Latest news with #VDS
Time of India
06-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Costly Drug Now Free For Needy Patients With Rare Skin Disease: Doctors & NGO
Nagpur: Needy patients suffering from a rare and painful skin disorder, Autoimmune Blistering Disease, can now receive the costly drug, Rituximab, free of charge, thanks to the initiative by the Pune-based foundation, AIBDF. The announcement came during a doctors' and public awareness programme organised by the Vidarbha Dermatology Society (VDS) attended by over 200 dermatologists from across Vidarbha. "This disease is rare but deadly, and incredibly painful. Our foundation provides Rituximab injection free of cost to needy patients so they can access the best treatment," said Dr Vikrant Saoji, a senior dermatologist. Suratwala explains that he started AIBDF in memory of his late wife, Jayshree Suratwala, who tragically lost her life to this disease during the pandemic. "I wanted to ensure that no one else suffers the way she did," he said. Senior dermatologist Dr Vinit Dubey from Chandrapur sent the very first patient to AIBDF in 2023. "The patient came from a very poor family," he said, adding, "Thanks to AIBDF, my patient received the expensive medicine for free and is now doing well." Dr Asra Khumushi, president of VDS, says the initiative is a game-changer for many underprivileged patients. "I have several patients with autoimmune blistering diseases, and many come from low-income backgrounds. Steroids are often prescribed but have severe side effects. Rituximab is the most proven and effective drug. Thanks to this NGO, it's possible now for many poor patients to get this treatment," Dr Khumushi explains. Dr Nitin Barde, another dermatologist, highlighted the financial relief for patients. "The entire treatment still adds up to around Rs one lakh. The foreign version costs over Rs three lakh per dose. So, getting this drug free of cost is a huge relief for patients," he says. Jayant Hemade, co-founder of AIBDF, and a family friend of Suratwala, said the NGO has far helped 25 patients. "Until now, the foundation was entirely funded by Suratwala. But we've recently secured CSR certification and will start accepting corporate support," Hemade said. He urged both patients and dermatologists to spread the good word. VDS secretary Dr Priyanka Magia discussed the importance of early diagnosis. "Hundreds of dermatologists across Vidarbha are now aware of this service. I urge anyone experiencing symptoms of this disease to consult a dermatologist as soon as possible, because patients must go through specialists to avail this benefit," Dr Magia advises. According to doctors, AIIMS Nagpur treated 70 patients with autoimmune blistering diseases in the past three years, highlighting the growing need for accessible treatment in the region. Autoimmune Blistering Diseases (AIBDs) * Rare but potentially life-threatening skin disorders * Immune system mistakenly attacks skin and mucous membranes * Causes painful blisters, sores, infections * AIIMS Nagpur treated 70 patients in just 3 years — significant for such a rare illness * Often treated with steroids, but these have serious side effects * Rituximab is the most proven and effective drug * AIBDF now provides Rituximab free of cost to needy patients * 25 patients helped so far by the foundation
Hindustan Times
01-07-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Power users get chance to declare actual load
In a move aimed at ensuring uninterrupted power supply and improving electricity distribution, the Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has launched a Voluntary Declaration Scheme (VDS) for domestic and commercial electricity consumers. The initiative, effective from July 1 to July 31, 2025, provides consumers a one-time opportunity to declare their actual power load without facing penalties. According to CPDL officials, over the years, many households and businesses have significantly increased their electricity consumption. However, a large number of consumers have not applied to revise their sanctioned load accordingly. (HT File) According to CPDL officials, over the years, many households and businesses have significantly increased their electricity consumption. However, a large number of consumers have not applied to revise their sanctioned load accordingly. This discrepancy between the sanctioned and actual usage has made it difficult for the utility to plan and manage power distribution effectively. 'By declaring their actual power load, consumers can support us in optimising electricity distribution infrastructure, reducing disruptions and maintaining a steady supply to their premises,' said Arun Kumar Verma, director, CPDL. To make the process hassle-free, CPDL has introduced both online and offline submission options. 'Consumers can fill a form available on the official website — — and upon completing all necessary steps, they will receive an acknowledgment on their mobile phones. Alternatively, consumers can visit their respective sub-divisional officer (SDO) offices to submit the form in person,' said the CPDL director. Officials clarified that the scheme is being implemented under the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) regulations, 2018, and is designed to be both practical and consumer-centric. The CPDL has stated that no penalty will be imposed on consumers for declaring excess load currently in use. Moreover, there will be no requirement to submit a test report, and the newly declared load will be considered regularised from the date of application. Once the scheme concludes on July 31, CPDL plans to conduct a comprehensive survey of domestic and commercial premises across the city. The survey will aim to identify connections where the actual load exceeds the sanctioned limit. 'Appropriate action will be taken against owners found violating the norms based on the survey findings,' officials said, underscoring the importance of voluntary compliance during the scheme period.
