Advocates Not Above Law; Bar Council Must Act Suo Moto Against Lawyers' Unruly Conduct : Madras High Court

Advocates Not Above Law; Bar Council Must Act Suo Moto Against Lawyers' Unruly Conduct : Madras High Court: 'Advocates should not take law into their own hands on the premise that they are the custodian of law; on the contrary, the advocates being the custodian of law, are bound to act within the legal...

கிரிமினல் நடவடிக்கைக்கு ஆளாவோர் ஓய்வூதியம்: மத்திய அரசு புது உத்தரவு

கிரிமினல் நடவடிக்கைக்கு ஆளாவோர் ஓய்வூதியம்: மத்திய அரசு புது உத்தரவு

Added : ஜூன் 19, 2021 02:01

குடும்பத்தில் கணவன் அல்லது மனைவி கொலை குற்றத்துக்காக, தண்டனை பெறும் பட்சத்தில், அவர்களது குடும்ப உறுப்பினர் ஒருவருக்கு ஓய்வூதியம் வழங்க உத்தரவிடப்பட்டுள்ளது.

ஒரு குடும்பத்தில், அரசுப் பணியில் இருக்கும் கணவன் அல்லது மனைவி யாரேனும் இறந்தால், அவரதுஓய்வூதியம் இருவரில் ஒருவருக்கு வழங்கப்படுவது வழக்கம்.கொலை குற்றம்சில சமயங்களில், சொத்து அபகரிப்பு, கணவரது அல்லது மனைவியின் அரசு வேலையை பெறுதல் போன்ற தவறான நோக்கத்தில், கணவன், மனைவி என இருவரில் ஒருவர், மற்றொருவரை கொலை செய்வதும் அல்லது கொலைக்கு உடந்தையாக இருக்கும் சம்பவங்களும் நடக்கின்றன.

இவ்வாறு, கொலை குற்றத்துக்கு தண்டனை விதிக்கப்பட்டவருக்கும், வழக்கு விசாரணை நடக்கும் சமயத்தில் குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்டவருக்கும், முன்பு ஓய்வூதியம் நிறுத்தி வைக்கப் பட்டது.இதனால், இச்சம்பவத்தில் தொடர்பு இல்லாத இறந்தவரின் வயதான பெற்றோர், வாரிசுகள் என குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்கள், பொருளாதார ரீதியாக பாதிக்கப்படுகின்றனர்.

இந்நிலையில், குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்களின் நலன் கருதி, மத்திய அரசின் ஓய்வூதியம் மற்றும் ஓய்வூதிய தாரர்கள் நலத்துறை, அனைத்து அமைச்சகம் மற்றும் அரசு துறைகளுக்கு ஒரு கடிதம் அனுப்பியுள்ளது. அதில் கூறியிருப்பதாவது:கொலை குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்டவரை நீதிமன்றம் விடுதலை செய்யும் பட்சத்தில், நிறுத்தி வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்த ஓய்வூதியத்தை அவருக்கு வழங்க வேண்டும்.

ஒருவேளை தண்டனை விதிக்கப்பட்டதால், குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்களில் ஒருவருக்கு ஓய்வூதியம் வழங்கலாம்.அரசு பணியாளர்வாரிசுகள், 'மைனர்' ஆக இருந்தால் காப்பாளரை நியமித்து ஓய்வூதியம் பெற்று, குழந்தைகளுக்கு வழங்கலாம். ஆனால், காப்பாளர் இக்கொலை குற்றச்சாட்டுக்கு ஆளாகியிருக்கக் கூடாது.அரசு பணியாளர் இறந்த தேதியில் இருந்து, நிறுத்தி வைக்கப்பட்டிருந்த ஓய்வூதிய நிலுவையை குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்களுக்கு வழங்க வேண்டும்.கு

ற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்டவரை நீதிமன்றம் விடுதலை செய்யும் பட்சத்தில், குடும்ப உறுப்பினர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்பட்டு வந்த ஓய்வூதியத்தை நிறுத்தி, விடுதலை ஆனவருக்கு வழங்க வேண்டும். இவ்வாறு அதில் தெரிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

- நமது நிருபர் -

இருபது ரயில்கள் மீண்டும் இயக்கம்

இருபது ரயில்கள் மீண்டும் இயக்கம்

Added : ஜூன் 19, 2021 01:39

சென்னை:சென்னை எழும்பூரில் இருந்து தினமும் இயக்கப்பட்டு, பயணியர் வருகை குறைவால் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்ட உழவன், மலைக்கோட்டை, கொல்லம், எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் உட்பட, 20 சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் மீண்டும் இயக்கப்படுகின்றன.

* சென்னை எழும்பூர் - தஞ்சை உழவன், திருச்சி மலைக்கோட்டை, ராமேஸ்வரம் மற்றும் கேரளா கொல்லம் செல்லும் சிறப்பு ரயில்கள் நாளை முதல் மீண்டும் இயக்கப்படும்

* சென்னை எம்.ஜி.ஆர்., சென்ட்ரல் - திருவனந்தபுரம் மற்றும் ஆலப்புழா, மேட்டுப்பாளையம் நீலகிரி எக்ஸ்பிரஸ் ரயில்களும் நாளை முதல் இயங்கும்

* கோவை - நாகர்கோவில், திருவனந்தபுரம் - மதுரை, புனலுார் - மதுரை சிறப்பு ரயில்களும் இயக்கப்படும். இந்த ரயில்கள் அனைத்தும் இருவழியிலும் இயக்கப்படும்.

