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DINAMANI 

தமிழ்நாட்டில் உள்ள 224 தனியார் பொறியியல் கல்லூரிகளில் ஒரே நேரத்தில் 353 பேராசிரியர்கள் ஒன்றுக்கும் மேற்பட்டவற்றில் பணிபுரிந்து வருவதாக அறப்போர் இயக்கம் வெளியிட்ட தகவல் அதிர்ச்சி அளிப்பதாக உள்ளது.

அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் கீழ் 480-க்கும் மேற்பட்ட இணைப்பு பொறியியல் கல்லூரிகள் இயங்கி வருகின்றன. அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் மாணவர் சேர்க்கைக் கலந்தாய்வில் பங்கேற்க இந்தக் கல்லூரிகள், அகில இந்திய தொழில்நுட்பக் கல்வி கவுன்சிலின் (ஏஐசிடிஇ) அங்கீகாரம் பெற்றிருக்க வேண்டும். போதிய உள்கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகள், ஆய்வகங்கள், பேராசிரியர்கள் பணியிடங்கள் உள்ளிட்டவை ஆய்வு செய்யப்பட்டு அங்கீகாரம் வழங்கப்படும்.

2023-24 கல்வியாண்டில், 224 தனியார் கல்லூரிகளில் இந்த அங்கீகாரம் பெற 353 பேராசிரியர்கள் ஒன்றுக்கும் மேற்பட்டவற்றில் பணிபுரிவதாக கணக்கு காட்டப்பட்டதாக அறப்போர் இயக்கம் என்ற தன்னார்வ அமைப்பு குற்றஞ்சாட்டியது. இந்த முறைகேடு தொடர்பான விவரங்களை ஆதாரங்களுடன் மத்திய கல்வித் துறை அமைச்சர், ஏஐசிடிஇ, அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழகம், தமிழக ஆளுநர், முதல்வர், உயர்கல்வித் துறை அமைச்சர் ஆகியோருக்கு அனுப்பி உள்ளது. இதுகுறித்து விசாரிக்க வலியுறுத்தி லஞ்ச ஒழிப்புத் துறையிடமும் புகார் மனு அளிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

இந்த முறைகேடு குறித்த குற்றச்சாட்டு வெளிவந்தவுடன் அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழகத்தின் சார்பில் கள ஆய்வு மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்டது. பேராசிரியர்களின் பெயர், பிறந்த தேதி, ஆதார் எண் ஆகியவற்றைப் பொருத்திப் பார்த்ததில் 189 பேர் தங்கள் ஆதார் எண்ணை மாற்றிப் பதிவு செய்து ஒரே நேரத்தில் பல கல்லூரிகளில் பணியாற்றி வருவது கண்டுபிடிக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது.

மொத்தம் 52,500 பேராசிரியர்கள் இருக்க வேண்டிய இடத்தில் 2,000 ஆசிரியர் பணியிடங்களில் இந்த 189 பேர் பணியாற்றி வருகின்றனர். இதில் ஒருவர் 32 கல்லூரிகளில் பணியாற்றிவருவது ஆய்வில் தெரிய வந்துள்ளதாக அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழக அப்போதைய துணைவேந்தர் ஆர்.வேல்ராஜ் கூறியுள்ளார். சிலர் தங்களது அடையாளம் தெரியக் கூடாது என்பதற்காக பல்வேறு காலகட்டங்களில் எடுத்த புகைப்படங்களை

அளித்துள்ளனர்.

இந்த முறைகேடுகள் தொடர்பாக விசாரிக்க ஏஐசிடிஇ சார்பில் தேசிய தொழில்நுட்ப ஆசிரியர் பயிற்சி மற்றும் ஆராய்ச்சி நிறுவன இயக்குநர் உஷா நடேசன், அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழகம் சார்பில் பேராசிரியர் என்.குமாரவேல், தமிழக அரசு சார்பில் தொழில்நுட்பக் கல்வி இயக்குநரக ஆணையர் டி.ஆபிரகாம் ஆகிய மூன்று பேர் கொண்ட குழு அமைக்கப்பட்டுள்ளது. இந்த முறைகேடுகள் தொடர்பாக விளக்கம் அளிக்குமாறு 295 கல்லூரிகளுக்கு அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழகம் நோட்டீஸ் அனுப்பி உள்ளது.

பேராசிரியர்கள் பல கல்லூரிகளில் பணிபுரிவது என்பது இப்போதுதான் நடைபெறுகிறது என்று கருத வேண்டாம். "நான் பணியில் இருந்த காலத்திலேயே இத்தகைய சம்பவங்கள் நடைபெற்றன. அப்போது நடவடிக்கை எடுக்கப்பட்டது. ஒரு கல்லூரியின் அங்கீகாரம் ரத்து செய்யப்பட்டது. சில கல்லூரிகளில் மாணவர் சேர்க்கை அளவு குறைக்கப்பட்டது' என்று அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழகத் துணைவேந்தராக இருந்த சூரப்பா அண்மையில் குறிப்பிட்டுள்ளது கவனத்தில் கொள்ளத்தக்கது.

தமிழ்நாட்டில் பொறியியல் கல்லூரிகள் தொடங்க தனியாருக்கு அனுமதி அளிக்கப்பட்டவுடன் புற்றீசல் போல கல்லூரிகள் தொடங்கப்பட்டன. இந்தக் கல்லூரிகளில் அரசு ஒதுக்கீட்டில் சுமார் 1.80 லட்சம் இடங்கள் உள்ளன. நடப்புக் கல்வி ஆண்டுக்கான மாணவர் சேர்க்கையில் 2 கட்டங்கள் முடிவடைந்துள்ள நிலையில் வெறும் 4 கல்லூரிகளில் மட்டுமே அனைத்து இடங்களும் நிரம்பி உள்ளன. 197 கல்லூரிகளில் 10 சதவீதமும், 58 கல்லூரிகளில் ஒரு சதவீதமும் மட்டுமே இடங்கள் நிரம்பி உள்ளன. 30 கல்லூரிகளில் ஒருவர் கூட சேரவில்லை.

கடந்த சில ஆண்டுகளாகவே பொறியியல் கல்லூரிகளில் 55 ஆயிரம் முதல் 60 ஆயிரம் இடங்கள் பூர்த்தி ஆவதில்லை. பல கல்லூரிகளில் தேர்ச்சி விகிதமும் மெச்சும்படியாக இல்லை. மாணவர் சேர்க்கை குறைவாக உள்ள கல்லூரிகளில் வருவாய் இல்லாத காரணத்தால் பேராசிரியர்கள் பணிபுரிவதாகக் கணக்கு காட்டும் போக்கு அதிகரித்து வருகிறது.

