14 from VIT chosen for Google programme

14 from VIT chosen for Google programme

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:28.7.2021

As many as 14 students from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) have been selected for Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2021, a global programme to bring more student developers into open source software development.

For this year, 1,286 students from 69 countries including India have started their 10-week online programming projects, with 199 opensource organizations.

All student participants will be paired with a mentor to begin planning their projects and milestones. This will help students to familiarize themselves with the language needed to complete their projects.

“Despite the pandemic and remote working environment, it’s always a motivating factor to see 14 of our students getting selected,” said G Viswanathan, chancellor of VIT.

Address travails of Canada-bound students’

Address travails of Canada-bound students’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad: 28.7.2021

With no direct flights and stringent Covid-19 norms imposed by the Canadian government on Indian travellers, the cost of travelling there has gone up almost three-fold for students.

The issue was discussed during a national-level meeting of travel agents held on Tuesday.

Canada has banned all direct flights from India till August 21. During that period, passengers who travel to Canada from India via an indirect route will need to obtain a pre-departure negative Covid-19 test result from a third country before continuing their journey to Canada.

Given these developments, a travel agents’ body, Travel Agents’ Federation of India (TAFI), Gujarat, made a representation to the external affairs ministry.

“We demand that the Canadian government accept and validate Indian RT-PCR reports and allow Indian students, permanent residents, and work-permit and visitor visa holders to enter directly without any transit hassles,” states the representation.

Manish Sharma, chairman, TAFI-Gujarat chapter, said: “Students have to bear an additional cost of at least Rs 2-2.5 lakh to get to Canada because they have to transit through another country.” Sharma went on to say: “Moreover, those travelling via different countries must also comply with all the restrictions and regulations of these countries, which frequently keep changing.” An estimated 15,000 students are set to travel to Canada this year, according to TAFI-Gujarat.

Three-fold rise in travel cost, changing Covid norms and other issues taken up by travel agents at national-level meeting

OBC, EWS reservation in all-India quota reviewed by PM

OBC, EWS reservation in all-India quota reviewed by PM

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: 28.7.2021

In a significant move with political bearings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the issue of OBC and EWS reservation in all-India quota (AIQ) of medical education and directed the ministries concerned to resolve the issue on priority.

According to government sources, the demand for the quota was discussed in the meeting attended by Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, Health Minister Mansukh Mandavia and relevant secretaries as well as other senior officials.

The strong push from the Prime Minister needs to be seen in the context of recent developments like the reshuffle of the Union council of ministers where the government and BJP highlighted the enhanced representation of OBCs. It also comes at a time when the Centre has moved to undo the Supreme Court's ruling that state lists of OBCs will be drawn up by the central government. The clear pro-OBC push, seen in the light of forthcoming elections in states like UP where Mandal politics has dominated till recently, and in the context of the next national elections, reveals the political priorities of BJP.

Covishield generates 93% protection, says AFMC study

Covishield generates 93% protection, says AFMC study

New Delhi: 28.7.2021

Covishield generated 93% protection against Covid, whereas mortality due to the infection came down by 98% during the second wave which was driven by Delta variant, officials said citing a vaccine effectiveness study conducted by Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC).

The study was conducted on 15 lakh doctors and frontline workers in AFMC who were administered with Covishield. “Protection to the extent of 93% was seen (in people who were administered Covishield) and this was during the second wave which was driven by the Delta variant... also 98% mortality reduction was seen,” Niti Aayog member, health, Dr V K Paul said underlining the role of vaccination to protect against death as well as infection.He, however, also highlighted the need to follow Covid-appropriate behaviour as no vaccine alone can guarantee protection against the infection. “No vaccine guarantees that infection will not happen but serious disease gets prevented and nearly eliminated,” he said. TNN

Settle OBC, EWS quota issue in med edu: PM to ministries

PRIORITY AREA

Settle OBC, EWS quota issue in med edu: PM to ministries

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi: 28.7.2021

In a significant move with political bearings, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reviewed the issue of OBC and EWS reservation in all-India quota (AIQ) of medical education and directed the ministries concerned to resolve the issue on priority.

According to government sources, the demand for the quota was discussed in the meeting attended by education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, health minister Mansukh Mandavia and relevant secretaries as well as other officials.

The strong push from the Prime Minister needs to be seen in the context of recent developments like the reshuffle of the Union council of ministers where the government and BJP highlighted the enhanced representation of OBCs. It also comes at a time when the Centre has moved to undo the Supreme Court’s ruling that state lists of OBCs will be drawn up by the central government.

The clear pro-OBC push, seen in the light of forthcoming elections in states like UP where Mandal politics has dominated till recently, and in the context of the next national elections, reveals the political priorities of BJ P. Looking to consolidate the OBC support it has received, BJP would like to seriously undermine its castebased rivals. The EWS reference is a balancing act, something a pan-national party would consider, to avoid alienating the forwards.

OBC reservation in AIQ of medical education has been a long standing demand of medical aspirants.

The AIQ seats in medicine were created on the directions of the Supreme Court in 1984. All states were required to surrender 15% undergraduate and 50% postgraduate medical and dental seats in state-run colleges to a “central pool” with the rest going to a “state pool”.

So far for admission, SC and ST have reservations in this quota, but there is no reservation for OBCs.

Varsity’s cash awards for students with Oly glory

Varsity’s cash awards for students with Oly glory

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Jalandhar: 28.7.2021

As 11 students of Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, are part of the Indian contingent at the Tokyo Olympics, the varsity has announced cash awards for its students who would win a medal at the mega quadrennial inter-continental sports event.

The university will give Rs 50 lakh to the gold medal winner, Rs 25 lakh to silver medallist and Rs10 lakh each to the bronze medal winners.

LPU chancellor Ashok Mittal said their students were participating in wrestling, hockey, athletics and paralympics and they made 10% of the Indian contingent. “Sports is a huge focus for us and we support and motivate our athletes in all ways possible. We established our high class sports complex at LPU and have created a team of highly qualified national and international trainers and coaches. It is heartening that those efforts are already producing results,’’ he added.

Govt concerned over spike in 22 dists, mostly in Kerala, NE

Govt concerned over spike in 22 dists, mostly in Kerala, NE

Rise In Number Of Dists With 10%+ Positivity

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi: 28.7.2021

Even as the average daily new Covid cases are declining consistently, the Centre expressed concern over 22 districts showing a rising trend in daily new cases in last four weeks along with an increase in number of districts reporting positivity rate of above 10%.

In the week ending July 26, around 54 districts reported Covid positivity rate at above 10%, up from 46 districts in the previous week (July 14-20). Health officials warned that though the majority of these districts are currently concentrated in Kerala and north-east indicating localised transmission, strict containment measures are required as many countries including Malaysia and Thailand are witnessing a sharp uptick in cases.

