தமிழ்ப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் பல கோடி ரூபாய் மதிப்புள்ள அச்சு இயந்திரம் இடமாற்றம்

தமிழ்ப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் பல கோடி ரூபாய் மதிப்புள்ள அச்சு இயந்திரம் இடமாற்றம்

அச்சு இயந்திரத்தைப் பார்வையிடும் பல்கலைக்கழக துணைவேந்தர் கோ.பாலசுப்பிரமணியன்.

தஞ்சாவூர்

தமிழ்ப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் சொந்த உபயோகத்துக்காக 39 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பே ரூ.1 கோடி மதிப்பீட்டில் வாங்கப்பட்ட அச்சு இயந்திரம், பலகட்ட முயற்சிகளுக்குப் பிறகு தற்போது இடமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டு பிரத்யேகக் கட்டிடத்தில் சிறப்பாக இயங்குவதால் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தினர் பெருமிதம் அடைந்துள்ளனர்.

தஞ்சாவூர் தமிழ்ப் பல்கலைக்கழகம் கடந்த 1981-ம் ஆண்டு தஞ்சாவூர் அரண்மனை வளாகத்தில் தொடங்கப்பட்டது. இப்பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் முதல் துணைவேந்தரான வ.அய்.சுப்பிரமணியம் என்பவர் தமிழின் ஆராய்ச்சி நூல்கள், தொலைநிலைக் கல்விக்கான நூல்களையும், பல்கலைக்கழகப் பதிப்பு நூல்களையும் தாமே அச்சிட வேண்டும் என்ற குறிக்கோளோடு கடந்த 1982-ம் ஆண்டு ஜெர்மனியிலிருந்து ரூ.1 கோடி மதிப்பீட்டில் அச்சு இயந்திரத்தை வரவழைத்து அரண்மனை வளாகத்தில் நிறுவினார்.

தொடந்து பல்கைக்கழகப் பதிப்புத்துறை சார்பில் ஆண்டுதோறும் ஏராளமான நூல்கள் அச்சிடப்பட்டு விற்பனை செய்யப்பட்டு வந்தது.

இந்நிலையில் கடந்த 25.5.1990-ம் ஆண்டு தஞ்சாவூர் அரண்மனை வளாகத்தில் செயல்பட்டு வந்த தமிழ்ப் பல்கலைக்கழகம், திருச்சி சாலையில் 1,000 ஏக்கர் பரப்பரளவில் இடமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டு தற்போது அங்கு இயங்கி வருகிறது.

தஞ்சாவூர் தமிழ்ப் பல்கலைக்கழகம்.

ஆனால், அரண்மனை வளாகத்தில் நிறுவப்பட்ட அச்சு இயந்திரத்தை இடமாற்றம் செய்தால், அந்த இயந்திரம் மறுபடியும் செயல்படாத நிலைக்குச் சென்றுவிடும் எனக் கூறப்பட்டதால், இதுவரை பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் பணியாற்றிய 12 துணைவேந்தர்களும் அச்சு இயந்திரத்தை இடமாற்றம் செய்யும் திட்டத்தைக் கைவிட்டுவிட்டனர்.

இந்நிலையில் தமிழ்ப் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் பதிப்புத்துறை, விற்பனைத்துறை ஆகியவற்றை ஒருங்கிணைத்து புதிய கட்டிடம் கட்டப்பட்டது. அந்தக் கட்டிடங்களில் நிரந்தரப் புத்தக விற்பனைக்கு ஏற்பாடும் செய்யப்பட்ட நிலையில், பதிப்புத்துறைக்குத் தேவையான அச்சு இயந்திரத்தை இடமாற்றம் செய்வது எனப் பல்கலைக்கழகத் துணைவேந்தர் கோ.பாலசுப்பிரமணியன் உறுதியாகச் செயல்பட்டார். இதையடுத்துப் புதிய கட்டிடத்துக்கு கடந்த ஆகஸ்ட் மாதம் அச்சு இயந்திரம் ரூ.7 லட்சத்து 5 ஆயிரம் செலவில் ஒப்பந்தப் புள்ளி கோரப்பட்டு அதன்படி இடமாற்றம் செய்யப்பட்டது.

புதிய வளாகத்தில் நிறுவப்பட்ட அச்சு இயந்திரம் மீண்டும் பொருத்தினால் செயல்படாது எனக் கூறிய நிலையில், தற்போது அந்த இயந்திரம் சிறப்பாகச் செயல்பட்டு வருவதால் பல்கலைக்கழகத்தில் உள்ள பேராசிரியர்கள் முதல் பணியாளர்கள் வரை அனைவரும் பெருமிதம் அடைகின்றனர்.

இதுகுறித்து பதிப்புத்துறை இயக்குநர் பேராசிரியர் தியாகராஜன் கூறுகையில், ”ஜெர்மன் நாட்டிலிருந்து 39 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு ரூ.1 கோடி மதிப்பீட்டில் வாங்கப்பட்டுப் பல்கலைக்கழக நூல்கள் அச்சிடப்பட்டு வந்தன. அரண்மனை வளாகத்திலிருந்து இடமாற்றம் செய்யப் பலரும் தயக்கம் காட்டிக் கைவிட்ட நிலையில், தற்போதைய துணைவேந்தர் இதில் துணிந்து செயல்பட்டதால் அச்சு இயந்திரத்தைப் புதிய வளாகத்தில் நிறுவப்பட்டுள்ளது. பல வண்ணங்களில் அச்சிடப்படும் இந்த இயந்திரத்தின் தற்போதைய மதிப்பு பல கோடி ரூபாய் இருக்கும்.

இந்த அச்சு இயந்திரத்தில் தற்போது பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் நூல்கள் அனைத்தும் அச்சிடத் தயாராக உள்ளோம். இந்தப் புதிய பதிப்புத்துறை கூடத்தையும், அச்சகத்தையும் முதல்வர் திறந்துவைக்க அவரது கவனத்துக்குக் கொண்டு செல்லப்பட்டுள்ளது” என்றார்.