அதிகமான பொறியியல் கல்லூரிகளில் போதிய கட்டமைப்பு வசதிகள், தகுதியான பேராசிரியர்கள் போன்றவை இல்லாததால் தரவரிசையில் முன்னணியில் உள்ள சில பொறியியல் கல்லூரிகளில் படிப்பவர்களைத் தவிர மற்றவர்களுக்குத் தகுந்த வேலைவாய்ப்பு கிட்டுவதில்லை என்பதே எதார்த்தம்.

ஆசிரியர் பணி என்பது மற்ற பணிகளைப் போன்றது அல்ல. மற்ற பணிகளில் ஒழுக்கக்கேடு நிலவினால் அதனால் ஏற்படும் பாதிப்பு தொடர்புடையவரோடு போய்விடும். ஆனால், ஆசிரியரே முறைகேடுகளில் ஈடுபடுவாரேயானால் அதனால் மாணவர் சமூகமே பாதிக்கப்படும்.

எனவே, முறைகேடு செய்து பேராசிரியர் ஆனவர்கள் வாழ்நாள் முழுவதும் வேறு எந்தக் கல்வி நிறுவனத்திலும் பணியில் சேர முடியாதபடி தடை விதிக்கப்பட வேண்டும். அண்ணா பல்கலைக்கழக ஆட்சிமன்றக் குழுவும் இதையே பரிந்துரை செய்துள்ளது. மேலும் முறைகேட்டில் தொடர்புடைய கல்வி நிறுவனங்களில் அடுத்த கல்வியாண்டு முதல் அசல் பேராசிரியர் எண்ணிக்கைக்கு ஏற்பவே மாணவர் சேர்க்கைக்கு அனுமதி அளிக்க வேண்டும்.

இத்துடன், கல்லூரிகளுக்கு அங்கீகாரம் அளிக்கும் குழுவினரும் முறையாக ஆய்வு செய்து அனைத்துத் தகுதிகளும் இருந்தால் மட்டுமே அங்கீகாரம் அளிக்க வேண்டும்.

இதுபோன்ற நடவடிக்கைகளை மேற்கொள்ளத் தவறினால், உயர்கல்வி சேர்க்கையில் நம்பர் 1 மாநிலமாக தமிழகம் இருந்தாலும், தமிழகத்தில் பெறப்படும் பொறியியல் பட்டம் மரியாதை இழக்கும் நிலைமை ஏற்படும் என்பதை நினைவில் கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

கல்விக்கு அழகு கசடற நடத்தல்

கல்விக்கு அழகு கசடற நடத்தல்

11.09.2024

ஆசிரியரும் கடவுளும் உங்கள் முன்னால் தோன்றினால் நீங்கள் யாரை வணங்குவீா்கள் என்றால் நான் ஆசிரியரைத்தான் வணங்குவேன் ஏனென்றால் ஆசிரியா்தான் எனக்கு கடவுளையே அறிமுகப்படுத்தியவா் என்றாா் கபீா்தாசா்.

அண்மையில் பங்கேற்ற ஒரு கலந்துரையாடலில், நாம் யாரிடமிருந்து எல்லாம் கற்க இயலும் என்ற கேள்வியை எழுப்பினேன். அம்மா, அப்பா, ஆசிரியா், நண்பன், சமூகம், சமூக ஊடகம், தொலைக்காட்சி, கூகுள், எதிரி என பலவகையான விடைகள் வந்தன.

கற்றல் என்பது எல்லா இடங்களிலும் எல்லா நேரங்களிலும் நடைபெறவல்லது. வகுப்பறையில் ஆசிரியா் பகிரும் விஷயங்கள் பிடிபடாதபோது மதிய உணவு நேரத்தில் நண்பா்களுடனான பகிா்தல் எளிதில் விளக்கிவிடும்.

இளையவயதில் குழந்தைகளுக்கு எது சரி, எது தவறு என குடும்பம் போதித்துவிட்டால் வாழ்வின் எஞ்சிய பகுதியில் அக்குழந்தைகள் நோ்வழியில், நோ்மறை சிந்தனையோடு வாழ்வது எளிதாகிவிடும்.

சமூகத்தில் நாம் சந்திக்கும் ஒவ்வொருவரும் நமக்கு ஆசிரியா்களே. அல்லனவோ நல்லனவோ கற்பிக்க வல்லவா் என்ற புரிதலுக்கு வந்தோம். அடுத்தபடியாக நம்மைச் சூழ்ந்த அனைவரும் கற்பிக்கும் கல்வி குறித்த விவாதம் நடந்தது. இரண்டு தரப்பு குறித்து அதிகம் கவலை தோய்ந்த கருத்துகள் வெளியாகின. அவை ஊடகங்கள் மற்றும் சமூக ஊடகங்கள்.

இவை ஏன் அவ்வளவு தாக்கத்தினை ஏற்படுத்துகின்றன? இந்தக் கேள்விக்கான விடை அனைவரும் அறிந்ததே. மனிதா்களையோ நூல்களையோ நாம் தேடிச்சென்றுதான் கற்க இயலும் என்ற நிலையில், இவை மனிதா்கள் இருக்கும் இடத்திற்கே வந்து கற்பிக்கும் அரிய வாய்ப்பினைப் பெற்றவை. அதுமட்டுமில்லாது இவற்றின் கற்பிக்கும் வல்லமை அளவிடற்கரியது. இந்த ஊடகங்கள் கற்பிக்கும் பாடப்பொருள் குறித்து அலசி ஆராயும்போதுதான் மக்களின் ரசனை குறித்த விவாதம் வந்தது.

சுமாா் 30 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்பு அறிவியல் தொழில்நுட்ப மிதமான வளா்ச்சி பெற்றிருந்த காலத்தில் தொலைக்காட்சி என்பது மிகவும் அரிதானதாகவே இருந்தது. அதிலும் குறிப்பாக, வாரமொரு முறை திரைப்படம், திரையிசைப் பாடல்கள் மட்டுமே அதிகம் வரவேற்பு பெற்றிருந்த நிலையில் மக்கள் பலரும் வாசிப்பு போன்ற பொழுதுபோக்குகளில் ஈடுபட அனைவராலும் இயன்றது.