“If we look from a global perspective, the pandemic is far from over. There is a noticeable increase in the number of cases across the world, which remains the area of concern. We have to work on containing the spread of the virus with strictness,” Lav Agarwal, joint secretary in the health ministry said.

The 22 districts where daily cases are showing an increasing trend include seven from Kerala, five from Manipur, three in Meghalaya and two from Maharashtra. As per the data, there are still 62 districts in the country where over 100 cases are reported every day, which are found in a localised set of areas of these districts.

‘Primary students are forgetting even basics’

‘Primary students are forgetting even basics’

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Hyderabad: 28.7.2021

Primary school students are said to be forgetting even basics — reading and writing, as they are away from schools for the last oneand-a-half years.

Teachers said that many students are unable to communicate, read and write even basic sentences.

“The IQ levels of children have dropped drastically. There is memory loss as well. Some, in fact, completely forgot about school and education as they are unable to follow online classes being taught on mobile or computers. While younger students are busy playing, the elder ones have turned to child labour,” said Shabbir Ali, president, Telangana Private Teachers Forum.

He added that physical classes should be resumed by following all protocols.

Teachers said that if the same situation continues for another year or two, a generation of students will be affected as they don’t have access to quality education and are not learning anything. They said that instead of promoting students year after year without having minimum subject knowledge, the government should announce a year as zero year, if needed.

“This year, many students are not even learning anything assuming that they will be passed without exams. This cannot continue. It’s important that students understand the importance of learning and study, even if it’s for the fear of exams,” said Lakshmi S, a private teacher.

SC raps CBI for delays: Can’t keep everyone in jail till you finish trial

SC raps CBI for delays: Can’t keep everyone in jail till you finish trial

New Delhi: 28.7.2021

The SC on Tuesday frowned at the long pendency of trial in cases investigated by CBI and said the central agency has not been able to complete prosecution evidence despite lapse of years in many cases, reports Dhananjay Mahapatra.

The court said the CBI’s track record in expeditious completion of prosecution evidence is not so good. “There is a value to personal liberty. We cannot keep everyone behind bars for all the time that the CBI would take to complete a trial,” it said.

Granting bail to an accused in the 2011 abductionmurder of Rajasthan nurse Bhanwari Devi, the bench said, “The accused is in jail for the last eight and a half years. What will happen if he gets discharged at the end of the trial? Will the prosecution be able to compensate him?”

2nd yr MBBS student abuses jr, suspended

KANPUR

2nd yr MBBS student abuses jr, suspended

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Kanpur: 28.7.2021

An MBBS first year student (Para II) of Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Memorial Medical (GSVM) College has accused an MBBS 2nd year student, of using abusive language on Sunday night and lodged a complaint on the Anti-Ragging help line of the University Grant Commission (UGC).

Following the complaint, the GSVM’s anti-ragging panel swung into action and suspended the senior student from class and hostel till the completion of the investigation. The incident occurred on late Sunday night. The junior student had stated in his complaint that he got stressed after being abused by the senior and remained disturbed till late night hours after reaching his hostel room.

Sensing trouble, he lodged a complaint through his mobile at the Anti-Ragging Helpline at 12.30 the same night. The UGC helpline, registered his complaint, and immediately informed the Director, General Medical Education, DM, SSP and college administration about the matter. Principal GSVM Prof. Sanjay Kala told reporters that the anti-ragging committee has been asked to conduct an inquiry and submit a report soon. “We are strictly against any form of ragging in the college and shall not tolerate such incidents,” said Kala further.

To recall, earlier also GSVM authorities had expelled six junior doctors from the hostel for thrashing the students doing internship in an alleged case of ragging. The incident took place in 2019 December.

Autorickshaw drivers lose business

Autorickshaw drivers lose business

28/07/2021

Special Correspondent CHENNAI

While the free bus services have brought joy to women, transpersons and the differently abled, autorickshaw drivers say they have lost business.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin rolled out free bus services for women, transpersons and the differently abled in 7,300 ordinary fare buses across the State. This includes 1,700 buses in the city. The service has been welcomed and from July 12 till date, more than 3.5 crore women, 20,000 transpersons and over 2 lakh differently abled persons have utilised it.

M. Sekhar, State general secretary, Tamil Nadu Share Vehicles General Trade Union, said the scheme was a good one. “Due to COVID-19, many people are working from home, there are no colleges or schools either. So our business has taken a hit already. Many share autorickshaw drivers have also lost customers due to the free bus scheme. The government can help us by providing permission to have a pre-paid system for share autorickshaws outside railway stations, bus termini and Metro stations,” he said.

Autorickshaw drivers also complain that they have lost business.

“We are facing losses due to app based taxis and Metro Rail. Now, the free bus service has aggravated our losses. The government should roll out some scheme for us too to help us tide over financial losses,” said M. Prabhu, an autorickshaw driver.

Baby whose thumb was cut off by nurse will get best treatment, HC told

Baby whose thumb was cut off by nurse will get best treatment, HC told

The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court was informed on Monday that the girl,

Published: 28th July 2021 05:01 AM

By Express News Service

MADURAI: The Madurai Bench of Madras High Court was informed on Monday that the girl, whose left-hand thumb was cut off accidentally by a staff nurse at Government Raja Mirasudhar Hospital in Thanjavur, would be monitored every six months and the best possible treatment would be provided to her. Justice N Anand Venkatesh noted a medical report that said the baby would need a lengthening of the thumb, through a reconstructive surgery.

With regard to the interim compensation of Rs 75,000 ordered by the court in the last hearing, the government advocate informed that it would be paid to the baby’s parents within a week. The baby’s father Ganesan had earlier approached the court seeking the same

Reopen schools, say academics, doctors, lawyers and parents

Reopen schools, say academics, doctors, lawyers and parents

Yogita.Rao@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:29.07.2021

Over 50 academicians, including professors from IIT-Bombay, IIT-Delhi and Delhi University, doctors, lawyers and parents from Maharashtra, Delhi and Karnataka, have written an open letter to CMs of their respective states, presenting a case to reopen schools.

The petitioners have said there may never be a “zero-case scenario” as Covid-19 is here to stay. They said in addition to learning loss, children are facing mental distress, facing reduced development of social skills and losing confidence. Schools have largely remained closed for 16 months, even as scientific evidence is in favour of reopening schools with safety protocols, they added.

Times View: From all accounts, the pandemic isn’t going to disappear in the near future. Senior academics and other experts have raised significant points about reopening of schools which need to be carefully looked into by authorities.

Madras univ awards doctorate posthumously to Lt General

Madras univ awards doctorate posthumously to Lt General

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:29.07.2021 

University of Madras on Wednesday awarded PhD posthumously to Lt General Subroto Mitra, who did research work on terrorism, security challenges to India and its neighbouring countries. University vice-chancellor S Gowri gave the doctorate degree to Lt General Mitra’s wife Pushpita Mitra, who thanked the institute for the gesture.

