Latest news with #RSukumar
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
SL Tamils fear relocation, demand homes be built within refugee camp in Gopalasamuthiram
TIRUNELVELI: Inmates of the Sri Lankan Tamils refugee camp in Gopalasamuthiram petitioned the district Collector Dr R Sukumar during the grievance redressal meeting on Monday, demanding that houses sanctioned by the state government for them should be constructed within their existing camp premises, rather than to the proposed site at Thiruvithanpulli in Cheranmahadevi which is a remote area. Over 700 people from 250 families are living in the camp for over 35 years. 'We were informed that new houses have been sanctioned by the state government and that they would be constructed at the same location. However, we recently came to know that construction work has been initiated by revenue officials of Cheranmahadevi taluk at a new site in the foothills of Thiruvithanpulli,' the refugees stated in the petition. The residents highlighted that even though the houses in the existing camp are inadequate, the location is well-connected and accessible. 'We have access to schools, hospitals, and employment opportunities here. Many women from the camp earn a livelihood by making palm leaf products,' the petition stated. They expressed concern that the new site lacks bus connectivity, forcing students, working women, and elderly persons to walk nearly four kilometres to access basic services. They also described the area as isolated.
New Indian Express
20-06-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
Alert officials about dropouts, help reach 100% college enrolment, says Tirunalveli collector
TIRUNELVELI: In a bid to make Tirunelveli a no drop-out district and achieve a 100% college enrolment, collector Dr R Sukumar appealed to teachers and college faculties to alert the district administration if they come across any Class 12 dropouts. He also asked the authorities to keep a check on those students who have lost their parents. The collector was speaking at a special higher education guidance camp held at the Collectorate on Tuesday. "In the 2024-25 academic year, 14,847 students appeared for Class 12 public exam in the district, of which 13,285 cleared it. Among them, 1,035 students did not join any college. To support these students, the administration conducts this special guidance camp. The administration has already taken measures to prevent educational discontinuation. Schemes like Pudhumai Penn and Tamil Pudhalvan are being effectively implemented to promote higher education," Sukumar said. He added that as part of the initiative, two helpline numbers - 95003 24417 and 95005 24417 - are operational at the collectorate's control room to provide counselling with the help of trained teachers. "The administration is also providing financial and emotional support to the students who have lost one or both parents, encouraging them to pursue higher studies. We have asked headmasters of all schools to identify students and find out the reasons for not joining higher education. Suitable support is being arranged through the administration to ensure they are enrolled," he said. The collector also honoured two government school students, who secured admission to prestigious colleges, and seven others who cleared NEET by presenting them with shawls. He also distributed cheques worth Rs 3,500 each to five students for their college fees from his discretionary fund. The event was attended by Chief Educational Officer M Sivakumar, students and parents.
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
Woman seeks licence cancellation of Tirunelveli doctor after MTP leads to uterus removal
TIRUNELVELI: A 24-year-old woman has petitioned the state government seeking cancellation of the licence of an obstetrician working in a private hospital, alleging that her negligence during a Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) procedure in 2024 has resulted in loss of her uterus. The district collector Dr R Sukumar suspended the hospital's MTP licence on March 18, after holding an inquiry, but the duration of the suspension has not been specified. Collector Sukumar's order reads that the private doctor did not follow the MTP protocols. "Tab. Misoprostol was kept at 4.30 pm and the patient was shifted to labour ward for Manual Vacuum Aspiration at 6.30 pm, without ascertaining the dilatation of the cervix by performing per vaginal examination. Forceful dilatation of the cervix and inadvertent aspiration might have caused the perforation and further complications. Repeated administration of Tab. Misoprostol was not documented. Patient was discharged on the same day, without further monitoring and treatment with Intravenous antibiotics," his order read. The collector rejected the private doctor's explanation, stating it was unacceptable. In her petition to the Health Secretary, M Chitra Kumari of Prancheri village near Tirunelveli, stated, "When I was 10 weeks pregnant, a doctor at Gangaikondan Primary Health Centre recommended MTP, citing improper foetal growth. I approached Sumupriya Private Hospital in Thalaiyoothu for the procedure on September 10, 2024. The hospital claimed to have performed the MTP and discharged me on the night of September 11. However, I suffered severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and fever. On revisiting the hospital on September 14, the obstetrician, Dr Ramya Jayalakshmi, after a CT scan, informed me there was a 4.8 cm perforation in my intestine. She said I have to undergo surgery immediately and that it would cost Rs 1.5 lakh."