பிளஸ் 2 அசல் மதிப்பெண் சான்றிதழ் வினியோகம்

பிளஸ் 2 அசல் மதிப்பெண் சான்றிதழ் வினியோகம்

Added : செப் 17, 2021 23:22

சென்னை:பிளஸ் 2 மாணவ - மாணவியருக்கு, பல்வேறு வண்ணங்களில் அச்சிடப்பட்ட அசல் சான்றிதழ்கள் வழங்கப்பட்டன.

பிளஸ் 2 முடித்த மாணவ - மாணவியர், கல்லுாரிகளில் சேர, முதற்கட்டமாக தற்காலிக மதிப்பெண் சான்றிதழ் வழங்கப்பட்டது. பிளஸ் 1 மாணவர்களுக்கும் தற்காலிக மதிப்பெண் சான்றிதழே வழங்கப்பட்டது. அதன்பின், பிளஸ் 2 துணை தேர்வு நடத்தி முடிக்கப்பட்டு, அதன் முடிவுகளும் அறிவிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளன.

இந்நிலையில், பிளஸ் 2 மாணவர்களுக்கு, பிளஸ் 1 மற்றும் பிளஸ் 2 படித்ததற்கான அசல் மதிப்பெண் சான்றிதழ்கள், நேற்று முதல் பள்ளிகளில் வழங்கப்பட்டன. சான்றிதழில் மாணவர்களின் பெயர், பதிவெண், புகைப்படம், பள்ளியின் பெயர், பயிற்று மொழி, பாட தொகுப்பு போன்ற விபரங்கள் பதிவு செய்யப்பட்டுள்ளன. பிளஸ் 2 மாணவர்களுக்கு பொது தேர்வு நடத்தாமல், 'ஆல் பாஸ்' வழங்கப்பட்டது.

10ம் வகுப்பு, பிளஸ் 1 மதிப்பெண் அடிப்படையில் மதிப்பெண்கள் வழங்கப்பட்டன. ஆனால், மாணவர்களுக்கு வழங்கப்பட்ட மதிப்பெண் சான்றிதழில், கொரோனா காலத்தில் ஆல் பாஸ் செய்யப்பட்டது குறித்தோ, தேர்வை நடத்தவில்லை என்றோ குறிப்பிடவில்லை.மே மாதம் தேர்வு நடத்தியதாக கூறப்பட்டு உள்ளது.

Girl completes MD after losing both her legs in train accident

Girl completes MD after losing both her legs in train accident

Mateen.Hafeez@timesgroup.com

Mumbai:19.09.2021

Thirteen years ago, when Jogeshwari resident Roshan Jawwad lost both her legs in a train accident, she thought her life had come to a standstill and she would never fulfil her childhood dream of becoming a doctor. But the brave girl has showed she is made of sterner stuff, fighting against all odds to realise her desire.

Today, Roshan has completed her MD in pathology and has proved that where there is a will there is a way. Despite her handicap and bureaucracy’s difficult rules, the 29-year-old did not give up hope. In fact, the adversities strengthened her resolve.

“I am very happy to have passed MD. It has been difficult, but I had promised myself that I won’t give up,” Roshan told TOI. In October 2008, Roshan and her school friends were returning from Andheri to Jogeshwari by train when she fell onto the tracks and her legs came under a moving train.

Her lower limbs were severed at the ankle and thigh. Roshan, who scored 92.15% in her Class X exams in 2008, was returning home after writing her college exam papers at Bandra’s Anjuman-i-Islam girl’s college. Her father was a vegetable vendor when the accident took place.

Her journey to become a doctor has not been easy. She had to approach Bombay high court for admission in MBBS even after cracking the medical entrance exam. There was a rule that allowed only people with “up to 70% handicap” to study medicine but she was found to be 86% handicapped post-accident. She approached court for help to be able to study medicine. While facing financial problems, she had to make several rounds of the court during the legal battle for admission. Then Chief Justice of Bombay HC, Justice Mohit Shah, directed the college to give her admission. She never looked back since then.

Roshan passed MBBS with first class in 2016 from Seth GS Medical College (KEM hospital). She cracked the PG medical entrance exams in 2018 and got admission to the same college for MD (pathology). “Before admission in MD, I faced the same problem of 86% disability. The forms were to be applied online and I had only two days. Kirit Somaiya, then an MP, met the Union health minister with my documents and I learnt that the upper limit for disabled for admission was changed. I applied and got admission,” Roshan said.

During her second year in MD, she said, she was diagnosed with bone tumour. “I was operated upon and during this time our HoD, Dr Amita Joshi, my batchmates, teachers and friends helped me a lot,” said Roshan. In the MD results, declared on Wednesday, she secured fourth position at KEM pathology department with 65% marks.

She said she has a two-year bond service for MBBS and MD and will complete it first. “After this, if there is vacancy in any government hospital, I will apply. My plan is to start a laboratory and diagnostic centre in rural area where people have to travel long distance for medical tests. If I get financial help, I will start it or will wait till I am financially equipped to start a laboratory. My centre will have concessional testing and free testing for poor people,” added Roshan.

IIT campus can’t turn ‘dog park’, says court

IIT DID BEST FOR DOGS ON CAMPUS: REPORT

IIT campus can’t turn ‘dog park’, says court

HC Asks Govt, PFCI For Plan To Relocate Dogs

Sureshkumar.K@timesgroup.com

Chennai:19.09.2021

Ensure that IITMadras does not become a dumping ground for abandoned dogs, the Madras high court told Tamil Nadu government on Friday.

“At the end of the day, IIT campus is not a dog park, nor a zoo, nor is it the IIT’s core business to devote its resources or energy towards maintaining dogs including pets that residents in the city may abandon at the IIT gates,” the court said.

The court then directed animal welfare organisation People for Cattle in India (PFCI), the state authorities and the Chennai corporation to decide on a course of action that may be followed both to ensure that IIT is rid of the menace of too many dogs on its campus and the ultimate treatment of the dogs taken from the campus.

