18-yr-old girl poisons family to elope with lover in Surat

THREE BOOKED

18-yr-old girl poisons family to elope with lover in Surat

Executed Plan 2 Days After Her 18th Birthday

Yagnesh.Mehta@timesgroup.com

Surat:20.09.2021

Police booked three persons including an 18-year-old girl on Friday for allegedly poisoning her family to elope and marry her boyfriend. The girl was waiting to turn into a major to marry her lover and two days after her birthday, she poisoned her parents and brother and eloped. Police booked the girl, her ‘husband’ and his father as well.

Based on a complaint by the girl’s father Dipak Vanzara, Dindoli police booked Khushbu (18), her husband Sachin (22) and his father Ashok More (49) for causing hurt by means of poison and conspiracy.

Vanzara had lost his job during lockdown as an contractual employee in an industrial unit in Hazira.

Police arrested Ashok, a property broker, on Saturday while his unemployed son, Sachin, and Khushbu are on the run. Police suspect that the duo of taking shelter at a relative’s place. A police team is in search of the accused couple.

Investigation revealed that the two families lived in the same society in Dindoli where the two accused developed friendship.

Even in an earlier instance, Khushbu, who quit studies after class X, had eloped with Sachin around two years ago. After the duo was found at the home of Sachin’s relative, Khushbu was brought back home as she was still a minor. Her parents were against their relationship.

More family, meanwhile, shifted to another area and they also sold off their house to repay debt but the families stayed in touch.

According to the police, “Two days after Khushbu’s 18th birthday, she planned to elope with her lover and the duo plotted to make her parents unconscious and escape from home on September 12. She bought some tablets from a medical store and mixed it with dough to feed her family aloo paratha,” said an officer in Dindoli police station.

In the evening, she fed the entire family food with the medicine-laced dough but refused to eat herself. When her parents asked, she claimed she wasn’t feeling hungry. A little later, when the family members started to feel dizzy and were unconscious, Ashok came to pick Khushbu up on a motorcycle and she eloped with Sachin.

The father of the girl woke up late and uneasy the next morning and found his daughter missing from home. He woke up his wife and son who too were feeling uneasy.

Meanwhile, Vanzara received a call from Dindoli police station and was asked to come there. Police informed him that his daughter had come to the police station along with her new husband after getting her marriage registered.

“She came to inform the police about her marriage and be allowed to go with her husband as she was major now,” said the police.

After this, Vanzara’s condition deteriorated and he along with other family members had to be admitted to the hospital.

After recovery, he approached the police and lodged a formal complaint.

Court orders govt to return medico’s papers

Court orders govt to return medico’s papers

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad:20.09.2021

The Gujarat high court ordered the state government to return original documents to a medical student after completion of his MBBS studies. The documents were withheld over him not submitting a bond of Rs 2 lakh during his studies in lieu of one-year service in rural areas.

While directing the authorities to return the documents to Neil Ramesh Patel, who was admitted to a GMERS college in 2015, Justice Bhargav Karia told the government lawyer, “You cannot retain original documents for any fault committed by the student.” The judge was of the view that there is no rule that empowers the government to withhold original documents, and the rules stipulate that the government has to return documents as soon as the admission process gets over.

The student was against executing the bond since the beginning, and his medical studies were completed without having tendered the bond.

The government did not return his documents including marksheets and certificates. The student’s father moved the high court complaining that the government’s withholding of his son’s original documents and not issuing him a certificate for his medical studies would adversely affect his son’s career immediately, particularly his plans to go abroad.

The state government tried to defend its withholding of the documents and argued that returning them would set a bad example. To this, Justice Karia said, “This will rather set a correct example for all institutes, that they cannot withhold students’ documents.” After the high court assumed this strict posture, the government conceded and told the court that the district collector would initiate proceedings against the student for recovery of the bond amount.

This did not go down well with the court, and the judge said that the authority can do anything permissible under law for recovery, but it has no right to retain the student’s documents. It cannot ruin the student’s career without any reason, particularly for its own fault to execute the bond at the beginning of the course.

11-year-old becomes collector for a day

FIGHTING TUMOUR

11-year-old becomes collector for a day

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Ahmedabad:20.09.2021

She is 11 years old and is battling brain tumour. But Flora Asodiya has let neither her age nor her condition pull back her ambition. Flora’s wish to become a collector came true on Saturday as she held the position of the Ahmedabad district collector for a day.