ஆனால் இன்றைய நிலையில், அறைக்கொரு தொலைக்காட்சி, ஆளாளுக்கொரு அலைவரிசை என கற்றல் கற்பித்தல் மிதமிஞ்சுகிறது. இப்படியான வாய்ப்புகளின் மூலம் சமூகத்தில் எங்கோ நடைபெறும் ஒரு செயலானது, எல்லா இடங்களிலுமே ஊா்களிலுமே நடைபெறுவது போன்ற பிம்பங்களை ஏற்படுத்திவிடுகின்றன.

தொலைக்காட்சித் தொடா்களின் மாமியாா், மாமனாா், நாத்தனாா் போலத்தான் எல்லா குடும்பங்களிலும் வாய்க்கிறாா்கள் என்றால் குடும்ப நீதிமன்றங்களின் பணிப்பளு தாங்குமோ? கதைக்குக் காலில்லை என்று நல்லவா்களுக்கும் ஒவ்வாத திசையையல்லவா இவை காட்டிக்கொண்டிருக்கின்றன.

அடுத்ததாக சமூக ஊடகங்களின் தாக்கத்தினைச் சொல்லி மாளாது... கைபேசி உள்ளோரெல்லாம் அலைவரிசைகளை ஆரம்பித்து அவரவா்களின் தத்துவ விசாரங்களைப் பகிா்ந்து கொள்கின்றனா். இங்கே தத்துவ விசாரம் என்பது, ஒரு நாகரிகம் கருதிப் பகிா்ந்தாலும், அதில் நடைபெறும் கூத்துகள்

அனைவரும் அறிந்ததே. விதிவிலக்காக சில நல்ல விஷயங்கள் பகிரப்படலாம். இந்தக் குழுக்களில் விரும்பி நண்பா்களாகி விருப்பக்குறியிடாததால் பகைவா்களாவோரும் உண்டு.

இப்படியான பகிா்தலுக்குப் பிறகு மீண்டும் தவறான கற்றலை மறத்தல் தொடா்பான விவாதங்களும் எழுந்தன. இப்படியாக, 24 மணி நேரம்-வாரம் முழுவதும் என சமூகம் தவறானவைகளையும் சோ்த்துக் கற்பிக்கும்போது அவா்கள் பள்ளியிலுள்ள சுமாா் 6 மணி நேரத்தில் அவா்கள் தவறானவற்றின் தாக்கத்திலிருந்து விடுபட வைத்து சரியானவற்றை ஆசிரியா்கள் சொல்லித் தர வேண்டியுள்ளது. இதனால் ஆசிரியா்களின் பணிப்பளு கூடுகிறது. கட்டற்ற சமூகம் ஆசிரியா்களின் பணிச்சுமையினைக் கூட்டுகிறது.

இன்றைய சூழலில் மேலே சொன்ன எதிா்மறை தாக்கங்கள் தவிா்க்க இயலாதாகிவிட்டது. ஆனால் அதே நேரம் தாக்கங்களைக் குறைக்கும் வல்லமையுள்ளவா்களாக மனிதா்கள் செயல்பட இயலும். தொலைக்காட்சித் தொடா்கள் போன்றவற்றை நெறிப்படுத்தும் கட்டுப்பாடுகளை அரசு மேற்கொள்ள வேண்டும். குறிப்பாக சமூக ஊடகங்கள் பல ஆரோக்கியமான மாற்றங்களுக்கு உதவும் வாய்ப்பு பெற்றவைகளாக இருந்தாலும் அவை நிகழ்த்தும் எதிா்மறை மாற்றங்கள், வெறுப்பரசியல் போன்றவை குறித்தும் கவலையில்லாமல் இல்லை.

சுமாா் 20 ஆண்டுகளுக்கு முன்னால் யாராவது ஒருவா் ஏதாவது தவறு செய்தால், 'பாா்த்தா படிச்சவன் மாதிரி இருக்கே! இந்த வேலையைச் செய்திருக்கியே!' என்று கடிந்துகொள்வா். இன்று இப்படிப்பட்ட வசனங்களை முற்றிலுமே காணக்கிடைப்பதில்லை. இப்போது படித்தவா்கள், ாதவா்கள் என்ற இரு தரப்பினருமே தவறு செய்வாா்கள் என்ற பொதுப்புரிதல் உண்டாகிவிட்டிருப்பது ஒரு சமூக அவலம்.

கல்வி என்பது மனிதனை பண்படுத்துவது. அவனது நடத்தைகளில் ஆரோக்கியமான மாற்றங்களை ஏற்படுத்தவல்லது. எது சரி? எது தவறு? என்ற புரிதலை ஏற்படுத்தவல்லது.

அதிவீரராம பாண்டியா் தமது 'வெற்றிவேற்கை'யில், 'கல்விக்கழகு கசடற மொழிதல்' என்பாா். எடுத்துச்சொல்வது மட்டுமே கல்வி என்ற புரிதல் இருந்த காலம் அது.

இன்று, தனிமனிதா்களின் ஒவ்வொரு நடவடிக்கையும் அடுத்தவா்களுக்கான பாடம் என்ற அளவில் நிலமை ஏற்பட்டுள்ளது. இதை மேம்பாடு என்றும் ஏற்கலாம். அந்த வகையில் ஒவ்வொரு தனிமனிதா்களும் தங்களது நடவடிக்கைகளை மேம்படுத்திக் கொள்ள வேண்டும்.

Coimbatore residents born before 2000 urged to apply for birth certificates by December 2024

Coimbatore residents born before 2000 urged to apply for birth certificates by December 2024

Since a birth certificate is required to apply for a passport and other official documents, many people approach the CCMC head office for assistance.

Express News Service

Updated on:

09 Sep 2024, 12:23 pm

COIMBATORE: The Coimbatore City Municipal Corporation (CCMC) is accepting applications for birth certificates from people born before the year 2000. This follows a recent announcement by the state government that people born in the 1990s can obtain birth certificates by December 31, 2024.

When a child is born in a hospital within the city limits, the birth is registered at the nearest CCMC ward office, and a certificate is issued through the online portal. However, many individuals born before 2000 still do not have their birth certificates. Since a birth certificate is required to apply for a passport and other official documents, many people approach the CCMC head office for assistance. CCMC office maintains records for the past 15 years.

Sources said, under the provisions of the Registration of Births and Deaths Act of 2000, individuals born before 2000 must register birth by December 31, 2024, or their names will not be permanently registered. The government has already granted a 25-year extension for this process, and no further extensions will be provided.

