Maharashtra cites poor standards, proposes no new pharmacy colleges for 5 years

Maharashtra cites poor standards, proposes no new pharmacy colleges for 5 years

By Niraj Pandit

Jun 23, 2025 11:02 AM IST 

HINDUSTAN TIMES 23.06.2025

Officials said that many pharmacy colleges, particularly in low-demand regions, had been approved without proper inspection of infrastructure and academic readiness

Maharashtra’s higher and technical education department has raised concerns over poor standards of pharmacy colleges and urged the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) to suspend approvals for any new such institutes in the state for the next five years, people aware of the matter said. The move comes amid rising vacancies in pharmacy courses and a dip in education quality.Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil met with Union health minister J P Nadda over the matter. (X)

Officials said that the PCI had approved many pharmacy colleges, particularly in low-demand regions, without proper inspection of infrastructure, academic readiness, or demand from local students. They noted that PCI granted permissions without consultation with the state’s technical education department, leading to a surplus of institutions with poor facilities and faculty shortages.

The state government last year formed a committee of industry experts and academics to review the status of the pharmacy colleges, considering the vacant seats. Officials said the panel found many colleges functioned without adequate laboratories, equipment, libraries, or classroom space. In some institutions, admissions remained far below capacity year after year, while others were unable to meet even basic educational standards.

The state’s request to PCI came months after Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil met with Union health minister J P Nadda in New Delhi and submitted a 2025–2031 roadmap highlighting how the quality of education had been compromised due to unchecked expansion and lack of oversight.

An official said the delegation recommended that PCI impose a blanket restriction on new B Pharm and D Pharm colleges in the state for at least five years and refrain from granting any increase in intake capacity to the existing ones. “Nadda is said to have responded positively to this suggestion, raising expectations that central action may soon follow.”

The official said the department decided to inspect all colleges set up in the last three years to understand the quality of infrastructure and education.

NBEMS expands DNB disciplines for equal distribution of specialist training

NBEMS expands DNB disciplines for equal distribution of specialist training 

NMC and NBEMS have been working to achieve a balanced 1:1 ratio of MBBS to PG seats

Ayushi.Gupta1@timesofindia.com 23.06.2025

At present, the ratio of MBBS to clinical postgraduate (PG) medical seats in India stands at 2:1. Ideally, this should be 1:1 to ensure equal opportunities for MBBS graduates seeking specialisation and later, better employability. To address this imbalance and the shortage of specialist doctors in healthcare facilities, the National Board of Examinations in Medical Sciences (NBEMS) plans to expand the number of Diplomate of National Board (DNB) seats from 16,500 to 25,000 by 2030. 

Unlike MD/MS programmes, DNB courses are being offered in district, municipal, and railway hospitals, enabling faster increase in seats and a more equitable distribution of specialist training across underserved areas. NBEMS has prioritised expanding seats in clinical disciplines to facilitate better treatment for the general public. Dr Abhijat Sheth, president, NBEMS, says, “The board offers a total of 111 courses–29 broad specialties, 32 super specialties, 41 fellowship programmes, and 9 diploma courses. 

However, our priority is to expand broad specialty programmes in clinical disciplines. These include General Medicine, General Surgery, Orthopaedics, Anesthesiology, Radiology, Pediatrics, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Family Medicine, and Emergency Medicine. Additionally, we are also focusing on diploma and super specialty courses such as Critical Care Medicine, Cardiology, Urology, and Surgical Gastroenterology.” Dr B Srinivas, deputy director general, Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS), Ministry  of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW), says, “The National Medical Commission (NMC) and NBEMS have been working to increase the number of postgraduate seats, including MD/MS, DNB, FNB, and post-MBBS diploma programmes, to achieve a balanced 1:1 ratio of MBBS to PG seats. Currently, the shortage of PG seats compared to UG seats has led to high competition in the NEET-PG examination.” 

Dr Srinivas adds, “To meet the demand for specialist doctors, NBEMS has been increasing the number of DNB seats, as the board follows more flexible and less stringent criteria compared to the NMC. DNB programmes can be offered in any accredited hospital and healthcare institution that are not traditional teaching medical college, unlike MD/ MS, making it easier to increase seat availability.” The increased seat count is expected to ease the pressure created by the sharp rise in UG medical seats. Lately, the NMC increased the number of MBBS seats to 1,18,190, while PG seats for MD/MS programmes have increased by only 10,000. 

In response, NBEMS is also expanding DNB seats to help address the shortage of specialist doctors, particularly in government healthcare facilities where timely treatment is critical. Pilot Project Dr Minu Bajpai, former executive director, NBEMS, says, “To increase the seat count, NBEMS has been collaborating with state health authorities. Several circulars have been issued at the state level to fast-track hospital readiness, and multiple training sessions have been conducted for hospital administrators and faculty members.” Around six years ago, NBEMS launched pilot projects in Rajasthan and Kashmir. 

In Rajasthan, district hospitals across 29 districts began offering DNB programmes. “In Kashmir, there are around 300 DNB seats, all occupied by doctors practising at the district level. It is not just about creating more doctors, it is about placing them where they are needed most,” adds Dr Bajpai. The DNB programme is increasingly preferred by candidates because of its strong emphasis on handson training. “According to data from the past two years, around 99% of students allotted DNB seats in rural areas have completed their programmes. Additionally, many MD/MS graduates choose to appear for DNB exams after their initial specialisation to gain additional certification,” says Dr Bajpai.

House can’t be turned into prayer meeting hall sans govt nod: Madras High Court

House can’t be turned into prayer meeting hall sans govt nod: Madras High Court 

The court said that if the petitioner intends to convert the property into a prayer hall, he should get proper permission from the district collector.

Citing a ruling on the issue, the Court said it is clear from the judgment that conducting prayer meetings in a hall requires obtaining permission from the authority concerned under the relevant rules.

Express News Service Updated on: 22 Jun 2025, 9:18 am 1

CHENNAI: The Madras High Court has held that a house cannot be converted into a prayer meeting hall without obtaining proper permission from the government authorities concerned.

Justice N Anand Venkatesh made the observation while disposing of a petition filed by L Joseph Wilson, a pastor from Kodavasal in Tiruvarur district, praying for quashing a 2024 order of the jurisdictional tahsildar to seal his house, preventing him from holding prayer meetings.

Citing a ruling on the issue, the judge said it is clear from the judgment that conducting prayer meetings in a hall requires obtaining permission from the authority concerned under the relevant rules. Hence, the petitioner cannot, as a matter of right, have a prayer hall to conduct prayer meetings without obtaining permission, he said in a recent order.

Referring to the petitioner’s undertaking that he would not use the public address system, the judge said non-usage of the loudspeaker and microphone will not solve the issue. “The crux of the issue is that the petitioner cannot convert a house into a prayer hall to conduct prayer meetings. That requires proper permission from the authorities,” he said.

The judge directed the tahsildar to remove the seal on the petitioner’s property if it is not utilised for prayer meetings. If the petitioner intends to convert the property into a prayer hall, he should get proper permission from the district collector, the judge stated, adding in case of utilisation of the building for prayer meetings, the respondent authorities can take appropriate action in accordance with the law.

Government advocate T M Rajangam appeared for the respondent authorities.

‘All my medicines are in that luggage, I can’t wait another day’: Chaos at Patna airport as 2 Air India Express flights land without baggage; flyers promised home delivery

‘All my medicines are in that luggage, I can’t wait another day’: Chaos at Patna airport as 2 Air India Express flights land without baggage; flyers promised home delivery

Chaos erupted at Patna's Jayprakash Narayan International Airport on Saturday as passengers on two Air India Express flights, IX-2936 from Bengaluru and IX-1634 from Chennai, discovered that their checked baggage was missing.

 Weary travelers waited in vain at the designated conveyor belts, only to realize none of their luggage had arrived.

