While allowing the conduct of the kabaddi tournament from 6 am to 10 pm on August 29 and 30 at Madhaikalam village in Madurai district, Justice L Victoria Gowri laid down the following conditions.

“The organisers and participants should not raise slogans or make chants either in support of or against any political party or its leader, caste, community or religion. They should also ensure that no untoward incident affecting public peace and tranquillity takes place.”

“The participants should not wear clothes bearing objectionable or provocative statements or images of religious or political leaders. Songs praising religious leaders or those that could hurt religious sentiments should not be played during the event,” the judge said.

The Court also stated that no flex boards or hoardings referring to any particular community or leader should be displayed. Persons with pending criminal cases are not eligible to participate in the kabaddi tournament. Participants should not consume any narcotic substances or alcohol, the judge observed.

The Court passed the order on a petition filed by Mukesh of Sholavandan, who approached the Madurai Bench seeking permission and police protection to conduct a kabaddi tournament at Madhaikalam in Sangankottai village, Sholavandan, Madurai district. He approached the Court after the police refused to grant permission for the event.

The Court also authorised the police to take legal action in case of violation of these conditions and, if necessary, to stop the event.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, under the existing empty bottle return scheme, a Rs 10 deposit is collected for each liquor bottle. The amount can be refunded by returning the empty bottle to the store where it was purchased or to authorised collection centres.

How will TASMAC's fast scanner system work

Under the new system, an employee stationed in a vehicle with a scanner will scan the sticker on the empty bottle when it is returned. The bottle will then be collected and Rs 10 refunded to the customer.

It is estimated that up to 8,000 bottles can be returned through this method in a day.

Why is TASMAC's new system being introduced?

Most TASMAC shops operate in limited spaces, making it difficult to install automated bottle collection machines. Hence, the Fast Scanner system is being considered for shops that sell liquor worth more than Rs 10 lakh a day but have limited space.

Where has TASMAC's fast scanner system been tested?

The Fast Scanner system has been installed on a trial basis at one liquor shop each in Thiruvallikeni and Egmore in Chennai.

Meanwhile, the empty bottles collected through the vehicles will be handed over to contractors appointed by TASMAC.

Despite the state facing financial constraints, considering the well-being and livelihood of the milk producers, and in an effort to provide a fair remunerative price for their work, the state government has decided to enhance the milk procurement price, he said.

The milk procured through the primary milk cooperative societies of state-owned Aavin would be increased from Rs 38 to Rs 41, and it will include a government incentive of Rs 3 per litre. The move will benefit over 3.16 lakh milk producers, the chief minister said, making an announcement under Rule 110 in the Assembly.

The gesture will entail the state government an additional expenditure of Rs 30 crore per month, Vijay said, flaying the previous DMK regime for not making any effort to hike the procurement price.

Along with this, the Chief Minister announced that the government would provide Rs 75,000 per month towards the driver's salary, fuel and maintenance charges.

"Each MLA needs an assistant to carry out public work without hurdles. Owing to this, a monthly personal assistance allowance of Rs 25,000 will be provided to all MLAs," the Chief Minister said.

Explaining the reasons behind the announcements, Vijay said the facilities would enable MLAs to avoid depending on others for their travel needs.

"This will pave the way for hassle-free travel for MLAs to redress people's grievances. It will help reduce the monthly expenses of MLAs and enable corruption-free and transparent governance for the common people," the Chief Minister said.

Recalling the pledge made at the introductory meeting of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam candidates, the Chief Minister and TVK chief said in the Assembly that the TVK MLAs were working with transparency and without corruption as per the pledge.

"The TVK-led government is also functioning under the principle of 'Administration for the People – On the Path of Integrity'," the Chief Minister said.

Though details of the list of suspects or financial loss to the government is not available right now, it may be recalled that the Energy Minister, R Nirmalkumar, said on June 25, 2026, while releasing the TNEB White Paper, that the government had detected irregularities worth about Rs 1,028 crore in nine conductor procurement tenders floated during the previous government.

 A division bench comprising Chief Justice SA Dharmadhikari and Justice G Arul Murugan closed the plea after taking note of the revised circular allowing States to decide when to render their State songs, and the Tamil Nadu Government Order reaffirming that Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu shall be sung at the beginning of programmes across educational institutions, government offices and other establishments.

The Bench held that the petitioner's grievances had been addressed by the circular and the Government Order, leaving no further issue for judicial determination.

 The petition, filed by Ananya Radhakrishnan, contended that placing Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu in the third position during the ceremony caused deep anguish among the people and amounted to an unwarranted dilution of the ceremonial dignity traditionally accorded to the State Song.

According to the petitioner, the Ministry of Home Affairs' January 28 circular, titled "Orders Relating to the National Song of India", does not impose any constitutional, statutory or executive prohibition against commencing official State functions with an officially recognised State Song. The plea stated that the circular merely regulates the order between the National Song and the National Anthem when both are rendered together and is silent on State Songs, including Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu.

 The plea sought to quash the January 28 circular and direct the authorities to issue appropriate protocol guidelines ensuring that Tamizh Thaai Vaazhthu is rendered at the commencement of official State functions and constitutional ceremonies, and is not relegated to a position subsequent to Vande Mataram or the National Anthem in the absence of any express constitutional, statutory or binding executive mandate.

 During the hearing, the Union government informed the court that when a State Song is rendered along with the National Song and National Anthem, Vande Mataram must precede Jana Gana Mana. It added that States have full discretion to decide when to render their State Song in a programme.
 The Government informed the court that the circular did not specify the order in which a State Song was to be rendered and that the discretion was left to the respective State. The court was also informed about the recent order issued by the Tamil Nadu Government.

 The Bench held that the administrative updates had addressed the grievances and dismissed the writ petition as infructuous. All connected miscellaneous petitions were also closed.

According to provisional allotment data furnished by the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DME) here on Wednesday, 510 students have secured MBBS seats, while 104 students have been allotted Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) seats.

