Latest news with #OPS
New Indian Express
an hour ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
DSC-2003 teachers eligible for old pension scheme despite delayed appointments, rules Telangana HC
HYDERABAD: The Telangana High Court on Tuesday ruled that teachers recruited under the District Selection Committee (DSC)-2003 process are eligible for the Old Pension Scheme (OPS). Justice Nagesh Bhimapaka was hearing a batch of writ petitions filed by teachers selected through DSC-2003 but were brought under the New Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) that was implemented from September 1, 2004. The petitioners argued that the DSC-2003 notification was issued in November 2003 to fill vacancies that had arisen prior to that date, and that the selection process was completed by June 2004—before the CPS came into effect. However, appointment orders were issued in November 2005, following administrative delays. Based on the date of appointment, the CPS was applied to them. Represented by senior counsel L Ravichander, the petitioners contended that the delay in issuing appointment orders was procedural and should not affect their eligibility for OPS. They maintained that their recruitment process was initiated and concluded while the OPS was still in force, and they should therefore be covered under it. Agreeing with this view, Justice Bhimapaka directed the state to extend a one-time option to the petitioners to opt for the Old Pension Scheme.
Hindustan Times
4 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
OPS urges Centre to release education funds for Tamil Nadu
Expelled AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam (OPS) on Tuesday condemned the BJP-led Union government for withholding funds amounting to ₹2,151 crore under the Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan from Tamil Nadu over the state government's refusal to accept the three-language formula mandated by the National Education Policy (NEP), 2020. OPS is presently a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), under whose banner he ran as an independent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and ultimately lost (File photo) 'Not releasing funds citing this reason is an act that affects the education of innocent, poor and needy students and teachers. This is strongly condemned,' OPS said in his statement. 'This action of the central government is against the Right to Education (RTE) Act and the principle of federalism…The Central Government's approach has created a pathetic situation where 25% of students cannot be enrolled in private schools under the RTE…' OPS is presently a part of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), under whose banner he ran as an independent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and ultimately lost. He has reportedly been unhappy over a perceived lack of respect for him within the alliance. According to an expelled AIADMK leader close to OPS, who spoke on condition of anonymity, 'Some of us had advised him to remain independent and not to join the BJP long back last year.' OPS' statement on Tuesday led to speculation of him joining the actor Vijay's fledgling Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK). 'That is an option but as a former chief minister, it is better for OPS to contest on his own along with whoever is willing to join hands with us,' the leader quoted above said. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi Palaniswami (EPS) expelled OPS in 2022. Both had been sharing power to run the party up till that point. Another expelled AIADMK leader TTV Dhinakaran's party Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK) also joined the NDA last year, after the AIADMK had broken away from the BJP in 2023. However, the party rejoined the NDA this April. EPS reportedly failed to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his two-day visit to the state from July 26 to 28, even after seeking an appointment . BJP state president Nainar Nagendran said he had been unaware that OPS wanted to meet the PM. 'If I had known, I would have definitely arranged a meeting for him,' Nagendran said and did not react to OPS' statement on releasing of central funds. (ANY REACTION FROM DMK TO THE STATEMENT? HAS ANYONE IN BJP ALSO SPECIFICALLY RESPONDED TO IT?)
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Vijay in no hurry for allies, to set his terms
Chennai: Amidst feelers and speculation about prospective electoral alliances, TVK president Vijay has decided on a 'go slow' strategy to negotiate from a position of strength. Party sources said TVK will take a decision on alliances only in November, after he completes a tour of the state. There would be no compromise on his being the alliance leader and the chief minister candidate, sources said. "This will happen after Vijay's public outreach including a conference in Madurai and a state-wide tour that starts in the delta region," said a TVK leader. By not rushing into tieups and first making clear who the alliance leader would be, TVK believes it can get prospective allies on its terms. "We have the strength to contest all 234 assembly seats on our own. Till the state-wide tour, there will be no announcement on allies," said a Vijay aide. There has been speculation that O Panneerselvam has been keen on an electoral understanding with Vijay. This possibility gained signficance after OPS made his displeasure known over being denied an audience with Narendra Modi when the Prime Minister was in Tamil Nadu last week. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Your Home Could Fund Your Goals- Borrow up to $400k NerdWallet Learn More Undo On Tuesday, OPS criticised the Union govt for not releasing funds to the state under the 'Samagra Shiksha' scheme. You Can Also Check: Chennai AQI | Weather in Chennai | Bank Holidays in Chennai | Public Holidays in Chennai TVK insiders, however, said no discussion has taken place between Panneerselvam's camp and TVK. For OPS to make the formal move, first he has to sever his ties with BJP, which some of his supporters say may happen soon. OPS is expected to meet the press on Wednesday or Thursday after he returns from Madurai. "If the TVK has to win, it should have an alliance with many parties that are willing to accept him as the CM candidate," said an associate of OPS. "OPS can't go to Vijay immediately; it will take some time." If Election Commission dismisses his pleas over the ownership of AIADMK, OPS will be left with no option but to float his own party, the associate said. The TVK camp is upbeat after some of its surveys showed a groundswell of support for TVK to the extent of making it a DMK vs TVK contest.
India Today
a day ago
- Politics
- India Today
Ex-AIADMK leader slams BJP over education fund delay, eyes Vijay's party next?
Former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and ousted AIADMK leader O Panneerselvam lashed out at the BJP-led Union Government for not releasing education funds under the Samagraha Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA).In a statement, OPS said that withholding the funds was 'highly condemnable' and went against the federal structure of the Nadu is yet to receive Rs 2,151.59 crore from the Centre under the SSA scheme. Chief Minister MK Stalin had recently submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi through State Finance Minister Thangam Thennarasu, urging the release of the funds during the PM's visit to the OPS, who was expelled from the AIADMK following Edappadi K Palaniswami's rise but remained with the NDA, said the delay was directly impacting the education of students. 'Due to the Central Government's actions, 25 per cent of students studying under the RTE Act in private schools are now facing dispute between the Centre and the State should not be a reason to punish students and teachers,' he said. He further accused the Centre of violating both the Right to Education Act and the principles of timing of OPS' statement is politically significant, as EPS has launched a statewide tour and has categorically rejected any re-entry of OPS into the AIADMK close to OPS suggest his camp is now increasingly aligning with actor Vijay's Thamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam, raising speculation about a potential alliance ahead of the 2026 elections.- EndsMust Watch IN THIS STORY#Tamil Nadu
New Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
OPS slams Centre over withheld Samagra Shiksha funds, cites impact on Tamil Nadu students and teachers
He further pointed out that Samagra Shiksha, a joint initiative by the Centre and States, is aimed at improving access to quality education from pre-primary to higher secondary levels, enhancing enrolment, ensuring equal opportunities, and bridging social and gender gaps. While the Central government contributes 60% of the funds, the remaining 40% is provided by the State. Citing information presented in the Lok Sabha by Union Minister of State for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary, OPS noted that ₹2,151 crore allocated to Tamil Nadu for 2024–25 has been withheld due to the State's non-compliance with certain guidelines. Highlighting the scheme's wide reach, he said around 65 lakh students are enrolled in private schools across the State, with six lakh teachers also depending on the scheme's support. With the Centre's funds frozen, schools are now under financial strain, teacher training initiatives have been halted, and sanitation efforts in schools have been suspended. Additionally, OPS stressed that the admission of 25% of students under the Right to Education Act has become unfeasible this year, placing the future of current RTE students in jeopardy. He reiterated his demand for the immediate release of funds to safeguard the education of underprivileged students and the well-being of teachers, and to uphold the federal spirit of the Constitution.
