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Gujarat Government Announces Rollback of Decision to Increase MBBS Fee in Medical Colleges, Details Here

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The Gujarat government has announced a rollback of its recent decision to significantly increase fees for MBBS courses in medical colleges run by the Gujarat Medical Education and Research Society (GMERS). This move comes in response to widespread protests across the state against the steep fee hike. State government spokesperson and health minister Rushikesh Patel made the announcement, assuring that a new circular with revised fees for the 13 GMERS medical colleges will be issued soon. Speaking to media persons in Gandhinagar, Patel emphasized that the government is committed to making decisions in the best interests of students and urged families to remain calm as they work on providing fee benefits through various schemes. The rollback decision follows intense pressure from multiple quarters, including students, parents’ associations, the Indian Medical Association (IMA), and political opposition. The Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) had taken a strong stance against the fee hike, with state Congress president Shaktisinh Gohil threatening protests at all levels if the increase was not reversed. The original fee hike, announced on June 28, had raised annual fees for state and all-India quota seats by 66% from ₹3.3 lakh to ₹5.5 lakh. Management quota fees saw an even steeper increase of 87%, from ₹9.07 lakh to ₹17 lakh, while NRI quota fees were bumped up by 13% from $22,000 to $25,000 per annum. Critics argued that such substantial increases contradicted GMERS’s original mission of providing affordable medical education and strengthening Gujarat’s healthcare sector. The IMA’s Gujarat chapter had written to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, expressing concern that the fee hike would make medical education nearly impossible for poor and middle-class students. GMERS, established 14 years ago, operates 13 medical colleges across the state with a total of 2,100 seats. Of these, 75% are reserved for the state quota, 10% for the management quota, and 15% for the NRI quota, with 75 seats allocated to the all-India quota. This is not the first time GMERS has faced backlash over fee increases. In 2023, a similar hike was retracted following protests.

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Assam Declares Special Leaves for Govt Employees to Spend Time with Parents, In-Laws

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The Assam government has announced two days of special casual leaves for state government employees to spend time with their parents or parents-in-law. The Chief Minister’s Office (CMO) declared these leaves on November 6 and 8 through a post on the social media platform ‘X’. However, the special leaves are not available for employees without living parents, and they cannot be used for personal leisure, as reported by PTI. The post emphasized, “This leave must be used solely for spending time with ageing parents or parents-in-law to honour, respect, and care for them, and not for personal enjoyment.” Government employees in essential services can avail the leave in a phased manner. The Assam Chief Minister’s post underscored the importance of parental blessings and the responsibility of ensuring the well-being of one’s parents. The CMO clarified that these leaves could be combined with other holidays such as Chhat Puja on November 7, the second Saturday holiday on November 9, and Sunday on November 10, providing an extended break for employees. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma initially announced these special casual leaves for spending time with parents and parents-in-law during his first Independence Day speech after taking office in 2021. In addition, on Wednesday, the Assam government introduced a 180-day Child Adoption Leave policy for all women working in state government departments. This decision aligns with Rule 43-B of the Central Civil Services (Leave) Rules, 1972, as reported by HT.

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Karnataka Government Considering Six Locations for Second Airport for Bengaluru: Industries Minister M.B. Patil