Family members or relatives of those without a birth certificate can visit the CCMC office and meet with the birth and death registrar to complete the registration process. For babies born this year, parents can register their child’s birth and obtain a certificate by visiting the respective corporation ward office within one year of birth, sources added.

School education dept agrees to exclude elementary teachers from EMIS work

School education dept agrees to exclude elementary teachers from EMIS work

However, the members of the TETO-JAC high-level committee, after the meeting, said they are yet to take a decision regarding the protest.

Image used for representational purposes only(Express illustrations)

Express News Service

Updated on:

09 Sep 2024, 1:37 pm

CHENNAI: The school education department held talks with the members of the Tamil Nadu Elementary Teachers Organisations-Joint Action Committee (TETO-JAC) after it announced that it would hold a protest pressing for 31 demands, starting from Tuesday.

The department said various demands including relieving teachers of Educational Management Information System (EMIS) work and reducing online assessment for elementary classes have been accepted.

However, the members of the TETO-JAC high-level committee, after the meeting, said they are yet to take a decision regarding the protest. “We will hold talks with school education department officials again and will take a decision on it later,” said an office-bearer.

The department has given the list of 12 demands for which action has been taken. Of these, six have been fulfilled, two are under consideration of the government, two are pending due to court cases and one is kept pending, awaiting a committee’s report. “Officials had already said they would relieve teachers of EMIS work.

Though administration cum instructors were appointed for this, they were not updating EMIS in nearby primary schools,” said a member of TETO-JAC. He added the department has now given the status of all the demands in writing and assured it would be implemented. The online assessments for Classes 1 to 5 will be conducted once a month from now instead of every week.

School Management Committee meetings which were being conducted once a month will be conducted as per the requirement of the schools. FIRs filed against TETO-JAC functionaries for protesting in 2016, 2017 and 2019 will be withdrawn.

This apart, only willing teachers will be called for training and problems in salaries for headmasters promoted as graduate teachers and other posts have been resolved, said the department in a press release.

Decision on the demand for equal pay for equal work for secondary grade teachers will be taken after the committee is formed to look into the issue and submit the report. Incentives and promotions for teachers who have completed higher education are under the consideration of the state government, the release added.

Tamil Nadu seals Madras Race Club, to take over land as per law

Tamil Nadu seals Madras Race Club, to take over land as per law

A posse of police personnel and revenue officials arrived at MRC on Monday morning and locked the premises.

Revenue and police officials, descended on the MRC premises and sealed its gates on Monday morning Express photo | Martin Louis

Express News Service

Updated on:

10 Sep 2024, 10:27 am

CHENNAI: Amid tension surrounding the sealing of the Madras Race Club (MRC) located at Guindy in Chennai on Monday following the termination of a 1945 lease agreement, the Tamil Nadu government informed the Madras High Court that due procedures of issuing notices to the club will be followed before proceeding on to taking possession of the land.

A posse of police personnel and revenue officials arrived at MRC on Monday morning and locked the premises. A notice was also put out, stating the land is under the control of the revenue department and trespassers will be prosecuted.

Advocate General (AG) P S Raman made the submission before a division bench of Justices S S Sundar and K Rajasekar when an urgent motion moved by MRC seeking to stall the eviction process came up for hearing on Monday.

The AG explained the state government has issued a G.O. only for “terminating the lease” and not for taking possession of the land. “Separate proceedings will be initiated by issuing notices to the club regarding termination of lease agreement and taking possession of the land,” he informed the court.

Senior counsel A L Somayaji, appearing for the club, submitted that the government has attempted in an “undemocratic manner” to take possession of the land without even hearing his client.

MRC can appeal against order for termination: HC

The bench noted that it is a fundamental principle that notices should be issued before proceeding to evict someone from a property.

Recording the AG’s submission, the bench closed the motion petition and stated that the club could challenge the termination order if it wished to do so.

The litigation over MRC began with a demand notice issued by the revenue department seeking payment of the revised rental for 160.86 acres of land. The club challenged the notice in the high court. However, a single judge, in 2023, ordered the club to pay a substantial part of the rental (Rs 730.86 crore) within a month or face eviction.

The club preferred an appeal against this order. Subsequently, a division bench stayed certain parts of the order and directed maintenance of status quo.

Meanwhile, hearing a related petition, the division bench of Justices S S Sundar and K Rajasekar, on September 4, said it was “open to the respondents to terminate the lease if it is permissible in law.” Subsequently, the state government issued a G.O. on September 6 for terminating the lease agreement but without issuing notice to or hearing MRC.

The G.O. cites a report by the Chennai collector which details several violations by the club such as illegal construction of the banquet hall, allowing the Madras Gymkhana Club to continue their activities in the leased portion, construction of buildings without permission from the state government and allowing the Golf Club to function.

NEWS TODAY 10.09.2024

 

Nearly 75% govt MBBS seats vacant after first round of counselling

Nearly 75% govt MBBS seats vacant after first round of counselling 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK

Chennai : Nearly three of every four all-India quota MBBS seats in govt colleges across the country are vacant after the first round of counselling conducted by the directorate general of health services. These students have exercised the option of “free exit” and can apply again in the subsequent rounds of counselling under the state or central quota. Counselling for admission to undergraduate medical seats is conducted online by a medical counselling committee.

 Every year, states surrender 15% of MBBS seats from state-run medical colleges for admission through the India quota. In Tamil Nadu, 597 (77%) of the 771 seats surrendered are vacant. Seats in premium govt medical colleges in Chennai, Madurai, and Coimbatore are vacant. Among the 174 students who have joined medical colleges, only 38 have retained their seats. The remaining 136 have asked for an upgrade to another college of their choice. These students will be moved to the college of their choice in R2 if they are placed. 

Across the country, 5,768 out of 7,918 seats in govt colleges are vacant. Among the 2,150 candidates who have joined seats allotted to them, 1,530 have opted for an upgrade. Along with AIQ, the committee conducts counselling for admission to central institutions, central and deemed universities. In deemed universities, where the fee for the entire course is anywhere between ₹80 lakh and ₹1.5 crore, nearly 67% of seats were taken. Data showed 14% of MBBS seats in central institutes/universities, including AIIMS and JIPMER, and 11% in ESIC medical colleges were vacant. “A large percentage of people who have joined deemed universities haven’t opted for other universities.