Faryal RumiTNN

Jun 22, 2025, 17:54 IST

Passengers on two Air India Express flights, IX-2936 from Bengaluru and IX-1634 from Chennai, experienced significant inconvenience upon arrival at Patna's airport on Saturday morning. PATNA: Passengers arriving on two Air India Express flights at Patna's Jayprakash Narayan International Airport on Saturday morning were stunned to find that none of their checked baggage had made it to the city. What began as a routine landing turned into chaos as weary flyers circled the empty conveyor belts only to realise their belongings were missing entirely. The incident involved flights IX-2936 from Bengaluru and IX-1634 from Chennai, which landed at 8.23am and 8.50am, respectively. Passengers were directed to collect their luggage from belts 4 and 3, but after prolonged waits, it became clear that no baggage was arriving. "I waited for more than an hour, but the belt was empty," said Vivek Sharma, a passenger from Bengaluru.

'Luggage to be delivered to passengers home addresses' "Airport staff informed us that due to bad weather in Bengaluru, our luggage was not loaded. Despite repeated enquiries at the airline's counter, we were given no clear answers about where our bags were or when we would get them back," Sharma added. 

Tempers flared as frustrated travellers confronted airline staff. One furious flyer shouted that the airline should be shut down if it could not handle basic operations. Another demanded same-day delivery. "All my medicines are in that luggage. I can't wait another day," he said. CISF personnel and airline staff had to step in to manage the crowd, assuring passengers that arrangements were being made to bring the baggage on subsequent flights. Airline representatives blamed the issue on bad weather in Bengaluru and Chennai, compounded by Patna airport's short runway. They also cited weight restrictions and safety protocols as reasons for not loading the baggage. 

"The luggage will be delivered to your home addresses once it arrives," airline staff told the crowd. Airport officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the primary issue was the aircraft's load factor. "This happens occasionally when departing from Patna where airlines are forced to unload checked baggage to meet the maximum take-off weight. The airport's shorter runway makes it more likely," said an official. As of Saturday evening, 

Air India had not issued an official statement. Airport authorities, however, indicated that the missing luggage would likely reach Patna by Sunday. Affected passengers remained stuck with little more than their cabin bags and mounting frustration. The episode has once again placed Air India in the spotlight, raising questions about its operational preparedness and passenger communication.

How to verify Aadhaar for IRCTC Tatkal railway bookings:

How to verify Aadhaar for IRCTC Tatkal railway bookings: 

Easy steps to follow before July 2025 deadline 23.06.2025

From July 1, 2025, the IRCTC will make it mandatory for all users to complete Aadhaar authentication when booking Tatkal tickets through both the IRCTC website and the mobile app. Written by Tech Desk Updated: June 22, 2025 18:14 IST Follow Us

The IRCTC now mandates linking Aadhaar to the IRCTC account for booking Tatkal train tickets. The Indian Railways Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is set to introduce a significant change for passengers looking to book Tatkal train tickets. From July 1, 2025, the IRCTC will make it mandatory for all users to complete Aadhaar authentication when booking Tatkal tickets through both the IRCTC website and the mobile app.

With this new mandate, the IRCTC aims to streamline the booking process and enhance security. Additionally, from July 15, 2025, an Aadhaar-based One-Time Password (OTP) will become a necessary step for all online train ticket reservations, thus adding an extra layer of verification to the booking system.

How to authenticate Aadhaar in your IRCTC account To ensure a smooth Tatkal booking experience from July 2025 onwards, users are advised to authenticate their Aadhaar details within their IRCTC accounts beforehand. The process is listed below:

– Access your IRCTC account either through the official website or the mobile app.

– Once logged in, locate and select the ‘My Account’ section.

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– You will be prompted to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number or your Virtual ID.

– An OTP will be sent to the mobile number that is linked to your Aadhaar. Enter this OTP into the IRCTC platform to complete the authentication process.

Linking Aadhaar to your IRCTC Account (if not already linked): For users whose Aadhaar is not yet linked to their IRCTC account, here’s how to do it:

– Sign in to the IRCTC portal.

– Click on the “Link Aadhaar” option located under the “profile tab.”

– Enter your name exactly as it appears on your Aadhaar card, along with your Aadhaar number.

– Verify the details by entering the OTP sent to your Aadhaar-registered mobile number.

Salem education officer likens PG teacher to actress Shakeela, probe ordered

Salem education officer likens PG teacher to actress Shakeela, probe ordered

The teacher filed a complaint with the Chief Minister’s Cell and the Salem district educational officer, seeking departmental action.