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The Karnataka government is exploring six potential locations for a new international airport to be built within 60 kilometers of the existing Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Devanahalli. This new airport is aimed to be as large as KIA and capable of handling 100 million passengers per annum. The identified locations include Kanakpura Road, Mysore Road, Magadi, Doddaballapura, Dabaspete, and Tumakuru. Land Acquisition and Capacity Large and Medium Industries and Infrastructure Development Minister M.B. Patil stated that the government will need to acquire 3,000 to 5,000 acres of land for the new airport. The project aligns with the exclusivity clause availed by Bangalore International Airport Limited, which stipulates that no international airport should be allowed within a 150 km radius of KIA until 2035. The new airport is expected to be operational by 2035, by which time KIA’s passenger handling capacity is anticipated to be saturated. The cargo handling capacity at KIA is expected to reach its limit by 2040. Selection Criteria A special committee comprising aviation industry experts will soon meet to evaluate the proposed sites. The selection criteria include good road, rail, and metro connectivity, minimal population settlements, few water bodies, low green cover, and non-agricultural land without significant elevation or mountains. Minister’s Statement Minister M.B. Patil, responding to media queries at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru on July 10, mentioned that a plan for the new airport will be ready within the next three months. “Things will move in a few months. A plan will be ready in the next three months,” he said. Response to Tamil Nadu’s Plans Regarding Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s announcement to set up an airport in Hosur, which is adjacent to Bengaluru, Minister Patil noted that Tamil Nadu’s decision came after Karnataka’s announcement of a second international airport. He assured that Tamil Nadu’s plans would not affect Karnataka’s project. Future Discussions Minister Patil also mentioned plans to meet with Union Industries Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy to discuss the state’s industrial development plans, further emphasizing the importance of the new airport for Karnataka’s infrastructure and economic growth.

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Maharashtra Govt Announces Free Higher Education for EWS, SEBC, OBC Girls in State

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In a significant move ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, the Maharashtra government announced on Monday that higher education for girls from the Economically Weaker Section (EWS), Socially and Economically Backward Classes (SEBC), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) will be made free. According to officials, this initiative is part of a broader women-focused policy. The decision, which also includes waiving tuition and examination fees for orphaned students regardless of gender, was taken during a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde. The policy change was formalized through a government resolution (GR). Rs 906 Crore Aid for Female Students The decision will be implemented from the academic year 2024-25 and is expected to cost Rs 906 crore. A GR stated that female students seeking admission to recognized vocational courses through the Centralised Admission Process in government colleges, aided private colleges, semi-aided private colleges, non-aided colleges, polytechnic, and autonomous government universities, and open universities can avail the facility. Wide Range of Courses Covered, Specific Eligibility Criteria Outlined These include courses run by departments such as higher and technical education, medicine, pharmacy, agriculture, animal husbandry, pisciculture, and dairy development. However, students from private autonomous universities/self-funded universities, and those enrolling through management and institutional quotas will not be eligible for the scheme. The GR said female students whose annual family income is Rs 8 lakh or less and who are from EWS, SEBC, and OBC are eligible for the fee waiver. New admissions as well as students currently pursuing their degrees will also be eligible for the scheme. Opposition Questions Funding for New Schemes In the state budget, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar announced several initiatives including Mukhyamantri Annapoorna Yojana (aimed at giving three free cylinders to women), Mukhyamantri Yuva Karyaprashikshan Yojana, Mukhyamantri Krishi Pump Yojana, Mukhyamantri Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana (eligible women in the age group 21 to 60 years will get a monthly allowance of Rs 1,500), and a scheme to provide free education to women. The opposition has questioned the source of funding for these schemes and claimed they are aimed to woo women voters ahead of the state assembly polls. However, Chief Minister Shinde has stressed that monetary provisions have been made for the schemes and the initiatives will be permanent.

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Government Issues High Severity Warning for Google ChromeOS

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CERT-In warns of high severity Google ChromeOS vulnerabilities, urging users to update to version 120.0.6099.315 in the LTS channel to prevent arbitrary code execution through malicious web pages. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has issued a high severity warning for Google ChromeOS. As per the government body, multiple vulnerabilities exist in the ChromeOS which can be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system. For those unaware, CERT-In is the nodal agency for responding to major computer security incidents in the country. It works under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. What the advisory says? The advisory issued on July 1 states that multiple vulnerabilities have been reported in the LTS channel for ChromeOS which could be exploited by an attacker to execute arbitrary code on the targeted system. LTS channel for Google ChromeOS versions prior to 120.0.6099.315 (Platform Version: 15662.112) are affected. These vulnerabilities, the cyber watchdog says, exist in Google Chrome OS due to Heap buffer overflow in WebRTC and Use after free in Media Session. An attacker could exploit these vulnerabilities by persuading a victim to visit a specially crafted web page, it states. What should Google Chrome users do? CERT-In has advised users to apply appropriate updates released by Google. In a blog post, the company said that the LTS-120 is being updated in the LTS (Long Term Support) channel, version 120.0.6099.315 (Platform Version: 15662.112), for most ChromeOS devices. The update brings fixes for both issues- Heap buffer overflow in WebRTC and Use after free in Media Session, as mentioned above.  