High sugar after Covid a concern, but hypertension no bar for jab

ASK THE EXPERT A SHOT OF HOPE

High sugar after Covid a concern, but hypertension no bar for jab

My son aged 45 is type-2 diabetic (not on insulin). He had Covid-19 and was discharged from hospital on May 17 after five days of treatment with remdesivir and steroids. His fasting sugar level is around 200 with medication. Our family doctor says this will continue for some more days. Is this okay?

—K JAYARAMAN, CHENNAI

Anyone who is ill tends to have high sugar. It lasts for a few days after the illness as well. Studies have shown Covid-19 also plays a role in keeping sugar levels high days after illness. Having said that, fasting sugar of 200mg/dL is not something we would be happy with given the concerns about other infections, such as black fungus. Therefore, it is important for the sugar levels to be brought down to a more acceptable value. It is worth talking to your doctor to see if more medicine should be added, or diet tightened.

I am 74, have hypertension but not diabetes or other comorbidity. I have never had Covid. Please let me know what precautions I should take before getting vaccinated to avoid complications like blood-clotting.

—PRASHANT K GUPTA, MEERUT

I would advise you to get vaccinated as quickly as possible. Data released by the government shows significant side-effects of vaccination are exceedingly rare. Studies have also shown the risk of blood-clotting is rare among the elderly. So, taking the vaccine is probably safer than taking a flight. Until now, no government or other agency has recommended routine tests ahead of vaccination. It may not be the best time to take the vaccine with symptoms such as high fever, but no other situation warrants postponement. You must continue with your regular medications.

Can DPP4 inhibitors given for controlling blood sugar levels in Covid cases help prevent black fungus?

—PRANAV DESHMUKH, MUMBAI

Control of blood sugar is important for everyone, but how it should be controlled is a conversation you must have with your doctor. If patients have fluctuating sugar levels, insulin is the most preferred mode of treatment. For others who are stable and do not have other health complications, many other drugs are available. What drug you must take depends on your medical conditions, such as kidney disease or liver injury.

Dr Rajeev Gupta

HEAD, INTERNAL MEDICINE, HOLY FAMILY HOSPITAL, DELHI

My mother has high cholesterol and BP. Should we stop her medication for a couple of days before and after vaccination? Should people with cholesterol and BP issues take aspirin around the time they get vaccinated?

—VENKATARAMAN, CHENNAI

Medicines for cholesterol, usually statins, should be continued.

Blood pressure needs to be under control before vaccination, so there’s no need to discontinue any prescribed medication. Aspirin is not added for the purpose of vaccination. If it is going on, it should not be stopped.

Does steam inhalation prevent Covid? Should it be done daily?

—SUNIL K GUPTA, RANCHI

Steam inhalation has no role in preventing Covid-19. All measures to improve your immunity, like regular exercise, healthy diet, vitamin supplements, yoga, etc have no immediate effect but they are all good in the long term.

My RT-PCR test is positive with a CT value of 31.6. Do I need home isolation? I have no fever, cough or cold.

—GOPAL SHAH, MUMBAI

The CT value (or cycle threshold) of RT-PCR is subject to many potential errors, and its value as a measure of viral load or severity is very questionable. Home isolation is decided on severity of symptoms, age and serious comorbidities. Asymptomatic patients without other risk factors, as judged by their treating physician, can be home-isolated. It is based on doctor’s advice, not CT value.

Is vaccination safe for my wife who is NMO+ve and suffering from myasthenia gravis? She is on immunosuppressants and was administered her 8th dose of rituximab in March 2021.

—AAKASH JAIN, JAIPUR

People who are immunocompromised or on immunosuppression can get vaccinated. What is not known is how good the immune response will be, as most studies didn’t include immunocompromised people. However, they should delay vaccination for 4-6 weeks after the last dose of any immunosuppressive agent. Your wife should undergo CBC (complete blood count) KFT and LFT tests before vaccination.

I am fully vaccinated but I don’t have a certificate of vaccination – it was not generated. Will it be required for travelling?

—DIPEN SAPOVADIA, AHMEDABAD

As of now, there is no regulatory mandate for producing a vaccination certificate for travel within India. Some countries might require a vaccination certificate though. In such instances, carrying certification is advised. I would recommend contacting the health centre where the vaccination was done to get the vaccination certificate.

Dr Subramanian Swaminathan

DIRECTOR – INFECTIOUS DISEASES, GLENEAGLES GLOBAL HEALTH CITY, CHENNAI

Dr Giridhara R Babu

PROFESSOR AND HEAD-LIFECOURSE EPIDEMIOLOGY, PUBLIC HEALTH FOUNDATION OF INDIA (PHFI)

TOI has put together a panel of experts to answer questions about Covid-19 and vaccination. Scan the QR code or visit bit.ly/3gKqS6h to ask your question

Aspirants must continue to study for NEET: Health min

Aspirants must continue to study for NEET: Health min

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:19.06.2021

Students in Tamil Nadu aspiring to pursue MBBS must continue preparing for NEET even as the state government is working towards getting an exemption, health minister Ma Subramanian said on Friday. He was reacting to a statement by deputy leader of opposition O Panneerselvam, which said the state’s decision to start NEET coaching centres in government schools when they promised an exemption was confusing to students.

Subramanian said, “Admission now is based on NEET. The state is working towards getting a permanent exemption from the entrance test. Nevertheless, we don’t want to leave students stranded if we don’t get that exemption,” he said.

Free coaching for NEET was introduced by the AIADMK government which made little efforts to seek exemption from the test, Subramanian pointed out. The first announcement about such a course came from AIADMK’s former education minister K A Sengottaiyan, he said.

“While the DMK moved the court to stop the entrance based admission in 2010, the test became the sole criterion for medical admissions since 2017. The DMK supported the legislation against NEET in the TN assembly but the move did not receive presidential sanction. It was later returned by the Union home ministry as there was not enough “pressure” from the then ruling AIADMK,” Subramanian remarked, adding that several students had to face difficulties when NEET was made mandatory.