Flora rode from her house at Sargasan on the outskirts of Gandhinagar to the collectorate in the official car of the district collector. She was given the ceremonial guard of honour at the entrance. She was taken to the collector’s chamber, where district collector Sandip Sagale himself made her sit in the chair of power.

Assuming the role of the district collector, Flora distributed certificates to beneficiaries under ‘Vhaali Dikri’ and ‘Vidhva Sahay’ schemes. For her contribution to the bureaucracy, she was gifted a doll set and a tablet. Earlier, all the collectorate employees had got together to cut a cake to celebrate her arrival. “My daughter studies in Class 7 and has always dreamt of becoming a collector,” said her mother Sonal Asodiya. Apurva Asodiya, Flora’s father, said: “We had become very distressed after discovering her ailment. We thank the collectorate for helping her fulfill her aspiration.” Sagale got to know of Flora through Make a Wish Foundation.

‘Online Mode Means Results Not Reflection Of Quality’

332 engg colleges bag 84% pass in ’20

‘Online Mode Means Results Not Reflection Of Quality’

Ragu.Raman@timesgroup.com

Chennai:20.09.2021

As many as 332 engineering colleges affiliated to Anna University got a pass percentage above 84% in the November/December 2020 exams. This is in contrast to the November/December 2019 exam when PSG Institute of Technology and Applied Research in Coimbatore secured a pass of 83.8%, the highest that year.

While a mere 57 colleges got above 50% pass in 2019, 400 of 411 colleges got above 50% pass in 2020, according to the academic performance released by Anna University on Saturday.

Experts say the results are not a true reflection of the quality of students and colleges and that they were boosted due to the unsupervised online exams conducted in July. After Anna University conducted a proctored online test in February, the higher education department ordered it to conduct a re-exam following complaints from students.

The results of the exam in the April/May 2020 semester were even higher as the government declared students of the first three years all-pass in view of Covid-19. As many as 30 colleges got 100% results and 412 of 441 got above 90% pass and only two colleges registered less than 70%.

Principals said the high pass percentage in 2020 will make more students eligible for campus placements in 2021-22. “Usually, we will have 60%-70% of final year students with all pass and be eligible for the screening process for campus placements. This year, we have around 90% of final year students eligible for campus placements due to inflated results,” a principal from a city college said.

R M Kishore, vice-chairman of RMK Engineering College, said the absence of an exam-like environment and unsupervised tests resulted in the surge in pass percentage, but added that that it will not impact campus recruitment. “Recruiters have their own screening process and will not consider semester exam marks while selecting candidates. They have their own recruitment tests,” he said.

Former vice-chancellor of Anna University E Balagurusamy said the results are not a true reflection of the performance of students and colleges. “Anna University should have avoided publishing these results on the website as it will mislead the engineering aspirants and public. The exams were not conducted in a proper form and it was mass copying. The 100% results shows the process of examination and evaluation is wrong. They should return to normal physical mode exams for next semester and if it is unavoidable, they should go for proctored online tests,” he added.

First of 2-part CBSE exam from mid-Nov

First of 2-part CBSE exam from mid-Nov

Manash.Gohain@timesgroup.com

New Delhi:20.09.2021

The first of the two-part CBSE board exams for Classes X and XII will begin from mid-November. The dates of the Term 1 exams will be announced by mid-October.

The 90-minute Term 1 exam papers will be conducted with multiple-choice optical mark recognition (MCQOMR) question sheets. For Term 1 exams, CBSE officials have so far ruled out any option of online tests.

The CBSE had earlier decided to split the board exams into two parts — Term 1 and Term 2. It had said a student’s final score would be calculated on the basis of his/her performance in both terms. As per the new scheme, Term1 will be an objective type exam while Term 2 will be subjective and have practical components.

Sanyam Bhardwaj, controller of examinations, CBSE said: “The Board will wait and watch the situation before deciding on the weightage. In case there is any disruption of the Term 2 exams, then the Term 1 exams will be given more weightage. Can’t predict anything as there could emerge a situation where we will have only the Term 1 exams to depend on for the final assessment.”

CBSE to issue marksheets of Term 1 exams

Bhardwaj added, “Therefore, a decision will be taken only towards the Term 2 exams.” In July, the Board had announced an overhaul of the assessment system and issued detailed guidelines for the pandemichit 2021-22 academic session.

The Term 1 exams in normal times are scheduled between October and November. Similarly, the Term 2 exams are normally held between February and March. However, due to the pandemic situation, they will be conducted between March and April 2022.

CBSE recently wrote to schools to submit their lists of candidates with relevant information by September 30, 2021, for it to start the examination process. There will be no window for correction in the uploaded data this year and therefore uploading of correct data is the school’s responsibility. Bhardwaj said, “Schools are asked to submit the lists of their candidates with correct details by the end of this month without late fee and by October 9, 2021, with late fee.”

Stating that no updation of data will be permitted after the final submission, Bhardwaj added, “Earlier, schools used to send the copies of list of candidates to the regional offices. From 2021 onwards, the lists will be uploaded on the system with the e-signature linked with the Aadhaar of the principal of the schools and it is the schools’ responsibility to ensure that the information provided is correct.”

Though final results will be made available to students after their Term 2 exams, CBSE will issue marksheets of Term 1 exams as well. “This will help the candidates in understanding where they stand. However, the final results will be based on both the exams,” Bhardwaj.

‘Will stick to guv’s Constitutional limits’

‘Will stick to guv’s Constitutional limits’

Humbled To Be In Land Of Most Ancient Civilisation, Says Ravi After Taking Oath

Julie.Mariappan@timesgroup.com

Chennai:20.09.2021

Soon after being sworn in as the 26th governor of Tamil Nadu, Ravindra Narayan Ravi on Saturday said he would function within the parameters of the Constitution. The former IB officer and Nagaland governor succeeded Banwarilal Purohit who was appointed as the governor of Punjab and the administrator of the Union territory of Chandigarh.

“This place has a popular government mandated by the people. Governance is the responsibility of the government. Governor is to function within the parameters of the Constitution. I will try my best to keep that in mind,” he said, replying to a query from reporters as to whether he too would break away from convention like his predecessor and tour the state to hold review meetings with the district administrators.

On the performance of the DMK government, the governor said it was too premature to say anything. “I believe it should be doing well. The way it has handled Covid… It (case) has come down.” He said a pandemic such as Covid was above party, politics, above differences, if at all, between a state and the Union. Reminded of the opposition from certain political parties to his appointment given his IB background, Ravi said, “The slate of our relationship is absolutely new and clean. My effort will be to make it as beautiful as possible in the days to come.”

The swearing-in event that lasted 10 minutes saw chief secretary V Irai Anbu reading out ‘Warrant of Appointment’ signed by President Ram Nath Kovind on September 9. Chief justice of the Madras HC Sandeep Banerjee administered the oath of office to Ravi on the lawns of Raj Bhavan. “I, Ravindra Narayana Ravi, do swear in the name of God…,” Ravi said, evoking loud claps from the gathering. CM M K Stalin, Union minister L Murugan, ministers, judges, MPs, MLAs, bureaucrats and others were present. Former governors M M Rajendran (Odisha) E S L Narasimhan (Telangana), P Sathasivam (Kerala), M K Narayanan (West Bengal) and RSS ideologue S Gurumurthy were among the special invitees. PMK president G K Mani was present.

FRESH START: This is a new slate, governor Ravi said about reservations about his IB background

Covid: 20 districts report marginal increase in cases

Covid: 20 districts report marginal increase in cases

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:20.09.2021

Fresh cases in Tamil Nadu continued to decline on Saturday, when the state added 1,653 new cases compared to 1,669 on Friday. Twenty of the 38 districts in the state including Chennai and Kallakurichi reported a marginal increase in cases. After reporting 22 deaths and 1,581 discharges, there were 16,893 people on the active list.

Chennai, which reported the sharpest increase in cases in the last 24 hours, recorded 204 new cases compared to 196. The city reported the highest number of cases in the state followed by Coimbatore, which reported 201 new cases – a drop from 205 cases reported on Friday. Chennai and Coimbatore were the only two districts to report more than 200 cases each. Erode (139) and Chengalpet (101) were the only two other districts to report cases in two digits. While cases in Erode had increased from 132 cases on Friday, Chengalpet saw a decline from 115.

The sharpest decline was seen in Thanjavur, where cases dropped from 110 on Friday to 91 on Saturday. While Villupuram reported 20 new cases, at least 15 other districts recorded less than 20 cases. Among these Perambalur(9), Ramanathapuram(7), Virudhunagar(7) and Tenkasi(5) reported cases in single digits.

Active cases were highest in Coimbatore (2201) and Chennai (1941) on Saturday and nearly 46% of the active cases were reported from five districts – Coimbatore, Chennai, Erode, Chengalpattu and Thanjavur. However, more than 85% of hospital beds in almost all districts were vacant.

Of the 22 deaths, there were five from Coimbatore, four from Thanjavur, two each from Salem, Cuddalore and Kancheepuram. While seven districts reported one death each, 26 other districts reported zero deaths.

Meanwhile, two lakh people took vaccines on Saturday taking the total dosage tally to 3.9crore at the government vaccination centres. The number of vaccinations in private hospitals since May 1 has touched 23.7lakh.

Pondy reports 128 cases, one death

Puducherry on Saturday recorded 128 fresh Covid-19 cases that were identified at the end of examination of 5,004 samples. The new cases were spread over Puducherry 88, Karaikal 32 and Mahe eight. The overall case load was 1,25,384. However, Yanam did not report any new case. One more person aged 75 years succumbed to the viral infection raising the cumulative fatalities to 1,829. Director of health and family welfare services G Sriramulu said 17.32 lakh samples were tested and out of them 14.69 lakh were found to be negative. In all, 8.97 lakh people including those who received the second jab have been vaccinated in the Union Territory. AGENCIES

Active cases in city increase by 97 to 1,895 within a week

Active cases in city increase by 97 to 1,895 within a week

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:20.09.2021

In a week, the number of active Covid-19 cases in the city has increased by 97, official data released by Greater Chennai Corporation shows.

As on September10, the city had1,798 active cases, which increased to 1,895 on September 17. Data released by the health department in Covid19 bulletins everyday shows that the test positivity rate in the city continues to remain under control at 1% and a little less.

At present, six of the fifteen zones have less than 100 active cases. These are Tiruvottiyur (50), Manali (15), Madhavaram (61), Royapuram (82), Alandur (97) and Shollinganallur (93).

A week ago, eight of the fifteen zones had less than 100 active cases. In addition to the above mentioned six, Tondiarpet and Thiru-vi-ka Nagar also had less than 100 cases. The maximum cases currently is in Anna Nagar (203) followed by Kodambakkam (201). These are the only two zones to report more than 200 active cases.

Despite this increase, official data from the street wise containment of the corporation shows that the number of streets reporting active cases has reduced over the past one week. A week ago, there were 872 such streets in the city with at least one case; this has now come down to 834.

The number of streets reporting more than five cases has also reduced from 25 to 20 during the same period, official information shows.

The civic body officials said they have stepped up vigil in places with huge crowds as well as events behind closed doors. For instance, the corpoation inspected around 5,700 events at marriage halls so far. They have found 455 violations based on which a fine of ₹8.6 lakh was collected for violations of Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOP).

City may get intense rain starting next week, say meteorologists

LIGHT SPELLS LIKELY OVER NEXT 48 HOURS

City may get intense rain starting next week, say meteorologists

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:20.09.2021

The 8.6mm rain recorded at Meenambakkam weather station on Friday may be the start of another round of showers as meteorologists have forecast thunderstorms with light rain for the next two days. Bloggers said the intensity and frequency of rain may increase after September 20 and many parts of the state, including coastal areas like Chennai and neighbouring districts, are likely to receive good spells.

For the next 48 hours, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms with light rain over some areas in the city and the neighbourhood, while the sky condition is likely to be partly cloudy. Maximum and minimum temperatures are likely to be around 36°C and 26°C.

While a few places in south Tamil Nadu and delta districts are expected to receive thunderstorm with rain of varying intensity between September 19 and 21, the IMD has forecast thunderstorms with heavy rain over northern Tamil Nadu districts like Tiruvannnamalai, Vellore, Ranipet and Tiruvallur on September 22.

“This is due to the weak westerlies which will allow the entry of easterlies that may lead to wind convergence and convective spells,” a meteorologist said.

Since June 1, Nungambakkam has recorded 503.4mm of rain and Meenambakkam 436.9mm, which are 118.1mm and 13.5mm in excess. Chennai subdivision has recorded 431mm so far in the June-September season against a normal 397.4mm, an 8% excess.

Blogger Pradeep John said there is a possibility of rain in the city and neighbouring districts as well as interior districts during the last 10 days of September due to favourable wind conditions. “In Chennai, day temperatures may be around 34°C or 35°C but the relative humidity may be high. There are chances of rain almost daily in the evening or late nights if convergence shifts from interior parts of the state,” he said.

CS writes to govt depts on 12-month maternity break

ALSO FOR GOVT STAFF ALREADY ON LEAVE

CS writes to govt depts on 12-month maternity break

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai:20.09.2021

The Tamil Nadu government has issued a letter to all secretaries and heads of departments, confirming the government order increasing the period of maternity leave for government employees to 12 months from the existing nine months.

The letter was issued from the office of the chief secretary on Friday, making official the announcement made by state finance minister P T R Palanivel Thiagarajan during the assembly session last month and the subsequent government order passed on August 23. “The maternity leave admissible to married women government servants with less than two surviving children, which is nine months (270 days) at present, be enhanced to 12 months with effect from July 1, with full pay, which may be spread over from the pre-confinement rest to post confinement recuperation, at the option of the women government servants,” the letter stated.

Government employees who proceeded on maternity leave prior to July 1 and continue to be on that leave shall also be eligible for maternity leave for a period not exceeding 365 days in total. Women employees who rejoined duty between July 1 and August 28 (date of GO) after 270 days of maternity break may also be given leave for three more months, the letter added.

The announcement was one of the DMK’s poll promises. The policy will help the state’s target of increasing the number of infants who are breastfed in the first six months of life. It will also help mothers get back to good health, said officials from the social welfare department. “Tamil Nadu provides cash benefits, free vaccination and nutrition supplement for mothers and babies. But several mothers are not able to take care of themselves and their babies because they don’t have enough time,” said a senior social welfare official. The longer maternity leave will change this, the official said

Doc chokes to death in car stuck in flooded underpass

Doc chokes to death in car stuck in flooded underpass

She Couldn’t Unfasten Her Seatbelt: Cops

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Trichy:20/09/2021

A 32-year-old government doctor choked to death after the car she was driving got submerged in stagnant rainwater in a flooded railway underpass at Thudaiyur in Pudukkottai district on Friday night. The deceased, C Sathiya, an assistant surgeon at the government hospital in Hosur, was travelling along with her mother-in-law Jayam Ammal, 67, who was rescued.

The Keeranur police said the underpass was flooded after a heavy downpour in the area since evening. “Unaware that the stagnant water was deep enough to submerge the car, Dr Sathiya drove on,” said sub-inspector of police B Abdul Razzak. He said the car got stuck when it neared the middle of the underpass where the water was deep. “As the car stopped, she tried to escape but could not unfasten the seatbelt. She got suffocated and died,” the officer told TOI. A truck coming in the opposite direction was also grounded in the flooded underpass. Razak said the driver of the truck who saw the doctor struggling to get out sought help from local people who managed to rescue Jayam Ammal.

While the SI said Jayam was in the front seat, deputy superintendent of police Sivasubramanian and revenue divisional officer (RDO) of Iluppur M S Balathandayudhapani said the woman was in the back seat.

Local people managed to pull out Sathiya from the car and rush her to hospital but their efforts went in vain. Government medical college hospital dean Dr M Poovathi said Sathiya was brought dead. DSP Sivasubramanian said the woman died due to suffocation inside the car. She is survived by her husband Sivakumar, 40, a native of Thudaiyur, and two children.

FLOOD OF WOES: The railway underpass at Thudaiyur in Pudukkottai was flooded after a heavy downpour on Friday

Irate people protest lack of safety measures

Though postmortem was performed on the body, it has been kept at the mortuary for a close relative to return from abroad.

Meanwhile, irate local residents blocked the road in the night protesting against the lack of safety measure from the railways to keep the underpass, which comes under Madurai railway division, risk-free. The police managed to convince the people to abandon the protest.

On Saturday, a peace committee meeting headed by RDO Balathandayudhapani was convened.

“Railways should have undertaken safety measures to drain out the water whenever it rained but they failed to do so. As demanded by the people, the unmanned railway gate has been reopened and the underpass closed,” the RDO said.

24-year-old medico dies by suicide in hostel room in Tiruchy

24-year-old medico dies by suicide in hostel room in Tiruchy

Ranjith was said to be alone in his hostel room when he took the extreme step as his roommate had gone for duty.

Published: 17th September 2021 10:14 AM

When his friends came to check on him, Ranjith's door was locked from inside.

By Express News Service

TIRUCHY: A 24-year-old final year medical college student from KAP Viswanathan Government Medical College died by suicide in his hostel room within GH premises on Friday.

Police sources said that Ranjith (24) of Dindigul district was pursuing his final year medicine with the KAP Viswanathan Government Medical College in Tiruchy and was currently serving as house surgeon at the Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital.

He was said to be alone in his hostel room when he took the extreme step as his roommate had gone for duty.

When his friends came to check on him, Ranjith's door was locked from inside. They then broke into the room through the window to find him dead.

On seeing that, his friends along with GH cops busted open the hostel room door and recovered his body.

With the body of the medico sent for post mortem, GH police started investigation to find the reason behind the medicos decision to die by suicide.

(Assistance for those having suicidal thoughts is available on Tamil Nadu Health Department's helpline 104, Sneha'ssuicide prevention helpline 044-24640050, and N Damodaran Centenary Lifeline Number for Suicide Prevention 1800-121-203040, under the name 'Prana'.)

Delayed payments, job loss hit Covid doctors in TN

Delayed payments, job loss hit Covid doctors in TN

Tamil Nadu has been singing the praises of its doctors for their dedication to the profession, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

Published: 18th September 2021 05:51 AM |

By Omjasvin MD

Express News Service

CHENNAI: Tamil Nadu has been singing the praises of its doctors for their dedication to the profession, especially amid the Covid-19 pandemic. Yet, many doctors recruited for Covid duty by the health department on a contract basis at the peak of the second wave told TNIE they have not been paid on time with some even being terminated from the job. Several of the doctors, working across Tamil Nadu, said they are yet to receive their salary for the month of August. In some cases, the contract has been terminated without settling the salary.

Ramesh*, one such contract doctor on Covid duty in Thanjavur district, said, as of September 17, he still hadn’t received his salary of Rs 60,000. “Even last month, there was a delay of 15 to 20 days. We are not sure when our salary will be processed. As of Friday, I am continuing to work without being paid,” he said.

Ramesh is part of the teams that are posted at mini-clinics, triage centres, and vaccination camps, depending on the requirement. “My centre is located about 90 km from my house. I had to wake up at 4 am last Sunday for the mega vaccination camp. I have been on Covid duty since May and that month’s salary came only by the end of June,” he rued.

Another doctor in Tiruchy echoed the sentiment. “Incentives, too, haven’t reached us,” said the doctor posted at a mini-clinic there, adding they were yearning for a holiday. Many of the doctors said they were roped in on completion of MBBS. They let go of their postgraduate dreams, hoping a permanent post would be in the offing. “The government can at least make us permanent staff. We did not apply for the PG entrance exams as this is a government job and we were serving people during the second wave,” said another doctor.

Five docs terminated within 100 days in Tiruppur

In Tiruppur Corporation, the situation has become dire. Services of five doctors, recruited by the civic body for Covid duty for a six-month-period, were terminated within just 100 days. “I joined on May 24 and we didn’t receive our salaries for three months, till August 31. Later, corporation health officials said we could leave the job and get the salary after that,” said Suresh*, a young MBBS doctor.

“We never got a joining letter, experience certificate or relieving letter. We worked for 100 days and they owe us around Rs 1.8 lakh in salary, but have given only Rs 55,000 so far,” he said. A newspaper notification put out by the Tiruppur Corporation in May this year had mentioned the six-month contract period for these doctors, with a monthly pay of Rs 80,000. Subha*, another doctor who served the Tiruppur Corporation, said she received a month’s salary after her contract was terminated mid-way.

“Another Rs 1 lakh is due,” she added. These doctors have raised a complaint to the Chief Minister’s Cell on the alleged ill-treatment and early termination of their contracts by the Corporation. Dr Shanthi AR, secretary of the Doctor’s Association for Social Equality, said, “The case of salary delay was there in Chennai, too, but it wasn’t an issue for a few doctors as they left the job mid-way and went to pursue postgraduate courses.

But the ones suffering are those, who stayed put at the job, hoping it would provide them a decent salary and experience.” Meanwhile, a top health official told TNIE, “The issue is being addressed as it is our duty to pay the doctors. Salaries have been rolled out to most of them and we have again intimated the concerned departments to address the issue.”

(*Names changed)

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.