Among the 510 MBBS beneficiaries, 323 students have been allotted seats in government medical colleges, 12 in ESI institutions, 166 in self-financing medical colleges and nine in private universities. Out of 104 government school students allotted BDS seats, 16 have secured seats in government institutions and 88 have been allotted seats in self-financing dental colleges.

Community-wise, MBBS allotments comprise two OC students, 88 SC students, 15 SCA students, 6 ST students, 170 BC students, 24 BCM students and 205 students belonging to MBC and DNC communities (total 510). In BDS allotments, 15 students belong to SC, four to SCA, one to ST, 27 to BC, four to BCM and 53 to MBC and DNC communities (total 104).

The 7.5% special reservation, available to eligible students who studied in government schools from classes 6-12, has emerged as a significant pathway for students from economically and socially diverse backgrounds to access professional medical and dental education. “The State government has consistently accorded high priority to ensuring that students in government schools are provided equitable opportunities to enter professional courses, irrespective of their socio-economic background,” stated a press note from the department.

The department officials also assured that they would continue strengthening government schools through quality teaching, academic support, career guidance and competitive-examination preparation, to enable more students to pursue higher education and professional careers.

“The allotment covers students from across the reserved communities and demonstrates the reach of government school education in enabling students to pursue highly competitive professional courses,” noted the school education secretary Chandra Mohan.

Justices G Jayachandran and E Manoharan, referring to the Bhagavad Gita, observed that God did not discriminate among living beings and noted that there was no room for discrimination in places of worship.

Madhavan Ramanuja Dasan, a Kancheepuram resident and Secretary of Thirukatchi Nambi Thirumaladiar Seva Sangam, approached the Madras High Court, stating that he was a devotee of Lord Devarajaswamy and a Thenkalai Vaishnavite. He said that the Devasthanam has several shrines, including the important Manavala Munigal Sannathi for Thenkalai Vaishnavites.

During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel alleged that non-Brahmin devotees were denied entry through the main entrance of the Sannathi and asked to use the side entrance, while Brahmins were allowed through the main entrance. He added that non-Brahmins were denied permission to recite hymns, were not given Satari, and faced discrimination during the 10-day birthday celebrations of Manavala Munigal.

The Special Government Pleader submitted that it was practically impossible to accommodate all members of the public inside the Azhwar Acharyas sub-shrines, as they are small structures. He stated that even the Adhyapaga Goshti and Adhyapaka Mirasi Goshti members could not be fully accommodated inside the sub-shrines during service periods and, therefore, members of the public had to be accommodated outside. He added that there was no discrimination or caste-based segregation in the temple.

The Court took on record the Temple authorities’ undertaking to ensure non-discriminatory distribution of Theertham, Satari and Prasadam. It also recorded their assurance that devotees, including non-Brahmins, would not be prevented from reciting Prabandhams in the temple shrines, except for the traditional Adhyabaga Misari service reserved for the Thenkalai sect.

“There is something special about your child becoming a doctor compared to other professions, especially if they are the first graduate in their family,” Mrs Gayathri said. “‘En paiyan, ponnu doctor’ carries more than what it literally means. It carries with it a silent respect, dignity and job assurance. The trajectory, the confidence and the quality of life it opens up for the family and the next generation is phenomenal.”

For many of the centre's students, simply reaching a classroom was its own daily obstacle. Some travelled two hours each way to attend class, then returned home to work odd jobs in the house and the field before studying at night. The barriers were rarely about drive or passion, Mrs Gayathri said, but access: no coaching centre nearby, no way to pay coaching fees, a shortage of reading material in Tamil, and, for girls in particular, a lack of encouragement to keep trying. In response, the centre added a hostel facility for its girl students.

The teaching itself was built around each student rather than a single fixed syllabus. “We were not just teaching Physics, Chemistry and Biology, we were teaching and seeing life lessons unfold,” Mrs Gayathri said. “To understand each student, their fears, their gaps, and then tailor their reading plan to their needs, whether Tamil medium or English medium, the teachers put in their utmost effort.” Regular weekly tests, answer-paper discussions, Wednesday evening video meetings, parent-teacher meetings and a fixed daily timetable became the rhythm the centre ran on.

Some students sat the exam for the fourth or fifth time, unwilling to accept anything short of an MBBS seat; one student, who had already completed a nursing degree, returned to the centre to begin preparing all over again for her original dream of becoming a doctor. Another, a Tamil-medium student, put the language barrier she faced simply: “Question purinja thaanae, answer solla mudiyum, madam” — only once I understand the question can I answer it, madam. “It was a struggle, not an exam on equal footing, given the economic gap,” Mrs Gayathri said. “The exam was the same, the pressures were the same, sometimes more. What made the difference was the shared dream between the student, the parent and the teachers, and the burning desire from within that carried the race to its end, which was really a beginning.”

“I'm proud to be part of their journey, from the classrooms at Magudanchavadi to the corridors of medical colleges,” Mrs Gayathri said. “I'm sure these children will pay it forward, and soon what started as a ripple will be a wave, one that keeps turning dreams into doctors to be.”

Mrs Gayathri thanked Ganga Hospital, Coimbatore, for its CSR support of the initiative, along with education consultants Mr Sathish and Mr Rajesh, faculty members Mr Senthil (Physics), Mr Sakthivel (Chemistry) and Mr Thilagam (Biology), coordinator Mr Arun Thangaraj and typist Ms Suganya, whom she called the backbone of the initiative. “They truly transformed not just a student's future, but the family's, and the next generation's,” she said.

About the Shanmuganathan Kanagavalli Charitable Trust

The Shanmuganathan Kanagavalli Charitable Trust runs a free NEET coaching centre in Magudanchavadi, Tamil Nadu, for students from surrounding villages, with a particular focus on Government school students facing barriers to accessing coaching. The centre was founded in 2024 by M/s Ganga Hospitals and provides tuition, study resources, mentoring and hostel accommodation for Gov School students at no cost to families. Mrs Gayathri is the grand daughter of Dr Shanmuganathan and Mrs Kanagavalli.

Media Contact

Shanmuganathan Kanagavalli Charitable Trust — 3/285, MGR Nagar, Magudamchavadi, Singagiri, Salem, 637103, Phone : 9362525262

More than 150 families have been residing at the camp near Boganallur in Kadayanallur taluk for the past 35 years. Over the last month, more than 50 residents have reportedly suffered from fever and received treatment at various hospitals.

Two deaths reported

Recently, 13-year-old Rihana Mary, daughter of Rajan-Saila Sri, died while undergoing treatment for dengue at the Tirunelveli Government Medical College Hospital.

Meanwhile, Narmala (27), wife of Dinesh and a resident of the same camp, was also undergoing treatment for dengue at the Tirunelveli government hospital. She died on Tuesday despite treatment.

Following the reported dengue cases, health and sanitation activities were intensified at the camp.

Residents alleged that garbage from surrounding areas was being brought and dumped near the camp and that some of it was being set on fire, creating unhygienic conditions.

They urged the authorities to remove the garbage and ensure that the area around the camp is kept clean to prevent further spread of dengue.

Jasmine glut causes price slump

Jasmine is cultivated on around 1,500 acres across Kaveripattinam, Thimmapuram, Avathavattam, Sandur and Bargur, among other areas within a 40-km radius. More than 250 farmers depend on the crop for their livelihood.

However, the rising temperatures have triggered early flowering, resulting in a glut and a sharp fall in prices in the wholesale and open markets over the past few days.

Over the last two days, around 50 tonnes of jasmine were transported in 40 goods vans, of which nearly five tonnes could not be sold. Perfume (attar) manufacturing units offered only very low prices, leaving farmers unable to recover their costs.

Jasmine farmers seek govt intervention

With no adequate local facilities to sell the surplus flowers and prices remaining unviable, farmers were forced to dump around three tonnes of jasmine into the Thenpennai river near Kaveripattinam.

Farmer Balaji said the flowers had bloomed prematurely due to the change in weather. As a result, production is expected to decline during the upcoming festival season, causing heavy losses to growers.

He urged the government to establish a perfume manufacturing unit in Krishnagiri to utilise surplus jasmine and prevent farmers from suffering similar losses in the future.

The students fainted after they were unable to withstand the scorching heat. More than 300 students of the Government Arts College for Women, located on the district Collectorate campus, staged a protest from Wednesday morning demanding permanent classroom facilities.

As the college administration did not heed their demands, the students continued their protest despite the scorching sun. The situation turned tense when the students found the main entrance gate locked and were unable to take those who had fainted to hospital.

Despite calling for help, the students alleged that no one came to their rescue. “We had no other option but to break open the gate and save our friends,” a group of students said as they were seen carrying the fainted students to share autos.

Subsequently, the affected students were taken to the Sivaganga Government Medical College Hospital for treatment in 108 ambulances and auto rickshaws.

Around 3,000 students are pursuing various courses at the Sivaganga Government Arts College for Women. “Around 300 students are studying in the BBA department, but there are no proper classrooms for them,” the protesters said.

The teachers conduct classes under trees and in bicycle parking areas, they alleged.

Despite repeated representations by the students to the college administration, no efforts were made to arrange permanent classrooms for them, they alleged.

“Hence, we had no other option but to express our anger by boycotting classes and launching a sit-in protest on the campus. We are demanding that a newly constructed building be allotted for conducting classes,” the students said. The doctors are treating the students at the hospital, and their condition is said to be stable.

The circular was issued following a law and order review meeting held in July, where it was decided to improve coordination among the School Education Department, Higher Education Department and Police Department to prevent untoward incidents.

Based on the decision, the Commissionerate of Collegiate Education had issued instructions to principals of government colleges. The circular directed them to prevent students from participating in protests organised by the CJP and Left parties and to monitor students in this regard.

The order came under criticism, with questions being raised over the directive to monitor students' participation in political protests.

Following the criticism, the Directorate of Collegiate Education has now announced that the order issued by the Commissionerate of Collegiate Education has been withdrawn.

According to a Daily Thanthi report, the remarks came during a debate on the demands for grants for the Water Resources Department, Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, and Tourism, Art and Culture Department in the Assembly.

During the debate, DMK MLA I Periyasamy raised several issues concerning the Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department. Minister N Ananth responded to his remarks. Periyasamy subsequently questioned whether there was evidence to support the allegations being made against the DMK.

‘The files are on my table with evidence’

Responding to the DMK MLA, Chief Minister Vijay rose to speak and said he had initially decided not to raise the issue.

“I did not want to say this. But the Opposition keeps asking for evidence. A week ago, the Finance Minister said that the files relating to inquiries into three departments were on my table,” Vijay said.

He said the Finance Minister had not made the statement casually and that the files were indeed on his table.

“All those files contain evidence. Don’t force us to open them. Everything will be released properly at the appropriate time,” Vijay said.

He added that his government would decide when, what and how to present the information before the people.

“I will speak. It is not that I cannot speak. At least something good should happen for some people in the by-election,” he said, without elaborating further.

Outlining significant new initiatives to improve the state's healthcare system, the chief minister emphasised that medical care is a fundamental right, not a privilege, and the government aims to remove barriers to quality healthcare regardless of income or location.

Venkat Sri (22) and his twin younger brothers Arun and Tharan (18) are the three sons of weavers Ramkumar (49) and

Mangaiyarkarasi (46). The brothers studied in Vellanguli Government Higher Secondary School and cleared NEET this year, securing seats through the Tamil Nadu government’s 7.5 per cent reservation for government school students.

Venkat Sri secured a seat at a dental college in Nagercoil, while Arun got a seat at Tirunelveli Government Medical College and Tharan at PSG Medical College in Coimbatore. For Venkat Sri, the journey was longer. After completing Class 12 in 2023, he appeared for NEET and scored 300 marks. He tried again in 2025, improving his score to 420, but did not secure the seat he wanted. Refusing to give up, he appeared for the examination again this year and scored 440 marks.