On the occassion, Gowri highlighted Mitra’s important research as a field officer. “Subroto Mitra has analysed crossborder terrorism and ways to prevent it in the future in his thesis work. The university takes pride in awarding this degree,” Gowri said.

“Terrorism manifests in different ways. The thesis brought out emerging forms and issues of terrorism including cyber terrorism and Mitra recommended ways on how nations could counter these issues,” said Utham Kumar Jamadhagni, head, department of defence and strategic studies. “A researcher may not have had the exposure Mitra had first-hand when he served in Jammu and Kashmir, northeast India. That is why it is very, significant.”

Mitra registered for PhD with the university in 2013 while serving as General Officer Commanding Andhra Pradesh, TN, Karnataka and Kerala. He passed away in 2015 but had submitted his thesis.

Lawyers can’t argue for days, says apex court

Lawyers can’t argue for days, says apex court

Limits Time For Counsel

Dhananjay.Mahapatra@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:

The decades long exasperating wait for commoners in labyrinthine queues for justice forced the Supreme Court on Wednesday to take the first step towards allocating strict time schedule, as practiced by the Supreme Courts of the US and the UK, with a warning that violation of time limits would result in automatic indefinite adjournment of hearing.

A bench of Justices Sanjay K Kaul and R S Reddy allotted 30 minutes each to senior advocates A M Singhvi and Arvind Datar appearing for petitioner Yatin Oza, one hour to Gujarat HC counsel Nikhil Goel and 15 mins to a intervenor represented by senior advocate C S Sundaram. Oza has challenged a Gujarat HC decision to strip him of senior advocate designation finding him repeatedly making vituperative comments against judges and the judiciary, The case has been pending for nearly a year before the SC and has reached a stalemate with the Gujarat HC remaining adamant and refusing to reconsider—even with the SC's prodding—its decision to strip Oza of the senior advocate designation. The HC conveyed to the SC that in its June 20 Full Court meeting it has reiterated its decision, refusing to show leniency to Oza.

Preparing the case for final hearing, the bench said it would not permit the counsel for parties to go on arguing for days. "How do we justify the pendency of decades old cases by common citizens and then devoting hours and hours together to hear arguments from senior advocates in current cases? Even in the UK or the US Supreme Courts, we do not think there is any system which permits lawyers to argue for hours together."

Justice Kaul said, "In the US Supreme Court, the counsel are permitted only to cite judgments and not read it. But, here the advocates cite 20 judgements for each proposition and try to make good their argument by reading all 20 judgments." The bench told the counsel that they must choose the best of the judgments suiting their propositions and cite one judgment per proposition.

டாக்டர் கொலை வழக்கு: ஆக., 2ல் தீர்ப்பு

டாக்டர் கொலை வழக்கு: ஆக., 2ல் தீர்ப்பு

Added : ஜூலை 29, 2021 01:44

சென்னை:'டாக்டர் சுப்பையா கொலை வழக்கில், ஆக., 2ல் தீர்ப்பு வழங்கப்படும்' என, சென்னை முதலாவது கூடுதல் அமர்வு நீதிமன்றம் அறிவித்துள்ளது.

கடந்த 2013ம் ஆண்டு செப்., 14ல், சென்னை ஆர்.ஏ.,புரத்தில், நரம்பியல் டாக்டர் சுப்பையா, கூலிப் படையினரால் தாக்கப்பட்டார். தலை, கழுத்து, கை, என, 20க்கும் மேற்பட்ட வெட்டு காயங்களுடன், மருத்துவமனையில் அனுமதிக்கபட்ட அவர், 23ம் தேதி சிகிச்சை பலனின்றி இறந்தார்.

இந்த வழக்கில், பொன்னுசாமி, மேரி புஷ்பம், பாசில், போரிஸ், வில்லியம், ஏசுராஜன், ஜேம்ஸ் சதீஷ்குமார், முருகன், செல்வப்பிரகாஷ், அய்யப்பன் ஆகிய, 10 பேர் கைது செய்யப்பட்டனர். குற்றம் சாட்டப்பட்ட 10 பேரில், இருவர் வழக்கறிஞர்கள்; இருவர் ஆசிரியர்கள்; ஒருவர் அரசு மருத்துவர்; ஒருவர் இன்ஜனியர். வழக்கு நடந்த காலத்தில் அய்யப்பன், 'அப்ரூவர்' ஆக மாறிவிட்டார்.சென்னை முதலாவது கூடுதல் அமர்வு நீதிமன்றத்தில், 2015 முதல் இந்த வழக்கு விசாரணை நடந்து வருகிறது.

கொரோனா காலத்திலும், இந்த ஒரு வழக்கு மட்டும், நேரடி விசாரணையில் நடந்தது.அரசு தரப்பில் குற்றவியல் வழக்கறிஞர் விஜயராஜ் வாதாடினார். அரசு தரப்பில், 57 சாட்சிகள் விசாரிக்கப்பட்டு, 173 ஆவணங்கள், 42 சான்று பொருட்கள், நீதிமன்றத்தில் தாக்கல் செய்யப் பட்டன.அனைத்து தரப்பு வாதங்களும் முடிந்த நிலையில், ஆக., 2ம் தேதி, வழக்கின் தீர்ப்பு வழங்கப்படும் என, சென்னை முதலாவது கூடுதல் அமர்வு நீதிமன்ற நீதிபதி அல்லி அறிவித்துள்ளார்.

பிரிந்த தம்பதியை 21 ஆண்டுக்குப் பின் சேர்த்து வைத்தது சுப்ரீம்கோர்ட்

பிரிந்த தம்பதியை 21 ஆண்டுக்குப் பின் சேர்த்து வைத்தது சுப்ரீம்கோர்ட்

Updated : ஜூலை 29, 2021 06:05 | Added : ஜூலை 29, 2021 06:04 |

புதுடில்லி : குடும்ப பிரச்னையால் பிரிந்த தம்பதியை 21 ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பின் உச்ச நீதிமன்றம் சேர்த்து வைத்தது.

ஆந்திர மாநிலம் குண்டூர் மாவட்டத்தில் 1998ல் திருமணம் நடந்த தம்பதிக்கு இடையே பிரச்னை ஏறபட்டது. மகன் பிறந்த நிலையில் 2000ம் ஆண்டில் இருவரும் பிரிந்தனர். வரதட்சணை கேட்டு தன்னை கணவனும் மாமியாரும் துன்புறுத்துவதாக கூறி 2001ல் போலீசில் பெண் புகார் செய்தார்.