This may be because students who know they may not get seats in govt or self-financing colleges have decided to stay in deemed universities. Also, cut-off has increased in all colleges, including deemed universities,” said Manickavel Arumugam, who counsels students on admissions. Students who didn’t take AIQ seats can apply for the second round in both state and central quotas. “It is unfair to let students drop the seats. They get allotted to a college only if they opt  for it,” said Pradeep Kumar, whose nephew is awaiting MBBS admission. “Just because they scored high, doesn’t mean they can block seats like this. This doesn’t happen in any other counselling. During admissions for IITs or IISCR after JEE, students must take the seat they are given and apply for an upgrade in further rounds. If they don’t, they must exit counselling.”

Man kidnapped, forced to make UPI transfer of ₹40k

Man kidnapped, forced to make UPI transfer of ₹40k 

TIMES NEWS NETWORK  10.09.2024 

Ahmedabad : A 23-yearold man from the Thaltej area of the city on Monday filed a complaint with Bodakdev police, alleging that three men kidnapped him near a cafe close to his house on Sunday morning and extorted Rs 40,000 from him before releasing him. Pujan Vasoya, a resident of Radhe Apartments near Bhaikakanagar in Thaltej, is a native of Visavadar in Junagadh and works as an apprentice with a pharmaceutical firm in Matoda. Vasoya said that he, along with his friend Khush Radadia, went to a cafe in Thaltej where he spotted a black car near the café. When he went closer to that car, a man held Vasoya’s hand, pulled him inside the car, and the driver sped off. 

Vasoya said that all three were aged around 25 and 27 and took him towards Shilaj bridge. One of them began slapping him and took him to a secluded place. They took Vasoya’s cellphone and opened his UPI account. When they forced Vasoya to transfer the funds, he intentionally typed wrong passcodes, after which the three men beat him badly. One of them told Vasoya that if he gave the correct passcode, they would let him go. This time, Vasoya gave them the correct passcode, and they transferred Rs 40,000 to the account of one Ayush Rabari. After that, they dropped Vasoya near Baghban Crossroads and drove towards Zydus hospital, stated the FIR. 

On Vasoya’s complaint, Bodakdev police charged the four accused persons under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita sections for abduction, voluntarily causing hurt, robbery, and abetment, and began an investigation. Cops have been scouring CCTV footage to identify the registration number of the car which was  used in the kidnapping. Vasoya suffered an injury to his left eye and was admitted to Sola Civil hospital.

Vijay’s maiden political show gets conditional nod Police Lay Down 33 Conditions

Vijay’s maiden political show gets conditional nod Police Lay Down 33 Conditions

TIMES NEWS NETWORK 10.09.2024 

Villupuram : The Villupuram district police on Sunday granted permission, but with several conditions, for the maiden public meeting of actor Vijay’s political party Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK) on Sept 23 at Vikravandi in Villupuram district. Police have laid down 33 conditions that include a blueprint of the meeting venue, stage, and parking arenas on the national highway. They demanded, among other things, details of the number of people from other districts who would be attending the meeting and pro- viding details on arrangements of food and water for people congregating for the meeting.

The party must obtain a certificate from competent authorities ascertaining the stability of the stage and must not use cone speakers or fireworks. It must furnish details of entry passes issued to party functionaries accompanying Vijay for the meet and install adequate lighting facilities and CCTV cameras at prominent locations at the venue. Police directed the party to level the roads with potholes that lead to the meeting venue and to barricade both sides of the entire route to be taken by Vijay to reach the meeting venue. The party must allocate separate enclosures for pregnant women, women, and senior citizens at the venue. There are six wells located in the meeting venue and a railway track nearby. The organisers must barricade the wells and the road leading to the railway track to prevent any eventualities. 

The meeting venue is near the national highway, and the organisers must ensure that the meeting does not obstruct the free traffic flow. The organisers must refrain from erecting banners that might lead to accidents. The firmness of the platform should be certified by the Public Works Engineer, and safety certificate should be obtained from electrical engineers. The party expects about 50,000 people would be gathering for the meet

The GOAT Box Office Collections: Scores third highest first day in India for Thalapathy Vijay

The GOAT Box Office Collections: Scores third highest first day in India for Thalapathy Vijay

This marks the third-highest first day ever for a Thalapathy Vijay starrer, behind Leo and Beast, and the fifth-highest for a Kollywood film.

By Jatinder Singh

Updated on Sep 06, 2024 | 05:49 PM IST | 99.6K

Vijay in The GOAT (image courtesy of AGS Productions)

The Greatest of All Time had an excellent start at the Indian box office, raking in Rs. 54 crore approx on its first day. This marks the third-highest first day ever for a Thalapathy Vijay starrer, behind Leo and Beast, and the fifth-highest for a Kollywood film. The film had a near-record start in Tamil Nadu and a strong debut in Karnataka and Kerala.

In Tamil Nadu, the film grossed Rs. 31-32 crore approx on Thursday, which is the fourth-highest first day for any film in the state. It stands behind three other Vijay films; Beast, Leo and Sarkar. In the new norms of shows starting from 9 AM, no other star film has crossed Rs. 25 crore in daily collections in Tamil Nadu. Whereas Vijay has not only crossed Rs. 25 crore but also Rs. 30 crore, twice, first with Leo last year and now with The GOAT. This shows the sort of domination Vijay holds at the Tamil Nadu box office.

Elsewhere, Karnataka recorded third highest opening day for a Tamil film just shy of Rs. 10 crore. Kerala had the fifth biggest start with Rs. 5.80 crore. The Hindi dubbed version of the film put in Rs. 2.25 crore approx, which is a decent start.

The disappointment came from the Telugu states where it collected just Rs. 3.50 crore approx, well short of Rs. 8 crore of Beast. Vijay made huge inroads into this territory with his recent films but here since the music and promos didn’t click, the start wasn’t up to the mark. Having said that, the Telugu states are a bonus market and the core Tamil markets of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Bengaluru have all delivered for the film.

The territorial breakdown for the 

first-day box collections of The GOAT 

is as follows:

Area  Gross

Tamil Nadu Rs. 31.50 cr.

Karnataka Rs. 9.75 cr.

Kerala Rs. 5.80 cr.

APTS Rs. 3.50 cr.

Hindi Belt Rs. 3.50 cr.

Total Rs. 54.00 cr.

The Greatest of All Time Box Office Collections: Thalapathy Vijay starrer amass 280cr worldwide in 4 days

The Greatest of All Time Box Office Collections: Thalapathy Vijay starrer amass 280cr worldwide in 4 days

The GOAT took the third greatest start of all time for a Kollywood film internationally, just behind Leo (USD 17.90 million) and Jailer (USD 14.90 million).