The first bench of chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P D Audikesavalu passed the order on a PIL moved by PFCI alleging illtreatment of more than 100 dogs that are captured on IIT-M campus and lodged in three ‘dog parks’ in the premises. Pointing out the death of 49 dogs on the campus in a span of six months, the petitioner alleged that the IIT-M had failed to take care of the animals.

Refusing to accept the argument, the bench said the Animal Welfare Board had filed papers, including a report, pursuant to continual visits. According to such a report, IIT-M has done its best for the dogs within its campus. “According to IIT, every dog on its campus is microchipped and three separate enclosures have been provided since some of the dogs are aggressive and impede movement within the campus,” the bench said. It is also possible, as the joint committee report suggests, that sheer ennui may result in aggressive behaviour or the large number of dogs may also result in aggression, the court added.

Making it clear that the number of dogs on the campus must be reduced, the court said, “There could be a few dogs and, given the size of the campus and dogs being traditionally present, the number may be reduced closer to 50, since there are deer and black bucks also on the campus.”

As to the allegation of the PFCI that health of 14 dogs being delicate and requiring special attention, the judges said it would be open to PFCI, along with any appropriate state agency, to move the sick dogs needing immediate care to any state-run veterinary hospital or private facility.

In Tiruvallur, exp trains regularly missed

In Tiruvallur, exp trains regularly missed

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:19.09.2021

Several Tiruvallur residents struggle to board express trains from Arakkonam because connecting suburban trains have become unreliable. As trains like Chennai-Thiruvananthapuram Express, Chennai-Bengaluru Lalbagh Express, Kovai Express, Brindavan Express, Intercity express and many others don’t have stops at Tiruvallur, people take suburban trains to Arakkonam.

In the last two weeks, the railways had to provide an unscheduled one-minute stop for one of these expresses twice at Tiruvallur after travellers got stranded because suburban trains were either delayed or cancelled. Most express trains from Chennai don’t stop at Tiruvallur.

On September 10, a public holiday for Vinayaka Chaturthi, the local train scheduled to arrive at 3.25pm at Tiruvallur, used by passengers to connect to Thiruvananthapuram express and Lalbagh express at Arakkonam, was not available as railways adopted Sunday pattern of services. The announcement came only a day before.

K Baskar, a frequent commuter, said that after a request, the station master arranged a quick stop for Thiruvananthapuram Express at Tiruvallur. “This has happened before too. It has become more or less a regular feature for people to miss express trains because Tiruvallur-Arakkonam suburban trains are delayed.”

Residents of Tiruvallur under the banner of Manavalanagar Residents Welfare Association have been demanding stops for nine popular trains and included it in a petition given to the Tiruvallur MP on Friday.

MORE STOPS NEEDED: Tiruvallur residents have been demanding stops for nine popular trains

Monkey rains money from tree after snatching advocate’s bag with ₹2L

Monkey rains money from tree after snatching advocate’s bag with ₹2L

Kanwardeep Singh TNN

Bareilly:19.09.2021

It was an altogether different kind of setting, with an advocate pleading before a monkey perched high on a tree. The simian had snatched a bag containing ₹2 lakh from unsuspecting Vinod Kumar Sharma, who was going to purchase stamp papers for a land registry in Rampur’s Shahabad town.

As a crowd of curious people gathered, hooted and clapped, the monkey threw the bag down but not before taking out ₹1 lakh.

After another round of cajoling, the monkey started throwing the notes in the air. Now it was Sharma’s turn to plead before the cheering crowd, which was trying to pocket the money. After a lot of convincing, people collected the money and gave it to Sharma, who was nervous and sweating by then.

After over 30 minutes of high-drama, the advocate was able to collect ₹95,000. There was no trace of the remaining ₹5,000, but Sharma was “happy”.

The video of the monkey was shot by a few people, who later shared it on social media platforms. In October 2019, a similar incident was reported from Budaun district where two monkeys snatched a bag from a woman and showered money on people.

Sharma said, “I got the shock of my life when the monkey snatched my bag and climbed on the neem tree. There was ₹2 lakh in the bag, which I had taken from a client for stamps. The monkey then took out two bundles of ₹50,000 each from the bag and threw the bag.

“When we tried to chase it, it climbed on the top branch of the tree and started showering money. I was helplessly watching and requesting people to return the money. I managed to get back ₹95,000 from people. I don’t blame anyone for the remaining ₹5,000 as most people were trying to help me. I haven not filed any complaint.”

Affan Ahmad, an eye witness, told TOI, “I shot videos while Sharma along with other advocates were putting efforts to get the money back from the monkey. Sharma even took a risk and tried to climb on the tree through tin roof. He even slipped twice as the surface was slippery because of the rain. After 30 minutes, Sharma managed to get most of his money back. Monkeys often snatch bags of people visiting the court premises in Shahabad.”

Now, vigilance clearance must for J&K staff to obtain passport

Now, vigilance clearance must for J&K staff to obtain passport

Srinagar:17.09.2021

Vigilance clearance will be mandatory for government employees to obtain a passport, the J&K government said in an order issued on Thursday.

A circular issued by the general administration department stated that passport to citizens, including government employees, is issued on the basis of verification carried out by the CID. “The current system does not contain any mechanism as would help denying the passport to such employees who are either under suspension or facing departmental inquiry or prosecution on account of serious charges,” it read. TNN

Vax catch-22: How can U-18 college-goers get vac cert?

Vax catch-22: How can U-18 college-goers get vac cert?

Ramendra.Singh@timesgroup.com

Bhopal:17.09.2021

Several first year students, who have not completed 18 years of age yet, are in trouble as vaccination certificate is mandatory to attend classes in college.

Students said they will have to wait till they get 18 to attend the college. First year classes will start from October 1. “I will be 18 in December, which means I can’t go for vaccination before that. As vaccination certificate is mandatory for attending college, I will have to miss my classes,” said Shlok Dubey.

He is worried that he may be in big trouble if online classes are also stopped. “I have heard that colleges may stop e-classes once offline classes resume. How to attend classes after that will be a big question before me,” said Dubey.