இந்த வழக்கை விசாரித்த மாவட்ட நீதிமன்றம் கணவனுக்கு ஒரு ஆண்டு சிறையும் அபராதமும் விதித்தது. தனக்கு விதிக்கப்பட்ட தண்டனையை எதிர்த்து கணவன் உயர் நீதிமன்றத்தில் மேல் முறையீடு செய்தார். வழக்கை விசாரித்த உயர் நீதிமன்றம் கணவனுக்கு விதிக்கப்பட்ட ஒரு ஆண்டு சிறை தண்டனையை ரத்து செய்தது.

இதற்கிடையே விவாகரத்து கோரி மாவட்ட குடும்ப நல நீதிமன்றத்தில் கணவன் வழக்கு தொடர்ந்தார். கணவனுக்கு வழங்கப்பட்ட சிறை தண்டனை ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டதை எதிர்த்து உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தில் மனைவியும் மனு தாக்கல் செய்தார். இந்த மனு மீதான விசாரணை தலைமை நீதிபதி என்.வி. ரமணா தலைமையிலான அமர்வு முன் 'வீடியோ கான்பரன்சிங்' வழியாக நடந்தது.அப்போது மனு தாக்கல் செய்த பெண் நீதிபதிகள் முன் ஆஜரானார்.

அவரிடம் நீதிபதிகள் கூறியதாவது: உங்கள் கணவரை சிறையில் அடைப்பதால் உங்களுக்கு என்ன லாபம். சிறையில் அடைக்கப்பட்டால் கணவரின் வேலை பறிபோய்விடும். அதன்பின் அவரால் உங்களுக்கு ஜீவனாம்ச தொகை கூட வழங்க முடியாது. இதற்குப் பதில் கணவரை மன்னித்து சேர்ந்து வாழுங்கள். உங்கள் குழந்தையையும் நன்றாக வளர்க்க முடியும்.இவ்வாறு நீதிபதிகள் கூறினர்.

இதை கேட்ட பெண் மனம் மாறி கணவருக்கு சிறை தண்டனை வழங்க கோரி தாக்கல் செய்த மனுவை திரும்ப பெறுவதாக கூறினார். விசாரணையின் போது ஆஜரான கணவனும் மனைவியை விவாகரத்து செய்ய தொடர்ந்த வழக்கை திரும்ப பெற சம்மதம் தெரிவித்தார். இதையடுத்து 21 ஆண்டுகளுக்குப் பின் இருவரும் மீண்டும் இணைந்தனர்.

சேவை செய்யாமல் கட்டணம்: 'கிளினிக்' நடத்தும் டாக்டர்கள் புகார்!

சேவை செய்யாமல் கட்டணம்: 'கிளினிக்' நடத்தும் டாக்டர்கள் புகார்!

Updated : ஜூலை 29, 2021 06:30 | Added : ஜூலை 29, 2021 06:27 

சென்னை : சுற்றுச்சூழல் துறை சார்பில், எவ்வித சேவையும் செய்யாமல், கட்டணம் செலுத்தி அனுமதி பெறும்படி, சிறிய மருத்துவ கிளினிக்குகளை வலியுறுத்துவதாக குற்றச்சாட்டுஎழுந்துள்ளது.

தமிழகத்தில், மருத்துவர்கள் சிறிய அறையில், 'கிளினிக்' வைத்து, சிகிச்சை அளித்து வருகின்றனர். மருந்து மட்டும் எழுதி கொடுத்து, அதற்கு கட்டணம் வசூலித்து கொள்கின்றனர்; ஊசி போடுவதில்லை. அ.தி.மு.க., ஆட்சியில், கிளினிக் வைத்திருப்போர் குறித்த விபரம் தெரிய வேண்டும் என்பதற்காக, அவர்கள் அனைவரும், மருத்துவ ஊரக பணிகள் சேவை கழகத்தில் பதிவு செய்து, சான்றிதழ் பெற வேண்டும் என்று உத்தரவிடப்பட்டது.

பதிவு கட்டணம் 5,000 ரூபாய். சான்றிதழ், ஐந்து ஆண்டுகளுக்கு செல்லும். அதை ஏற்று மருத்துவர்கள் முறைப்படி பதிவு செய்தனர். அதன் தொடர்ச்சியாக, 'பதிவு செய்தவர்கள் அனைவரும், மருத்துவக் கழிவுகளை முறையாக சுத்திகரிக்க நடவடிக்கை எடுத்துள்ளதாக, சுற்றுச்சூழல் துறையிடம், தடையில்லா சான்றிதழ் பெற வேண்டும்' என அறிவித்தனர். மருத்துவர்கள், சுற்றுச்சூழல் துறையை அணுகியபோது, அவர்கள் மருத்துவக் கழிவுகளை அழிக்கும் பணியில் ஈடுபட்டுள்ள தனியார் நிறுவனத்திடம், ஒப்பந்தம் போடும்படி அறிவுறுத்தினர்.

அதற்கு, 10 ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் கட்டணம். இது தவிர கூடுதலாக, 4,000 ரூபாய் பெற்று, மருத்துவக் கழிவுகளை சேமிக்க, மூன்று குப்பை தொட்டிகளை வழங்கினர். வேறு வழியின்றி மருத்துவர்கள், 2019 டிசம்பரில், 10 ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் செலுத்தினர். ஆனால், அந்த நிறுவனம், கடந்த ஆண்டு முழுதும் கழிவுகளை எடுத்து செல்ல வரவில்லை. மாதந்தோறும் வர வேண்டும் என்ற விதியை பின்பற்றவில்லை.

எவ்வித சேவையும் செய்யாமல், இந்த ஆண்டு ஒப்பந்தத்தை புதுப்பிக்கும்படி அந்த நிறுவனம், 'நோட்டீஸ்' அனுப்பி உள்ளது. 'ஒப்பந்தத்தை புதுப்பிக்காவிட்டால், நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்படும்' என்றும் எச்சரிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இது, மருத்துவர்களை அதிர்ச்சி அடைய வைத்துள்ளது.

இது குறித்து மருத்துவர்கள் கூறியதாவது: சென்னையில் மட்டும், 3,000 கிளினிக்குகள் உள்ளன. தலா, 10 ஆயிரம் ரூபாய் என்றால், 3 கோடி ரூபாய் வசூலாகிறது. இப்பணம் யாருக்கு செல்கிறது என்பது தெரியவில்லை. பெரும்பாலான டாக்டர்கள், ஊசி பயன்படுத்துவதே இல்லை. ஆனால், அவர்களும் சான்றிதழ் பெற வேண்டும் என்கின்றனர். எனவே, புதிய அரசு இதற்கு உரிய விதிமுறைகளை வகுக்க வேண்டும். இவ்வாறு அவர்கள் கூறினர்.

Online classes for UG to begin from August 18: Anna University

Online classes for UG to begin from August 18: Anna University

Anna University, on Wednesday, announced that online classes for under-graduate engineering students from the second year to final year, will begin from August 18.

Published: 29th July 2021 05:27 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Anna University, on Wednesday, announced that online classes for under-graduate engineering students from the second year to final year, will begin from August 18.

