Archive for category meeting

Awareness Meeting on “Do not use Mobile Phones while Driving Vehicles”

Do not mix driving and talking. This was the message conveyed at an awareness meeting on “do not use mobile phones while driving vehicles” conducted by the Regional Transport Authority officials for the motorists in the city on Tuesday.
do not use mobile phones while driving vehicles
Speaking on the occasion, RTO (Madurai central) T.G. Thomas said that talking over mobile phones and riding/driving vehicles was more dangerous than drunken driving. Vehicular checks carried out by the authorities (on drivers who were spotted talking over phones) revealed that they (drivers’) were not concentrating on the driving. He underlined the need for self-discipline among the drivers and suggested to stop their vehicles and talk on the phones, if it was very urgent.

Motor Vehicles Inspector Amirtheswaran narrated the mental agony underwent by a family which had lost one of their member’s in a road accident. Investigations revealed that the victim who was talking over the mobile phone was hit by a lorry near the busy Netaji Road intersection.

Inspector of Police (Traffic) A. Balakrishnan appealed to the drivers’ present at the meeting to take a pledge that they would not talk over the mobile phones while driving their vehicles from today onwards. “Everyday, I booked at least 4-5 motorists on charges of speaking over mobile phones under Section 184 of Motor Vehicles Act and imposed a fine of Rs 1,100,” he warned.
Avoid-texting-while-drivingdo not use mobile phones while driving vehicles .
Motor Vehicles Inspector J.K. Baskaran said that at least 50 per cent of the road accidents reported was due to careless driving. It had also come to light that the drivers’ talked over their phones.

Rajinikanth from Aravind Eye Hospital said that research by experts suggested less talking over mobile phones as it would affect the ears. Mobile phones produced electro magnetic waves and long conversations over the phone may affect hearing. Persons may use ear phones as an alternative. Wherever there was weak signal, do not use the phones, he advised.

Suresh Kannan proposed vote of thanks. Maxi drivers, auto rickshaw drivers among others attended.

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Road works to be taken up in Coimbatore

The Coimbatore Corporation is all set to provide a fresh tar top to some of the major thoroughfares in the city in view of the World Classical Tamil Conference in June.

The Coimbatore Corporation Council recently cleared bids for these works estimated at Rs.10.45 crore.

Some of the roads that will be provided a new tar top are: 100 Feet Road (Rajendra Prasad Road), Nava India Road (tar top and widening), Sowripalayam Road (up to Masakalipalayam), Dr. Balasundaram Road, Sanganur Road (from Mettupalayam Road to Sathyamangalam Road), Sundakamuthur Bypass Road and N.S.R. Road. A few other thoroughfares and link roads will also be re-laid. The Corporation has already cleared some road works.

Apart from the new surface for the roads, the civic body will also lay a 40 ft scheme road near Rangavilas Mill and construct a bridge near G.V. Residency to link it with Sowripalayam Road. The work is estimated to cost Rs.75 lakh.

Pedestrian pavements would be laid from Anna Statue to Lakshmi Mills on Avanashi Road. Pavements and storm water drains would be constructed from Huzur Road to Puliyakulam. Pavements would also be built along Krishnaswamy Road.

According to the Corporation, many road works are being taken up as the Tamil meet is the best opportunity to carry out these.

Over the last two to three meetings, the Council had witnessed a number of requests from councillors for laying new link or scheme roads and to re-lay some of the roads that were in poor condition.

These were in addition to the list already drawn up by the Corporation for improvements in view of the conference.

Demands to improve the condition of Marudamalai Road and Perur Road were also made at the meetings. Councillors pointed out that the participants at the conference might visit the heritage and pilgrimage centres of Perur and Marudamalai.

Officials clarified that these roads were under the control of the State Highways and the department would carry out improvements.

At one meeting, Leader of the Opposition and DMK member V.N. Udayakumar said at least 130 scheme roads earmarked in the Master Plan were yet to be laid.

Responding to this, Commissioner Anshul Mishra said the Plan never spoke of the funding. “The Tamil conference is a boon to us, as it is bringing funds from the Government to carry our improvements to the roads,” he pointed out.

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Bid to identify mental health problems of students

He is different from others in the classroom, avoids people and his grades/marks keep fluctuating. For teachers who come across such children in their classroom, psychiatrists have a word of advice. These may be signs of the onset of mental health problems, which need to be identified at the young age itself.

In an effort to identify and treat mental health or psychiatric problems of adolescents, the Department of Health and Family Welfare on Monday launched the ‘School Mental Health Programme,’ with suicide prevention as one of its main areas of focus. Health Minister M.R.K. Panneerselvam and Health Secretary V.K. Subburaj participated in the launch.

The programme would be attached to the district mental health programme and implemented in various districts. To start with, medical health professionals, including clinical psychologists, psychiatrists and social welfare counsellors, are being sensitised.

According to M. Thirunavakarasu, president-elect, Indian Psychiatric Society, about 40 per cent of children in India suffer from mental health problems. “Suicide is the sixth main cause of death in India, while in adolescents between 12 and 19 years suicide or accident are the main causes of death,” he says.

While most private schools have in-house teachers doubling up as counsellors, Indian Psychiatric Society found that it has not been very effective as many students do not confide in a part-time counsellor or teacher. “A counsellor must be someone from outside the school. It is expensive but the purpose can be achieved,” says Dr. Thirunavakarasu.