Even girl students are also facing same problem. “I can’t change my age. Even college has given me admission. Now, issue is that how to attend classes as I will complete 18 years in November. Despite being eligible I won’t be able to attend offline classes,” said a student Shruti Maheshwari.

Higher education department had recently issued guidelines for opening colleges and universities in the state from September 15. Students with 50% strength and at least first dose of vaccination can attend classes on the campuses. Students and college staff are asked to submit their certificates of first dose of vaccination.

Interestingly, hostel facility will be available for the students only after they submit consent letter of their parents and vaccination certificates.

Teachers wade through a flooded govt school in Bawadia Kala on Thursday

School fee: High court disposes of pleas by mgmts

School fee: High court disposes of pleas by mgmts

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:17.09.2021

The high court on Thursday disposed of petitions filed by private school managements against the state government’s 30% fee cut order, referring to a Supreme Court judgment in the matter on May 3. The apex court, in the Indian School Jodhpur vs State of Rajasthan case, allowed for a 15% cut in fees for the 2020-21 academic year and said the remaining amount should be paid in six equal monthly instalments.

Referring to the SC decision, Justice R Devdas told school managements not to debar any student from attending online or physical classes over non-payment of fees or arrears. They have also been asked to consider sympathetically the representations of students whose parents can’t afford to pay fees.

The Associated Managements of Primary and Secondary Schools in Karnataka (KAMS), Karnataka State Minorities Educational Institutions Managements Federation and others had challenged the January 29, 2021 directive issued by the state government asking all the private schools to collect only 70% of the fees collected in 2019-20, without any other changes. They said the directive barring coercive action had resulted in parents not paying fees.

They further claimed that though the government allowed collection of 70% of tuition fees, it amounted to only 50% since no admission fees and other charges were collected by the member schools for 2020-21 and there was greater spending on infrastructure for conducting online classes. The minority schools contended that the directive of the state government affected their rights guaranteed under Article 30 of the Constitution.

Referring to the apex court decision, Justice R Devdas told school managements not to debar any student from attending online or physical classes over non-payment of fees or arrears

Non-payment biggest issue for institutions

Non-payment biggest issue for institutions

Kevin.Mendonsa@timesgroup.com

17.09.2021

Private schools, especially those catering to students from lower income groups in rural areas in the coastal districts, are in financially doldrums due to the pandemic and stringent government rules.

Managements of low-budget schools say another closure — perhaps for a possible third wave — would be the last straw. They say the biggest problem is poor fee collection because of which, they cannot pay their staff. Other reasons include delay in RTE reimbursement and stringent renewal rules.

“Since parents are not paying fees on time, staff are at the receiving end,” said Moosabba P Beary, vice president, English Medium Schools Association, Dakshina Kannada district. The district has about 300 private English medium schools. “Some schools have not paid salaries to staff ever since the pandemic struck and teachers were forced into menial jobs to run their families. Some relatively new schools are on the verge of bankruptcy,” Beary said.

Beary said by ordering schools to cut fees by 30% and warning managements not to force parents to pay, the government has been unfair to private schools. “If there is another wave of infections and a lockdown is imposed, many schools will have to shut for good,” he said.

Rasheed Vittal of Ukkuda Public School in Vittal said the government has increased renewal rules from 30 to 52. Some of them include obtaining fire and safety licences, PWD licence, health and hygiene certificates and child safety certificates.

“Every licence or certificate comes with a fee. How can cashstrapped schools pay when they are unable to even pay their staff?” Vittal said. “Besides, only some schools have received half the RTE reimbursement amounts.”

Another stakeholder said that the government can commence offline classes for LKG to grade five in phases. “Children should be allowed to come to campus thrice a week,” he said. When contacted, Malleswamy, DDPI of DK, said no school has requested for closure so far.

Fee imbroglio: Schools relieved but parents unhappy with court order SWEET & SOUR Pvt schools Said Govt’s 30% Fee Cut Order Created A Major Crisis

Fee imbroglio: Schools relieved but parents unhappy with court order

SWEET & SOUR Pvt schools Said Govt’s 30% Fee Cut Order Created A Major Crisis

45% Of Adult Population Suffers Persistent Pain

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Bengaluru:17.09.2021

While private school managements cheered the high court’s order on the issue of fees, parents associations were understandably dissatisfied.

The high court disposed of pleas by schools contesting the government’s diktat ordering a 30% tuition fee cut, by pointing out that the Supreme Court had settled the issue in a petition filed by unaided schools in Rajasthan. In that case, the SC had ordered schools not to charge more than 85% of fees collected in 2019-20 for the academic year 2020-21.

D Shashi Kumar, secretary, Association of Primary and Secondary Schools of Karnataka said: “When the government told us to reduce 30% of tuition fee and not charge any other fees, it worked out to a cut of almost 45%-50% of total fees. For many of us, it created a major crisis. The HC order is a welcome one. Many schools have already waived more than 30% fees. If parents are in a financial crisis, they can approach school managements for a waiver.”

Recognised Unaided Private Schools Association, another group of private schools, also welcomed the HC’s order.

Lokesh T, president of the association, said: “We welcome the HC move. Last year, in rural Karnataka, several parents were awaiting a government order to pay fees. We request the government to find a permanent solution to this problem.”

He said schools affiliated to the association are willing to waive fees this year too. “We gave a 30% concession last year and we will continue with it this year as well,” Lokesh said.

However, parents were an unhappy lot. Ganesh Poojary, member of Voice of Parents-Karnataka, said: “I can react only after reading the judgement copy. The Karnataka government had ordered schools not to collect anything other than tuition fee and to reduce it by 30%. Now it depends on what the HC order says. If they have kept the Karnataka government order in mind and reduced that 30% to a lower figure, it may not help us, but we are ready to accept it. But if the order says the reduction is on the overall fees [all other heads besides tuition fees], it is unacceptable.”

Many parents said the reduction is meagre and only symbolic.

‘Software error’ credits ₹964cr to two Katihar kids’ accounts

‘Software error’ credits ₹964cr to two Katihar kids’ accounts

Sanjeev Mishra@timesgroup.com

Katihar:17.09.2021

Two Class 6 students of a government school in Bihar's Katihar briefly had more millions in the bank than what their multiplication skills would have enabled them to calculate, courtesy a supposedly “software error” that credited Rs 902 crore and Rs 62 crore to their respective accounts.