A decision was taken after getting permission from the Directorate of Technical Education (DOTE). A senior official said that online classes for second, third, and final year students, who are pursuing engineering courses in Anna university, its constituent and affiliated colleges, will resume from August 18.

“The classes will start from August 18 and continue till November 30,” said a senior official of the Higher Education Department. Adding to it, the university has also planned to conduct semester examination from December 2.

The practical exams will start from December 2, while the written examination will begin from December 13. The university also has plans to begin classes for next semester from January 19, next year. At present, the University has four campuses, 13 constituent colleges, three regional campuses in Tirunelveli, Madurai, and Coimbatore, and more than 500 government, government-aided, and self-financing colleges affiliated to it.

Stalin launches free Covid vaccination drive in private hospitals

Stalin launches free Covid vaccination drive in private hospitals

Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a free Covid-19 vaccine drive in private hospitals under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds at the Kauvery Hospital on Wednesday.

Published: 29th July 2021 05:34 AM 

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: Chief Minister MK Stalin launched a free Covid-19 vaccine drive in private hospitals under Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds at the Kauvery Hospital on Wednesday. The free vaccine drive through CSR funds will be jointly conducted by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and private hospitals. After the launch, Dr S Chandrakumar, Chairman, CII, Tamil Nadu State Council, handed over a cheque for Rs 2.20 crore under CSR funds to the Chief Minister. KT Srinivasa Raja, Managing Director, Adyar Ananda Bhavan, also handed over a `7 lakh cheque to the CM.

According to a press release, the State, till date, has vaccinated 2.15 crore people in private and government institutions. Speaking to the reporters recently, Health Minister Ma Subramanian had said that the State had received `5 crore CSR funds so far. The details of how many vaccines will be provided under CSR funds in a particular hospital will be announced to the public by the hospitals.

This will be monitored by the local administration and the Health Department officials. Many private companies that want to get their employees vaccinated can use the 25 per cent vaccine allotment quota by the Central Government to the private hospitals.

The Union government allotted 75 per cent vaccines quota to the State government and 25 percent to the private hospitals; but, still many private hospitals don’t utilise their allocation fully. So, the State government decided to make use of it and decided to purchase those vaccines through CSR funds and vaccinate the people to achieve more vaccination coverage in Tamil Nadu. The health department held a meeting with the private companies and private hospitals and launched the programme after discussing the plan with them.

Meanwhile, the State received 7,97,080 vaccines on Wednesday, among them were: Covaxin - 2,15,810 doses and Covishield - 5,81,270. Health Minister Ma Subramanian, Health Secretary J Radhakrishnan, Chennai Corporation Commissioner Gagandeep Bedi Singh, Dr Aravindan Selvaraj, Co-founder and Executive Director, Kauvery Hospital, and other higher officials were also present at the event.

Madras HC to take up pleas challenging Vanniyar quota

Madras HC to take up pleas challenging Vanniyar quota

Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy orally observed, “We will hear the batch of petitions challenging the validity of the reservation in 10 days.

Published: 29th July 2021 05:43 AM 

Madras High Court

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: After warning that it would have to stay the Government Order issued by the TN government implementing the 10.5 per cent internal reservation for the Vanniyar community before deciding on its validity, the Madras High Court on Wednesday said that it will take up a batch of PILs challenging the quota in the second week of August.

The court, however, refrained from staying the G.O. after it was informed by the State that the quota has been implemented since April and that admissions have been already made to law courses, providing the quota. It was also informed that the SC had earlier refused to stay the law providing the quota.

Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice Senthilkumar Ramamoorthy orally observed, “We will hear the batch of petitions challenging the validity of the reservation in 10 days. But if the government wants to implement the quota even before the court decides its validity, then we will have to stay any such move.” The bench also directed the State to get instructions from the authorities regarding the G.O.

The issue pertains to a batch of pleas challenging the legislation passed by the previous AIADMK government, providing the said reservation, hours before the model code of conduct came into force. One of the petitioners alleged that if the G.O. was to be implemented, all the pleas challenging its validity would turn infructuous.

When the bench commenced its proceedings later, Advocate-General R Shanmugasundaram said similar petitions were pending before the SC and were likely to come up for hearing during the first week of next month. He added admissions had already been made to law courses providing the quota, and there was no necessity for passing an interim stay to the order, he stressed.

Rapid PCR test for international fliers at Chennai airport to give Covid report in 13 minutes

Rapid PCR test for international fliers at Chennai airport to give Covid report in 13 minutes

The RT-PCR test could be a major relief for Dubai-bound passengers, who were asked to undergo a rapid RT-PCR test four hours prior to departure.

Published: 28th July 2021 03:41 PM 

By C Shivakumar

Express News Service

CHENNAI: In a bid to ensure safer international travel, Chennai airport will be conducting Covid rapid PCR tests for outbound international passengers at Chennai airport.

This comes after the Tamil Nadu government gave the clearance to Chennai airport to conduct the tests on Tuesday. Chennai airport director Dr Sharad Kumar said that it will take a maximum of 30 minutes for passengers to register and take tests. The results for the test are available within 13 minutes.

The RT-PCR test could be a major relief for Dubai-bound passengers, who were asked to undergo a rapid RT-PCR test four hours prior to departure, and they would be able to travel only if they test negative for Covid-19.

Once the passenger gets tested and is off to Dubai, he can travel to Australia, Europe, or the even United States, travel industry sources said.

It is learnt that tests will be carried out as per the US-FDA-approved equipment as per ICMR guidelines. The notification of the test results and follow-up measures shall comply with the ICMR guidelines and the guidelines of the Tamil Nadu government.

Chennai airport has a test facility 'Hind labs' set by HLL Life Care at Chennai Airport. It is learnt that HLL has selected Abbot ID Now based system to provide Rapid PCR for the passengers and the equipment is installed. Indian Council for Medical Research has also given the clearance to conduct the tests.

BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute begins BA public policy course

BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute begins BA public policy course

BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology on Wednesday launched a BA Public Policy programme.

Published: 29th July 2021 05:26 AM 

Programme Director Illanchezhian, Additional registrar Dr. Raja Hussain, Registrar Dr. Azad, Vice- Chancellor Peer Mohamed, retired IAS officer Santosh Babu, and Shashikanth Senthil IAS, during the br

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: BS Abdur Rahman Crescent Institute of Science and Technology on Wednesday launched a BA Public Policy programme. The course has been designed for students who want to obtain a degree as well as prepare for the civil services exams. It aims to bridge the gap between pursuing degree and the extra time taken to prepare for the civil services, the college authorities said.

Students opting for the course will be mentored by serving and retired IAS/IPS/IFS officers as well as officers from the federal, State and local governments. The inclusion of NCC in the curriculum will also serve to fan the flames of patriotism as well as inculcate discipline in the students.

