointed IAS officer Shilpa Prabhakar Satish to head the grievance redressal system that will look into petitions received during the election tour undertaken by Mr. Stalin.

Mr. Anbu, a 1988-batch officer, was until recently, the Director of the Anna Institute of Management, a State-run institution to encourage youngsters to take up a career in civil services. Known in IAS circles for being honest, simple and a lover of books, Mr. Anbu has authored several books. He holds two doctorates — one in management concepts found in Thirukkural and one on the comparison between Thiruvalluvar and Shakespeare.

While in Madurai, he contributed a weekly series, ‘Random thoughts’ in The Hindu Metro Plus, which was also brought out as a special publication with three reprints.

Soon after he received the S.P. Adithanar Literary Award from Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the platinum jubilee celebrations of the Tamil daily Dina Thanthi in November 2017, Mr. Anbu donated the cash prize of ₹2 lakh to the Adi Dravidar Hostel for Men in Mylapore. He has been Collector in many districts and the Commissioner of Economics and Statistics, and is known for efforts in boosting tourism in the State.

Mr. Udhayachandran, who was until recently the Commissioner of Archaeology, is known for his genuine interest in Tamil literature, history and archaeology. It was during his tenure as Secretary of the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission that it incorporated technology into conducting exams for candidates.

As Madurai Collector, the 1995-batch officer was credited for his efforts to successfully conduct local body polls after a decade in Pappapatti, Keeripatti and Nattarmangalam village panchayats, where caste Hindus had refused to accept Dalits being elected as panchayat presidents.

Helping fight COVID-19

Mr. Umanath, who was the Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Medical Services Corporation (TNMSC), is credited for efficiently planning ahead for building the oxygen capacity in hospitals and getting testing kits and drugs in time to help combat COVID-19 better. He was also the Coimbatore Collector when the erstwhile DMK government held the World Classical Tamil Conference in 2010.

Mr. Shanmugam was posted as the Director of Museums. During his stint as the Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu FibreNet Corporation Limited, he refused to allow political interference in his functioning.

As Managing Director of the Tamil Nadu Slum Clearance Board, he ensured that law and order problems in the Perumbakkam tenements were resolved.

An alumna of the Jawaharlal Nehru University, Ms. George was the Collector of Ariyalur district and the Joint Secretary (Protocol) in the Public Department during the AIADMK regime under then Chief Minister Jayalalithaa. Ms. George has also served as the Commissioner and Director of Industries and Commerce.

Ms. Satish was earlier Tirunelveli Collector and was in the news when she chose a government-run anganwadi for her child. She has worked as Deputy Commissioner (Education), Greater Chennai Corporation.

Doctors exhausted

Doctors exhausted

08/05/2021

Special Correspondent Virudhunagar

Continuous work without adequate break unlike given in the first wave of COVID in 2020 has created a sense of desperation among doctors.

“Besides treating patients continuously by putting our lives at risk, we are forced to face the angry public who shout at us for lack of adequate doses of vaccines,” a senior medical officer of a Government Hospital said.

The State government could have recognised their services with an incentive for fight against the COVID at least during the peak period.

“An incentive for a couple of months will keep the fighting spirit of the medical officers and paramedical staff high to continuously work in the COVID wards,” he added.

The doctors were demoralised as no hotel accommodation and food were given to them for the quarantine period as in 2020.

The hotel accommodation helped to quarantine themselves after a week of duty in COVID-19 ward for a few days before going back home. “Now, we are putting the lives of our family members in danger,” the officer said.

Earlier, a RT-PCR test negative report was made mandatory for doctors and other health staff to go home after quarantine. “But now, in the absence of hotel accommodation and mandatory RT-PCR test, the doctors walk straight into their homes from the COVID-19 wards,” said Virudhunagar district secretary of Tamil Nadu Government Employees’ Association, R. Varaivan.

Doctors complain that a judicious deployment of doctors with due rotation in COVID ward and in non-COVID duty will help medical officers and paramedical staff fight fatigue.

“The district administration has called for recruitment of doctors and paramedical staff to be employed on contract basis. We will have to wait for more time to get a break,” the officer said.

Irai Anbu to fine tune TN administration?

Irai Anbu to fine tune TN administration?

Anbu has also served as the coordinator for all committees during the eighth World Tamil Conference at Thanjavur in 1995.

Published: 08th May 2021 04:42 AM 

IAS officer V Irai Anbu who assumed charge as the new Chief Secretary, on Friday paid a courtesy call on Chief Minister MK Stalin at the secretariat

By T Muruganandham

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Senior IAS officer V Irai Anbu (58), a multi-faceted personality, who has authored many books on self improvement, and a motivational speaker, assumed charge as the new Chief Secretary to the Tamil Nadu government on Friday. As a strict disciplinarian and an officer known for his integrity and straightforwardness, Anbu is expected to fine tune the State administration.

