Latest news with #VRS


New Indian Express
17 hours ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Bihar education ACS S Siddharth opts VRS, likely to contest in Nawada district under JD(U)
PATNA: Senior IAS officer and additional chief secretary of state education department, Dr S Siddharth, has opted for voluntary retirement scheme (VRS). He is likely to contest Bihar assembly election from one of the seats in Nawada district on a JD (U) ticket. He is scheduled to retire on November 30, 2025. According to sources, Tamil Nadu-native Siddharth had submitted his VRS application to the government on July 17, 2025. The final decision is yet to be made as his application is awaiting formal approval from the chief minister's office. Siddharth also holds the post of principal secretary to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. During his stint in the education department, he took several reformative steps like establishing Model Schools, teacher training and online redressal of grievances. He, however, courted some controversy for his policy for transfer of teachers and other tough policies. "A final decision on the matter is to be taken by the Chief Minister. The 1991-batch IAS officer has cited personal reasons for opting VRS,' a source in CM secretariat said. Another IAS officer Dinesh Kumar Rai opted VRS recently. He is likely to contest elections from Kargahar in Rohtas district on the ticket of JD(U). Rai's VRS was accepted by the state government, and a notification was issued on July 14.


News18
19 hours ago
- Business
- News18
How To Start A Senior Citizen Savings Account: Step-By-Step Guide
Launched by the Government of India in 2004, the scheme allows a maximum deposit of Rs 30 lakh. As individuals grow older, securing financial stability becomes more important than ever. One dependable way to safeguard your future is by investing in the Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS), a government-backed savings option designed specifically for those aged 60 and above. More than just a regular bank account, SCSS acts as a financial safety net during your retirement years, offering higher interest rates, exclusive banking benefits, and the peace of mind that comes with stable returns. Launched by the Government of India in 2004, the scheme allows a maximum deposit of Rs 30 lakh, with an initial tenure of 5 years, extendable by an additional 3 years upon maturity. Early retirees aged 55 to 59 who have opted for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) or superannuation, as well as retired defence personnel aged 50 to 59, are also eligible to open a Senior Citizens Savings Scheme (SCSS) account. Accounts can be opened individually or jointly with a spouse, with deposits capped at Rs 30 lakh per individual. You can open an SCSS account at any post office or at authorised public and private sector banks across India. Step 4: Complete the application form and submit the required documents. Step 5: Deposit the minimum required amount, usually ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 depending on the bank. Step 6: Once the account is opened, enjoy benefits like higher interest rates, priority service, free chequebooks, and more. Senior Citizen Saving Scheme: Documents required Two passport-size photographs A PAN card is mandatory. ID proof (Aadhaar card, passport, driving license issued by the Regional Transport Authority, voter ID card, and job card issued by NREGA, signed by the state government officer) Proof of address, such as electricity bills or telephone bills. Age proof, like a birth certificate or senior citizen card. If the investor is less than 60 years old, he/she will require a certificate from the employer indicating the details of retirement on superannuation or otherwise, employment held, retirement benefits, and the period of such employment with the employer. First Published: July 22, 2025, 10:45 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.