“The BA Public Policy programme aims to provide students with the transformative opportunity to gain academic knowledge and the analytical skills that are the hallmark of public servants. We hope to help our students inculcate a multifaceted approach to handle the complex challenges,” said Peer Mohamed, university vice-chancellor.

Along with officials of the university, retired IAS and IPS officials were also present on the occasion. “Becoming an IAS officer is the dream of many young Indians, and the sooner you make it, the more years you will have in the service of our nation. BSA Crescent’s BA Public Policy programme is so beautifully crafted, adhering to the demands of UPSC,” said Santhosh Babu, retired IAS.

The application process for the programme is under way at the institute. For admission or further queries, please visit www.crescent.education or call +91-9543277888.

Prosecute corrupt tax dept officials: Madras HC

Prosecute corrupt tax dept officials: Madras HC

The court passed the order while pointing out the failure on part of the department to collect tax dues pending since 2006.

Published: 29th July 2021 07:01 AM 

Madras High Court

By Express News Service

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has directed the Commercial Tax Department to prosecute its corrupt officials through Department of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) for causing revenue loss to the State. The court also ordered verification of assets owned by them and their relatives. The court passed the order while pointing out the failure on part of the department to collect tax dues pending since 2006.

“If misconduct or otherwise is proved, then further actions are to be initiated to recover the loss of State revenue from those officials,” Justice S M Subramaniyam said in a July 20 order. The court passed the directions while allowing a writ petition from GE Govindaraj, who sought to quash a notice dated October 4, 2012 of the Assistant Commissioner in Arisipalayam Assessment Circle in Salem district. The notice sought to recover sales tax arrears for 2000-01 and 2001-02.

The judge noted that the authority had initiated action to recover the arrears after a lapse of 10 years, which was against TNGST Rules. The two authorities shall coordinate with DVAC by conducting frequent surprise raids to control the evil menace of corrupt activities of demand and acceptance of bribes or receipt of freebies from the business community across the State.

“If any such offences are identified then all actions, including criminal action, are to be initiated,” said the judge. The judge also directed them to issue suitable orders to all the authorities competent to verify the service records of the officials of the Commercial Tax Department and make a comparison with the actual assets of the family members as well as the declared assets in the service records and if any disproportionality of wealth is identified, all suitable actions are to be initiated under the Service Rules in force.

“They shall ensure that all long-pending cases regarding State revenue are reviewed periodically on a war footing and reports are collected and initiate speedy steps to protect the interest of State revenue, as it is the constitutional mandate and to protect the interest of the public at large,” said the bench.

NEET-UG: NTA gives clarity on exam and marking pattern

NEET-UG: NTA gives clarity on exam and marking pattern

Nearly two weeks after the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced changes to the paper pattern for the upcoming National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), the authority on Monday clarified doubts of several candidates regarding the marking pattern

By Shreya Bhandary

PUBLISHED ON JUL 27, 2021 12:22 AM IST

Nearly two weeks after the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced changes to the paper pattern for the upcoming National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET-UG), the authority on Monday clarified doubts of several candidates regarding the marking pattern.

“The test pattern of NEET-UG has been modified, and in every subject students will attempt 35 questions mandatorily and of the remaining 15, one should attempt only 10 questions. It is important that the candidates do not attempt more than 10 questions because only the first 10 attempted questions will be considered for evaluation/marking,” said the response shared by the official NTA email.

This is the first time since its inception that the exam pattern for NEET-UG has been changed.

Until 2020, the NEET-UG paper pattern consisted of 180 objective-type questions from physics, chemistry and biology (botany and zoology) that had to be answered on a specially designed sheet using a ballpoint pen only. Each correct answer gave students four marks and each wrong answer deducted one mark. According to NTA, the new paper pattern will comprise of two sections under each subject.

Section A will consist of 35 questions which students have to attempt compulsorily, and section B will consist of 15 questions from which the candidate can choose to attempt any 10 questions.

“As students have to choose and attempt only 10 out of the 15 questions, the utilisation of time will remain the same, thus clarifying that the total time given for the exam remains the same this year as well (sic),” stated NTA response.

“We are glad that NTA has reverted to our emails and specified the marking scheme, clearing all doubts in the minds of the aspirants. Many were confused about the change in paper pattern and this response from NTA has given much required relief to more than 1.5 million NEET aspirants,” said Ruiee Kapoor, parent and activist.

In a statement released earlier this month, NTA clarified that the changes were introduced keeping in mind the reduction of syllabus by various school education boards for their Class 12 students in 2020-21, considering the loss of academic time due to Covid-19.

“To rationalise the decision of reduction in the syllabus by various school education boards, NTA has taken the decision to provide choice in Section “B” for each of the four subjects,” clarified NTA.

பிச்சை எடுப்பதை தடை செய்ய முடியாது: உச்சநீதிமன்றம்

பிச்சை எடுப்பதை தடை செய்ய முடியாது: உச்சநீதிமன்றம்

Updated : ஜூலை 27, 2021 12:43 | Added : ஜூலை 27, 2021 12:40 |

புதுடில்லி: 'யாரும் விருப்பப்பட்டு பிச்சை எடுப்பதில்லை, வறுமையின் காரணமாகவே பிச்சை எடுக்கின்றனர்' எனக்கூறியுள்ள உச்சநீதிமன்றம், 'பிச்சை எடுப்பதை தடை விதிக்க முடியாது' என தெரிவித்துள்ளது.

கோவிட் பரவலைத் தடுக்கும் விதமாக போக்குவரத்து சந்திப்புகளிலும், சந்தைகளிலும், பொது இடங்களிலும் பிச்சை எடுப்பதற்கு பிச்சைக்காரர்களுக்கும், வீடற்றவர்களுக்கும் தடை விதிக்குமாறும், அவர்களுக்குப் புனர்வாழ்வு அளிக்க உத்தரவிடுமாறும் கோரி உச்ச நீதிமன்றத்தில் வழக்கு தொடரப்பட்டது. இந்த வழக்கு இன்று (ஜூலை 27) நீதிபதி சந்திரசூட் அமர்வு முன்பு விசாரணைக்கு வந்தது. அப்போது பிச்சை எடுப்பதற்கு தடை விதிக்க முடியாது என உச்சநீதிமன்றம் தெரிவித்துள்ளது

மேலும் நீதிபதிகள் கூறியதாவது: யாரும் விருப்பப்பட்டு பிச்சை எடுப்பதில்லை. வறுமையின் காரணமாகவே பிச்சை எடுக்கின்றனர். பிச்சை எடுப்பதை உயர் வர்க்கத்தின் கண்ணோட்டத்திலிருந்து பார்ப்பதை நாங்கள் விரும்பவில்லை. பிச்சை எடுப்பதற்காக மக்கள் வீதிகளில் இறங்குவது அவர்களின் அடிப்படை வாழ்வாதாரத்தைக் காட்டுகிறது. இது ஒரு சமூக, பொருளாதாரப் பிரச்னை. ஒரு உத்தரவால் இதை சரி செய்ய முடியாது. இவ்வாறு நீதிபதிகள் கூறினர். மேலும் "கோவிட் விவகாரத்தில் பிச்சைக்காரர்களுக்கும், வீடற்றவர்களுக்கும் மற்றவர்களைப் போலவே மருத்துவ வசதி பெற உரிமை இருக்கிறது," எனக்கூறிய நீதிபதிகள், இந்த வழக்கு தொடர்பாக பதிலளிக்குமாறு மத்திய அரசுக்கு உத்தரவிட்டுள்ளனர்.