His twin brothers also appeared for NEET this year, scoring 511 and 494 marks respectively, according to the family. Their parents, who depend on weaving for their livelihood, continued to support their sons despite financial difficulties. Ramkumar said the brothers prioritised their studies, even staying away from family occasions such as weddings and temple festivals.

Tree climber’s daughter scales heights

A similar dream has come true for Rakshitha, a government school student from Kalkurichi near Manamadurai in Sivaganga district. The daughter of a former bullock-cart worker, she has secured a seat at Thanjavur Medical College after scoring 506 marks in NEET this year.

Rakshitha’s father, Machaichamy, once worked as a bullock-cart driver. As the occupation declined, he shifted to coconut tree climbing in Andamans.

Participating in the debate on the demands for grants for Public Works, Highways, Sports Development and Human Resources Management in the Assembly, she said 10 children had reportedly faced sexual assault in the past five days and called for swift investigation and severe punishment.

“Those who commit sexual offences against women and children should be given stringent punishment. After a proper investigation, punishments similar to those followed in Arab countries should be considered. Encounter is the only solution to such crimes,” she said. Premallatha said the growing drug culture was also contributing to crimes and referred to the Amuthan and Dhanush murder cases while stressing the need for a stronger crackdown on narcotics. She said youngsters should be encouraged to take up sports, which would keep them away from drugs and help them become responsible citizens. Referring to the Karur incident in which a woman allegedly attacked a man accused of sexually assaulting a girl, she described the woman as a “real Velu Nachiyar” and said women fighting back against offenders would send a strong message. She also urged the government to renovate damaged roads.

In a statement, Shanmugam said that around 30,000 vacancies in state transport undertakings needed to be filled, and that these had traditionally recruited adequate staff and provided proper training to ensure safe and efficient services. However, during the previous DMK government, contract workers were appointed to fill vacancies.

Shanmugam alleged that instead of filling vacancies through regular recruitment, the DMK government had engaged contract workers through a company called Salvat. He accused the TVK government for its decision to allow recruitment of conductors through a tender awarded to SS Enterprises.

“Outsourcing recruitment will affect reservation-based appointments and consequently social justice,” he added, and demanded cancellation of the order awarding the MTC conductor recruitment contract to SS Enterprises.

“The order to appoint 250 administrative staff on contract through Sindhuri Management Solutions should also be cancelled,” he averred.

He alleged that, according to newspaper reports, the department had been portrayed as a “corruption department” during the previous regime.

During the discussion on the demands for grants for the Public Works and Highways Department in the Assembly, DMK member EV Velu said the Schedule of Rates (SoR) was prepared in the Public Works Department based on the recommendations of a committee headed by the Finance Secretary and subsequently released by the department.

He said no single minister could decide the SoR, which forms the basis for quoting tenders for every project. Replying to him, Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the TVK-led government had called for retenders for 20 projects, resulting in savings of 20 per cent to 36 per cent compared with the previous government’s rates.

“The government has followed last year’s SoR. Owing to this, the excess amount is deposited in the government exchequer,” the Minister said. He said the department had decided to release a white paper on tender data during the DMK regime.

He also dismissed demands from a section of Tamil Nadu politicians for a CBI inquiry into the death of the three men, claimed to be Tamils, in Chamarajanagar on August 15.

Shivakumar said Tamil Nadu should manage its own law and order issues.

“This is a federal structure. No state should interfere with the administration of any other state. People should have this basic understanding. I cannot get involved in any of the law and order problems of Tamil Nadu. Every state has its own problems,” he told reporters here.

His remarks follow the issue echoing in the Tamil Nadu Assembly on Tuesday, where members cutting across party lines demanded a high-level probe into the firing incident involving the Karnataka forest department.

Anthony Samy, John Rose Peter, and Kumar, who lived in the villages in Hanur Taluk of Chamarajanagar district in Karnataka, were shot dead by the forest department in the early hours of August 15, in the Cauvery Wildlife sanctuary area.

Following the incident, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay strongly condemned the alleged brutal killing and sought a fair investigation by a high-level committee into the heinous incident.

Raising the issue, former Chief Minister and AIADMK leader Edappadi K Palaniswami claimed that the victims’ families had stated that the Karnataka forest department allegedly shot and killed three men while a fourth individual is currently receiving medical treatment for injuries at a government hospital in Mysuru. Palaniswami urged the Tamil Nadu government to pursue a CBI investigation into the matter to uncover the truth, noting that the location of the incident sits on the border of two states.

According to officials in Karnataka, the forest personnel conducting an anti-poaching operation came under fire from the group, following which the personnel allegedly returned fire in self-defence, resulting in three deaths.

Responding to a question about Vijay’s criticism, Shivakumar said he did not want to comment on every statement.

“They should also know that we know how to protect our state. Let them do their job; we will do ours... I don’t want to interfere in their administration. We have to protect whatever sanctity there is of our state,” he said.

Currently, government employees with fewer than two surviving children are granted 365 days of maternity leave, while those with two or more children receive only up to 12 weeks of maternity leave.

Making the announcement during the demands for grants for the Human Resources Management Department, minister D Sarath Kumar said as the Tamil Nadu government is a welfare-oriented administration prioritising social welfare and women’s empowerment, the maternity leave currently provided for the third child of government employees will be enhanced from 12 weeks to 365 days.”

The original 90 days of maternity leave was raised to six months in 2011, nine months in 2016, and extended to one year (365 days) in July 2021 by the respective state governments of the day.

Under the standard eligibility framework, the 365-day benefit applies to regular women state employees with fewer than two surviving children, a government source said.

However, in line with directives from the Supreme Court and subsequent state amendments, state government employees with two or more surviving children remain entitled to 12 weeks (84 days) of maternity leave with full pay. A senior official also said that soon a detailed government order will be issued to give effect to the announcement in the Assembly.