Gurucharan Biswas and Ashish Kumar’s short-lived windfall was “rectified immediately” after Uttar Bihar Gramin Bank realised what had happened, district magistrate Udayan Mishra said on Thursday even as the two students recounted their fleeting tryst with crores of rupees they never got to spend.

On Tuesday, one Ranjit Das of Khagaria had been arrested for allegedly refusing to return a portion of the Rs 5.5 lakh wrongly credited to his account with the same bank in March last year. He told the police that he thought the money was part of a direct benefit transfer promised by PM Modi. In Katihar, both students received the mistakenly credited amounts in their accounts on Wednesday. They both study in a government school at Pastiya village of Azamnagar block.

"Due to a banking software error, one account was showing an inflated amount. In another instance, the amount appeared only in the printout of a receipt," the district magistrate said.

Lalan Biswas, mukhiya of Pastiya village, said, "Children receive money in their bank accounts every month to buy uniforms and books. When one of our students checked his balance on Thursday, he was surprised to see the amount. Another student did the same and he was in for a surprise, too."

When the students tried to withdraw some money, they realised that the "credits" were notional, Biswas said.

‘Cowshed’ law colleges slammed by Madras HC

‘Cowshed’ law colleges slammed by Madras HC

Chennai:17,09,2021

The Madras high court on Thursday deplored the trend of ‘cowshed’ law colleges mushrooming in the country, damaging the image of the lawyers.

It is a big issue that needs to be addressed to preserve the credibility of lawyers, the first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P D Audikesavalu orally observed.

The bench made the observation when a PIL petition praying for a direction to the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry to nominate retired/sitting judges as members of the council’s disciplinary committees came up.

The petitioner found fault with the present practice of nominating other lawyers as ‘judges’ of the committees. PTI

Value of DA assets much more: NGO

Value of DA assets much more: NGO

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:17.09.2021

The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti Corruption (DVAC) has estimated AIADMK former minister and Jolarpet strongman K C Veeramani’s disproportionate assets to be worth ₹28 crore. But the worth of the assets would have been much more had the agency ran checks for the past decade, said NGO Arappor Iyakkam.

The NGO had submitted a complaint to the DVAC a month ago stating that Veeramani has disproportionate assets worth ₹76 crore based on publicly available papers such as election affidavits and land registration documents. The fundamental difference is the check period considered by the agency, said Jayaram Venkatesan, convenor of Arappor Iyakkam.

In their complaint, Arappor had considered Veeramani and his family’s assets from 2011, which is when he became MLA. The DVAC’s check period is only from 2016, which was Veeramani’s second consecutive term as MLA and minister. “The FIR would have been more fool proof if DVAC had considered from 2011, when so much proof is available. The assets disproportionate to the known sources of income would have been bigger,” Jayaram said.

This would also be an issue legally, Jayaram said, explaining that this way only the assets acquired illegally from 2016 could be confiscated. The social activist said the FIR as such was still strong enough for the state government to get a conviction.

In their complaint last month, Arappor had included assets such as hotels, agricultural land, cars, high-end trucks and gold declared in the names of Veeramani, his wife, children and another relative who has been named as a dependent. It also submitted evidence of several fraudulent land deals. Veeramani had then denied all allegations to TOI, stating that he came from an extremely rich family and owned highend cars even in the 1970s. “I have not lied in my affidavits,” he had told TOI then.

Report on Jaya death within a month, probe panel tells SC

Report on Jaya death within a month, probe panel tells SC

17.09.2021

The Commission of Inquiry probing the death of former Tamil Nadu chief minister J Jayalalithaa informed the Supreme Court on Thursday that it has examined 154 witnesses so far and only four witnesses are remaining, and it will be able to submit a report within a month in the matter.

The top court on April 26, 2019, had stayed the commission's proceedings on a plea by Apollo Hospital questioning the scope of inquiry. In September 2017, the Tamil Nadu government had set up the commission headed by Justice A. Arumughaswamy (retd). A bench of Justices S. Abdul Nazeer and Krishna Murari, dealing with the application by the Tamil Nadu government asking it to vacate the stay on the proceedings of the commission, agreed to hear the case next Thursday.

Counsel appearing for the commission submitted it has examined over 154 witnesses and only four witnesses remain, and it will be in a position to submit its report within a month. The 154 witnesses, included 56 doctors attached to Apollo hospital, five doctors from AIIMS, 12 government doctors including the medical board of five doctors constituted by the Tamil Nadu government, 22 paramedical staff and other witnesses. The commission is probing the circumstances leading to the former chief minister's hospitalisation at Chennai's Apollo Hospital, and the 75 days of treatment, which culminated in her death on December 5, 2016. IANS

Pondy guv tones down vax message

Pondy guv tones down vax message

Tamilisai: I Said Necessary Not Mandatory

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Puducherry:17.09.2021

Union territory of Puducherry Lieutenant governor (additional charge) Tamilisai Soundararajan's statement on Thursday that government servants should have taken their Covid-19 vaccination before they get their salaries created a flutter. “If people want government benefits, those distributed during festivals, they should have taken their shots. How can they enjoy it if they fall sick,” asked the governor, participating in an event in Puducherry.

Civil rights' activists termed Tamilisai's comment 'unconstitutional' and cited a high court order that declared that the state cannot deny welfare schemes to the people, who have not taken the Covid vaccination. “I never said it was mandatory,” the governor told TOI. “Two months ago, I told govt servants that before they get their salaries, they should have taken the vaccination. I said 18+ students taking their examinations should have their vaccination certificates. My view is that everyone should take their shots,” she said.

At least 65% of the adult population in the Union Territory have taken their shots, said the governor. “In two weeks’ time we hope the entire UT would be vaccinated,” she said. Flagging off a cycle expedition on Thursday to create awareness among the public to get vaccinated for Covid-19 infection, the governor urged the people to extend support to the vaccination drive and make Puducherry a 100% vaccinated territory before October 2. "I strongly object to this arbitrary move by the lg. This is unconstitutional. A high court has held that the state cannot deny welfare measures for such whims. Several poor people depend on these government schemes," said civil rights' activist Saurav Das.