சென்னை ரேஸ் கிளப் தலைவராக எம்ஏஎம்ஆர் முத்தையா தேர்வு

Published : 27 Jul 2021 07:09 am

சென்னை ரேஸ் கிளப் தலைவராக எம்ஏஎம்ஆர் முத்தையா தேர்வு

chennai-race-club

சென்னை ரேஸ் கிளப் தலைவராக தொழிலதிபர் எம்ஏஎம்ஆர் முத்தையா போட்டியின்றி தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டுள்ளார். நேற்று முன்  தினம் நடைபெற்ற ஆண்டு பொதுக்கூட்டத்தில் அவர் கிளப்பின் தலைவர் மற்றும் மூத்த ஸ்டூவர்டாகத் தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்டார்.

தேர்ந்தெடுக்கப்பட்ட நிர்வாகக்குழு உறுப்பினர்கள் விவரம்:

எம்ஏஎம்ஆர் முத்தையா, அருண் அழகப்பன், சதுரங்க காந்த்ராஜ் உர்ஸ், டி.தேவநாதன் யாதவ், கே.கலியபெருமாள், எஸ்.பி. லட்சுமணன், பால் அந்தோணி, ஆர்எம். ராமசாமி, ரமேஷ் ரங்கராஜன், எம்.ரவி, ரஞ்ஜித் ஜேசுதாசன், எம்.செந்தில்நாதன், அபூர்வா வர்மா ஐஏஎஸ், பி.ஜோதி நிர்மலாசாமி ஐஏஎஸ்,குமார் ஜெயந்த் ஐஏஎஸ், எஸ்.கே.பிரபாகர் ஐஏஎஸ்.

ஸ்டூவர்ட்ஸ்: எம்.ஏ.எம்.ஆர். முத்தையா (மூத்த ஸ்டூவர்டு), அருண் அழகப்பன், சதுரங்க காந்தராஜ் உர்ஸ், டி. தேவநாதன் யாதவ், எம்.ரவி, ரமேஷ் ரங்கராஜன், அபூர்வா வர்மா ஐஏஎஸ்,பி.ஜோதி நிர்மலாசாமி ஐஏஎஸ்,குமார் ஜெயந்த் ஐஏஎஸ், ஸ்.கே.பிரபாகர் ஐ.ஏ.எஸ்.

முறையீட்டு குழு: பால் அந்தோணி (தலைவர்), எஸ்.பி. லட்சுமணன், ஆர்எம். ராமசாமி, ரஞ்ஜித் ஜேசுதாசன் மற்றும் கே.ஆர். முத்துக்கருப்பன்.

State pitches for UGC recognition for Rajendra varsity

State pitches for UGC recognition for Rajendra varsity

TNN | Jul 18, 2021, 01.42 PM IST

BHUBANESWAR: Rajendra University’s application for the grant of recognition, following its upgrade to a varsity, was rejected by the University Grants Commission (UGC) last year.

However, the matter came to light on Friday when the higher education department wrote a letter to the commission requesting it to re-examine the issue and grant the recognition to the university situated in Balangir district.

The institution had sought recognition according to Section 2(f) of the UGC Act. The commission provides financial assistance to eligible colleges, which are included in Section 2(f), and declared fit to receive central assistance (UGC grant) under Section 12 (B) of the UGC Act, 1956.

The commission had rejected the application for the recognition of the university in December last year saying, “As the university has been notified through a government notification and not established by an Act of the state legislature, it cannot be included in the list of universities established as per Section 2 (f) of the UGC Act, 1956.” In the letter to the UGC, higher education department’s secretary Saswat Mishra said, “It is legally and factually wrong to say that Rajendra University has not been established under any Act of the state legislature. The Odisha Universities Act, 1989 — a valid legislation of the state legislature — empowers the state government to establish new universities by way of notification.”

Mishra further said the government has created several other universities, including the Rama Devi Women’s University, the Fakir Mohan University and GM University Sambalpur under Section 32(1) of the Odisha Universities Act, 1989. Many of these universities have already got UGC recognition under Section 2 (f) of the UGC Act. Denying the same to Rajendra University defies logic, he added.

Rajendra University’s vice-chancellor Umaballava Mohapatra said, “We had applied for the recognition, but the UGC rejected it. According to the Odisha Universities Act, 1989, the state government may establish one or more new universities by altering the territorial jurisdiction of any of the existing universities by notification.”

UGC regulations not binding on government: Odisha tells HC

UGC regulations not binding on government: Odisha tells HC

TNN | Jul 20, 2021, 12.28 PM IST

CUTTACK: The controversy over the amendment of the Odisha Universities Act, 1989 has intensified with the state government telling the Orissa high court that the regulations of the University Grants Commission (UGC) are not binding on it.In an affidavit, higher education departments deputy secretary Surya Narayan Mohapatra said, “The UGC regulations are binding on the state government to the limited extent of coordinating and determining the standards of higher education.”

When the Orissa Universities (Amendment) Act, 2020 was brought nearly nine months ago, the BJD government had claimed that the main aim behind it was to bring all universities in the state under one Act.

But the move triggered a controversy with opposition from different quarters, especially educationists and opposition parties demanding complete withdrawal of the amendment.

The controversy reached the high court with retired Jawaharlal Nehru University professor Ajit Kumar Mohanty and Utkal University professor Kunja Bihari Panda along with others filing two separate PILs seeking intervention against it.

Responding to the notices, the UGC took a stand against Orissa Universities (Amendment) Act, 2020 and claimed in an affidavit that it was in conflict with its 2018 regulations issued under the University Grant Commission Act, 1956. The state government had filed the affidavit in reply to UGC’s affidavit on July 14. The matter has been posted to August 4.

In the affidavit, Mohapatra said the UGC stand is limited to the amendments dealing with the appointment of vice-chancellors and teaching staff of the universities. He said the UGC has not opposed the other amendments made vide the Odisha University (Amendment) Act, 2020.

“By way of the Amendment Act, 2020 the Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has been entrusted with the recruitment of teaching staff of universities following the recommendation of the chancellor. Recruitment of teaching/research staff through the OPSC will usher in greater transparency and will ensure that the best candidates are selected,” Mohapatra claimed in the affidavit.