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 Govt of India Rights Over Cantonment Lands to be Retained

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The Government of India will retain ownership rights over lands within cantonment areas, according to a new order from the Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE). This order, communicated by Southern Command Deputy Director Hemant Yadav on June 28, directs the chief executive officers of cantonment boards to ensure that these rights are maintained. The order outlines the broad guidelines for excising civilian areas from cantonments and merging them with adjoining municipalities. It specifies that proprietary rights over assets meant for civic amenities and municipal services in the excised areas will be transferred to the state government free of cost. Furthermore, the municipal cover over leased and old grant properties in the excised areas will also be transferred to state municipalities. Security concerns of the armed forces will remain a priority during the segregation process. “The CEOs are directed to liaise with state government officials and appraise the status mentioned in the minutes of the meeting and clarify doubts in consultation with the president of cantonment boards and Local Military Authorities,” Yadav said. The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) has already proposed the excision of 246.8 acres of civilian area to be merged with the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). PCB CEO Subrat Pal submitted a 45-page draft proposal report to the Maharashtra state chief secretary, Dr. Nitin Kareer, on March 6, detailing the precise excision of notified civilian areas from the original cantonment board jurisdiction.

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Tamil Nadu Government to Fill 75,000 Vacancies in 18 Months

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The Tamil Nadu government has announced plans to fill over 75,000 vacancies in various government departments within the next 18 months. In a statement made in the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly, Chief Minister M.K. Stalin said that the government will fulfill these vacancies through several recruitment boards. Specifically, 17,595 vacancies will be filled through the Tamil Nadu Public Service Commission (TNPSC), 19,260 vacancies through the Teachers Recruitment Board (TRB), 3,041 vacancies through the Medical Services Recruitment Board, and 6,688 vacancies through the Tamil Nadu Uniformed Services Recruitment Board. Additionally, the government will fill 30,219 vacancies in the Social Welfare Department, Municipal Administration Department, Water Supply Board, and other important departments. The Chief Minister also highlighted that over the past three years, the DMK government has secured 5,08,055 jobs for young people in the state. This move is seen as a significant effort by the Tamil Nadu government to create employment opportunities and address the issue of vacancies in various government departments. The 18-month timeline set by the government suggests a sense of urgency in filling these positions, likely with an eye on the upcoming state assembly elections.

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Haryana Increases Reservation for OBCs in Government Jobs

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In a significant move benefiting the Other Backward Classes (OBCs), the Haryana Government has announced an increase in the reservation for OBCs in government jobs and a raise in the upper income limit for the creamy layer to ₹8 lakh per year. Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini made these announcements on Sunday, marking a notable shift in the state’s approach to social equity and inclusion. The reservation for backward classes has been increased from 15 percent to 27 percent in Group-A and Group-B government posts. This decision aims to provide greater opportunities and representation for OBCs in higher-level government positions. The term “creamy layer” refers to members of a backward class who are relatively advanced socially, economically, and educationally. By raising the upper income limit for this group, the Haryana Government aims to broaden the eligibility for reservations, ensuring that more individuals from OBCs can benefit from government job opportunities. Additionally, the government has committed to addressing the backlog of jobs for Backward Classes A and B on a priority basis through a special recruitment campaign. This initiative is expected to expedite the employment process and reduce the unemployment rate among these communities. In the context of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections, Chief Minister Saini expressed confidence in his party’s prospects. He highlighted the government’s developmental works and initiatives aimed at providing employment and fostering growth in Haryana. He asserted that the BJP, under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi and with the support of election in-charges, is poised to win the elections and form the government for a third consecutive term. Taking a dig at the Congress party and the Hooda family, Saini criticized their approach as dynastic, contrasting it with the BJP’s focus on governance and public welfare. He emphasized the government’s commitment to the interests of the poor, farmers, and women, reiterating that the BJP is a government of the people. The Haryana Assembly elections will be held later this year, alongside elections in Jharkhand, Maharashtra, and Jammu and Kashmir.

