NEWS TODAY 11.04.2026

Delay in issuing pattas: Residents may sit out poll

Delay in issuing pattas: Residents may sit out poll

Apr 11, 2026, 04.09 AM IST

Chennai: Residents of Kamarajar Nagar in Perungudi have threatened to boycott the upcoming Assembly election in Sholinganallur constituency, protesting prolonged delays in the issuance of computerised subdivision pattas. In a representation to the chief electoral officer, the Kamarajar Nagar residents association, representing around 250 families, alleged apathy by authorities in resolving the issue despite repeated appeals. According to the residents, the plots were purchased through registered sale deeds between 1983 and 1985, and houses were constructed with due approvals . They said they have been in peaceful possession of the properties and have been paying all statutory taxes and charges. However, applications for computerised pattas have remained pending since 2009, the association said. TNN

CSE, ECE among top picks for management seats in TN this year

CSE, ECE among top picks for management seats in TN this year

Apr 10, 2026, 01.46 AM IST

Chennai: Computer science engineering, and electronics and communication engineering are among the top courses preferred by students and parents thronging colleges for management quota admissions this year. Many colleges said they have received more queries for core engineering branches as well.

Though the Class XII exam results are yet to be out, anxious parents are queuing up to book management quota seats after tough CBSE maths and physics exams this year. Colleges said the enquiries were up by around 20% compared to the previous year.

"There is a huge interest among students and parents for electronics and communication engineering (ECE) this year. It is the new trend. Besides computer science, core engineering courses like mechanical engineering are in good demand," said Abhay Meganathan, vice-chairman, Rajalakshmi Group of Institutions.

Some colleges offer counselling for parents and students, explaining different career options in all engineering courses.

"We have about 100 parents and students visiting our colleges every day.

Most of them prioritise computer science and AI. Counsellors brief them on different career options, including possible opportunities in courses such as ECE and mechanical engineering," said Sai Prakash Leo Muthu, CEO of Sri Sairam Engineering College.

The counsellors also cite examples of students placed in companies such as Volvo after studying ECE.

Some colleges attributed a heightened interest in engineering to the buzz around AI among students.

"At our college, we see 20% to 30% more queries for management quota admissions. There is more interest in engineering courses due to the buzz around AI and expectations of new jobs," said R M Kishore, vice-chairman of RMK Engineering College.

SRM Easwari Engineering College principal P Deivasundari said the college received enquiries from more than 40 countries for the NRI quota this year. "Civil and mechanical engineering courses also got many queries this year," she added.

NEWS TODAY 10.04.2026

Madras HC bins plea on transfer of govt staff after 3 years

Madras HC bins plea on transfer of govt staff after 3 years

Apr 10, 2026, 02.06 AM IST

Chennai: Madras high court on Thursday refused to order transfer of govt employees who have been working in the same place for more than three years. The court observed that while the Election Commission (ECI) is taking action by transferring govt servants, interference by the court is not required.

The first bench of Chief Justice Sushrut Arvind Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan observed this, while disposing of a plea moved by Integrated Manapparai Taluk Rainfed and Irrigated Farmers Association.

According to the petitioner, a govt order (GO) was issued in 1994 mandating the transfer of govt employees working in various departments once every three years to ensure transparency in administration and to prevent misuse of power by officials. It further alleged that govt officials working in departments such as agriculture, revenue and police have been continuing in the same postings for more than three years, and as a result, they have been selectively extending govt welfare schemes to preferred individuals.

The association also contended that govt officials must act impartially during elections, but allowing them to continue in the same post for long durations is against election conduct rules and creates a possibility of them acting in favour of the ruling party. Refusing to entertain the plea, the bench observed that transfer of govt employees is a service-related matter and such a relief cannot be sought in a PIL. The court, however, directed the ECI to consider the petitioner's representation in accordance with law.

NEWS TODAY 09.04.2026

Chennai faces worsening LPG crisis as wait for refill stretches to 50 days

Chennai faces worsening LPG crisis as wait for refill stretches to 50 days

The supply of LPG cylinders to domestic consumers has been impacted for the past three weeks due to the Gulf war, and the situation has now escalated, severely affecting thousands of households.

A LPG delivery person putting a lock to the empty cyclinders kept on the roadside at patravakkam in Chennai.Photo | P Ravikumar

B Anbuselvan

Updated on:

08 Apr 2026, 9:29 am

CHENNAI: The waiting period for getting a domestic LPG refill has increased unofficially, as the gap between getting refills widening to nearly 50 days in a few parts of the city - this includes the compulsory 25-30 days booking gap between deliveries followed by the delivery time of 15-20 days.

The supply of LPG cylinders to domestic consumers has been impacted for the past three weeks due to the Gulf war, and the situation has now escalated, severely affecting thousands of households.

As a result, many consumers who booked their cylinders 15-20 days ago are flocking to agency offices to collect cylinders directly. Home delivery has been disrupted in areas including Padi, Korattur, Kolathur, Ambattur and Madhavaram.

A section of consumers who interacted with TNIE said they have been buying food from hotels because of the delay in receiving cylinders and have fallen ill as a result. “The gap between two cylinders is now nearly 50 to 55 days.

For a family of four, one cylinder lasts a maximum of 30 to 35 days. For the last 15 days, I have been buying food from hotels for my son who underwent a surgery recently, and I have fallen sick,” said K Rajeshwari of Korattur TNHB colony.

However, officials from the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL), which is the state level coordinator for the oil industry in the state dismissed the complaints as an exceptional incident and claimed there is no major disruption in domestic LPG supply.

A Sathish Kumar from Padi said he has not received his refill even after 15 days. “I went to the agency office to inquire about the delivery and found more than 40 people waiting with empty cylinders to exchange for new ones. When asked, I was told that those who booked before March 16 (19 days before) had still not received their cylinders and were being given supplies directly from the agency office. There was insufficient stock for home delivery.”

Another consumer, S Visalakashi (55) from Ambattur, a housemaid, said, “When I tried to book, the system only allowed bookings 29 days after the delivery of the previous cylinder. Subsequently, I booked my cylinder on March 15. When I checked with the agency, the booking was only accepted on March 22, and I was told I would receive it only around April 10. If necessary, I was asked to collect the cylinder from the agency office by handing over the empty one.”

However, in some areas like Kilpauk, residents said that they had received delivery of cylinders five days after booking through the Triplicane Urban Co-operative Society (TUCS) distributor.

LPG dealer offices have been crowded throughout the day, as many consumers who have not updated their mobile numbers, addresses, or e-KYC details are facing difficulties in booking cylinders. “If a booking made 15-20 days ago is accepted, we issue a receipt immediately and ask consumers to purchase from the office. Door delivery may take another 15 days,” said a gas agency staff member.

V Vetriselvakkumar, chief GM (corporate communications), IOCL, assured to look into the issue. “We are in a crisis situation. Home delivery of cylinders has not been stopped anywhere. In fact, in a few places, consumers receive their deliveries within a few days,” he said.