Ever since the DMK came to power, it has made consistent efforts to ensure students don’t have to write NEET, he said. “Instead of merely passing legislation, the DMK government decided to study the impact of NEET. A nine-member committee under retired justice A K Rajan has been working to study its impact on students. In the past one week, the committee has met at least four times,” the minister said. “They will submit their recommendation to the state within a month.”

In 2006, TN government passed a legislation to cancel entrance examinations for professional courses based on the recommendations of an expert committee headed by educationalist Dr M Ananthakrishnan. “We are hopeful of doing the same thing with the present committee,” Subramanian said.

Committee seeks public opinion:The A K Rajan committee set up TN government to study the impact of NEET has asked members of the public to e-mail their opinions on the issue, not exceeding five pages, to neetimpact2021@gmail.com or by post to the committee office functioning on the campus of Director of Medical Education in Kilpauk before June 23. The DME office has placed a drop box for people to drop hard copies of their opinions. By Friday, the directorate had received at least 5,000 e-mails regarding NEET.

Admission now is based on NEET. The state is working towards getting a permanent exemption from the entrance test. Nevertheless, we don’t want to leave students stranded if we don’t get that exemption

MA SUBRAMANIAN

State health minister

Bar council told to take suo motu action against misconduct by lawyers

Bar council told to take suo motu action against misconduct by lawyers

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:19.06.2021

It is time the Bar council took suo motu action against unprofessional conduct of advocates as soon as it comes to its notice through digital/print media, and without awaiting a formal complaint, Madras high court has said.

Justice M Dhandapani, denying anticipatory bail to a woman advocate, Tanuja Rajan, who was booked for abusing and intimidating policemen who had stopped her daughter’s car and imposed ₹500 fine on her for lockdown violation, said: “…though this court cannot give any positive direction to the Bar Council to do one thing or the other…this court feels it is high time the Bar Council enforces Section 35 of the Advocates Act which gives it the power and authority to initiate action suo motu on the incidents which comes to its knowledge through digital or print media, for which there is no complaint given by any individual.”

Pointing out that Tanuja Rajan’s conduct on June 6 in full public view could not be brushed as an one-off act, the judge said, pointing out to a similar fracas during an election check when she had projected herself as an advocate and immune to any checks that police may conduct. “The whole act of Tanuja Rajan is not only demeaning the legal fraternity in bad light in front of the public, but it is a clear misuse of her position and professional privilege as an advocate to further her cause, which is impermissible,” he said.

Justice Dhandapani, however, granted bail to her daughter, Preeti Rajan, who is a fourth year law student.

The judge also frowned at one advocate R Krishnamoorthi, a ‘total stranger to the proceedings’, and initiated contempt of court proceedings against him for making derogatory statements on the social media against the judicial functions of the judge. “If such an act is not nipped in the bud, it will send a wrong signal to other persons to make scathing aspersions against other judges which would impede the discharge of judicial functions,” said Justice Dhandapani.

The court denied bail to advocate Tanuja Rajan who was booked for intimidating cops who had stopped her daughter’s car and imposed ₹500 fine on her for lockdown violation

Law faculty exam paper repeated, DU orders probe

Law faculty exam paper repeated, DU orders probe

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:18.06.2021

First-year students of Delhi University’s Faculty of Law who sat for their Law of Contract paper on June 16 were shocked to find that they had got the same question paper as their seniors did for their exam in December 2020. The exam was held through online open book examination format.

The law faculty has formed a committee to investigate the lapse.

One of the candidates, Shwet Kumar Singh, said that he was shocked to see the same set of questions and was unsure if he had to attempt the paper. He had seen last year’s paper while preparing for his exam. “When second-year students gave the exam in December, they had received the exact same six questions. I and my classmates first thought that it was a mistake and complained about it but we got no answers from anyone,” said Singh.

Vivek Raj, a second-year student, said that “those who appeared for their improvement exam in December would have never thought that the paper would be repeated. The 100-mark question paper had six questions, of which students had to attempt four. All the questions were exactly the same. The only difference was the date of the exam.”

He added, “These types of things can ruin the reputation of the law faculty.”

DS Rawat, dean of exams, said that “DU only issues the guidelines and the exam question papers are set by the law faculty. And during the pandemic, they said that they would also be conducting the exams. When we got to know about the incident, we spoke to them and asked them to investigate. The law faculty stated that they have constituted a committee and will investigate the matter.”

Dean of law faculty Vandana did not respond to calls and messages by TOI.

One of the candidates said he was shocked to see the same set of questions and was unsure if he had to attempt the paper. He had seen last year’s paper while preparing for his exam

AIIMS to resume routine admissions

AIIMS to resume routine admissions

New Delhi:18.06.2021

AIIMS has decided to resume routine inpatient admissions and elective surgeries at its general and private wards and in all its centres with immediate effect, according to an order by the hospital administration. “In view of the decreased need of hospitalisation of Covid patients and considering the relaxation of curfew announced by Delhi government, it’s been decided that inpatient admission, including elective surgeries in general wards and private wards in AIIMS Hospital and all centres, be resumed with immediate effect,” the order issued by the medical superintendent stated.

Heads of all departments have been requested to provide a proposed number of new and follow-up OPD patients daily who are to be given online or telephonic appointments. OPD registration will be done only for such patients with online/phone appointments. TNN

'Virus Is Going To Stay For Long. What Is Your Plan For Future?' : Allahabad High Court Asks UP Govt

'Virus Is Going To Stay For Long. What Is Your Plan For Future?' : Allahabad High Court Asks UP Govt: The Allahabad High Court on Thursday asked the UP Governmentto come up with a road map for tackl

Assessment Under CBSE Scheme Would Replicate, As Far As Possible, Marks Which Students Would Have Obtained In In-Person Examination: AG KK Venugopal To SC

Assessment Under CBSE Scheme Would Replicate, As Far As Possible, Marks Which Students Would Have Obtained In In-Person Examination: AG KK Venugopal To SC: Narrating the

CBSE Class XII marks may dip due to 30% weightage to Class XI

CBSE Class XII marks may dip due to 30% weightage to Class XI

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:18.06.2021

The Central Board of Secondary Education's Class XII evaluation criteria which gives 30% weightage to Class XI marks may dip the scores of Class XII students, say experts and principals.

Following the cancellation of the Class XII board exam, the CBSE announced that 40% weightage will be given to unit test, mid-term test, pre-board exam and 30% weightage will be given to Class XI theory exams and 30% weightage will be given to Class X marks. Class X marks are based on the average theory component of the best of three performing subjects out of five mine subjects.

Marks for practicals and internal assessment will be based on the marks uploaded by schools on the CBSE portal.

R Srinivasa Raghavan, principal of Bala Vidyamandir Senior Secondary School in Adyar said there will be a dip in marks for Class XII students. "Evaluation criteria is fair. But, Class XI students would not have taken their exams seriously. So, there will be a dip in marks. Nobody expected that Class XI marks to be a part of evaluation and it will be a catch for them," he said. adding that it has given a message to all students that they should not take any academic test lightly.

Sunitha Vipinchandran, principal of Asan Memorial Senior Secondary School said more weightage for Class X board exams could have been given. "Because of the board exams, Class X students would have studied more seriously. But, Class XI students might not have taken their exams seriously. So, the weightage for board exams should have been more," she said.

Some principals said top rankers may not be satisfied with Class XII marks. "It is the only option for the board in view of the cancellation of Class XII exams. But, brighter students who have prepared for the examination, won't be satisfied with the marks. If the marks are low, then CBSE might think of giving moderation," said P G Subramanian, principal of Bhavans Rajaji Vidhyashram in Kilpauk.

Carreer consultant Jayaprakash Gandhi said the performance of Class XII science group students was good last year. "The 30% weightage to Class XI exams will have an impact this year as CBSE students don't focus on Class XI exams. The marks won't be like last year. The students who have done very well in Class XI will have an advantage over others," he said.

Chennai-born man named president of Illinois Institute of Technology

Chennai-born man named president of Illinois Institute of Technology

SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT

JUNE 17, 2021 20:29 IST

UPDATED: JUNE 17, 2021 20:32 IST

Raj Echambadi

Raj Echambadi is an alumnus of College of Engineering, Guindy

Rajagopal Ragavan Echambadi, Dunton Family Dean at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University, has been appointed 10th president of the Illinois Institute of Technology, U.S.

Born and brought up in Chennai, Raj, as he is known among his friends, completed his mechanical engineering degree from the College of Engineering, Guindy, and MBA from Anna University. He pursued Ph. D in Business Administration at the University of Houston. His first job through campus placement was in Tractors and Farm Equipment as service engineer overseeing Kerala and Tamil Nadu. His transition from engineering to MBA happened thanks to TAFE’s then head of Product Training Centre in Bengaluru. “Dr. Subramaniam suggested that I do a Ph. D in Business, because he thought I would be good at it.” To pursue Ph. D a degree in MBA was required.

Raj completed Class X from Shrine Velankanni School in T. Nagar and finished Class XII from Santhome Higher Secondary School. He has received many accolades for his teaching skills.

Pioneer in online iMBA

The iMBA programme that he conceptualised and launched at the University of Illinois in 2016 drew the Government of India’s attention. “We offered the first affordable, scaled online MBA programme in partnership with Coursera platform that reaches 80 million people around the world,” he said over a long-distance call on Thursday.

“The programme is now considered one of the best disruptive and breakthrough in graduate MBA,” he said, pointing out that at that time an MBA degree could cost $1,00,000 whereas their programme cost $22,000. At present, students from over 150 countries were participating in their MBA programmes, he added.

Four years ago, during his tenure at the Northeastern University, the institution tied up with Andhra Pradesh government’s skill development corporation and provided entrepreneurial education as a pilot project in around 10 colleges in that State.

In 2019, the Indian government invited Northeastern University to build entrepreneurial hubs in Sri Venkateswara University and Utkal University.

Under the Center for Emerging Markets, called the Vivek and Vandana Sharma India Initiative, the Northeastern University is offering a series of entrepreneurial education programmes for high schools. The aim of the initiative is to build capacity to offer high quality education.

His high school classmate Ramkumar Ramamoorthi, pro vice-chancellor of Krea University and formerly the chairman and managing director of Cognizant India, said he revived his connection after he returned to academia.

“He has done very interesting work in education. We are making it big (in the western world) in the academic context. It is clearly a recognition for Indians. In the context of National Education Policy it is an opportunity to forge greater academic linkages between Indian and foreign institutions. It will provide well-rounded opportunities to students on both sides,” he said.

City engineer to head Illinois Institute of Tech

City engineer to head Illinois Institute of Tech

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:18.06.2021

Rajagopal Echambadi, an engineering and MBA graduate from Anna University’s College of Engineering, Guindy, has been appointed as the president of 131-year-old Illinois Institute of Technology in the US. He will be take charge on August 16 and will be the first person of colour (and also the first one of Indian origin) to head the only technology-oriented university in Chicago.

Echambadi, 53, is currently working as Dunton Family Dean at the D’Amore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University in Boston.