Eligibility: Open to SC, ST and Muslim students from any Indian state or union territory who have passed Class 12 with the required marks. Annual parental income up to Rs 5,00,000, seeking UG admission at the Chennai campus.

Prizes & Rewards: Scholarship covering up to 100% of tuition fee, hostel accommodation, food and examination fee

Last Date to Apply: September 14 Application mode: Online applications only

Short URL: www.b4s.in/dtnt/CRSCT1

Eligibility: Open to pan-India trans students pursuing secondary, senior secondary, or UG/PG studies through any government or private open school or open university

• A minimum score of 35% in Class 10 and/or Class 12

• The applicant's total income from all sources must not exceed Rs 10,00,000 per year

• Candidates who are children of employees of the Ujjivan Small Finance Bank Limited or Buddy4Study are ineligible

Prizes & Rewards: A one-time scholarship of up to Rs 40,000

Last Date to Apply: August 31

Application mode: Online applications only

Short URL: www.b4s.in/dtnt/USFB2

Eligibility: Students enrolled in the first year of BBA, BFIA, BCom. (H,E), BMS, IPM, BA (Economics), BBS, or any other finance-related degree courses are eligible. Applicants must have secured at least 80% marks in Classes 10 and 12 (70% for PwD students). The annual income must not exceed Rs 6 lakh. Open for Indian nationals only.

Prizes & Rewards: Rs 40,000 to Rs 5,50,000 per year for 3 years

Last Date to Apply: August 31

Application mode: Online applications only

Short URL: www.b4s.in/dtnt/RKMSP6

The prosecution case was that the deceased Kannan’s wife, Parameswari, and two others set fire to the house after Kannan refused to live with her. Two children, aged 12 and 10, were among those killed in the fire.

Additional District Court-VI, Madurai, Judge Udayavelan found the three accused — Parameswari (40), Murugeswari (21) and Rajapandi (19) — guilty and sentenced each of them to eight life terms, besides 10 years of imprisonment and a total fine of Rs 45,000. The court ordered that all the sentences be served concurrently.

Kannan (25), son of Velu of Kumarapuram near Peraiyur, was in love with Parameswari (21 at the time), of the same locality. They got married in 2013. However, they separated after Kannan refused to live with Parameswari.

Following a family dispute, Parameswari allegedly conspired with her relatives, Murugeswari and Rajapandi, to murder Kannan. In the early hours of May 20, 2015, when Kannan and his family members were sleeping at home, the accused allegedly locked the house from outside and poured petrol and kerosene through a window before setting it on fire.

Kannan (25), his father Velu (60), mother Pechiyammal (55), Suganya (35), Sangeetha (17), Sanjith (12) and Vinit (10) died in the fire.

Sedapatti police registered a case, and the then Deputy Superintendent of Police Gomathi conducted the investigation. Kannan’s wife Parameswari, Murugeswari and Rajapandi were subsequently arraigned as accused.

Eligibility: Open to meritorious girl students across India who have scored 75% or more in Class 12 boards

• Secured admission to the first year of a professional graduation programme (Engineering, MBBS, Architecture, Design, Integrated LLB, and more) at an NIRF/ NAAC-accredited institute

• Annual family income must not exceed Rs 6,00,000

• Children of Kotak Mahindra Group, Kotak Education Foundation, and Buddy4Study employees are ineligible

Prizes & Rewards: Rs 1.5 lakh per year

Last Date to Apply: August 31

Application mode: Online applications only

Short URL: www.b4s.in/dtnt/KKGS5

Eligibility: For an MBA Must

• Must have completed a bachelor’s degree from a recognised university/institution

• Final-year UG students may also apply, subject to LCBS admission norms and submission of final academic documents before enrolment

• Annual income from all sources must not exceed Rs 8,00,000

For the Advanced Diploma

• Must have passed Class 12 or equivalent from a recognised board

• Must be a second-year/ final-year UG student or a graduate

• Candidates with prior exposure to retail, hospitality, fashion, lifestyle, beauty, luxury sales, customer service, or related sectors

• Annual income from all sources must not exceed Rs 8,00,000

Prizes & Rewards: Up to Rs 2,00,000 for MBA or up to Rs 25,000 for Advanced Diploma

Last Date to Apply: August 26 Application mode: Online applications only

Short URL: www.b4s.in/dtnt/LCBSSP2

During the discussion on the demands for grants for the Public Works Department and Highways Department in the Assembly, DMK MLA EV Velu asked why there was a need to change the name of the Chief Minister's Breakfast Scheme to the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Breakfast Scheme.

Intervening, Minister Rajmohan said that changing the names of government schemes was not new. "In 1996, after the change of regime, the then Chief Minister Karunanidhi announced that the JJ Cine Film City would be renamed MGR Film City. Name changes have happened over a period of time in every regime," Minister Rajmohan said.

He also said the previous DMK government had renamed several schemes. Highlighting the scheme names, he said Amma Pasumai Veedu was changed to Kalaignar Kanavu Illam, while Amma Marunthagam and Amma Clinic were changed to Mudhalvar Marunthagam and Mudhalvar Clinic, respectively.

Justifying the use of Kamarajar's name for the Breakfast Scheme, he said the scheme would be expanded at a cost of Rs 203.72 crore and that Kamarajar's name was appropriate for the scheme.

Presenting the demands for grants for the Youth Welfare and Sports Development Department, Aadhav Arjuna said the government would establish an SDAT Talent Research Wing at a cost of Rs 5 crore, with the 2036 Olympics as its target.

The wing will identify talented students aged 8 to 18 and provide them with training to develop them into future Olympic champions, he said.

The minister also announced that new sports hostels would be established for students in all districts.

The existing 3 per cent sports quota for admission to engineering, medical, law and agriculture courses will also be increased, he said.

An SDAT Olympic Illam will be established in Chennai to coordinate activities related to the Olympics and other international sporting competitions.

Aadhav Arjuna further announced that SDAT would provide airfare for athletes representing the State in national-level competitions.