The department would be creating awareness for principals and teachers on problems related to adolescence, matters on wellness and need for counselling cells in schools, rather than talking directly about the illness.

Some schools have extended such programmes to include parents too. A government school in Erode invites parents every Saturday for counselling.

Most CBSE schools have a visiting counsellor, some who even take classes in value education.

“It is a good move but the challenge would be to see if every school gets a counsellor or how often the counsellor makes a visit to the school,” says R. Arthanari, president, Chennai region, T.N. Higher Secondary Schools Headmasters’ Association. “On a one-off case, it is teachers who play the role as counsellor but children do not open up much as they are unsure if the teacher would mock his/her family history in the next class.”

Counsellors say winning the student’s trust is the biggest challenge in attending to mental health problems. Besides, parents and extra-curricular activities play a role in enhancing a child’s self-esteem.

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Today Madurai Exclusive News

Madurai Pasumalai hills
RELIGION

Selva Vinayagar Temple:Discourse on ‘Aanmeega Jothidam’ by Ponniah, Railway Colony, 7.30 p.m.

Saiva Siddhantha Sabha:Discourse on ‘Sivaprakasam’ by Yazh S. Chandra, South Adi Street, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 7 p.m.

Tiruvalluvar Kazhagam:Discourse on ‘Tiruvarutpa’ by M. Vijayaraman, North Adi Street, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 7 p.m.

Tiruvalluvar Mandram:Discourse on ‘Villi Bharatham’ by K. Manickam, S. S. Colony, 5 p.m.

Ramakrishna Mutt:Bhajan, New Natham Road, 6.30 p.m.

Hindu Baktha Jana Sabha:Abishekam, Karuppusamy Temple, Solaipatti, 8 a.m.

CULTURE

Prajapita Brahma Kumaris Ishwariya Vishwa Vidyalaya:Free Rajayoga meditation classes, 36 Meenakshi Nagar, P and T Nagar; 40 Sambandamoorthy Street, 211/95 East Veli Street and 357 Church Road, Anna Nagar, 6.30 a.m. and 5.30 p.m.

Gandhi Memorial Museum:T. Ravichandran conducts yogasana, meditation and pranayama classes, 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Vedatri Yoga Meditation Centre:Yogasana and meditation class, 16 Jawahar First Street, Kannadasan Colony, 6 p.m.

Aanmeega Kalvi Nilayam:Free meditation class, Madurai Arivu Tirukoil, 24 Besant Road, Chokkikulam, 6 a.m.

Ulaga Samadhana Alayam:S. Velshankar conducts yogasana training and meditation, 138 Kamarajar Road, 6 p.m.

Yoga Research Centre:Pushparaj conducts yoga therapy classes, Department of Philosophy, Madura College, 6.30 a.m.

Indian Institute of Yoga:V. Srinivasan conducts yoga therapy and pranayama classes, 5 Subramania Siva Street, Marudupandian Nagar, 6 a.m., 6.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

Tamil Isai Sangam:Nagaswaram by EN. V. Parameswaran, 4.30 p.m.; Thevaram recitation, 5 p.m.; M.A. M. Ramasamy, Pro-Chancellor, Annamalai University, inaugurates ‘Tamil isai festival;’ M. Jayapaul, Judge, Madras High Court, confers ‘Muthamizh Perarignar’ title on Solomon Pappiah; A. Surianarayanan, Chief Income Tax Commissioner, releases souvenir; Meena Muthiah addresses, 6 p.m.; ‘patti mandram,’ Solomon Pappiah moderates, Raja Muthiah Mandram, 7 p.m.

GENERAL

Madurai Kamaraj University:Archbishop M. Arockiasamy endowment seminar on ‘Ecology and religions,’ P. M. Ajmal Khan, Head, Department of Islam and Islamic Tamil Studies, presides, Seminar Hall, School of Religions, Philosophy and Humanist Thought, 10.30 a.m.

Agricultural College and Research Institute:Technology Week celebration, Kakkan Auditorium, 10 a.m.

Sri Meenakshi Government College for Women:Valediction of College Council; C. Periyathai, Regional Joint Director of Collegiate Education, addresses; S. Lakshmi, Principal, presides, 9 a.m.; seminar on ‘Web engineering,’ Department of Computer Science, 9.30 a.m.

Thiagarajar College:Research seminar in Tamil; V. Mohan of Yadava College speaks, R. Raja Govindasamy, Principal, presides, Tholkappiar Arangu, 9 a.m.; book review meeting, P. Ushadevi, Librarian, presides, Library, 12.40 p.m.

Madurai Institute of Social Sciences:R. Rukmani Palanivel Rajan, chairperson, Association of Social Health in India, inaugurates legal awareness camp for women, D.V.P. Raja, chairman, presides, Alagarkoil Road, 3 p.m.

Saraswathi Narayanan College:C. Muthuraj of American College speaks on ‘Union Budget,’ M. Kannan, Principal (in-charge), presides, Perungudi, 3 p.m.

Arul Anandar College:National Science Mela on ‘Science and philosophy of biodiversity;’ science exhibition and panel discussion, T. Chinnaraj Joseph Jayakumar, Principal, American College, presides, 9.30 a.m.; N. