Latest news with #GovernmentofTamilNadu


New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Tamil Nadu government offers renewable energy course in eight polytechnic colleges
MADURAI: In a major initiative to promote green energy education, eight government polytechnic colleges in the southern districts have introduced a new 'Diploma in Renewable Energy' programme for the 2025-26 academic year. The course is being offered under a collaboration between the Government of Tamil Nadu and Tata Power Renewable Energy. The programme follows the 'Earn While You Learn' model, enabling students to receive monthly stipends ranging from Rs 4,000 to Rs 10,000 throughout their course period. As part of the curriculum, students will undergo three months of classroom training at their respective polytechnic colleges-including those in Madurai, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Nagercoil, Usilampatti, Andipatti, and Chekkanurani-with a stipend of Rs 4,000 per month. The remaining nine months will be spent at TP Solar Limited in Tirunelveli, where they will gain industrial exposure and receive Rs 8,000 per month. Speaking to TNIE, G Vijayakumari, Principal of the Government Women's Polytechnic College, Madurai, said, 'Each polytechnic college has an intake of 30 seats. In Madurai, 38 students have already been admitted, with preference given to female candidates. Students will get hands-on learning on par with other engineering streams, including training in solar panel manufacturing, maintenance, and energy efficiency. This opens direct job opportunities at TP Solar after graduation without any service bond.' Andipatti Government Polytechnic College principal (i/c) M Poonguzhali added that classes began on July 7, and some seats are still available in certain colleges. 'Students who have completed Class XII can apply. Hostel and food facilities are provided free of cost during industrial training. The stipend will increase progressively- Rs 8,000 in the first year, Rs 9,000 in the second year, and Rs 10,000 in the final year,' she said. In addition, eligible students can avail Rs 1,000 monthly assistance under Pudhumaipen or Tamil Pudhalvan schemes. The course fee has been fixed at a nominal Rs 2,500 per year.


New Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Rotary District 3233 honours doctors on National Doctors' Day
Dr R Sriram, emergency medicine consultant, Dr TS Selvavinayagam, director of public health, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Dr Mohan Rajan, senior consultant ophthalmologist, were given the 'Lifetime Achievement Award'. Mohan Rajan said, 'Rotary is a leading light for all of us professionals. And the targets set by them are important because when you feel the competition, you will start introspecting and do better than the others.' Additionally, Dr R Prem Sekar, paediatric interventional cardiologist, and Dr Vasumathy Vedantham, senior consultant ophthalmologist, were given the 'Distinguished Medical Service Award', and Dr Karthik Balaji, founder of Zoriox Innovation Labs, was given the 'Young Achiever Award'. The event also saw the launch of a website — showcasing the activities of Community Service Health (CSH) — and Rotarians' Privilege Health Card, for the benefit of Rotarians and their families. 'This card connects the Rotarians with a network of reputed hospitals where they can enjoy discounted rates and privilege access. More hospitals are getting added to this initiative,' explained Dr S Ramesh Babu, director, Community Service Health. A few other initiatives were also announced for targeted beneficiaries.