The special financial assistance provided to athletes who qualify for the Olympics and Paralympics will also be increased from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, he said.

The clarification, issued by the Director (Distribution) on Monday, comes after TNPDCL received repeated RTI petitions seeking to know whether connections could be provided for floriculture and horticulture on land measuring less than 50 cents.

TNPDCL said the 50-cent minimum land requirement prescribed under Clause 29 (2) (b) of the TNERC Distribution Code applies to agricultural service connections under LT Tariff IV. It does not have to be insisted upon for connections exclusively meant for floriculture and horticulture.

Accordingly, supply under LT Tariff III (A) 1 can be sanctioned for floriculture and horticulture activities even when the applicant owns less than 50 cents of land, the memo said.

The move is significant for small landholders engaged in intensive cultivation, particularly floriculture and horticulture, where productive activities can be undertaken on relatively smaller parcels of land.

However, TNPDCL has sought to ensure that applicants do not use the relaxed provision to bypass the land requirement applicable to conventional agricultural connections. It has asked its IT wing to introduce a provision in the LT billing system to obtain an undertaking from applicants while registering LT III (A) 1 connections exclusively for floriculture and horticulture.

Under the proposed undertaking, applicants will have to acknowledge that separate options are available for floriculture, horticulture, agriculture and allied activities while registering an LT III (A) 1 application.

They will also have to acknowledge that those seeking LT III (A) 1 supply for agriculture and allied activities must have already registered an agricultural application under LT Tariff IV in the normal category.

TNPDCL reiterated that the 50-cent minimum land requirement continues to apply to agricultural service connections under LT Tariff IV for applications registered from August 5, 2020, in accordance with the TNERC Distribution Code.

WHAT CHANGES

• Floriculture/horticulture: No minimum 50-cent land required for LT III (A) 1 connections

• Agriculture under LT Tariff IV: 50 cents remains the minimum land requirement

• Agriculture and allied activities under LT III (A) 1: Applicant must first have a normal-category agricultural application under Tariff IV

• Undertaking: Applicants seeking LT III (A) 1 exclusively for floriculture and horticulture will have to provide an undertaking confirming awareness of the applicable provisions

The HC, in July, held that schools covered under the Tamil Nadu Private Schools (Regulation) Act, 2019, must publicly disclose the fee structure fixed by the government-appointed fee determination committee, along with other charges approved by the competent authority.

Justice M Dhandapani stressed that parents should have access to such information before choosing a school, enabling them to make an informed decision and avoid unexpected financial burdens. However, the ground situation remains a concern.

Several private schools still do not prominently display complete fee details on their notice boards or websites, leaving parents to depend on individual enquiries and admission offices for information. The gap between the court’s directive and its implementation raises questions over monitoring and enforcement.

The issue of transparency comes at a time when the School Education Department and Minister A Rajmohan assured that there would be no foul play in private school operations.

The complaints, however, underline a broader public demand for transparency and accountability. In the case of private schools, parents argued that knowing the exact fee structure was not a privilege but a basic requirement. The High Court’s order has established the legal obligation; the immediate challenge was ensuring that schools actually comply.

He also instructed officials to collaborate across all interlinked departments such as Chennai Corporation and Metro Water, Water Resources Department, Chennai Metro Rail Limited, Highways and Tamil Nadu Power Distribution Corporation Limited (TNPDCL), to complete safety and flood mitigation measures well before the onset of the monsoon.

Bedi directed officials to expedite the construction of ongoing stormwater drains (SWDs) and immediately resolve missing-link connections. He called for the complete desilting of SWDs and silt catch pits, along with clearing water hyacinth and desilting rivers and canals. Additionally, instructions were given to heighten and strengthen canal bunds across the city.

“Electrical pillar boxes in flood-prone and waterlogging areas must be elevated to prevent electrical hazards. Identify and trim hazardous, overgrown tree branches to prevent falling during rains,” he said. “Ensure uninterrupted rainwater flow in areas where Metro Rail construction is underway. Adequate dewatering pumps must be installed. Expedite works in the Otteri Nullah canal area to ensure smooth discharge of water. Coordinate with the Traffic Police to carry out cross-drainage connections across roads without disrupting traffic flow.”

Bedi also told them to keep high-capacity motor pumps ready at flood spots and implement measures to prevent waterlogging in subways. “Maintain robust safety barricading and protective measures at all construction work sites,” he added.

The virtual meeting was attended by officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Finance), CMD of Chennai Metro Rail Limited, MA Siddique, Chairman of Tamil Nadu Generation and Distribution Corporation, V Arun Roy, Joint Commissioner (Works), J Saravanan, Deputy Commissioner (Revenue & Finance) Chitra Vijayan, and chief and superintending engineers from the WRD, Highways, and Corporation.

According to the Human Resources Management Department's policy note, 179 complaints are currently under process before the Lokayukta. The department also provided details on applications received under the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Since the introduction of the online facility, 1.92 lakh applications and 41,168 appeal petitions have been filed through the portal.

Detailing the cases registered by the Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (DVAC), the department said 2,719 cases had been registered between 2021 and 2026. The department said Tribunals for Disciplinary Proceedings had been constituted to conduct enquiries into allegations of corruption against State government officials based on cases registered by the DVAC. In 2025 alone, 35 cases were disposed of, while 221 cases remained pending before the Tribunals, the department said.

Making the announcements in the Assembly, PWD and Sports Development Minister Aadhav Arjuna said the government would take up a series of projects to improve connectivity between industrial centres, ports, tourist destinations and major cities.

The proposed Chennai-Mamallapuram-Puducherry coastal elevated road will be developed in phases. The project is aimed at reducing travel time along the coast and providing faster connectivity to industrial centres, tourist destinations, ports and urban areas. A feasibility study for the project had been sanctioned in 2025-26, but further progress was pending. The government said steps would now be taken to expedite the studies and other technical work.