Anbu superseded 12 Chief Secretary-grade IAS officers under the government to the post. He was promoted to the grade on February 27, 2019. After his appointment to the top post, Irai Anbu called on Chief Minister MK Stalin at the secretariat and presented his book Vaiya Thalaimaikol to the latter.

Born on June 16, 1963 in Salem district, Irai Anbu holds multiple degrees and doctorates in the fields of agriculture, literature, psychology, administration, etc. When he took the civil services examination for the first time in 1980s, he secured 227th rank. In his second attempt, he got 15th place at the national level. His elder brother V Thiruppugazh is also an IAS officer, who is famous for his significant works in Gujarat.

When he was the Assistant Collector in Nagapattinam district, he played an important role in flood relief works. During his tenure as the Additional Collector in Cuddalore, Anbu took steps to provide skill development training to inmates of the district central prison. He also took steps to provide houses for Narikuravas under the district decentralisation plan in erstwhile South Arcot district.

Anbu has also served as the coordinator for all committees during the eighth World Tamil Conference at Thanjavur in 1995. During his stint in the Information Department, he brought in many transformations. One among them was hosting the G.Os of the government departments in time on the website and making them available to the press. The departments he served in the State government include economics and statistics, pollution control board, environment, tourism, etc.

Kalloori Kaalangal

Anbu had earlier conducted Kalloori Kaalangal programme in Podhigai TV channel which ran for many hundred episodes and attracted youth

தன்னுடைய இடமாற்றத்திற்கு தானே கையெழுத்திட்ட ராஜீவ் ரஞ்சன்

தன்னுடைய இடமாற்றத்திற்கு தானே கையெழுத்திட்ட ராஜீவ் ரஞ்சன்

Updated : மே 08, 2021 02:23 | Added : மே 08, 2021 02:22 

சென்னை : தமிழகத்தின் புதிய தலைமை செயலாளராக வெ. இறையன்பு நியமனத்தையொட்டி, பணியிடமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்ட ராஜீவ் ரஞ்சன், தன்னுடைய இடமாற்றத்திற்கான உத்தரவில் தானே கையெழுத்திட்டுள்ளார்.

தமிழகத்தில் நடந்த சட்டசபை தேர்தலில் திமுக தனிப்பெரும்பான்மையுடன் வெற்றி பெற்று ஆட்சியமைத்துள்ளது. திமுக தலைவர் ஸ்டாலின் நேற்று (மே.,7) தமிழக முதல்வராக பதவியேற்றுக் கொண்டார். பல்வேறு துறைகளுக்கான அமைச்சர்களுக்கும் பதவியேற்றுக்கொண்டனர். தமிழகத்தின் தலைமை செயலாளராக இருந்த ராஜீவ் ரஞ்சன், தமிழ்நாடு செய்தித்தாள் கழகத்திற்கு இடமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டார். அவருக்கு பதிலாக புதிய தலைமை செயலாளராக வெ.இறையன்பு நியமனம் செய்யப்பட்டார்.

அரசு விதிமுறைப்படி, ஐ.ஏ.எஸ்., அதிகாரிகளை தலைமை செயலாளர் தான் மாற்ற முடியும். எனவே புதிய தலைமை செயலாளருக்கான உத்தரவில் ராஜீவ் ரஞ்சன் கையெழுத்திட்டார்.

புதிய தலைமை செயலாளராக நியமிக்கப்பட்ட வெ. இறையன்பு ( ஐ.ஏ.எஸ்.) முன்னதாக, நாகப்பட்டினத்தில் சப் கலெக்டராகவும், காஞ்சிபுரத்தில் மாவட்ட கலெக்டராகவும், கடலூரில் இணை ஆணையர், நகராட்சி நிர்வாகம் மற்றும் கூடுதல் கலெக்டராகவும் பணியாற்றியுள்ளார். மேலும் செய்தி மற்றும் மக்கள் தொடர்பு துறையில் இயக்குநராகவும், முதல்வரின் செயலர், செய்தி மற்றும் சுற்றுலாத்துறையின் செயலராகவும், சுற்றுலா மற்றும் பண்பாட்டு துறையில் தலைமை இயக்குநர் (பயிற்சி) மற்றும் இயக்குநர் அண்ணா மேலாண்மை நிலையம் உள்ளிட்ட பல்வேறு முக்கிய பொறுப்புகளை வகித்துள்ளார்.