“The motto of Illinois Institute of Technology is to provide education to students from all backgrounds to prepare them for meaningful roles in industrial society. It is still relevant and we could provide technology education to students from all backgrounds, countries and races to prepare them for the digital era. We will try to make technology education accessible to all,” Rajagopal Echambadi told TOI.

Illinois Institute of Technology has students from all over the world. He also has experience in building entrepreneurial hubs in Indian universities, including Sri Venkateswara University in Tirupati.

“I will look to collaborate with Indian institutions such as IITs and Anna University for business and technology innovations,” he said.

Echambadi was born in Tiruvarur and did his schooling in Shrine Vailankanni Senior Secondary School in T Nagar and Santhome Higher Secondary School in Mylapore. He went on to pursue BE Mechanical Engineering in College of Engineering, Guindy, (1985-89) and MBA in (1990-92). He worked in TAFE and Castrol here before moving to the US to get a PhD from University of Houston (1994-98). His mother, Janaki, lives in Chennai.

With an academic career spanning more than two decades, Echambadi has several innovations to his credit including introducing an online MBA programme known as iMBA in partnership with Coursera, which was hailed as a breakthrough in graduate education. He also facilitated student entrepreneurships and social entrepreneurship.

Fellow academician and Echambadi’s school classmate Ramkumar Ramamoorthy, pro vice-chancellor of Krea University, recalls him as a passionate student. “We are from the 1985-batch of Santhome Higher Secondary School. He was always studious and passionate about engineering, he eventually got into Anna University,” said Ramamoorthy, who is a former chairperson and MD of Cognizant India.

“A lot of attention has been given to Indians making big in the corporate sector, such as Indira Nooyi, Satya Nadella and Sundar Pichai. But not enough attention is given to people who have achieved in academics globally. Indians at the helm of affairs at illustrious universities globally can take academic partnerships to a very different level. They can understand the Indian investment in education and also the value global education brings to Indian students,” Ramamoorthy added.

Rajagopal Echambadi

Born in Tiruvarur and brought up in Chennai, Echambadi, will be the first person of colour to head 131-year-old Illinois Institute of Technology in the US. He pursued mechanical engineering and MBA in College of Engineering, Guindy and holds a PhD from

Siva Sankar Baba lodged in city sub-jail

Siva Sankar Baba lodged in city sub-jail

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.06.2021

Self-styled godman Siva Sankar Baba, arrested in Delhi under the Pocso Act on charges of sexually harassing students in his Sushil Hari International Residential School at Kelambakkam, was on Thursday produced before a city magistrate’s court and lodged at the Chengalpet subjail.

The 72-year-old, who underwent an angioplasty at a private hospital in Dehradun, Uttarakhand, sought permission to get treated at a private hospital but the court refused after police promised he would get the best care at a government hospital. The magistrate remanded Siva Sankar Baba in judicial custody for 14 days and asked police to produce him before the court on June 30. The CB-CID team sought five days of custody to question him, but the court is yet to decide.

On Wednesday, when a team led by superintendent of police Vijayakumar nabbed him from Mayur lodge near Chittaranjan Park in Delhi, Siva Sankar Baba had tonsured his head. After tracking him through Srinivasan, one of his devotees, the team checked more than 30 lodges before finally nabbing him.

On June 12, the Mamallapuram all-women police registered three cases against Siva Sankar Baba based on complaints from several students of the school he founded. On June 13, the case was transferred to the CB-CID.

Rajini to leave for US soon for check-up

Rajini to leave for US soon for check-up

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.06.2021

Actor Rajinikanth, who recently completed work on Sun Pictures-produced ‘Annaatthe’, his latest film, is set to leave for the US in the next few days for a routine health check-up.

Rajinikanth, who underwent a kidney transplant surgery a few years ago in the US, has since been visiting the country for annual checks. Due to Covid-19 and subsequent restrictions on travel, he could not go last year. “He will be leaving in the next few days. But his travel plans are yet to be finalized,” his publicist told TOI.

Rajinikanth, who had planned to launch a political party sometime last year to enter electoral politics ahead of the 2021 assembly election, had to abort the move due to Covid and advice from doctors.

WISH YOU HEALTH

MTC likely to begin services from Monday

MTC likely to begin services from Monday

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:18.06.2021

The demand for public transport is getting more intense, and Metropolitan Transport Corporation (MTC) might resume government bus services in Chennai from Monday but with restrictions.

A Tamil Nadu transport department source said that half the bus fleet might be operated for the first one week with 50% seating capacity so that there was no crowding inside the vehicle and at bus stops.

“We are expecting the chief minister (M K Stalin) to make the formal announcement before Saturday. In case the government permits MTC to resume operation, all buses were serviced and kept ready so that they can be operated on alternate days. During the one-day break, buses will be taken to depots for disinfection,” the source added, requesting anonymity.

Alongside bus maintenance, MTC has also intensified vaccine drives for its employees. Of the total 24,000 staff (including drivers, conductors and technical crew), around 60% of the workforce has already received their first dose of vaccination, according to official data on Thursday evening.

More camps were planned in the next three days at bus depots to ensure that maximum workforce was available for duty from Monday, said a senior MTC official.

K Anbalagan from SVSAAP transport workers' union said that the vaccination programme, which was slow early, gained momentum this week and depot authorities called up individual drivers and conductors to check their vaccination status.

"However, there is a sense of fear among employees as they have received only the first dose. Besides this, some of them are still hesitant to get vaccinated because of misconception about side-effects. So MTC should take more steps to create awareness among them," he said.

Given the limited number of cabs in city roads, autos turned out to be the most accessible urban commute option this week. "People, who want to avoid crowded share autos, can opt for regular auto rides. But not all can afford it everyday," said transportation activist R Rengachari.