The government will also initiate steps to operate a passenger boat service between Chennai, Mamallapuram and Puducherry, creating a coastal tourism circuit connecting major destinations. The service will be taken up in coordination with the Union government and Puducherry administration.

To improve public transport in the cities, the Highways department has proposed to upgrade the Pallavaram-Thoraipakkam Radial Road to cater to all category of road users with Rs 280 crore allocation, while Rs 120 crore will be spent on improving Anna Salai, Jawaharlal Nehru Salai and EVR Periyar Salai to meet future transport needs. To ensure the safety of pedestrians, foot overbridges with escalators and lifts, including on Sardar Patel Road near Anna University and Madhya Kailash, have been planned.

In another major proposal, the state plans to develop an industrial corridor connecting Chennai, Coimbatore and Thoothukudi through a network of expressways. The corridor is intended to connect major industrial and economic centres with national and state highways and improve the movement of people and goods.

The government also announced that it would take up with the NHAI accelerating the work on the eight-lane Chennai-Kanniyakumari road, improve entry and exit points of Chennai, including ECR, Poonamallee, on the Chennai-Bengaluru highroad, Madhavaram on GNT road and also to take elevated road from Perungalathur to Chengalpattur on GST road.

The government plans to prepare a Tamil Nadu Highways Vision 2036, setting out the state's road infrastructure requirements for the next decade and aligning highway development with long-term economic growth.

Road safety will receive a major push with the Rs 500 crore Chief Minister's Safe Roads Project. AI-enabled cameras will be used to monitor traffic violations and identify accident-prone locations. The project will also include road safety engineering measures and emergency response facilities.

The government has identified around 18,000 accident-prone locations on state highways. Under the CARE (Corridor Accident Response and Emergency-care) initiative, 25 government hospitals and primary health centres located along national highway corridors will be upgraded with emergency-care facilities to treat road accident victims.

DPR TO BE PREPARED

• Elevated road from Lighthouse to Thiru Vi Ka Bridge at Adyar via Santhome and RA Puram

• Elevated road from Padi to Thiruninravur

• Extend the Vysarpadi ROB to connect GNT road and widening of Basin Bridge

• Widening of the bride across Cooum at Koyambedu on Jawaharlal Nehru Salai

KEY PROPOSALS

• A Tamil Nadu Road Safety Authority to coordinate road safety measures

• Rs 250-cr road maintenance programme, incorporating technology-enabled monitoring and the ‘Namma Salai’ initiative

• Rs 2,550-cr upgrade for 2,000 rural roads

• Rs 1,000-cr upgrade for 500 bus route roads in Chennai, Avadi, Tambaram, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Madurai and Tirunelveli corporations

A meeting with officials from various departments and the administration of the Shrine Velankanni Basilica was convened by the district collector, in the presence of SP Kelkar Subhramanya Bhalchandra, to discuss preparations for the Basilica's annual festival.

The district collector asked the officials to ensure the safe, hassle-free movement of devotees and asked the civic administration to provide basic amenities. The transport department was told to operate adequate special bus services.

While speaking to reporters after the meeting, the collector said devotees from Tamil Nadu and other states, as well as from various countries, would take part in the annual festival, and the district administration is committed to providing all facilities and special care.

“To ensure the safety of the devotees, as many as 2,432 personnel monitored by SPs from four districts will be deployed, while as many as 378 traffic wardens will be deployed to regulate the traffic. A control room will be established. As many as 15 watch towers, 300 CCTV cameras and three drones will be engaged to take the entire town under surveillance round the clock," he said.

He also stated that adequate basic amenities, including drinking water, toilets and parking facilities, will be arranged and the officials from the respective departments have commenced the inspections.

Meanwhile, the transport department will operate as many as 525 special buses from various destinations, while private bus facilities and their parking slots have also been arranged. “Based on the requirement, the number of buses would be increased from Chennai and Puducherry," the collector said.

An integrated help centre and a dedicated toll-free number will also be launched to address devotees' grievances. The district administration will establish special medical camps at seven locations, and as many as 10 ambulances and three bike ambulances will also be in operation.

To ensure the safety of the devotees who would prefer to take a bath at the seashore, as many as 12 fire and rescue vehicles, along with two rescue boats with five experts, including local fishermen, will be stationed on the beach.

MEASURES IN PLACE

• Police personnel deployed: 2,432

• Traffic wardens: 378

• Watch towers: 15

• CCTV Cameras: 300

• Drone surveillance: 3

• Special buses: 525

• Medical camps: 7

• Ambulances: 10

• Fire and Rescue vehicles: 12

• Rescue boats: 2

• Cleanliness workers: 425

A Tirupur-based garment manufacturer gave orders to a factory in Chhattisgarh to make men’s inner-wear. Working at this factory are women rescued from the Naxal movement and brought into rehabilitation programmes.

For these women, the orders from Tamil Nadu are more than just a livelihood opportunity as it helps them begin a new life after years of violence, fear and isolation.

The change is striking in Chhattisgarh, a State that officially declared its fight against armed Naxalism over on March 31, meeting the deadline set by the Centre and the State government to dismantle the Left-wing extremist insurgency.

Visiting Chhattisgarh to know more about the ground realities four months after the Union government’s declaration, our first stop was Raipur, the State capital. The city is undergoing rapid development, with new shopping malls, hotels, residential apartments and commercial buildings spouting like mushrooms after a spell of rain. Along with this are also other vacant commercial buildings that reflect the challenges businesses continue to face.

The roads, meanwhile, are crowded with mining tipper trucks, a reminder of the importance of the mining economy to Chhattisgarh. But it was the conversations with ordinary residents that revealed another side.

Possibility of a future

Almost every person the DT Next team spoke to for even five minutes brought up Naxalism at some point in the conversation. While younger generations appear to be looking forward to a more peaceful and developed future, many people above the age of 40 still carry memories of the violence.

There is an unmistakable sense that Chhattisgarh is trying to wipe the bloodstains of its past from its history.

The journey then took us to Bastar, a region that was once one of the major centres of Naxal activity. The former Bastar district was spread over 39,114 sq km after the formation of Madhya Pradesh, making it one of the largest districts in India at the time (larger than Kerala). The region was later divided into several districts, including Kondagaon.

Even today, the security apparatus in the region is impossible to miss. Circuit houses and other government facilities remain under heavy armed security. In Kondagaon, we met Superintendent of Police Pankaj Chandra, an IPS officer, who said the State had now achieved a Naxal-free status, but the victory had come at a heavy cost.

“More than 120 security personnel were killed during operations between 2024 and 2026, while around 1,200 Naxalites and Maoists were killed during the eradication process. Around 3,000 cadres surrendered,” he said.

The end of an armed conflict does not automatically erase the consequences of decades of insurgency. Kondagaon Collector Nupur Rashi Panna explained how deeply Naxalism had penetrated the social fabric of Bastar with the story of a nine-year-old girl rescued by security forces.

“The child had been brought into the Naxal system at a very young age and had developed an extraordinary and disturbing familiarity with weapons,” she recalled. “She had acquired the ability to assemble and dismantle an AK-47 even while blindfolded.”

The girl was among the children rescued from the Naxal ranks and brought into rehabilitation. “She was not the only one,” Panna explained. “Hundreds of girls had been rescued from similar circumstances.”

Their pasts were marked by violence, but rehabilitation programmes are now attempting to give them a completely different future.

The end of an armed conflict does not automatically erase the consequences of decades of insurgency

The difficult task is ensuring that people who were caught in the conflict, particularly children recruited or raised within insurgent groups, are able to return to mainstream society

Tirupur connect

After spending time in rehabilitation centres with assistance from women from self-help groups, an initiative of the Chhattisgarh government, many women have been trained in various skills and moved into employment.

It was at one such facility that we met the women who had been rescued. Their identities have been concealed for their safety and welfare.

Inside the factory, the atmosphere was far removed from the forests and armed camps associated with their past. Machines were running, workers were engaged in production and the women were earning an income through regular employment. And behind this transition is an unlikely connection: Tirupur.

A garment manufacturing company from Tamil Nadu’s textile hub has placed orders with the facility. The women are manufacturing men’s inner-wear, which is then procured by the Tirupur-based company.

For the women, the connection with Tirupur represents more than a commercial arrangement. It is a bridge between rehabilitation and economic independence.

One of the women working at the factory told us that she feels safe working there. “Since most of the employees are women,” she said, “we do not face major difficulties at the workplace. More importantly, the daily wage of Rs 300 is helping us gradually improve our economic condition.”

For women who once lived under the shadow of armed violence, earning a daily wage through legitimate employment represents a fundamental change in their lives.

The story also highlights an important challenge facing post conflict rehabilitation. Eliminating armed insurgency is only the first step. The more difficult task is ensuring that people who were caught in the conflict, particularly children recruited or raised within insurgent groups, are able to return to mainstream society.

Towards a future

Rehabilitation requires education, psychological support, vocational training, employment and, above all, a sense of security. The women at the factory appear to be taking that journey one day at a time.

The scars of Bastar’s past cannot be erased overnight. Nor can the fear that remains in the minds of people who witnessed years of violence disappear simply because an official deadline has been met.

But inside a modest factory in Kondagaon, a different story is taking shape. The hands that once knew the mechanics of an AK-47 are now learning the mechanics of a sewing machine. And, an order travelling from Tirupur to Chhattisgarh is helping these women stitch together something far more valuable than garments - a second chance at life.

For Chhattisgarh, the declaration of a Naxalism free state may mark the end of an armed chapter. For these women, however, the real victory will be the day their past no longer defines their future.

The accused, Radhika of Ambedkar Nagar, was employed as a cleaner at the hostel, where students from various parts of Salem stay.

Police said she was acquainted with Raghupathi (30), of Aathumedu. Radhika facilitated a meeting between Raghupathi and two girls. On the birthday of one of the girls, Raghupathi arrived with a cake and took the girls to a secluded location with Radhika’s assistance.

Raghupathi sexually harassed them, who then informed their parents. Based on a complaint, the Vazhapadi All-Women Police registered a case under the Pocso Act against Raghupathi and Radhika. Radhika was arrested, while a search is under way to trace him.

During the inspection of luggage of passengers bound for Kuala Lumpur by an AirAsia flight on Tuesday, A Thaslima Banu (40), a resident of Ramanathapuram, was intercepted.

She had foreign currency worth Rs 90 lakh, including Indian currency worth Rs 65 lakh. When the officials demanded proof of the currency, Thaslima Banu could not provide it.

The officials seized the money and took her for a separate inquiry.

The Tiruchy City Prohibition and Enforcement Wing police were conducting a vehicle check at Udayanpatti railway gate near KK Nagar in Tiruchy recently and stopped an auto.

They found Appuchi alias Abuthahir (38), a history sheeter, with packs of ganja. When the police attempted to secure him, he escaped. In such a scenario, the police received information that Abuthahir was found dead with several injuries near the Tiruchy-Madurai railway track. Police retrieved the body.

S Velmurugan (45), a resident of Mela Kaviri near Kumbakonam, was staying near the Big Temple and receiving alms. He used to stay along with the vagabonds at the temple premises and was maintaining a puppy. On Monday night, when Velmurugan was sleeping, his puppy raised noises. Irate over this, a fellow beggar, S Ramaiah (40), had reportedly attacked the puppy with a stone, which triggered an altercation between the duo.

Suddenly, Ramaiyya took a knife and stabbed Velmurugan in the abdomen, where he sustained severe injuries. Shocked by the incident, the onlookers passed on the information to the Thanjavur West Police.

The police rushed to the spot and rescued Velmurugan. He was taken to the Thanjavur Medical College Hospital. However, Velmurugan succumbed to his injuries on the way to the hospital. A case has been registered, and the police arrested Ramaiah. Further investigations are ongoing.