தொடர்ந்து, தமிழகத்தின் தலைமை செயலாளராக இருந்த ராஜிவ் ரஞ்சன், தமிழ்நாடு செய்தித்தாள் கழகத்திற்கு மாற்றப்பட்டுள்ளார். இதற்கான பணி நியமன உத்தரவில் விதிமுறைகளின்படி, அவரே கையெழுத்திட்டுள்ளார். அவரது பெயரில் தான் பணி நியமனத்திற்கான ஆர்டரும் வந்ததாக கூறப்படுகிறது.

Supreme Court Suggests To Include NEET PG Aspirants And Trained Nursing Students In COVID Workforce, Incentives By Way Of Grace Marks

Supreme Court Suggests To Include NEET PG Aspirants And Trained Nursing Students In COVID Workforce, Incentives By Way Of Grace Marks: 'There is no way today that we have the number of health professionals in our medical infrastruct

Take Immediate Steps By Tomorrow To Ensure Adequate Oxygen For Tamil Nadu : Madras High Court Directs Centre

Take Immediate Steps By Tomorrow To Ensure Adequate Oxygen For Tamil Nadu : Madras High Court Directs Centre: Taking note of inadequate liquid medical oxygen supply in Tamil Nadu, forcing the State Government to fall back on reserves, the Madras High Court on Thursday made an appeal to the Centre for...

Officials sitting at home should be assigned some duty: Delhi High Court to AAP government

Officials sitting at home should be assigned some duty: Delhi High Court to AAP government

Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, said that he would convey the court's suggestions to the government.

Published: 06th May 2021 09:40 PM 

By PTI

NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Thursday told the Delhi government that its officials not on COVID duty during the lockdown cannot sit at home doing nothing and some duty or responsibility should be assigned to all of them.

A bench of Justices Vipin Sanghi and Rekha Palli said that the Delhi government should use its entire potential or force, including forest officers and clerks, and not just depend upon a few IAS and DANIPS officers to deal with the issues grappling the national capital.

"Instead of just depending on your IAS and DANIPS officers, you need to use your full potential, the force you have. You have forest officers and then at lower levels you have UDCs, LDCs, etc."

"Just because there is a kind of lockdown in place, does not mean these people can sit at home doing nothing. That cannot be. Some of them have to come out. Maybe some of them can work from home. But some duty should be assigned to all of them," the court said.

Senior advocate Rahul Mehra, appearing for the Delhi government, said that he would convey the court's suggestions to the government.

The observations and suggestions by the court came after it was told by several lawyers, including the amicus curiae, that the data regarding beds in the Delhi Corona app or website were not accurate as the numbers were not being updated on real time.

Senior advocate and amicus curiae Rajshekhar Rao told the court that when he tried to get the correct numbers over the phone from a hospital, the person attending the call did not have the real time data.

Advocate Aditya Prasad, who has filed a petition on the various COVID related issues plaguing the city, told the bench that as the data on the app and the website are inaccurate, people are left running from hospital to hospital and on arriving there they are told no beds are vacant.

He said that there should be some government official posted at each of these hospitals, mentioned in the app and website, who can communicate the data on a real time basis.

Prasad said that if the Delhi government cannot show real time data on the app or website, then both would serve no purpose and should be taken down.

Taking note of the submissions, the bench said there should be one dedicated person in each hospital to provide real time data about the beds and also attend queries over the phone.

The court also told the Delhi government that when it says something to the government or passes an order or makes an observation, the intention is "to set the ball rolling".

The bench said it was not an expert, but it wants the experts and officials of the government to apply their minds to the suggestions made by the court.

"That is the idea, that is the spirit. We are not telling you, do this, do that. We want you to do something," it said.

Reaching the top, one step at a time -- Stalin style

Reaching the top, one step at a time -- Stalin style

MK Stalin has risen from a grassroots DMK worker to Chief Minister

Published: 07th May 2021 06:09 AM |

An artist readying name board identifying MK Stalin as Chief Minister, at Secretariat on Thursday | P Jawahar

By S Kumaresan

Express News Service

CHENNAI: MK Stalin, the DMK president, is taking the reins of the State as the Chief Minister with five decades of experience in politics and administration. He will be the oldest first-time Chief Minister to be sworn in at the age of 69 and only the third of DMK after CN Annadurai and M Karunanidhi. Elected to the State Assembly for the seventh term, Stalin has served in various capacities, including as a minister, deputy chief minister and opposition leader in the Assembly, before.

Stalin was born to M Karunanidhi, a seasoned politician and a five-time Chief Minister of the State, on March 1, 1953. In 1967, at the age of just 14, he floated a DMK youth club, well before the party officially established a youth wing. Later, in the early 70s, he was appointed as in-charge of the party’s 75th ward unit in Chennai district. In 1972, he was elected as a general council member of the DMK at the age of 19 years and as an executive council member in 1979.