Das cited a Manipur high court order, which said, "State cannot seek to impose conditions upon the citizens so as to compel them to get vaccinated, be it by holding out a threat or by putting them at a disadvantage for failing to get vaccinated." "For the past one week, the vaccination drive has slackened in the Union Territory. As a doctor I am worried. The core of my talk was that if it is necessary, compel people, plead or persuade them to take their vaccination. Don’t interpret it as if it is something undemocratic. This is for the good of the people,” said the governor, adding that the number of cases were increasing again in Puducherry and that 95% of those admitted to ICU with Covid had not been vaccinated.

Public servants must work where they’re posted: HC

Public servants must work where they’re posted: HC

K.Kaushik@timesgroup.com

Madurai:17.09.2021

A public servant is liable to work wherever he is posted in the interest of public administration as transfers are incidental to the service conditions, the Madras high court has observed.

Justice D Krishnakumar observed that it is pertinent to note that transfers are imminent in respect of public servants. In certain circumstances, there may not be any evidence to prosecute the employee or to initiate departmental disciplinary proceedings. However, the competent authorities may be of the opinion that further continuance of a public servant in a particular place would cause inconvenience as well as cause some difficulties for the peaceful functioning of the public administration.

The judge observed that administrative transfers are the prerogative of the concerned department and its competent authorities are the best persons to assess and act accordingly. Only if an order of transfer is issued with malafide intention or in violation of the statutory provisions, a writ petition can be entertained. In the absence of any such legal grounds, routine administrative transfers can never be interfered with by the constitutional courts.

The court made the observations while hearing a batch of petitions filed before the HC Madurai bench in 2019, by two Railway Protection Force (RPF) constables challenging their transfer orders and consequential relieving orders. They were transferred from Golden Rock Workshop at Trichy district to Mayiladuthurai railway station in 2019.

The standing counsel for the authorities submitted that transfer orders were issued to the petitioners on administrative grounds.

City teen attempts to end life over NEET

City teen attempts to end life over NEET

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:17.09.2021

A 17-year-old girl, who recently wrote the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), tried to set herself ablaze on Thursday as she didn’t perform well in the examination, police said The girl, a resident of Guduvanchery, sustained at least 60% burns and has been admitted to the government hospital in Chengalpet. She is being attended to by a team of doctors. Police, quoting the doctors, said the girl is in a critical condition.

“The girl sat for NEET on September 12 and was stressed over the outcome. She is said to have been detached and aloof for the past couple of days and she set herself ablaze when she was alone at home in Urapakkam,” an officer said.

The Guduvanchery police, who received information from the Chengalpet GH about the girl, rushed to the hospital and held an inquiry.

On Wednesday, a 17-yearold girl from Katpadi in Vellore district ended her life fearing poor results after appearing for NEET. A day after the exam, a 17-year-old student from Ariyalur district also ended her life.

On the eve of the test, a 20-year-old man from Salem also took his life over fears that he would fail the test a third time.

(Assistance for those experiencing depression or suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104 and Sneha’s suicide prevention helpline 044-24640050)

Police said the 17-yearold girl from Guduvanchery tried to end her life over fears that she didn’t perform well in the test. She is being treated for burns and is said to be in a critical condition

Fresh Covid death certificate must be given in one month: HC to TN

Fresh Covid death certificate must be given in one month: HC to TN

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:17.09.2021

If a death due to Covid-19 is not recorded in the death certificate itself, an additional certificate should be made available within a month of the death, the Madras high court has said.

The first bench of Chief Justice Sanjib Banerjee and Justice P D Audikesavalu made the observation on Thursday while disposing of a batch of PILs alleging that the cause of death wais not being appropriately recorded in death certificates, particularly in case of deaths caused by the pandemic.

When the plea came up for hearing, government pleader P Muthukumar submitted a status report on behalf of the principal secretary, health and family welfare department.

In the report, the officer referred to the guidelines issued for Covid deaths by the Union health ministry pursuant to orders of the Supreme Court.

It was indicated that based on the guidelines, the state government has instructed all collectors to form district level committees, consisting of the additional district collector, the chief medical officer, and the dean or joint director of medical and rural health services in addition to an expert, for the issuance of the official document in the format as suggested by the Union.

Recording the submission, the bench said: “It is hoped that the guidelines are strictly adhered to and the district level committee should ensure that in case of deaths which have happened on or prior to August 31, the appropriate certificates in accordance with the relevant guidelines are issued by October 31.”In the event the certificates are not issued within time or on some other untenable excuse, it will be open to the individuals affected thereby to raise the grievance before the appropriate forum in accordance with law., the court added.

‘Approach local health authorities for official document for Covid-19 death’

Chennai:

People can approach local health authorities for an “official document for Covid-19 death”, the directorate of public health said on Thursday. After orders from the Madras high court, the state health department said applicants will be given copies of forms that contain certification of deaths by doctors along with cause details. “The certificates issued by the government will not carry cause of death. But people can take a copy of doctors’ certification which will have these details,” said director of public health Dr TS Selvavinayagam, who is also the registrar of births and deaths for the state. “Health officials are following protocols declared by the centre in the declaration of Covid-19 deaths,” he said. If people want to dispute the reports issued by hospitals or doctors regarding kin’s death, they can lodge complaints to the district collectors. If district reconciliation committee thinks the death should be entered into Covid registry, it will make its recommendation, he said. TNN

To get jobs in UK, agency to train nursing students free of cost

To get jobs in UK, agency to train nursing students free of cost

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:16.09.2021

The Overseas Manpower Corporation Limited (OMCL), an agency of the state labour department, would reach out to the nursing students in the state and offer them free Occupational English Test (OET) training programmes to help them to find jobs in the UK. The agency had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Health Education England (HEE) to recruit qualified nurses under their national health service (NHS) in January 2020. However, the programme was put on hold following the Covid-19 pandemic. In order to facilitate the placement of nurses from Tamil Nadu in the hospitals in England, the corporation has planned to conduct the OET training programme for the 3rd and 4th year nursing students in their college premises, minister for labour welfare and skill development C V Ganesan told the state assembly recently.