T Sadagopan, a residentactivist from Avadi said, even those who have private cars or bikes are not in a position to use them because of the increase in fuel cost. "Employees, who are stuck in their native districts, are unable to reach industries, shops and hotels are unable to get back to work because of the lack of buses," Sadagopan said.

Even if bus services are resumed, inter-district buses might not run from Monday as infection rate is high at 10 or more districts in the state.

A state transport department official said that half the bus fleet might be operated for the first one week with 50% seating capacity so that there was no crowding inside the vehicle and at bus stops

For seniors, an arduous wait for vaccines

For seniors, an arduous wait for vaccines

Nivedha.Selvam1@timesgroup.com

Coimbatore:18.06.2021

Around 6 am on Thursday, 63-year-old S Jayanthi, a resident of Vellakinar, and her 68-year-old husband rushed to corporation’s elementary school upon hearing that the civic body was administering Covid-19 vaccine to those above 45 years. But their joy of finally getting vaccinated was short-lived.

While standing in a serpentine queue awaiting their turn to get the jab, a corporation worker appeared and asked them to come back the next day as there were no available slots. For the second time in the last two days, the couple returned without taking the jab. The couple has decided to try their luck again on Friday, and plan to visit the school a little early in the day as they are due for their second dose.

“We took our first dose of Covishield in March at a private hospital. When we were due for our second dose in May, we visited multiple primary health centres and waited for several hours... but to no avail,” said Jayanthi.

Hers is not a lone case in the district. For many senior citizens like her, getting vaccinated is a gargantuan task as they have to wait endlessly in queues at corporation centres for multiple hours.

A resident of Vadamadurai M Madhankumar questioned if it was difficult for officials to inform the public about the location and timings of vaccination camps in advance. “Most of the time, the CoWin website has no booking slots available.”

When contacted, a corporation official said that his team has directed all centres to distribute tokens in advance to avoid crowding at centres. He said steps would be taken to adopt uniform timings in all the centres.

NO STOCK: A corporation centre in Coimbatore has no vaccines

In1st meet, CM asks PM to scrap NEET, drop oil exploration in TN

In1st meet, CM asks PM to scrap NEET, drop oil exploration in TN

PM Modi Promises Full Support, Said Stalin Can Reach Him Anytime

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:18.06.2021

Chief minister M K Stalin, in his maiden meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi after assuming charge, requested him to scrap NEET and drop plans to extend such entrance exams for admission to other courses. He also asked the PM to drop hydrocarbon and neutrino projects planned for the state.

In a 25-minute meeting with the PM in New Delhi on Thursday, Stalin sought adequate allotment of vaccines and drugs for Tamil Nadu to fight Covid. The CM also demanded early commencement of vaccine production at HLL Biotech in Chengalpet and Pasteur Institute in Coonoor to overcome vaccine shortage.

The PM assured his full support for development projects in the state and said he could be reached anytime, the CM said.

Accompanied by water resources minister S Duraimurugan, chief secretary V Irai Anbu and DMK Parliamentary party leader T R Baalu, Stalin reached the PM’s residence at Lok Kalyan Marg at 5pm. It was “happy and satisfactory,” Stalin told reporters about the meeting later in the day at Tamil Nadu House in New Delhi.

‘Will stay friendly but firm on state’s rights’

The state government chose not to release the full text of the 117-page memorandum submitted by Stalin to Modi.

The DMK government’s demands included revival of Sethusamudram shipping canal project and Maduravoyal-Chennai Port elevated road project. While the first was dropped by the BJP government at the Centre, the latter was spiked by the AIADMK government. It has also sought setting up of the apex court bench in Chennai.

Reacting to social media reports that the DMK government had agreed to implement the Chennai-Salem greenfield expressway project, the state government clarified that it had urged the Centre to drop the project.

Stalin sought to point out to Modi that the Centre was not supplying adequate quantity of Covid vaccines to Tamil Nadu. “The PM assured us of supply. We have been speaking to the PM and ministers over phone. They tell their difficulties,” Stalin said, seeking to recall the Centre’s direction to not reveal details of vaccine shortage. Urging speedy construction of AIIMS in Madurai, the state government has also demanded that an AIIMS-like institution be set up in Coimbatore.

On the farm front, the DMK government urged the Centre to repeal the three farm laws. It also demanded that the Citizenship Amendment Act, electricity amendment bill 2020, national education policy and the draft EIA notification 2020 be withdrawn. “He (the PM) assured us that he would consult the ministers and officials concerned and take a good decision,” the chief minister said, adding that his government would follow the principles of former chief minister M Karunanidhi when it comes to maintaining Centre-state relations. “We will extend a friendly hand for relationship and raise our voice for the rights.”

Stalin said he had requested Modi to declare Tamil as official language of India, that the proceedings in the Madras high court be carried out in Tamil and also demanded that Thirukkural be named the national literature.

On the release of seven Rajiv assassins, the chief minister said the state government had sent a letter to President Ram Nath Kovind after governor Banwarilal Purohit decided that the President was the competent authority to decide on remission of sentences. Stalin said the government would shut down Tasmac outlets in a phased manner akin to the previous AIADMK government’s policy. “Those who cast votes for us should remain happy and those who did not cast votes should feel sorry,” Stalin said, responding to queries about the 42 days of his governance.

SC accepts CBSE’s 30:30:40 formula for Class XII, results before July 31

SC accepts CBSE’s 30:30:40 formula for Class XII, results before July 31

Performance Of Past 6 Years For CISCE Evaluation

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:18.06.2021

The Supreme Court on Thursday ended the suspense for more than 15 lakh Class XII students over marking for the cancelled board exams by approving an evaluation formula framed by the CBSE and CISCE which factors in the Class X board result, Class XI score and Class XII’s unit, midterm and pre-board outcomes.