Meanwhile, in 1976, Stalin was arrested on February 2 under Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) and imprisoned at Chennai Central Prison for nearly a year till January 27,1977. Undeterred, he continued to engage in active politics. When DMK youth wing was established in Madurai on June 20, 1980, he was appointed as one of its seven organisers. In appreciation of his dedicated involvement for expanding the services of the youth wing, Stalin was appointed as State youth wing secretary of the party in 1983. The next year, as party youth wing cadres and leaders of the party supported, he was given a ticket to contest from Thousand Lights in Assembly general elections in which he lost.

Before Anna Arivalayam, DMK headquarters, was constructed, DMK had been functioning from Anbagam building at Teynampet. After the headquarters was moved to Anna Arivalayam in 1987, Stalin got the Anbagam for the youth wing by collecting donations from DMK cadre and youth wing members across the State. For the purpose, he had made an extensive tour across the State and met thousands of people beyond the party line, which helped him create an impression among the general public that he is a capable leader.

Given party ticket again to contest from Thousand Lights constituency in 1989, Stalin won the polls. DMK too won the Assembly general elections to form a government in the State after a gap of 13 years. His campaign for the polls was well attended by the party cadres as well as general public. He played a vital role in infusing fresh blood for the party by pulling in many youths in 1990s. Notwithstanding DMK losing the 1991 polls, he continued his extensive works for the party and maintained a connection with cadres through his frequent statewide tours.

Stalin also became the first Mayor of Chennai Corporation to be elected by voters. Though people voted out DMK in 2001, Stalin returned to the Assembly elected from Thousand Lights again. The same year, he was again elected as Mayor of Chennai Corporation, despite the Opposition’s all-out campaign against him. However, he had to resign from the post in 2002 after the AIADMK-led government at the time brought in TN Municipal Laws (Amendment) Act, 2002, which debarred him from serving as the Mayor and an MLA simultaneously.

Meanwhile, Stalin was appointed as deputy general secretary of the party on June 2, 2003. He was made Minister for Municipal Administration in 2006. During this tenure, he was instrumental in the extensive spread of Women Self Help Groups across the State by establishing 1,75,493 Women SHGs. He also established various comprehensive drinking water projects such as Hogenekal and Ramanathapuram water schemes.

In May 2009, just two years before DMK lost power in the State, Stalin was appointed as the Deputy Chief Minister. Before that, he had been made treasurer of the party on December 27, 2008, which he retained till January 3, 2017. Stalin was then elected as the working president of the party on January 4, 2017.

After the demise of former Chief Minister and DMK president Karunanidhi, MK Stalin was unanimously elected as the president of the party on August 28, 2019, by the general council of the party. Ever since, he has brought two major victories for the party, one of which is making DMK the third-largest party in the Parliament and other is leading the party to form its sixth government in the State.

Five decades in public life

March 1, 1953: Born to M Karunanidhi - Dayalu

1964: Established DMK youth club at Gopalapuram

1968: Made first public speech in a party meeting at Kodambakkam.

1972: Elected as party general council member

1979: Elected as party executive council member

1980: Established party youth wing and became one of the organisers

1983: Made youth wing state secretary of the party

1989, 1996, 2001 & 2006: Elected as MLA from Thousand Lights Assembly constituency

1996 & 2001: Elected as Mayor of Chennai Corporation

2003: Made party’s deputy general secretary

2008: Elected as party treasurer

2009: Appointed as Deputy Chief Minister

2011, 2016 & 2021: Elected as MLA from Kolathur Assembly constituency

2016- 2011: Served as Principal Opposition Party Leader

May 4, 2021: Elected as a Legislative Party Leader

Gave a push to Chennai infra as Mayor

During his tenure as Mayor of Chennai Corporation, MK Stalin took steps to decongest the city roads and constructed nine big bridges and 49 small ones in the city. He also improved the standard of Corporation Schools to be on par with private schools

Doctors, nurses seek full lockdown in Tamil Nadu

Doctors, nurses seek full lockdown in Tamil Nadu

There is no use in increasing the bed capacity when there isn’t adequate manpower, and resources like oxygen are depleting in the State, said the doctors.

Published: 07th May 2021 04:26 AM 

By Sinduja Jane

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Even as the fresh set of restriction kicked in on Thursday, healthcare professionals on Covid duty called for a total lockdown in the State as the health system is over stretched and they couldn’t manage with the available manpower.

There is no use in increasing the bed capacity when there isn’t adequate manpower, and resources like oxygen are depleting in the State, said the doctors. As a result, patients are not getting the care they need and there is a risk of more deaths, they added. Vaccination for those above 18 years is yet to begin, and in such a case, lockdown is the only solution.

“There are only two doctors for 200 patients in our hospital, and we won’t know even if one patient needs immediate care or dies suddenly. That is the reason we are allowing attenders now, so that when their loved ones fall sick they can alert us,” said a doctor on Covid duty at the Chengalpattu GH.

He added that though they prescribe medicines for the patients, the nurses are not getting time to administer it as they are burdened with so much paper work on admissions and discharges. “I have even seen a few patients dying before they could get the medicine. I am very disturbed.”

As oxygen beds are almost full in Chennai and the queues are getting longer daily, the hospitals are also falling short in extending help. Even severe cases, with saturation as low as 75, who were supposed to be managed at tertiary care hospitals, are being sent to the newly set-up healthcare centres.

‘Lockdown necessary to break virus spread’

Dr T Janakiraman, an anaesthesiologist on Covid duty at a private hospital in the city, said, “We need some breathing time. So, we need complete lockdown at least for seven days if not for a month, to break the chain. This gap is needed to rebuild our resources, such as oxygen and medicines. This is not going to prevent the impending crisis. But it will give us breathing time. We are really exhausted.”

“As vaccination for people above 18 years of age is yet to begin and there is no stock, lockdown is the only solution as of now,” he added. Dr S Perumal Pillai, president, Legal Coordination Committee for Government Doctors, said that their workload has increased four times compared to last year.

“As we have utilised all available space for Covid treatment, we don’t have space in hospitals as non-Covid cases are also coming in. We don’t have manpower as well. Not only ICU and oxygen beds, even normal beds are full,” he said. A staff nurse at a government hospital, echoed with the doctors and said there are only two nurses attending over 250 patients.

JEE (Main) postponed

Chennai: Due to the spike in Covid cases, the National Testing Agency (NTA) on Thursday decided to reschedule the JEE Main (May) 2021. The notification for the exam schedule was to be released this month. The May sessions exams were to be conducted from May 24-28. The JEE Main (April) session was already postponed. “Looking at the present situation of Covid and keeping students safety in mind, JEE (Main) May 2021 session has been postponed,” tweeted Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal ‘Nishank’

Third Covid wave will hit children hard: Advisory

Third Covid wave will hit children hard: Advisory

The common symptoms seen in children are spike in fever, gastroenteritis symptoms and respiratory issues.

Published: 07th May 2021 05:12 AM 

By Express News Service

BENGALURU: The next and third Covid wave will be more dangerous for children, warned Motherhood Hospitals, while issuing an advisory against rising infections among children.Already, in the present second wave, more children are testing positive and are being hospitalised with different variants and double mutants, which are highly contagious, infecting those in the age group of 0-16, it said. Parents must be cautious and not let their guard down, it said.

“Since the newborns too are vulnerable, breastfeeding is highly recommended as it builds baby’s immunity. It is also advisable for parents to strictly follow the vaccination schedule of their babies and not miss any doses, as this will shield the baby from infections and therefore a very crucial element in preventing the Covid infection,” said Dr Santosh Kumar, Consultant Neonatologist and Paediatrician, Motherhood Hospitals.

The common symptoms seen in children are spike in fever, gastroenteritis symptoms and respiratory issues. Dr Kumar said that most people are not following Covid-appropriate behaviour and once they contract the virus, they pass it on to their children.Some of these kids could be asymptomatic, spreading the infection among their grandparents, who are in the high-risk group. The children are more susceptible as there is no vaccination available yet for those in the age group of 0-10, he added.

Southern Railway temporarily cancels several inter-State trains in TN

Southern Railway temporarily cancels several inter-State trains in TN

Similarly, as per the directives of Railway Board and Tamil Nadu State government, nine pairs of unreserved special trains are also temporarily cancelled for varying periods from May 8 to June 1.

Published: 07th May 2021 06:04 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Southern Railway has temporarily cancelled a total of 14 inter-State trains in Tamil Nadu, 7 inter-State trains in Kerala, 4 trains between Tamil Nadu-Kerala, 4 trains between Tamil Nadu-Karnataka, 1 train between Tamil Nadu-Puducherry, 4 trains between Kerala and Karnataka, 1 train between Tamil Nadu-Andhra Pradesh, 1 train between Tamil Nadu-Delhi and 1 train between Kerala-Delhi.

Similarly, as per the directives of Railway Board and Tamil Nadu State government, nine pairs of unreserved special trains are also temporarily cancelled for varying periods from May 8 to June 1.

Also, the statement said in view of the pandemic situation and cancellation of less-patronised trains, only limited number of PRS counters will be operated in all stations with reservation facility. Passengers are requested to make use of online reservation facilities for booking in train services that are being operated.

Inter-State trains cancelled in TN (pairs)

Egmore- Karaikudi

Egmore-Madurai (Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun)

Egmore-Madurai (Daily)

Egmore-Tiruchchirapalli

Egmore-Madurai (Fri, Sun)

Central-Erode

Central-Coimbatore (Daily)

Central-Coimbatore (Sat)

Central-Madurai

Egmore-Nagercoil

Tambaram-Nagercoil

Central-Jolarpettai

Tambaram-Nagercoil

Kerala

Ernakulam-Trivandrum

Alappuzha-Kollam

Ernakulam-Alappuzha

Shoranur-Ernakulam

Shoranur-Kannur

Shoranur-Trivandrum

Kannur-Trivandrum

Inter-State trains cancelled between TN-Kerala

Central-Trivandrum (Sun & Sat)

Central-Trivandrum (Daily)

Tirunelveli-Palakkad

Tiruchi-Palakkad Town

Trains cancelled TN- K’taka

Central-KSR Bangalore

Central-Mangalore

Mangalore- Nagarcoil

Trains cancelled between TN-Puducherry

Egmore-Puducherry

Trains cancelled between Kerala and Karnataka

Trivandrum-Mangalore

KSR Bangalore-Ernakulam

Ernakulam-Banaswadi

Kochuveli-Mangalore

Trains cancelled between TN-AP

Central-Tirupathi

Trains cancelled between TN-Delhi

Central-Nizamuddin

Trains cancelled between Kerala-Delhi

Trivandrum-Nizamuddin

Unreserved special trains cancelled

Mettupalayam-Coimbatore

Tambaram-Villupuram

Villupuram-Tambaram

Arakkonam-Jolarpettai

Vriddhachalam-Salem

Tiruchi-Karur Tiruchi-KKDI

Madurai-Villupuram

Salem-Arakkonam

Chennai-Puducherry

Chennai yet to take new Covid restrictions seriously

Chennai yet to take new Covid restrictions seriously

On Day 1, some TASMAC shops witness huge crowds while hotels function with half-opened shutters; more vehicles seen on roads till 2 pm

Published: 07th May 2021 06:08 AM 

Throwing caution to the wind, local residents throng a TASMAC shop at Puliyanthope in Chennai on Thursday | P Jawahar

By Sahaya Novinston Lobo

Express News Service

CHENNAI: With the new restrictions coming into effect in the State from Thursday, there were fewer vehicular movements in the capital city. All the non-essential shops were closed down by 12 pm and MTC buses and trains ran almost empty. Police were deployed to make sure that the shops were closed. Meanwhile, Kancheepuram Municipal officials have issued fines for shops that were open after 12 pm.

As soon as the clock hit 11.45 am, police personnel in patrol vehicles started making rounds around areas, announcing over microphones that shops have to be closed within a few minutes. In Parrys and Broadway, the police went from one shop to the other, forcing the reluctant shopkeepers to pull down their shutters.

Until 2 pm, the roads were filled with vehicles of people returning from shops that were closed. Throughout the city, hotels functioned with half-opened shutters and a person waiting at the door to take order for parcels. “The business is not fast running as it used to be.

Most people are inside the house by 12 pm and prefer cooking for themselves. Mostly, bachelors and others who go to work, come to get packaged food,” said H Govindan, who runs a hotel in Eldams Road. In spite of the shops being closed at 12 pm, several vehicles could be seen on the roads, including a few youngsters taking a trip around the city, given the reduced traffic.

Police ask shopkeepers at Badrian Street in Broadway to down their shutters  after 12 pm | Ashwin Prasath

Tasmac outlets in a few places in the city saw a busy crowd with police deployed to maintain order. Pulianthope, Mogappair, Ayapakkam, Perumbakkam, Perungudi, and Navalur were a few places where Tasmac shops were overflowing with people. Police personnel deployed at the shops said they had to distance themselves from the crowd since most of them neither wore a mask nor maintained physical distancing. From 11 am to 12 pm, the crowd reached its peak in most of the places.

The bus conductors whom spoke to Express said that most of the trips, even the longer ones, had to be plied with ten or twelve people at the most. Since the local train services are restricted only to government staff and frontline workers, RPF personnel are placed at the entrance and exit of railway stations to check the ID cards of people before letting them inside.

In Kancheepuram district, Municipal Commissioner Maheswari, raided several shops in Gandhi Salai and issued challans to shops that were open even after warning. Tailor shops, studios, and fancy stores were issued a fine of Rs 500, while jewellery shops, textile shops were fined Rs 5,000. The State had announced new restrictions from Thursday (May 6) till May 20.