Yet another student ends life over NEET

Yet another student ends life over NEET

Bosco.Dominique@timesgroup.com

Vellore:16.09.2021

Yet another MBBS aspirant in Tamil Nadu committed suicide fearing failure in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (Neet). The student, identified as T Soundharya, 17, from a village near Katpadi in Vellore district, hanged herself from a ceiling fan hook using her mother’s sari.

She is the third student in the state to take the extreme step fearing failure in Neet, held across the country on Saturday, after Dhanush, 19, of Salem district and K Kanimozhi, 17, of Ariyalur district.

"The girl might have committed suicide between 9.30am and 9.45am today (Wednesday). Her parents were working in a nearby farm. Her mother came home in the afternoon. She found the door locked and peeped through the window to find her daughter hanging from the ceiling. She raised the alarm and sought help," said DSP (Katpadi) P Palani.

The DSP added that preliminary inquiries could not attribute any other reason for the girl ending her life than her poor performance in the test. "Based on preliminary investigation, we suspect that her fear over failure in Neet might have driven her to take the extreme step," Palani said.

Soundharya, who completed Class XII in Vellore Thottapalayam Government Girls' Higher Secondary School, scored 510 out of maximum 600 marks in the board examination. She scored 381 out of 600 marks in plus one and 413 out of 500 marks in SSLC examinations. She appeared for Neet at a centre in a private engineering college in Katpadi on September 12.

Her mother, T Rukmini, said she had been upset and sad for performing poorly in the test and had been depressed for the past two days. Rukmini and her husband, Thirunavukkarasu, are coolies working in agriculture fields. They left home for work on Wednesday morning. Soundharya's three elder sisters had gone out too. She was alone at home.

When her parents returned home, they found her hanging from the ceiling. The Latheri police registered a case. The body was sent for post-mortem examination and police began an investigation.

Stalin to decide on reopening of schools for lower classes: Minister

Stalin to decide on reopening of schools for lower classes: Minister

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

16.09.2021

School education minister Anbil Mahesh Poyyamozhion Wednesday said he has received suggestions on reopening of schools for students of lower classes.

The minister said that chief minister M K Stalin will take a call on the matter based on the expert opinion from the public health department officials. The minister was attending a local government function in Trichy.

He said that the reports of the chief educational officers (CEOs) of all the districts will be sent to the chief minister’s office to take decision on opening of schools for lower class students. There have been sporadic incidences of Covid-19 among students in the government and government-aided schools in the state after schools were reopened for higher classes.

“We have different suggestions from the CEOs. Some suggest reopening of school from Class I while some propose to reopen the schools for students of Class VI, VII and VIII. We have sent all the suggestions to the chief minister,” said Poyyamozhi. He said that the decision on the matter would be taken in the review meeting for lockdown extension for Covid-19.

Man runs over girl, tries to implicate his driver

UNDONE BY CCTV

Man runs over girl, tries to implicate his driver

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:16.09.2021

Police have arrested a man who ran over a twoand-half-year-old girl child at T Nagar and tried to implicate his driver. Ajay Subramanian was nabbed with the help of CCTV camera footage and the statement of the child’s parents. Police said Jayaraman and Chitra of Royapettah were going with son Barghav, 6, and daughter Thanshika when a car hit their bike from behind on South Boag Road and all four fell down. They were rushed to Government Royapettah Hospital from where Thanshika was shifted to a hospital in Nungambakkam where she died.

The Pondy Bazaar police were registering a case when a man surrendered, claiming responsibility.

The couple, however, said it was the wrong man and police, after checking CCTV camera footage, arrested Ajay Subramanian.

Passerby steals bag of dying accident victim on GST Road

Passerby steals bag of dying accident victim on GST Road

Cops Trying To Trace Culprit Using CCTV Footage

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:16.09.2021

Minutes after a man was run over by a car on GST Road at Tambaram early on Wednesday, another man walking by didn’t stop to help the victim lying in a pool of blood but instead stole his bag.

Police said they hoped to nab the man with the help of CCTV camera footage, which showed him walking away with the accident victim’s bag before anyone else could notice. They suspect he is a local as he was wearing a veshti and was on foot at that late hour.

The accident victim Arjun, who died on the spot, is a resident of Acharapakkam near Tambaram. He was walking home from work at a private company when he was knocked down by a car around 2.40 am. On information, the traffic investigation police arrived and sent the body to Chromepet GH for post mortem examination.

Police arrested the driver, Jayakumar of Perungalathur, who had taken his friend’s new car for a spin.

It was when the police were scanning CCTV camera footage of the accident that they noticed a person walking away with the victim’s bag "He appeared to be a pedestrian. Before others could locate the accident victim, he coolly walked away with the bag. With the help of the CCTV footage, the victim will soon be nabbed," said an investigating officer.

Local residents said the police should take steps to check speeding by motorists. Just last week five youths had died on GST Road near Tambaram when their car rammed into a lorry parked on the roadside.

CRUEL ACT: CCTV grab shows the man walking away with the accident victim's suitcase

The accident victim Arjun, who died on the spot, was walking home from work at a private company when he was knocked down by a car around 2.40 am

Thanjavur college to pay ₹10.5L to pharma supplier

Thanjavur college to pay ₹10.5L to pharma supplier

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:16.09.2021

A city civil court has directed the dean, Government Thanjavur medical college and Director of Medical Education to settle dues of ₹10.5 lakh to a Chennai-based pharmaceutical supplier for products the company supplied to the government institution a decade ago.

The proprietor moved the court after there was no response from the management after repeated requests.

According to the petition by S Prasad Kumar Jain, proprietor of Pharma Chem remedies, the dean placed order for drugs in 2009-2010. Despite supplying the drugs and providing the invoices, dues were not settled, the petitioner stated.