It is alleged the officer commented that the teacher resembles actress Shakeela, said sources from the school education department.

Express News Service

Updated on:

21 Jun 2025, 10:41 am

SALEM: The Salem School Education Department has launched an inquiry against a top officer of the district Samagra Shiksha for behaving indecently toward a female postgraduate teacher of a Government Girls Higher Secondary School at Nangavalli.

The alleged incident happened 10 days ago when a top officer visited the school and inspected its hostel. Later, he went to a classroom where a teacher was teaching Class 12 students. It is alleged the officer commented that the teacher resembles actress Shakeela, said sources from the school education department. The actress is known for her roles in soft-core movies.

The teacher filed a complaint with the Chief Minister’s Cell and the Salem district educational officer, seeking departmental action. The complaint stated she was emotionally disturbed over the officer’s conduct.

“The officer asked me to note down his mobile number and call him later after I was asked to step out of the classroom,” the complaint further stated. Three days ago, the district administration ordered the school education department to hold an inquiry based on the complaint received at the Chief Minister’s Cell.

Subsequently, District Educational Officer (DEO) for private schools was designated as the inquiry officer. The DEO conducted inquiries with the teacher, headmistress, the accused officer, and students at the school on Thursday and Friday, the sources added. Meanwhile, PG teachers urged the department to take stringent action against him.

Chief Educational Officer M Kabir told TNIE that the an inquiry is underway and action will be taken based on the inquiry report.

Vande Bharat sleeper trains yet to receive nod

Vande Bharat sleeper trains yet to receive nod 

B Anbuselvan


Updated on:

 
22 Jun 2025, 7:42 am

Following its production, commissioning of the rake was delayed for a few months after ICF flagged several manufacturing defects, which BEML later addressed.

The 16-coach rake comprises 11 three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches and one first-class AC coach, with a total seating capacity of 823 passengers.Photo | Express B Anbuselvan Updated on: 22 Jun 2025, 7:42 am 2 min read Follow Us CHENNAI: It has been over six months since the prototype of the Vande Bharat sleeper version was dispatched from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF) for trials and testing, but it is yet to receive clearance for operation. The 16-coach prototype, designed by ICF and manufactured by the Bengaluru-based public sector company BEML (formerly Bharat Earth Movers Limited), was built at a cost of Rs 120 crore.

Following its production, commissioning of the rake was delayed for a few months after ICF flagged several manufacturing defects, which BEML later addressed. Although the Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) successfully completed speed trials at 160 kmph in January, the train is still awaiting approval from the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), officials said.

Sources indicate that the CRS has raised certain objections regarding the design and expressed reservations about some of the safety features incorporated in the train. However, the Railways has asserted that there are no issues with the electrical or mechanical components.

 VB’s sleeper version is equipped with Kavach

ICF General Manager U Subba Rao told TNIE that the CRS had raised a few queries concerning the prototype, which have already been addressed. “A detailed response has been sent. The clarifications pertained to minor technical aspects. There were no major flaws in the prototype,” he said.

After receiving the prototype from BEML, ICF identified more than 73 design and technical issues, particularly related to safety. These included concerns about crash buffers, fire barrier walls, and the hooks connecting the middle and upper berths. These issues led to the project missing its initial deadline by a few months.

Rao stated that all concerns raised by ICF had been resolved. “It’s just a matter of time before the 16-coach sleeper version is cleared for operation by the Railway Board. We have already received orders to build nine more Vande Bharat sleeper trains this financial year,” he added.

ICF has incorporated several enhanced safety features in the sleeper version. The rake is also fitted with the Kavach Train Collision Avoidance System, crashworthy couplers, front and side crash buffers and a fire detection system.

In January, the train successfully completed oscillation trials, emergency braking tests and evaluations of its control and electrical systems conducted by RDSO in Lucknow. It also underwent high-speed testing at 180 kmph in the Kota division, along with short- and long-distance trial runs, before being submitted for CRS approval.

The 16-coach rake comprises 11 three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches and one first-class AC coach, with a total seating capacity of 823 passengers.