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) gave details of the evaluation policy formulated after consulting experts to a bench of Justices A M Khanwilkar and Dinesh Maheshwari and said Class XII results would be out before July 31. While 14.5 lakh Class XII students appear for the CBSE board, nearly 1 lakh take the exams conducted by CISCE.

The SC bench noted its inprinciple acceptance of the scheme after every petitioner conveyed that they had no grievance against the evaluation mechanism. Attorney general K K Venugopal, appearing for the Centre, and solicitor general Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBSE, told the court that the academic performance of each student in Classes X (best three) and XI as well as the marks or grades obtained in unit and term examinations in Class XII and practicals would be taken in a graded weightage — 30% each for Class X and XI, and 40% for Class XII.

TOI report on June 16

Talks on common test for central univs next week

The Union education ministry and UGC are going to revive the discussion on the Central University Common Entrance Test next week. While central universities are keeping their options open for conducting the 2021-22 admissions, Rajeev Gupta, DU’s dean of admissions, said, “The assessment policy will not affect our admissions.” He, however, wasn’t sure of CUCET. Once cleared, CUCET ill be conducted by the National Testing Agency, reports Manash Gohain. As for the feasibility of conducting the test this year, an official said, “It will take at least two months to prepare.”P11

Entire mechanism appears to favour consistent performers

Keeping in mind the disruptions in Class XII assessments due to Covid-19, schools have been given leeway in deciding whether to take all assessments (unit tests, mid-terms, pre-boards) or just the pre-boards into account or a combination. This would be done by a “results committee” in every school.

Senior advocate Janakalyan Das informed the bench that the CISCE will consider the performance of students in the past six years in awarding marks and grades for Class XII. The entire mechanism appears to favour consistent performers rather than those who display a surprise sparkle in the board exams though the policy attempts to provide avenues for students who changed boards or are taking them for the first time. The boards explained that just taking into account Class12 results may not reflect the potential of students taking online exams in an unfamiliar setting. So, using the Class 10 board results was useful as it was the only public exam the current Class 12 students had taken. The Class11 exams were held in pre-Covid times and on the basis of the prescribed senior secondary syllabus. The SC bench noted its in-principle acceptance of the scheme after every petitioner conveyed that they had no grievance against the evaluation mechanism. The bench warded off senior advocate Vikas Singh’s plea for conducting a physical board examination for Class 12 students and asked the two boards to finalise the scheme and notify it after incorporating a grievance redressal mechanism for students after declaration of results.Venugopal informed the court that the CBSE has made a provision for holding physical examination for those students who want to improve their marks later when the situation normalises and that such scores would be final for those who decide to take the option. He said the dates for the physical examination would be announced after the declaration of results, subject to the prevailing pandemic situation.

Full report on www.toi.in

FAIR POINT: The boards explained that just taking into account Class XII results may not reflect the potential of students taking online exams

SC to examine whether to allow Punjab, Assam, AP & Tripura to hold Class XII boards

The Supreme Court on Thursday decided to examine whether four states — Punjab, Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Tripura — be permitted to hold Class XII state board examinations when 18 of the 28 states have decided to cancel physical examinations this year in view of the Covid-19 pandemic. A bench asked petitioners’ counsel S P Adgaonkar to serve copies of the petitions on the standing counsel of the four states which have not cancelled the Class XII board examinations. The counsel informed the court that six other states had already conducted board examinations. The SC posted the matter for hearing on June 21.

Petition against NEET postponement dismissed

Petition against NEET postponement dismissed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:17.06.2021

The Karnataka high court has dismissed a PIL that challenged the central government’s decision to postpone the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). A division bench headed by Justice BV Nagarathna observed that the decision to hold the test after August 31 cannot be faulted as it was taken after consulting experts.

“We find that the postponement of NEET was on account of the circumstances and based on experts’ views. This is not a case where there is cancellation of NEET this year. It is only a case of postponement from April 2021 because of the second wave of Covid-19 and the need to enlist services of doctors so as to manage the medical facilities and attend to patients,” the bench noted.

Dr Vinod G Kulkarni, a consulting neuropsychiatrist, advocate and activist, had filed the PIL through the Late GB Kulkarni Memorial Legal Trust on May 8. NEET-2021 was earlier scheduled to be held on April

18. He said that because of the postponement, medicos’ plans to pursue post-graduate studies were affected and they suffered from stress, anxiety and depression. He argued that when other exams were being conducted during the pandemic, there was no reason to defer NEET.

The Centre defended the move, saying that because of the severe nature of the pandemic, a policy decision was taken in mid-April at the highest level. The court was told that NEET aspirants were recruited to assist doctors at Covid hospitals.

Another lion dies of Sars Cov-2 at city zoo

Another lion dies of Sars Cov-2 at city zoo

10 More Big Cats Under Treatment

Oppili P & Ram Sundaram TNN

Chennai:17.06.2021 

A 12-year-old lion died of Covid-19 at Arignar Anna Zoological Park at Vandalur on Wednesday morning, authorities said. The big cat, a male named Pathbanathan, is the second lion to die due to the infection at the zoo. The first was a nine-yearold lioness named Neela which died in the evening on June 3.

Officials at the zoo said Pathbanathan tested positive for Sars Cov-2 as per the report of the National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal received on June 3. Samples were collected from Pathbanathan after five lions in the zoo showed symptoms such as coughing and loss of appetite. The animal, housed in the lion safari area, was under intensive treatment since then and died around 10.15am on Wednesday, said an official release from AAZP.