News18
3 days ago
- Health
- News18
TTD Suspends Four Employees For Practising Non-Hindu Faiths
TTD confirmed it suspended four of its employees over allegations that they practised other faiths and said these employees violated the institution's code of conduct. The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD), the official body governing the revered Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala of Andhra Pradesh's Chittoor district, has suspended four employees for allegedly being non-Hindus and practising other religions. The temple body suspended Deputy Executive Engineer (quality control) B Elizar, staff nurse of BIRRD Hospital, S Rosi, grade-1 pharmacist of BIRRD Hospital, M Premavati and G Asuntha from SV Ayurveda Pharmacy. In an official statement, TTD confirmed it had suspended four of its employees on the grounds of allegations that they practised other faiths and said these employees violated the institution's code of conduct and acted irresponsibly in their duties while representing and working for a Hindu religious organisation. After examining the report submitted by the TTD Vigilance Department and other evidence, departmental action was taken against them as per the rules and the four employees were immediately suspended, the TTD further said. On May 20, the TTD trust board, under the leadership of Chairman B.R. Naidu, passed a resolution to ensure that no non-Hindus are present in any of the institutions managed by the TTD. The non-Hindu employees were transferred to other government departments or offered Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS). In an official statement on Tuesday, the TTD said Rajasekhar Babu was found participating in church prayers every Sunday, an act deemed to be in violation of the organisation's norms. 'It is nothing but a violation of TTD norms as he has not followed the code of conduct of the TTD as an employee of the organisation, and has acted irresponsibly as an employee representing a Hindu religious organisation," the temple trust stated. view comments First Published: July 20, 2025, 08:14 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.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Kin of road accident victims buckle under mounting bills
Mumbai: Families of three victims of serious road accidents in the city, all involving young drivers, have been grappling with emotional trauma and mounting medical expenses. In Lokhandwala, Naresh Bhagchandani, a 60-year-old garment trader, was left paralysed below the waist after being struck by 20-year-old Manav Jain, who was driving an SUV. Bhagchandani's daughter said, "My father has become aggressive after the accident. We are clueless about managing mounting medical bills that touched Rs 40 lakh in 45 days of the accident. We don't know whether we will get justice. We are in trauma and my mother waits outside the hospital ICCU from 6am to 9pm in the hope that our father will be back on his feet. But doctors said recovery will take at least a year." Bhagchandani was hit in Andheri West during a morning walk on June 13. Oshiwara police arrested Jain, who lacked a valid driving licence. He was later released on bail. In Vile Parle East, Mangilal Kothari, aged 78, has been unable to stand since being knocked down by a speeding bike on Dec 13 last year while walking home. The driver, Yug Vora, a 19-year-old college student, fled the scene. Kothari's grandson, Mehul, said, "We have spent at least Rs 35 lakh on my grandfather's treatment till date. The incident has traumatised the entire family and drained us financially. It took almost three months for my grandfather to be out of the ICU. We have hired a 24x7 caretaker." You Can Also Check: Mumbai AQI | Weather in Mumbai | Bank Holidays in Mumbai | Public Holidays in Mumbai Chandivali resident Subramaniam Krishnan, aged 65, said, "It took almost a year for me to recover 60%. The fracture in my spine is not healed and doctors have advised a strapped belt if I have to walk. The entire incident has left my family handicapped and my wife took VRS to look after me. We have to fight daily to arrange money so that our son who is studying abroad can meet his expenses. Also, I don't know whether the accused will be punished. " The accident occurred on Sept 6 at 4pm when a minor lost control of his MUV, striking Krishnan, a corporate legal advisor. CCTV footage of the accident went viral, showing the minor losing control and hitting an autorickshaw before striking Krishnan, who suffered two spinal fractures. A senior IPS officer said, "Where the victim is not at fault the sections should be made non-bailable." Retired IPS officer B K Upadhyaya said, "In such cases the family suffers trauma too, and it is difficult to overcome. Legal battles can take a very long time. Compensation is not adequate, and the accused may not also not be punished in time or may be acquitted. There could be delay, indifferent behaviour on part of law enforcement agencies, and complex and time-consuming court proceedings." Upadhyaya suggested speedy trial, adequate compensation, and proper medical and psychiatric treatment for victims and families. A city-based psychiatrist said post-traumatic stress disorder following an accident leads to symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. "This trauma is faced by the victim who survived the accident but is bedridden or has no resources for treatment. Similarly, the victim's family endures stress and financial crises," the psychiatrist said. IPS officer-turned-lawyer Y P Singh said expenses for serious medical impairment have to be borne by the victim, who loses income due to disability and requires funds for physical care. "It is a sheer double jeopardy. The compensation to address the disability is highly insufficient, which adds to the trauma amid the spectre of bankruptcy." Singh urged families to present specific, doctor-certified expenses to the Motor Accidents Claims Tribunal to get adequate compensation. "Where the victim is not at fault, the sections should be made non-bailable," Singh added. Former state director general of police Praveen Dixit said every year at least five lakh persons die and five lakh are seriously injured in road accidents. He recommended the govt announce payments of Rs 5 lakh for a deceased victim and and Rs 3 lakh for the injured, recovering money from insurance companies and vehicle manufacturers. Dixit also urged tribunals, courts and the police to impose heavy fines on rule-breakers, including those who disregard traffic signals.


Daily Record
09-07-2025
- Automotive
- Daily Record
Temporary traffic lights on busy Ayrshire road for two weeks
Lane closures and temporary traffic lights will be on the A77 at Kennedy's Pass for two weeks from Monday, July 14. Ayrshire motorists are being warned to expect disruption as "essential upgrades" take place on the A77 from next week. Starting on Monday, July 14, temporary traffic lights will be in place at Kennedy's Pass as work takes place on the Vehicle Restraint System (VRS). Located around four miles south of Girvan, the works are expected to last around two and a half weeks before finishing on Thursday, July 31. The VRS includes guardrails and barriers which are designed to prevent vehicles from leaving the carriageway and colliding with roadside hazards. Trunk road operator Amey said 24-hour temporary traffic lights would be in place for the duration of the works. A spokesperson for Amey said: "Amey, on behalf of Transport Scotland, is undertaking essential VRS upgrade work on the A77 southbound at Kennedy's Pass from Monday, July 14, until Thursday, July 31. "This work will be completed under single lane closures and 24-hour temporary traffic lights. "Access for emergency service vehicles will be maintained throughout these works. "Please note, all schemes are weather dependent and may be cancelled or rescheduled if weather conditions are not favourable. "This scheme will benefit vehicles using this route each day, by improving the condition of the carriageway and reducing the need for more extensive maintenance in the future."