“The state government had, by the amendment, changed the composition of the selection committee for the recommendation of names to the chancellor for appointment to the post of vice-chancellor without any change in the standard and qualifications required for the post. A change in the composition of the selection committee also does not prejudicially affect the standards of education as prescribed by parliament,” the deputy secretary claimed.

NMC renewal to Gian Sagar gets MARB nod for admission to 2nd batch of MBBS course

NMC renewal to Gian Sagar gets MARB nod for admission to 2nd batch of MBBS course

TNN | Jul 24, 2021, 05.40 PM IST

PATIALA: Application of the Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital for first renewal of the National Medical Commission (NMC) has been approved for admissions to the second batch of the MBBS course.

The renewal has been approved by the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) which is an Indian regulatory body that regulates medical education and medical professionals.

Dr AS Sekhon, Dean of the Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital, Ramnagar, in Patiala district, said that Gian Sagar Medical College has an annual intake of 150 students in MBBS course. The college, run by the Gian Sagar Educational and Charitable Trust, is affiliated to the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot.

Dr Sekhon said that the College had been closed down in 2017 and then last year, in 2020, it had again been granted Letter of Permission (LOP) by the Board of Governors of the Medical Council of India, essentiality certificate by the Punjab government and certificate of affiliation (COA) by the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences.

He said that the first batch of 150 students was admitted to the MBBS in 2020 after MCI (Medical Council of India) nod for admissions.

Notably, the Gian Sagar Medical College and Hospital was given an essentiality certificate by the Punjab government allowing it to start MBBS, BDS, Bachelors in Physiotherapy and Bachelors in Nursing courses in July 2019. Admissions for 60 seats each in the Bachelors in Physiotherapy and Bachelors in Nursing courses were made in 2019.

Govt finalises 3 tweaks for state OBC powers

Govt finalises 3 tweaks for state OBC powers

TNN | Jul 26, 2021, 02.25 AM IST

NEW DELHI: Aiming to overturn the Supreme Court judgment and restore the rights of states to identify the OBCs for local purposes, the Modi government is embracing the very changes to the 102nd Constitutional amendment that it had rejected from the opposition during the parliamentary process.

The Union Cabinet may clear the amendment bill this week in a sudden move that appears designed to break the opposition blockade in Parliament. It is learnt that the social justice ministry will make three changes to Article 342A, which governs the process of identification of OBCs. While Clause 1 will specify that the President will identify the OBCs in the “central list” which will be considered as backward in a state, a detailed explanatory note to Clause 2 will make it clear that “Central list” mentioned in the Clause pertains to the OBC list prepared by the Government of India for reservations in the services under the GOI.

The difference between “central list” and “Central list” is to clarify that the former refers to what has till now been called the “State list”.

To stress the point, a new Clause 3 is being added to underline that every state can prepare its list of OBCs for reservation in the state government jobs.

Ironically, these were roughly the suggestions given by the opposition parties during the tortuous debate in Parliament on 102nd amendment in 2017-18. While the government had rejected them, they were flagged by the Supreme Court in its May 5 judgement where it ruled that the 342A implies that only the Centre can identify the backwards for the Central list as well as the state lists.

The SC judgement denuding the states of their power to identify the OBCs for local reservations, as had been the case since 1993 when Mandal reservations came into force, triggered a major controversy.

Sources said the proposed Clause 3 will also negate the SC interpretation that 102nd amendment implies there will be a “single list”. Mentioned by three judges, it is seen as ordering that both the Central and State lists be merged to form one consolidated list. As reported by TOI, it has created uncertainty and the national commission for sub-categorisation of OBCs sought clarity on the issue, arguing it can’t move forward with its task till the meaning of “single list” was determined.

Arguing for the Constitutional amendment post-SC judgment, the Centre says it is necessary “to protect the federal structure of the country and to empower the state governments to maintain state list of OBCs”.

Medical students oppose draft rules on fixing of stipend

Medical students oppose draft rules on fixing of stipend

TNN | Jul 26, 2021, 03.57 AM IST

Medical students are disappointed by the proposed rules on fixation of stipend amount for MBBS interns. Instead of paying stipend on par with what is paid to MBBS interns in state government medical colleges, the National Medical Commission has proposed that stipend be fixed by the fee fixation committee of the respective state or university.

The draft regulation for compulsory rotating internship put out by the NMC states: “All interns shall be paid stipend as fixed by the appropriate fee fixation authority as applicable to the institution /university/state”.

Medical students and public health activists pointed out that this was vague and gave ample opportunity for private medical college managements to deny stipend to MBBS interns. Federation of All India Medical Associations founding chairperson Dr Manish Jangra stated that even before this proposed regulation, many private colleges paid stipend partially or fully only on paper. “This new draft regulation will lead to further uncertainty,” said Jangra.

On the subject of medical interns and their compulsory rotatory residential internship (CRRI) period, four Lok Sabha MPs asked on July 23 whether there is exploitation of young doctors in the country with minimal pay, which would affect their career. Bharati Pravin Pawar, junior health minister, replied: “Health being a state subject, the concerned state decides the salary and allowances for the doctors working in the public health facilities. Therefore, no such information is maintained centrally.”

The Board of Governors (BOG) of the Medical Council of India after it had taken over in October 2018 had proposed to include a provision in the Regulations on Graduate Medical Education which stated: “All the candidates pursuing compulsory rotating internship at the institution from which MBBS course was completed, shall be paid stipend on par with the stipend being paid to the interns of the State Govt. Medical Institution / Central Government Medical Institution in the state/UT where the institution is located.”

DU starts registration process for PG courses

DU starts registration process for PG courses

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

New Delhi:27.07.2021

Delhi University at 5.30pm on Monday launched its admission registration portal allowing applicants to apply for PG, MPhil, and PhD courses.

According to DU’s admission chairperson Rajeev Gupta, “Within the first 15 minutes, over 4,500 visitors logged into the portal, which is customised by DU Computer Centre (DUCC) for admissions this year.”

DU received over 500 queries from applicants in the first few minutes of going live. Data from DUCC by 6pm revealed that the website received 8,700 logins, the university said. The PG admission process will be held till August 31. Applicants registering for the programmes will have to appear for the DU Entrance Test to be conducted by the National Testing Agency, which will release the exam dates soon.

Meanwhile, the university also announced that it would organise virtual Open Days for the benefit of all prospective candidates. The first one is scheduled for Tuesday and will continue till Friday at 5pm on each day.

“These virtual Open Days have been planned to assist prospective candidates about the registration and admission process. The webinar will also be telecast live on DU’s official Facebook and YouTube channels,” said the university.

St Stephen’s college also announced that its UG admission portal would be available from August 5-31 for the aspirants to apply.