By JATINDER SINGH

Published on Sep 09, 2024 | 03:39 PM IST | 37.1K

Vijay in The GOAT 

The Greatest of All Time posted USD 14.25 million (Rs. 120 crore) overseas in its four-day extended weekend. This marks the third greatest start of all time for a Kollywood film internationally, just behind Leo (USD 17.90 million) and Jailer (USD 14.90 million). Combined with Rs. 162 crore approx in India, the worldwide gross amounted to Rs. 282 crore after four days.

After its opening day, it seemed like the weekend may settle around USD 13 million but the film showed a strong hold on Friday and then the weekend played very well to take it over USD 14 million. The film started USD 2.50 million lower than Leo on its opening day but on Sunday the shortfall was just USD 100K, all of which was from the Middle East, whereas in almost all other markets the film moved ahead of Leo. Leo added USD 6 million to its total after the first weekend, The GOAT will be expected to replicate that if not more as the trend has been stronger so far.

The opening was strong across the board. Among the best, Sri Lanka and France set a record for an Indian film. Malaysia will be a close call with early estimates putting it just ahead of Leo. Canada and other European markets performed similarly to Leo, while the United States managed to match Leo for the Friday-Sunday frame despite Thursday being less than half.

The territorial breakdown for overseas box office 

collections of The GOAT is as follows:

AreaGrossUnited States USD 2,350,000

Canada USD 975,000

Australia USD 645,000

Middle East USD 3,000,000

Malaysia USD 2,275,000

Singapore USD 1,150,000

Sri Lanka USD 675,000

Rest of Asia/Pacific USD 175,000

United Kingdom USD 1,075,000

France USD 575,000

Rest of Europe USD 1,250,000

Rest of World USD 100,000

Total USD 14,250,000

(Rs. 120.00 cr.)

Namakkal-Kannanur Road widening may reduce travel time to Chennai

Namakkal-Kannanur Road widening may reduce travel time to Chennai

Crucial link: Already, some stretches of Namakkal-Kannanur-Thuraiyur-Perambalur Road have been developed bringing relief to the regular commuters.

 SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

In the first phase, a stretch of 9.2 km in Senthamangalam Assembly constituency in Namakkal district will be developed as a two-lane road with paved shoulders at an estimated cost of ₹40 crore and the road is the main route for those travelling between Namakkal and Perambalur

S. Ganesan

TIRUCHI

The State Highways Department has decided to widen and strengthen a section of the Namakkal-Kannanur-Thuraiyur Road in a phased manner.

In the first phase, a stretch of 9.2 km in Senthamangalam Assembly constituency in Namakkal district will be developed as a two-lane road with paved shoulders at an estimated cost of ₹40 crore, sources in the Highways Department told The Hindu.

Phased development

The remaining section of the road in the constituency will be developed in a phased manner.

The 56-km-long Namakkal-Thuraiyur Road runs for a length of about 26 km in Namakkal district and of this, about 4.6 km has been widened, according to sources.

A Government Order for widening and strengthening the road has been issued and administrative sanction granted. The department would soon seek technical sanction for the project after drawing up the estimates.

According to official sources, the Namakkal-Kannanur-Thuraiyur Road will offer a shorter route for people travelling from Namakkal to Chennai via Thuraiyur and Perambalur in comparison to the Namakkal-Salem-Ulundurpet-Chennai route.

Going via Thuraiyur will help reduce the travel time significantly and bring in attendant benefits such as less fuel consumption and vehicle emissions, the official said.

The road is the main route for those travelling between Namakkal and Perambalur.

It caters to a large number of “working population” who commute by the road and accidents, especially those involving two-wheelers, are frequent. Widening the road is expected to help check accidents.

Move welcomed

Welcoming the move, N. Saravanan, a road safety of Thuraiyur, said once the road was strengthened passenger and goods vehicles would get a shorter route to Chennai via Thuraiyur and Perambalur from Namakkal.

Already some stretches of the Namakkal-Kannanur-Thuraiyur-Perambalur road have been developed and only the remaining portion needed to be strengthened, he observed.

Artificial Intelligence May Not Be Fruitful In Writing Judgments, Human Element Critical: Patna High Court CJ Vinod Chandran

Artificial Intelligence May Not Be Fruitful In Writing Judgments, Human Element Critical: Patna High Court CJ Vinod Chandran

Bhavya Singh

6 Sept 2024 3:18 PM

Patna High Court Chief Justice K Vinod Chandran on Monday expressed scepticism about the use of Artificial Intelligence for writing judgments.

While speaking at the launch of six new applications developed by the Patna High Court's e-Committee for technological advancement of the legal system, the CJ remarked,

“Essentially what we have to realise when we go into computerization, is that there are certain things where human interference cannot be avoided, like writing judgments, for one. I don't know how fruitful it would be to have AI write judgments. I hear a lot about that all over, but I do not think the time has come yet to speak about what you call AI judgments.”

During his address, the CJ also recollected that a similar function was held a year ago where nine IT initiatives were inaugurated under the leadership of Justice Amanullah. He expressed his admiration for the rapid progress made by the court's IT team but pointed that despite the remarkable strides in digitalization, Patna High Court has not always received the recognition it deserves. He shared his observations from various Computer Committee meetings, where other courts highlighted their achievements, while Patna remained under acknowledged.

"We have been taught—our generation has been taught—that somebody else has to pat our backs, not ourselves, but these days, that is not what I see around. In all the Computer Committee meetings and conferences I attend, whether in the Judicial Academy or otherwise, we see some of the courts highlighting their achievements. I have always wondered why Patna has not been given such a unique position, especially since—you would all know, or I don't know if you know about it—recently Patna was commended for having the best online filing system in the country. Patna is the only High Court in the country where there is complete online filing,” he said.

Further, the Chief Justice lauded the voluntary efforts of 1,700 officers from the district judiciary who undertook the translation of Supreme Court judgments into regional languages without receiving any monetary compensation. “The Supreme Court was paying per paper to the advocates and other persons who volunteered, who were entrusted with the task of this translation. 1,700 of our district judiciary officers volunteered, and they did it for free, without any payment.”

He concluded his address with a commitment to ensuring that the Patna High Court's achievements in the technological domain receive the recognition they deserve, stating, “Next time we are invited to a Computer Committee meeting, I intend to ask someone to ensure that Patna High Court's achievements are also showcased.”

"Excess Pension Was Paid From Public Money": Patna High Court Denies Widow's Plea, Upholds Bank's Recovery Of Overpaid Pension

"Excess Pension Was Paid From Public Money": Patna High Court Denies Widow's Plea, Upholds Bank's Recovery Of Overpaid Pension

Bhavya Singh

9 Sept 2024 5:00 PM

The Patna High Court recently ruled in favour of the State Bank of India's right to recover an excess amount of Rs. 8.63 Lakhs that was mistakenly paid to a widow pensioner over several years.