At present, the zoo houses 10 more infected lions, being treated by an in-house veterinary team in coordination with an expert team from Tamil Nadu Veterinary and Animal Sciences (Tanuvas) University.

“Two lionesses — 19-yearold Bhuavana and 23-year-old Kavitha — which were critical last week have started to respond to treatment and are taking food properly now. All other infected lions too are under close observation to ensure they recover soon,” said an AAZP official.

Zoo authorities said they were taking all precautionary measures to protect the infected lions and to prevent further spread of the virus to other animals. The zoo had introduced thermal scanning and ultra violet irradiation of the beef that was fed to the big cats. Zoo workers were administered vaccines for the infection. Periodic sanitisation of the animal enclosures had been taken up and the workers were provided with PPE kits while entering the enclosures.

The zoo is also taking the help of Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology, run by Union government’s Council for Scientific and Industrial Research in Hyderabad, to sequence the virus variant to understand zoonotic transmission better.

Besides Covid-19, one lion has been tested positive for a more contagious Canine Distemper Virus (CDV). Zoo sources said the 19-year-old lion named Ragave was kept in isolation and is healthy now. Efforts were underway to keep stray dogs and cats out of the zoo premises as they had the potential to transmit diseases to the zoo inhabitants. The zoo has been closed for visitors from April due to the Covid second wave.

An official from the city zoo said two lionesses that were critical last week have started to respond to treatment and that their appetite was returning. All infected lions are under close observation

Private schools want TC made must for admission

Private schools want TC made must for admission

K Sambath Kumar & M K Ananth TNN

Trichy/Madurai: 17.06.2021 

Worried over a large number of students migrating to government schools due to the financial implications of the pandemic, private schools want the government to make transfer certificates mandatory for admission. Since the pandemic has affected livelihoods, parents who are unable to pay fees in private schools have been taking their wards to government schools where students get free education along with free textbooks, notebooks, uniforms, school bags and footwear.

Admission to Class XI and other classes had started in 27 districts on Monday. The school education department instructed government schools not to ask for transfer certificates if parents and students wanted to migrate from private schools. Government schools have been receiving many queries from parents of students studying in private schools in the past few days.

“Around 10% to 20% of students from matriculation schools and 30% to 40% from primary schools switched to government schools in the last one year alone,” said Arumugam, president of Federation of Private School Associations (FePSA) in Tamil Nadu. The federation wants the government to make Transfer Certificate (TC) mandatory to enrol students till Class VIII from another school.

“Under the right to education (RTE) act, schools can admit any child up to Class VIII without any documents including TC from the previous school. While the particular rule was aimed at bringing down dropout rate in schools, it has brought pushed private schools to the verge of closure,” said D C Elangovan, secretary, Federation of Associations of Private Schools in Tamil Nadu (FAPSIT).

Elangovan said popular private schools, which constitute less than 10% of schools across the state, could manage to retain students and collect fees from parents. But the majority of the schools are struggling to pay their teachers. According to the RTE Act, students need not produce a TC for admission if they are unable to get it from the previous school. They can get enrolled with age proof and Aadhar number. Schools also can download TC from EMIS (Education Management Information System) portal after entering the number allotted to each student.

According to data from the school education department, admissions to government schools increased by 1.3lakh in 2020-21.

‘Complete construction of 11 med colleges by year-end’

‘Complete construction of 11 med colleges by year-end’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:17.06.2021

PWD minister E V Velu on Wednesday directed the officials concerned to complete the construction of the 11 new medical colleges by end of this year. He also asked them to submit detailed project reports and designs for the ₹320 crore projects, including multi-super specialty hospital at Guindy, soon.

Chairing a meeting, Velu asked officials to ensure the quality of the raw materials used the construction and directed them to display the quality certificate of the materials at the worksites.

The minister reviewed the construction of colleges of the six newly formed districts and several other projects. He applauded PWD officials for providing oxygen lines for 11,993 beds in various government hospitals on war footing during the pandemic.

FAQs

 

Vax certificate delay forces people to put off work, travel

Vax certificate delay forces people to put off work, travel

Ram.Sundaram@timesgroup.com

Chennai:17.06.2021

Delay in sending text messages and uploading vaccination certificates on the Union government’s CoWIN portal has forced people in Chennai and its suburbs to cancel their air trips, shut shops and defer job offers.

A proof of getting vaccination is mandatory for flying to several foreign countries, working at private offices in the and running shops in wholesale markets.

But many, even those who got their jabs last month, are yet to get a certficiates or SMS to their registered mobile number.

Asha Nair, who took her second dose on May 11 at a government special camp, said that till date the CoWIN portal shows her vaccination status as pending. Her employer has been seeking the proof since June 1. “We don’t know what to do now as there is not even an effective helpline to get the issue sorted,” she said. The existing helpline is more often than not non-responsive.

Ezhumalai, 65, who runs a banana shop at Koyambedu market, has been waiting for vaccination proof for more than a month now.

“The Market Management Committee has reiterated that entry will soon be barred for those who haven't got vaccinated. The only way now is to get a third dose for the sake of certification. But I’m not sure whether it is medically advisable,” he said.

Kumar Subramaniam, whose regular air trips have been affected, said there was a possibility of health insurance renewals or even government welfare schemes being linked to vaccination certificates.

“There was no point in complaining then. So it is better to get it done now," he said.

‘Citizen’ Senthil, a resident-activist from Iyappanthangal, said not uploading the details or certificates regularly on CoWIN portal could pave the way for malpractices. “Already people have suffered a lot and managed to get vaccinated after standing in long queues. So the government should take efforts not to burden them further by delaying certification.”

A senior health official said it took more than 30 minutes at times to upload a single document on CoWIN. “We are trying to clear backlog soon.”