All shops except pharmacies and milk outlets are to be closed after 12 pm. Hotels will provide parcels only. Tasmacs will operate between 8 am and 12 pm. All government and private hospitals will function with only 50 per cent employees. Public transports would operate with only 50 per cent capacity.

பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து

பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து

Added : மே 07, 2021 00:46

சென்னை:பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் தமிழகத்தில் பல்லவன் வைகை தேஜஸ் உட்பட 34 ரயில்கள் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டு உள்ளன.

* சென்னை எழும்பூர் - காரைக்குடி இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் பல்லவன் எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும்; சென்னை எழும்பூர் - மதுரை இடையே இயக்கப்படும் தேஜஸ் ரயில் நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூர் - மதுரை இடையே இயக்கப்படும் வைகை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் எழும்பூரில் இருந்து 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும் மதுரையில் இருந்து நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

சென்னை எழும்பூர் - திருச்சி மலைக்கோட்டை எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் எழும்பூரில் இருந்து 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரையும்; திருச்சியில் இருந்து நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூரில் இருந்து மதுரைக்கு சனி மற்றும் ஞாயிற்று கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப் படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் வரும் 13ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரல்-ஈரோடு இடையே இயக்கப்படும் ஏற்காடு எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் கோவைக்கு இயக்கப்படும் சேரன் இன்டர்சிட்டி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் 31ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து கோவைக்கு சனிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 15ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 29ம் தேதி வரையும்; கோவையில் இருந்து வெள்ளிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 14 முதல் 28ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து மதுரைக்கு வாரம் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் துரந்தோ சிறப்பு ரயில் 10ம் தேதியில் இருந்து 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எழும்பூரில் இருந்து நாகர்கோவிலுக்கு வியாழக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 13 முதல் 27ம் தேதி வரையும்; நாகர்கோவிலில் இருந்து எழும்பூருக்கு வெள்ளிக்கிழமைகளில் இயக்கப்படும் ரயில் வரும் 14 முதல் 28ம் தேதி வரையும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன* தாம்பரம் - நாகர்கோவில் இடையே வாரத்தில் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் அந்தியோதயா எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரல் - ஜோலார்பேட்டை இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் ஏலகிரி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளது* தாம்பரம் - நாகர்கோவில் இடையே வாரம் மூன்று நாட்கள் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் 9ம் தேதி முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரை ரத்து செய்யப்படுள்ளது

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர். சென்ட்ரலில் இருந்து கேரளா மாநிலம் திருவனந்தபுரத்துக்கு ஞாயிற்று கிழமைகளிலும் திருவனந்தபுரத்தில் இருந்து சென்ட்ரலுக்கு சனிக்கிழமைகளிலும் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் 30ம் தேதி வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி. ஆர். சென்ட்ரல் - திருவனந்தபுரம் இடையே தினமும் இயக்கப்படும் சிறப்பு ரயில் நாளை முதல் ஜூன் 1 வரை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த ரயில்கள் இருவழியிலும் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன.

‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ singer dies after contracting Covid

M J C COMAGAN 1973-2021

‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ singer dies after contracting Covid

Aditi.R@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

Kalaimamani awardee M J C Comagan died of Covid-19 on Thursday. The visually impaired singer was 48 years old. “His death was unexpected. We are unable to come to terms with it,” said V Anitha, his wife.

Comagan was best known as the voice behind the hit song ‘Ovvoru Pookalume’ in the 2003 Tamil film ‘Autograph’. His blind orchestra, Comaganin Raaga Priya, made its way into the 2008 Guinness Book of World Record after the group sang 682 songs for 50 straight hours. Comagan called it one of his greatest accomplishments.

According to Anitha, Comagan began developing Covid symptoms on April 17. He had high fever lasting more than 10 days. On April 24, his family took him to a hospital for the RT-PCR test, but he got a negative result. “When the doctors took a CT scan, they found that his lungs were infected and suspected Covid,” said Anitha.

On Wednesday morning, Anitha said Comagan began complaining of severe shortness of breath. They rushed him to a hospital and got him tested again and this time the test came back positive. He was immediately admitted. “When we checked his oxygen levels after a while, it was around 91-92. He was fine until late evening, when his oxygen levels dropped drastically to 40. They put him on ventilator support. At1.15am, he passed away,” she said.

Comagan was due for his second dose of the Covid vaccine this week. “He got the first dose on April 3 and in a few days, he fell ill. He never had any breathing difficulties before. It was all so sudden,” said his grieving wife.

Comagan’s journey began in 1991 with he and nine friends began an orchestra, comprising of visually impaired artists. For nearly two years, the group didn’t get opportunities to perform, but kept meeting every week, practising tirelessly.

