Latest news with #Balasubramanian
Hans India
02-08-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Dual nativity row hits medical admissions in Puducherry UT again
Puducherry: The contentious issue of dual nativity has once again marred the medical admission process in Puducherry, with allegations surfacing over irregularities in the draft merit list released by the Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) for MBBS and other NEET-based courses under the government quota. The Pondicherry State Students and Parents Welfare Association has raised an alarm over suspected misuse of nativity claims, with its president V. Balasubramanian revealing that at least two students were found to be listed in both Puducherry's CENTAC merit list and the Tamil Nadu Health Department's list. This duplication, he said, points to potential fraud in the declaration of nativity, a critical factor in admissions under the Union Territory's government quota. In a formal petition addressed to the Lieutenant Governor, Chief Minister and senior officials of the UT administration, the association has demanded an immediate probe and intervention. It has urged authorities to prevent candidates from other states from cornering seats meant exclusively for Puducherry natives. The association has also sought a thorough cross-verification of applicants' NEET scores, rank numbers, and personal details against the merit lists released in Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Kerala. Balasubramanian expressed concern that multiple similar cases may have gone undetected due to insufficient scrutiny. Despite clear provisions in Puducherry's admission guidelines — which disqualify any student claiming nativity in more than one state during the same academic year — the issue continues to recur annually. The rules also mandate a parental declaration affirming the legitimacy of the nativity claim, but activists allege that enforcement remains weak. Last year, eight students were disqualified on dual nativity grounds. However, the association criticised CENTAC and the Puducherry Health Department for not implementing the rules effectively. Balasubramanian alleged that the departments have failed to take proactive steps to detect and deter fraudulent claims. Drawing attention to recent action taken by Tamil Nadu authorities, who disqualified over 23 students for submitting fake documents under the NRI and other quota categories, the association urged the Puducherry government to adopt similar strict punitive measures. It also called for action against students, parents, and intermediaries involved in procuring bogus nativity certificates. With the admissions process underway, the association has warned that failure to address the issue promptly could deny deserving local candidates their rightful opportunity to pursue medical education.
Hindustan Times
01-08-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
SC orders Army Medical College to pay stipend arrears to 2022 MBBS interns
New Delhi, The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Delhi-based Army College of Medical Sciences to pay arrears of ₹25,000 per month to MBBS interns from the 2022 batch, saying they deserved it as a "matter of right". SC orders Army Medical College to pay stipend arrears to 2022 MBBS interns A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Aravind Kumar passed the order while hearing a petition filed by medical graduate Abhishek Yadav and others through lawyer Tanvi Dubey. The top court observed that despite a September 2023 order mandating a stipend of Rs. 25,000 per month for interns starting October 2023, the previous batch had been left uncompensated. At the outset, Justice Dhulia questioned senior advocate R Balasubramanian, appearing for ACMS, as to why the 2022 interns had not been paid, even after nearly three years. "Why will you pay a stipend? They deserve it as a matter of right," the judge said. Justice Kumar also strongly criticized the stand of the ACMS and said, "You make them work for 18 hours, 19 hours, and you don't want to pay them a stipend?" Balasubramanian contended that the college is managed by a private society and does not receive government funding. The bench remained unconvinced and said, "These students have worked for the college. They must be paid." It proceeded to record a statement of Balasubramanian that the Army College would extend the same ₹25,000 stipend to all interns, including the 2022 batch. Citing previous orders passed by a three-judge bench, it ordered that similarly placed students should not be denied benefits. "We are of the opinion that the same benefit ought to be given to the previous batch as well... We direct that interns of 2022, who had done their internship with Army Medical College, also be paid an amount of Rs. 25,000 per month. Let the same be calculated and paid within eight weeks," the bench ordered. Dubey also brought to the attention of the court the plight of the foreign medical graduates and said that it is a case of bonded labour if they do not get the stipend. The bench asked as to why after rigorous hours the students are yet not paid stipend. It also directed that the matter pertaining to foreign medical graduates be also listed urgently for final arguments. This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
News18
01-08-2025
- Politics
- News18
SC orders Army Medical College to pay stipend arrears to 2022 MBBS interns
New Delhi, Aug 1 (PTI) The Supreme Court on Friday ordered the Delhi-based Army College of Medical Sciences (ACMS) to pay arrears of Rs 25,000 per month to MBBS interns from the 2022 batch, saying they deserved it as a 'matter of right". A bench comprising Justices Sudhanshu Dhulia and Aravind Kumar passed the order while hearing a petition filed by medical graduate Abhishek Yadav and others through lawyer Tanvi Dubey. The top court observed that despite a September 2023 order mandating a stipend of Rs. 25,000 per month for interns starting October 2023, the previous batch had been left uncompensated. At the outset, Justice Dhulia questioned senior advocate R Balasubramanian, appearing for ACMS, as to why the 2022 interns had not been paid, even after nearly three years. 'Why will you pay a stipend? They deserve it as a matter of right," the judge said. Justice Kumar also strongly criticized the stand of the ACMS and said, 'You make them work for 18 hours, 19 hours, and you don't want to pay them a stipend?" Balasubramanian contended that the college is managed by a private society and does not receive government funding. The bench remained unconvinced and said, 'These students have worked for the college. They must be paid." It proceeded to record a statement of Balasubramanian that the Army College would extend the same Rs 25,000 stipend to all interns, including the 2022 batch. Citing previous orders passed by a three-judge bench, it ordered that similarly placed students should not be denied benefits. 