The woman's late husband had retired as an Auditor in 1998, and she had been receiving an enhanced family pension since his death in 2002. The State Bank of India (SBI) later discovered that she had received excess pension payments for several years.

Justice Harish Kumar presiding over the case, noted, “So far the contention of the petitioner that she has been getting enhanced pension or family pension, soon after demise of her husband w.e.f. 27.09.2002 and now at this belated stage, after sixteen years any alleged excess amount ought not be recovered, does not find force as the payment of excess pension is a recurring/successive wrong, which gives rise to a distinct and separate cause of action and the wrong or illegality cannot get sanctity or legalized by mere passage of time.”

“This Court is also not oblivious of the fact that the petitioner is a hapless widow. She has been getting enhanced pension and thereafter family pension since long and at this stage, any deduction from the family pension would certainly cause hardship but at the same time this fact could not be ignored that the excess payment paid to the petitioner is a public money which belongs neither to the officers who effected overpayment nor to the recipient,” Justice Kumar added.

Background

The petitioner argued that the overpayment was due to the Bank's mistake and should not be recovered after 16 years. However, the Court rejected this contention, emphasizing that the wrongful payment of pensions is a recurring issue that does not gain legitimacy over time. Justice Harish Kumar, presiding over the case, remarked that although the petitioner is a widow and the recovery would cause hardship, the excess pension paid is public money and must be returned.

The petitioner's late husband retired voluntarily in 1998 due to health reasons after working for the government since 1965. Upon his death in 2002, the petitioner started receiving an enhanced family pension, which was supposed to continue for seven years, after which she was entitled to a reduced pension. However, the Bank continued to pay both her husband's pension and the family pension, resulting in the excess payment.

In 2019, the Bank informed the petitioner about the overpayment and started deducting Rs. 4,400/- per month from her family pension to recover the excess amount. The petitioner claimed that she was unaware of the mistake and should not be held responsible for the Bank's error, but the Bank maintained that she had submitted her husband's life certificates even after his death, leading to the overpayments.

The question for adjudication before the Court was whether, at this late stage, she was empowered to recover an excess amount paid to the petitioner from her family pension, which had been allegedly overpaid.

In its judgement, the Court referred to the Payment of Defence Pension Instruction, 2013, noting that recovery of excess pension is permitted but must be ordered by the Principal Controller of Defence Accounts (Pensions) if the overpayment is detected more than 12 months after the first erroneous charge. The Court also cited provisions from the Master Circular issued by the Reserve Bank of India, which the Bank, acting as a Pension Disbursing Authority, was required to follow.

The Court remarked, “the pension is paid to the petitioner by the Bank under the scheme for payment of pension by Public Sector Banks; on being acceded, at the request of the pensioner to credit to saving/current account in single name of the pensioner payable to him from time to time.”

“As it falls due for the said purpose, the pensioner executes an undertaking to refund or make good to the Bank any amount to which the pensioner is not entitled or any excess amount which may be credited to the account over that to which the pensioner would be entitled and agrees that the amount, when demanded by the Bank and as due and payable to the Bank shall be conclusive and binding on the pensioners,” the Court added.

The Court also noted that the pensioner had bound herself and her legal heirs to indemnify the Bank for any loss, damage, or expenses incurred due to overpayment of her pension, authorising the Bank to recover any such amount from her account or other deposits with the Bank.

The Court referred to the Master Circular, which stipulates that whenever any excess or overpayment is detected, the entire amount should be credited to the government account in lump sum immediately, particularly if the excess payment was due to an error by the Agency Bank. In cases where the error was caused by the Government, the Court observed that the Bank may take up the matter with the relevant Government Departments to resolve the issue promptly.

The Court further observed that the relationship between the petitioner and the Bank did not fall within the typical employer-employee dynamic, as the Bank was acting as a Pension Disbursing Authority, disbursing pension pursuant to the Pension Payment Order issued by the Government of India, PCDA (Pension), Allahabad. As an agency, the Bank was bound by its Master Circular and the guidelines issued by the Reserve Bank of India, which had not been questioned in this case.

In light of these findings, the Court concluded that there was no merit in the writ petition and dismissed it. However, the Court granted the petitioner liberty to file an application before the Centralised Pension Processing Centre if she was dissatisfied with the Bank's calculation or the re-fixation of monthly instalments. The Court instructed that the Centre should consider the matter sympathetically, in accordance with the Master Circular of the S.B.I., and pass necessary orders promptly.

Appearance :

For the Petitioner/s : Mr. Shardanand Mishra, Advocate Mr. Bishnu Kant Dubey, Advocate

For the UoI : Ms. Kanak Verma, CGC

For the SBI : Mr. Abbas Haider, Advocate Mr. Wasi Mohammad, Advocate

Case Title: Lalita Mishra vs The Union of India and Ors

LL Citation: 2024 LiveLaw (Pat) 70

Vijay's 'GOAT' OTT version to have an extended screen time

Vijay's 'GOAT' OTT version to have an extended screen time

etimes.in | Sep 9, 2024, 01.42 PM IST

Vijay's film 'GOAT' (The Greatest of All Time), which is now playing in theatres worldwide, is proving to be a successful commercial entertainer with a runtime of 3 hours. The film has garnered positive feedback from audiences. In a recent interaction with fans on Twitter, director Venkat Prabhu revealed that he is planning to release an extended, uncut version of 'GOAT' on OTT platforms. The director's cut reportedly has a runtime of around 4 hours, and the OTT release is expected to include this extended version, offering additional insights into the film's storyline. Fans are eagerly awaiting this extended version, excited by Venkat Prabhu’s announcement.

In terms of box-office performance, 'GOAT' has grossed over Rs 250 crore in just four days, setting a new record for its opening weekend. The high-budget drama, which had already earned Rs 400 crore through pre-release business, is expected to enter the profit zone by the end of its first week.

Vijay plays a dual role as both father and son, creating a dynamic clash between the two characters. The film also stars Sneha, Prashanth, Prabhu Deva, Ajmal, Meenakshi Chaudhary, Mohan, Jayaram, Vaibhav, and Premgi Amaren in pivotal roles, with music composed by Yuvan Shankar Raja.

Greatest Of All Flops: Vijays’s Triple Disaster

Greatest Of All Flops: Vijays’s Triple Disaster 

By M9 Updated 08:30 September 08, 2024 

Thalapathy Vijay’s latest release, GOAT (The Greatest of All Time), is proving to be a colossal disaster in the Telugu market. The trailer was poor, the songs were worst, there were zero promotions and the film received extremely negative reviews from Telugu audiences. 

While GOAT is faring somewhat better in Tamil Nadu and overseas, it has bombed badly in Telugu states. Vijay’s previous films like Master, Adirindi, Varasudu, and Leo were profitable and fetched decent profits to the Telugu distributors, even Beast was an average fare, but GOAT is on track to be his worst-performing film ever in Telugu. 

The film’s pre-release business was pegged at over Rs. 20 crores in Telugu states, but it now seems unlikely to even touch the Rs. 10 crores mark. The film is projected to end up with a share of less than Rs. 5 crores for the four-day weekend. By the time the dust settles, GOAT is expected to be a double or even triple disaster, an unprecedented flop in Vijay’s career in Telugu.  This sharp downturn marks his first major disaster in the Telugu states since 2017, a stark contrast to his generally successful recent track record in Telugu cinema. Vijay and his fans must have expected more from one of his last films before he quit films and took a plunge into politics.

Read more at: https://www.m9.news/movienews/the-greatest-of-all-time-vijays-triple-disaster/

MBBS : Supreme Court Asks Medical Students To Make Deposit Towards Fee Arrears To Get Original Certificates From College

MBBS : Supreme Court Asks Medical Students To Make Deposit Towards Fee Arrears To Get Original Certificates From College

Anmol Kaur Bawa

9 Sept 2024 11:24 PM

The Supreme Court on Monday (September 9) passed an interim order in a petition filed by medical students challenging the withholding of original documents by a medical college for non-payment of arrears of fees. The Court directed the release of the documents upon the condition that 7.5 lacs will be deposited towards the pending fee arrears with an undertaking to pay the remaining balance amount.

The petitioners have challenged the rise in the fees by the Respondent - Shri Guru Ram Rai Institute of Medical and Health Sciences College for the MBBS Course. The college had increased its fees of 5 lac per student to 13.22 lacs for All India Quota, and 9.78 Lacs from 4 lacs for State Quota per annum. The decision was applied retrospectively in April 2018. (applying it to the 2018 batch of students)

The 91 students who have completed their course and one year internship have challenged the decision of the Uttarakhand High Court dated August 6. requiring them to pay the arrears of around Rs. 30 Lac to get their original documents.

Senior Advocate Gaurav Agarwal and Advocate Tanvi Dubey appearing for the petitioners argued that without the original documents from the college, they would be unable to apply to NEET-PG counselling or commence their careers in hospitals.

Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan appearing for the college stressed that often it gets difficult for the colleges in such scenarios to keep track of the pending dues from students after documents are released. The withholding of the documents acts as a surety to ensure that the remaining deposit sum is paid.

Notably, the challenge to the decision is already pending before the Uttarakhand High Court. During its pendency, the High Court on February 28, directed payment of the entire amount of 36.99 lacs (in arrears) (All India Quota) and 26.01 lacs (State Quota) in 9 instalments. The college released notice stating that internship cannot start unless payment is made. The said decision was challenged in the Supreme Court.

By the order dated April 28, the Top Court directed that the internship be continued subject to the deposit of the fees in two installments. The High Court was further directed to dispose of the pending writ petition as expeditiously as possible, "preferably within three months from today".

The impugned order of the High Court on August 6, however posted the matter for hearing in March 2025. It also observed that the original documents can only be released if the petitioners pay the deposit sum directed in the February 28 order.

Today, the bench of CJI DY Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra passed an interim direction allowing students to obtain their original documents on the condition of paying a sum of Rs.7.5 lacs and an undertaking to pay the remaining amount depending upon the merits of the matter.

"Since the petitions are admitted in the High Court, in the meantime, it is common ground that the petitioners have paid an amount of Rs. 34 lacs (All India Quota) Rs.__ Lacs (State Quota) ....at this stage, bearing in mind the above amount paid, we are of the view that an interim order be passed so as to enable the students to obtain their testimonials to pursue their post graduate studies and practice medicine. We accordingly issue the following directions- conditions upon the petitioners (1) depositing Rs 7.5 lacs each with the 2/3rd respondents over and above the amounts which are already deposited; (2) petitioners shall be entitled to a return of their testimonials submitted at the time of obtaining admission, subject to the condition that petitioners shall file an undertaking in to pay the balance, in the event that that they are called upon to do so in conclusion of the final disposal of the pending writ petition."

Case Details : SAHIL BHARGAVA vs. STATE OF UTTARAKHAND SLP(C) No. 019953 - / 2024

6 years on, murder accused serving in UP govt convicted

6 years on, murder accused serving in UP govt convicted

Arindam Ghosh & Pathikrit Chakraborty TNN 

Lucknow : A murderer successfully concealed his dark secrets and served in UP irrigation department for six years in what clearly puts a question mark on the process of stringent police verification for a govt job. The man in his mid-30s had spent four months in jail in 2013 after being charged with a murder that year. Police even recovered the murder weapon following his confession. But he kept all that under wraps till Aug 14 this year, when he was re-arrested after a Jhansi court sentenced him to life in the case. 

Anoop Dubey had secured the job in 2018 on compassionate grounds after the death of his father, chief engineer Mithlesh Dubey. On August 13, 2024, Anoop visited his office in Jhansi and applied for a day’s leave. The next day, the court convicted him and three others in the murder case. When the senior assistant failed to return to work, the dept initiated an enquiry, leading to the discovery of his criminal antecedents and subsequent conviction. 

“An investigation is underway to find out how Anoop was issued a character certificate, given that the murder case against him was filed in May 2013, years before his appointment in 2018,” dept’s superintending engineer Ashok Kumar told TOI. He added that the dept had sent a letter to district govt counsel to confirm the details of Anoop’s conviction and also informed Mahoba irrigation division, where Anoop was originally appointed. 

In 2013, Lakhan Singh Tomar from Nainagarh filed a police complaint after his son, Devendra, left home on May 14 and did not return. On May 16, Lakhan learned that Devendra had been drinking with Anoop Dubey, Gaurav Jha, Kapil Sharma, and Akash near Jhansi’s Babina, police said. When Lakhan confronted them, they admitted to murdering Devendra over his “arrogant behaviour.” They said they had lured Devendra to Babina under the pretext of a picnic, shot him dead, and burned his body. They even threatened to kill Lakhan if he went to police.