Slowly, they began performing at music festivals, sabhas and marriage functions till ‘Autograph’ gave them their big break. Over the years, the group grew to 25 members and has given 3,500 musical performances across nine countries.

In February, Comagan was awarded the Kalaimamani award for excellence in the field of art. During an interview after the award ceremony, Comagan told TOI that it was a dream to start a music school. “I want to see an inclusive society, and also show people that anybody can achieve what they want,” he said. Comagan is survived by his wife and two children.

Now, Nehru, Gandhi will report to Stalin

Now, Nehru, Gandhi will report to Stalin

Chennai:07.05.2021

Call it by design or coincidence – Tamil Nadu’s newly minted cabinet will have a Gandhi running the Khadi and rural employment department, and a Nehru captaining urban development.

Only ticklish aspect is both this Gandhi and Nehru had faced corruption charges in the past, before being cleared of all charges by courts. Only the prospective speaker will have trouble calling out the names of Gandhi or Nehru, ordering them either to speak out or shut up. It is tough to shout: “Gandhi, your time is up. Let Nehru begin his reply now.”

For the record, however, it has to be noted R Gandhi, the four-time MLA from Ranipet constituency, is minister for Khadi, village industries, and Bhoodhan. Five-time Trichy-West MLA K N Nehru is minister for urban development and municipal administration.

In 2005, Gandhi, along with his wife and son faced a case for amassing assets disproportionate to known sources of income. The charges were quashed by courts in 2015 for want of evidence.

Nehru, too, battled a slew of corruption and grave criminal cases slapped on him by the Jayalalithaa dispensation after 2001. He battled land grab and criminal intimidation cases too. He has not been found guilty in any of them.

When results started trickling in on on May 2, meme factories in Tamil Nadu came alive pointing out that the Assembly will have a lot of renowned national and international giants — two Gandhis, one Nehru and a Stalin. The second Gandhi, bearing initials M R, could not get into the cabinet because he got elected in BJP ticket, representing Nagercoil constituency. TNN

Stalin’s 1st cabinet is mixed bag of experience & youth

Stalin’s 1st cabinet is mixed bag of experience & youth

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:07.05.2021

It is a mix of old timers, young and new faces in the 34-member cabinet of M K Stalin that will steer the state government for the next five years. The DMK chief has inducted15 new faces, reinforcing the party’s commitment to bring in versatility, but kept his son and first time MLA Udhayanidhi out of the council of ministers.

There are two women members, former minister P Geetha Jeevan, and N Kayalvizhi Selvaraj, who defeated BJP president L Murugan in Dharapuram in Tirupur district by a slender margin. The new faces include former party whip R Sakkarapani, Vellore East district secretary R Gandhi, Chennai former mayor Ma Subramanian, P K Sekar Babu (Harbour), Palanivel Thiagarajan (Madurai Central), and Thiruverumbur MLA and close confidante of Udhayanidhi, Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhi.

The party has rewarded erstwhile heavyweights of the AIADMK, who switched loyalties in the past two decades, including K K S S R Ramachandran, S Muthusamy, S R Rajakannappan, Anitha R Radhakrishnan and V Senthil Balaji. Ramachandran had served in the cabinets led by M G Ramachandran, J Jayalalithaa and M Karunanidhi, holding PWD, cooperation, health and BC welfare portfolios. Erode strongman Muthusamy was minister in MGR and Jayalalithaa regimes, before switching sides. Senthil Balaji has been rewarded for helping the DMK win all four seats in Karur district for which he was in charge. Rajakannappan was an influential minister in Jayalalithaa’s first cabinet and briefly led a party, Makkal Tamil Desam.

“About half the cabinet is new. It consists of rich, experienced partymen and able youngsters, who can deliver the best to the state,” DMK Rajya Sabha MP and spokesperson T K S Elangovan said. Except for K Ponmudi, who got back the higher education portfolio and Geetha Jeevan, social welfare, other seniors did not get previously held portfolios. Thangam Thennarasu, who was speculated to retain school education, has been given industries.

In a statement later in the day, Stalin explained the rationale behind formation of a new ministry called water resources, and changes in nomenclature of a few other ministries, including agriculturefarmers’ welfare, environment-climate change, medical and family welfare, fisheriesfishermen welfare, labour welfare and skill development, information, social welfare and women empowerment, human resources management and non-resident Tamils welfare.

“Functioning of the ministries and departments have undergone changes in the current situation. There is a compulsion to change the names of the ministries and departments with a long-term vision, considering the expectations of people, welfare of workforce, confronting challenges, the fixed targets and government goals,” Stalin said.