'We are of the opinion that the same benefit ought to be given to the previous batch as well… We direct that interns of 2022, who had done their internship with Army Medical College, also be paid an amount of Rs. 25,000 per month. Let the same be calculated and paid within eight weeks," the bench ordered. Dubey also brought to the attention of the court the plight of the foreign medical graduates and said that it is a case of bonded labour if they do not get the stipend. The bench asked as to why after rigorous hours the students are yet not paid stipend. It also directed that the matter pertaining to foreign medical graduates be also listed urgently for final arguments. PTI SJK ZMN (This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a syndicated news agency feed - PTI) view comments First Published: August 01, 2025, 18:45 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
01-08-2025
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Forum raises concerns over dual nativity in Pondicherry medical admissions
PUDUCHERRY: The issue of dual nativity has once again cast a shadow over medical admissions in Puducherry, with a forum of students and parents flagging serious irregularities in the draft merit list released by the Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) for MBBS and other NEET-based courses under the government quota. According to V Balasubramanian, president of the Pondicherry State Students and Parents Welfare Association, two students have been found to figure in both Puducherry's CENTAC merit list and the Tamil Nadu Health Department's list, raising doubts about the authenticity of their nativity claims. He also expressed apprehension that similar cases involving students from other neighbouring states could have gone unnoticed. In a petition to the Lt Governor, Puducherry CM and senior officials, the forum urged immediate intervention to prevent candidates from other states from occupying medical seats reserved for Puducherry natives. The association demanded a comprehensive cross-verification of applicant data — including NEET scores, rank numbers, and personal details — with merit lists from Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Kerala to identify dual applicants. They further called for strict action against students, parents, and any intermediaries involved in obtaining fraudulent nativity certificates. Despite existing provisions in Puducherry's admission guidelines — which state that any student claiming nativity in more than one state during the same academic year would be disqualified — complaints continue to surface annually. The norms also include a clause requiring a parental declaration to reinforce compliance. Last year, eight students were disqualified on similar grounds. However, Balasubramanian alleged that CENTAC and the Puducherry Health Department have failed to enforce the rules strictly. Meanwhile, Tamil Nadu has disqualified over 23 students for submitting fake certificates under the NRI and other quota categories. The forum urged the Puducherry administration to adopt similar punitive measures.
NDTV
26-07-2025
- Business
- NDTV
'We're Maldives First Responders, Always: Indian Envoy On Reset In Ties
Male: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Male to attend the Maldives' 60th Independence Day celebrations as Guest of Honour, India's High Commissioner to the Maldives, G Balasubramanian, spoke exclusively to NDTV about the steady turnaround in bilateral relations - and the road ahead. "This visit marks a reset," he said, referring to the recent chill in ties between the two countries, particularly after President Mohamed Muizzu came to power in 2023 on a platform that had leaned closer to Beijing and called for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel. But a year on, the diplomatic language has shifted - from confrontational to constructive. Mr Balasubramanian pointed to India's consistent and quiet diplomacy during this period, coupled with targeted development aid and people-centric engagement. "India-Maldives relations have stood the test of time. They are rooted in history, geography, and mutual goodwill - and they will only strengthen further after this visit," he said. Big Projects, Bigger Signal Among the key symbols of India's development partnership is the Greater Male Connectivity Bridge, which is now 65 per cent complete. Once finished, the bridge - funded by a USD 500 million Indian line of credit - will become the largest infrastructure project in the Maldives and connect the capital with nearby islands. "It will unlock enormous economic potential for the country," Mr Balasubramanian said. The visit has also delivered substantive outcomes: An extension of India's line of credit, and a formal start to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks, signalling a deepening economic partnership even as both sides rework the optics. India's Place Amid Rising Chinese Influence Asked about China's growing presence in the Maldives, the High Commissioner was measured but clear. "India's ties with Maldives are independent. They are not determined by our dynamic with any other country. The common people here know India has always stood by them. We have been their first responders - whether during natural disasters or man-made tragedies," he said. His comments come at a time when India is carefully re-engaging with the Muizzu administration, choosing investment, education, and connectivity over overt confrontation - a strategy that now seems to be bearing fruit. Tourism, Health, Education: A Two-Way Street Looking ahead, Mr Balasubramanian sees untapped potential in people-to-people links - especially in tourism, health care, and education. While Maldivians have long visited Indian hospitals and universities, the High Commissioner noted that outbound Indian tourism could grow as well. "India offers something the Maldives doesn't - mountains, rivers, a vast cultural landscape. There's growing interest among Maldivians to explore India," he said. A Reset With Roots For India, this visit is not just about optics, but reaffirming its role as a trusted, reliable partner - irrespective of who holds office in Male. As the High Commissioner said, "That's our biggest strength: consistency. Governments may change, but our friendship with the people of Maldives remains."