Since there was no response from either the dean or the Director of Medical Education, a notice was sent in December 2015 asking them to settle the due amount with interest.

After perusing the submissions from either side, the XVIII additional sessions judge, city civil court, S T Lakshmi Ramesh dismissed the contentions raised by the government counsel and decreed that the authorities are to pay an amount of ₹10.5 lakh to the pharma supplier.

Madras univ to have social justice paper in UG courses

Madras univ to have social justice paper in UG courses

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:16.09.2021

Madras University will introduce social justice as an elective paper in all undergraduate courses from 2022-23 academic year in its affiliated colleges.

A resolution to introduce the course was passed by the Syndicate of Madras University in its meeting held on Tuesday.

“Students will be taught the principles of social justice such as equity, access, diversity and participation during the course.

It will be three credit course and will be taught in a blended mode," said S Gowri, vice-chancellor of Madras University. The course will be taught in both English and Tamil.

The chairperson of board of studies in sociology was asked to prepare a detailed unit-wise syllabus, reference books based on learning outcome based on curriculum framework prescribed by University Grants Commission.

The university also decided to activate the Centre for Research on Dravidian Movement which was established in 2006.

"The state government allotted Rs3 crore to the university. But, the centre has not been active and fund was not utilised. We are planning to start research programmes at the centre," Gowri said.

The university also conducted meeting at the university on Wednesday with the history professors to revive the centre.

The vice-chancellor further said the university will invite reputed industries to jointly develop the courses specialisation in computer science, banking and pharmaceutical and other related areas for the postgraduate programmes based on learning outcome based curriculum framework (LOCF).

The Syndicate also gave its nod to the move for tune the curriculum based on industry needs.

45 students test Covid positive at Coimbatore private nursing college

45 students test Covid positive at Coimbatore private nursing college

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

16.09.2021

With 16 more students from a private nursing college in Coimbatore testing positive for Covid -19 on Wednesday, the total number of students tested positive in the college has gone up to 45.

The Coimbatore city corporation imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on the college for not following Covid norms. All the students in the college are quarantined and kept under observation.

According to public health workers, four students from Kerala returned to K G College of Nursing in Saravanampatti, Coimbatore after colleges reopened in the beginning of this month.

The hostel students were possessing Covid -19 negative certificates while entering Coimbatore. But they developed symptoms within two days of staying in the hostel.

All the four were tested positive for Covid-19 on September 07, another 25 students were tested positive in the next few days. Another 16 students were tested positive on Wednesday.

According to deputy director of health services P Aruna, the college failed to quarantine the students who came from Kerala as soon as they came to the hostel. This has led to the formation of clusters. All the students are being quarantined in the Covid care centre being operated in the college.

The Coimbatore city corporation imposed a fine of ₹10,000 on the college for not following Covid-19 guidelines

Now, state govt can transfer employees till September 30

Now, state govt can transfer employees till September 30

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Jaipur:15.09.2021

The state government has extended the time for transfer of government employees in the state by 15 days. Now transfers can be done across the state till September 30.

This is the second time that the government has extended the date. Initially, it was announced for one month from July 14 to August 14 which was extended further till September 15.

It is being told that due to non-transfer of third grade teachers till now due to the election code of conduct in six districts due to panchayat elections, the government has decided to extend this period.

TN PHC gives 50-year-old woman first and second Covid jab in matter of minutes

TN PHC gives 50-year-old woman first and second Covid jab in matter of minutes

Subsequent to the confirmation, Lakshmi was admitted to the PHC for observation and discharged on Tuesday afternoon.

Published: 15th September 2021 03:26 AM  

By Bagalavan Perier B

Express News Service

CUDDALORE/VILLUPURAM: A Primary Health Centre (PHC) at Pennadam in Cuddalore allegedly administered two doses of Covid-19 vaccine (Covishield) to a 50-year-old woman when she went to the PHC on Monday to take her first dose.

"The nurse on duty administered the first dose to my mother while talking to someone. Within a few minutes, she administered a second dose despite my mother's protest that she had just been given a dose. On learning this, I confronted the nurse, who denied having given two doses back-to-back to my mother. I then lodged a complaint with the PHC's medical officer. Some time later, health-department officials came to PHC and, after checking the dose stock, confirmed that two doses had indeed been given to my mother," said Ayyapan, son of S Lakshmi from Irula Street.

Subsequent to the confirmation, Lakshmi was admitted to the PHC for observation and discharged on Tuesday afternoon. "The health condition of Lakshmi is normal; a departmental inquiry is going on to decide on next course of action," said a senior official from the health department in Cuddalore. Lakshmi's family on Tuesday evening told TNIE that she was doing fine.

A similar incident took place on Sunday wherein a vaccination camp held on the campus of a government school near Tindivanam in Villupuram administered a third dose of Covid-19 vaccine to a 75-year-old woman from Vitlapuram. It is learnt that the woman, Kannamma, who had received her second dose a few days before, went to the camp expecting to get medical advice about her body aches post her second dose.

"My mother took her first dose in June and the second, last week. When she took the second dose, the camp organisers told us to give them our mobile phone number and Aadhaar number, promising that they would upload them to CoWin at a later date; we agreed. After the second dose, however, she started experiencing body aches. So, when she heard about the special vaccination camp on Sunday, she decided to go to it, expecting a consultation and medicine. At the camp, however, she was administered a third dose despite her informing them that she had already received two doses,"said Kannamma's son K Sivakumar.

"When I confronted the camp organisers, they apologised and suggested that I take her to a hospital. On the way, however, l saw a few doctors at a vaccination camp at Tindivanam municipality office and sought their help. They checked my mother and advised her to rest for two weeks and told us not to worry. In the past two days, a few revenue officials inquired about my mother's condition, but no health department official did so."

"Vaccination camps were organised by the health department, panchayats, and municipalities at different spots on Sunday. The camp in question was not organised by the health department; so, I am not aware of it," said Dr Jothi, Joint Director of Health Department (Villupuram and Kallakurichi).

Villupuram Collector D Mohan has promised an inquiry into the incident and to send medical experts to check on Kannama.