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UGC-NET Exam Cancelled Amid Integrity Concerns, CBI Launches Probe

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The University Grants Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) June 2024 examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), has been cancelled due to concerns over its integrity. The decision was taken after the University Grants Commission (UGC) received inputs from the National Cyber Crime Threat Analytics Unit of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, indicating that the examination’s integrity may have been compromised. The UGC-NET examination was conducted on June 18 in two shifts across different cities in India, with over 9 lakh candidates appearing for the test. However, following the allegations of paper leaks, the Ministry of Education decided to cancel the exam to ensure transparency and maintain the sanctity of the examination process. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been handed over the case for a thorough investigation. The CBI has registered a case against unknown accused persons for compromising the integrity of the UGC-NET exam. The CBI probe aims to identify and punish those involved in the alleged malpractices. The cancellation of the UGC-NET exam has sparked controversy, with the Opposition demanding the resignation of the Education Minister and NTA officials. The Education Minister has announced the formation of a high-level committee to enhance the functioning of the NTA and ensure error-free examinations. The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, which aims to prevent leaks and malpractices in recruitment examinations, has come into effect from June 21. However, the UGC-NET examination will not be covered by this new law. The UGC-NET examination is crucial for determining the eligibility of Indian nationals for Junior Research Fellowships and Assistant Professor positions in Indian universities and colleges. The cancellation of the exam has left many students in limbo, awaiting fresh examination dates to be announced.

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Karnataka Government Hints at Hiking Water Tariff in Bengaluru

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Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar announced a potential increase in water tariffs in Bengaluru, following a recent hike in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka. The Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB) faces significant financial challenges, and Shivakumar emphasized the need for a review after 10 years. The completion of the fifth phase of the Cauvery project is expected to impact the decision on the water tariff hike. After the recent increase in petrol and diesel prices in Karnataka, residents of Bengaluru may also face a water tariff hike. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar mentioned on Wednesday that the water tariff had not been revised for the past decade, necessitating a review. “We are suffering huge losses. We’ve taken up new projects, and no bank is coming forward to finance the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board (BWSSB),” said Shivakumar, who is also the Bengaluru development minister. Last week, the state government increased sales tax on fuel, making petrol and diesel costlier by Rs 3 and Rs 3.5 per litre, respectively. Shivakumar added that he has instructed officials to review the BWSSB’s financial position and provide a report. “Let them give a report first. We will place it before the public before taking a call. The fifth phase of the Cauvery project is going to be completed. In 10-15 days, I’ll ensure completion of BWSSB work in this regard. At least 70% of the water bill is incurred through power bills and labor charges. Every year, we suffer a big loss. Hence, there is no option. I am working out possibilities and discussing how to stabilize the company (BWSSB),” he said. Justifying the necessity of the hike, Shivakumar stated: “Even the financing committee, World Bank, and others are telling us we are politicizing the issue and not even trying to bring it to a breakeven level. This is what various officials and international banking staffers are conveying. We must expand the water distribution system. I have now allotted 6 TMC ft of more water to Bengaluru. We must undertake the work of one more phase. There is no option unless we show them that BWSSB is an independent company and works as an independent entity.”

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