The Hindu
06-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Consecration of temple on DD Health's office premises in Madurai draws flak
As against the rules of the Government of Tamil Nadu, a religious event subsequent to the construction of a temple-like structure was conducted on the office premises of Deputy Director of Health Services in Madurai on Thursday and Friday. An invitation which was allegedly released by the district health services office mentions that as a temple belonging to a particular religion was being raised on the office premises, the office staff and others were invited to attend the consecrating event and homam during 6 p.m to 9 p.m on June 5 and from 9 a.m to 1 p.m on June 6, said sources. Anand Raj, a social activist based in Madurai, said that a district health office was a place where people of all religions visit for health-related reasons. As per several Tamil Nadu government rules and Madras High Court orders, conducting of such religious events in a government office, not confined to any particular religion, was against the rules of the State, he added. Particularly, Government Order No. 426, Personnel and Administrative Reforms (Per-A) Department, dated 13.12.1993, prohibited the construction of any new structure for religious worship within the office campus, or enlargement or modification of any existing structure for similar purpose, Mr. Anand Raj stated. Further, he said that the order stressed that, 'It restricted the practice of worship of different faiths in office premises by government staff.' Point 3 of the G.O. pointed out that: 'In view of the direction of the Madurai Bench of Madras High Court all Heads of Departments are requested to follow the above instructions scrupulously and it is the responsibility of the Head of Department/Head of Office to ensure that the prohibition made under the said G.O. is implemented in letter and spirit. The Heads of departments are also requested to instruct all the sub-ordinate offices under their control to follow the instructions issued in G.O. Ms. No. 426, Personnel and Administrative Reforms Department, without fail.' Citing the instructions of the order, Mr. Anand Raj said that while it was the duty of higher officials to ensure such events do not take place, it is learned that Director of Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine and Madurai Deputy Director of Health Services have headed and took part in the event. 'When the State government espouses or follows the principle of secularism, such religious events in government offices should be prevented and strict action should be taken against those who disrespect the orders,' he stated. A health official, who did not want to be named said, the invitation for the event was shared with the doctors, staff and officials though a What's App group. Madurai district Collector M.S. Sangeetha said that she did not receive any information about such an event. 'I will look into it and take necessary action,' she added.


Hans India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
TN Chief Qazi Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub passes away, funeral today
Dr. Salahuddin Muhammed Ayub, the Chief Qazi to the Government of Tamil Nadu, passed away in Chennai due to age-related ailments. He was 84. His funeral will take place at 5 p.m. on Sunday at the historic Wallajah Mosque, also known as the Triplicane Big Mosque. A renowned scholar and respected figure in the Islamic community, Dr. Salahuddin held a Doctorate in Arabic Language and Literature. Prior to his appointment as Chief Qazi, he served as a professor of Arabic at New College, Chennai, where he earned admiration for his scholarship and dedication to teaching. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin expressed deep sorrow over his passing. In a condolence message, Stalin said: 'Dr. Salahuddin Ayub was a respected scholar whose contributions to the welfare of the community were immense. He always showed personal affection towards me since my tenure as the MLA from Thousand Lights. Even during his illness, he remained committed and made it a point to attend Iftar events in which I participated. His demise is an irreparable loss to the Muslim community and to Tamil Nadu as a whole.' Prince of Arcot, Nawab Muhammed Abdul Ali, also expressed condolences, recalling his family's longstanding association with the late Chief Kazi. He described him as 'a great scholar and a humble man.' Tamil Nadu Congress Committee president K. Selvaperunthagai extended his sympathies to the bereaved family and the Muslim community through a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter). AIADMK general secretary and opposition leader Edappadi K. Palaniswami also posted his condolences on X, stating: 'I am deeply saddened by the passing of the Chief Qazi of the Tamil Nadu Government and an esteemed scholar who rendered invaluable service to both the Tamil and Islamic communities. His demise is a significant loss not just to the Islamic community but to all of Tamil Nadu. I pray for his soul to rest under the mercy and shade of the Almighty, and extend heartfelt sympathies to his family and to all our Muslim brothers and sisters.' TVK leader and Tamil superstar Vijay paid tribute on X, writing, 'Deeply saddened to learn about the passing of Tamil Nadu Government's Chief Qazi, Allama Mufti Dr. Muhammad Salahuddin Ayyubi Qadiri Azhari. He discharged his duties with integrity and righteousness. Despite being entitled to government privileges such as an official residence, a siren-equipped vehicle, and an office, he chose to decline all benefits and served with humility and sincerity.' In a press release, Nusrat Ali Khan, secretary of the Shia Sunni Unity Movement India, described the late Chief Qazi as 'an epitome of unity and a perfect example for the Muslim community.' Khan added that his services to the nation would be remembered and appreciated forever. Dr. Salahuddin Mohammed Ayub leaves behind a legacy of scholarship, humility, and service that will continue to inspire generations.