Time of India
30-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UT residents can now get excess power regularised
Chandigarh: To ensure uninterrupted power supply, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has introduced the Voluntary Declaration Scheme (VDS) for both domestic and commercial connections. The power discom has asked consumers to declare their actual electricity load under the scheme. This is a one-time opportunity for the consumers to avail themselves of the benefits of the scheme, as per the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) regulations 2018. Over the years, the power load of many domestic and commercial connections has increased manifold. However, consumers did not put in an application to enhance their sanctioned load accordingly. CPDL officials said through a simple and easy process, consumers can now share details of their load or demand to get it enhanced, enabling the utility to plan, augment, and manage the power distribution system more efficiently. Arun Kumar Verma, director, CPDL, said, "By declaring their actual power load, consumers can support us in optimising electricity distribution infrastructure, reducing disruptions, and maintaining a steady supply to their premises." Officials said the process for declaring the actual power load has been made more consumer-friendly. All they need to do is fill out a form online at the CPDL website, Upon completing all the required steps, they will receive an acknowledgment on their mobile phones. The form can also be submitted offline by visiting the respective SDO office. The officials clarified that no penalty will be imposed on the consumer for the declaration of excess load, and the declared load will be deemed to be regularised from the date of application. Also, there will be no need to submit a test report. The validity of the scheme will be for a month from July 1 to July 31, 2025. The officials said after the closure of the VDS, CPDL will conduct a survey to identify domestic and commercial establishments where the actual power load exceeds the sanctioned limit. Appropriate action will be taken against the owners of establishments found to violate the prescribed norms based on the survey findings, they added. Once accurate information about the actual power load is available, power distribution arrangements will be optimised accordingly. This will help reduce breakdowns and faults, ultimately ensuring a more seamless and reliable power supply. BOX CONSUMERS TAKE NOTE All that consumers need to do is fill out a form online at the CPDL website, Upon completing all the required steps, they will receive an acknowledgment on their mobile phones The form can also be submitted offline by visiting the respective subdivisonal officer's office No penalty will be imposed on the consumer for the declaration of excess load being utilised by them, and the declared load will be deemed to be regularised from the date of application QUOTE By declaring their actual power load, consumers can support us in optimising electricity distribution infrastructure, reducing disruptions, and maintaining a steady supply to their premises Arun Kumar Verma, director, Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited
Hindustan Times
26-05-2025
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh: Tampered power meter? Come clean by June 9 to avoid legal action
The Chandigarh Power Distribution Limited (CPDL) has launched a Voluntary Declaration Scheme (VDS), offering consumers a final opportunity to admit to tampered electricity meters without facing legal action. The scheme is specifically designed for consumers who have tampered with their electricity meters and now wish to regularise their connections. In accordance with the 2018 regulations of the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC), CPDL is offering consumers a one-time chance to admit their wrongdoing and rectify it. According to CPDL, no complaint or police case will be registered in connection with meter tampering as long as the disclosure is made before June 9. Moreover, the penalty — a 12-month assessment fee — will be halved to a six-month fee. CPDL has clarified that this is a one-time opportunity, and after this period, strict action will be taken under regular rules if meter tampering is found. Therefore, consumers are urged to take advantage of this scheme within the stipulated time and regularise their electricity connections. New meter's cost to be borne by the consumer Under this scheme, consumers will be required to get a new meter installed and the cost of the new meter will have to be borne by them. The electricity meter and service cable will be provided and installed by CPDL, eliminating unnecessary delays, and making the entire process seamless and convenient. Also, to streamline the process, CPDL has stated that the new meters will be installed within 72 hours of payment. To avail of this scheme, consumers can visit the CPDL website at to learn about the process or contact their respective SDO (sub-divisional officer) offices. For more information, consumers can contact the helpline number 9240216666 or email at connectcpdl@
Time of India
10-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
After groundwater scheme ‘scam', Delhi govt drafting new borewell policy, green tribunal told
New Delhi: After called the voluntary disclosure scheme (VDS) to extract groundwater a "scam", Delhi govt, in a new affidavit, informed the tribunal that a new borewell policy was being framed in consultation with and other govt departments.A plea was filed in NGT by activist Varun Gulati against the illegal drawing of groundwater by guesthouses and hotels in Paharganj. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now In Nov 2023, Delhi Pollution Control Committee informed NGT that of the total 536 guesthouses and hotels in Paharganj, 442 were found to be extracting groundwater. However, notices were initially issued to only 257 guesthouses as 185 were found to be extracting groundwater under Delhi Jal Board's NGT questioned VDS in Nov last year, the counsel for Delhi govt informed the tribunal that VDS was not framed but was discussed in a meeting in 2013, and a public advertisement was issued for it based on the meeting. In Jan, NGT asked the chief secretary to conduct an inquiry and ascertain the loss from the unregulated drawing of groundwater in the name of the "non-existing" VDS in a report dated May 5, Delhi govt said, "The council of ministers has also directed to prepare a new borewell policy to be placed before them for consideration at the earliest. Accordingly, the new borewell policy is being prepared in consultation with Central Ground Water Authority, DJB, revenue department, Delhi Pollution Control Committee, New Delhi Municipal Council and Delhi Cantonment Board." It added that the new policy would be submitted to NGT after necessary affidavit stated that the additional chief secretary (revenue) would conduct an inquiry, on behalf of the chief secretary, on the unregulated withdrawal of water in the name of the non-existing VDS. "The outcome of the inquiry will be submitted to the tribunal," it also said Rs 559.88 lakh was levied towards sewer and water cess charges on guesthouses and hotels in Paharganj. Besides, there is an outstanding amount of Rs 556.39 lakh, for which notices have been issued to the hotels/guesthouses by DJB, it said."To address the extent of damage caused to the environment and the effect of such an illegal action on the groundwater of the area concerned, notices were issued to 536 hotels by DPCC on Aug 4, 2021. Four hundred and twenty-three hotels or guesthouses submitted environmental damage compensation. Fourteen hotels have not deposited EDC while four hotels have partially deposited it. The penalty recovered from violating hotels amounts to Rs 4.16 crore to date," said the report.
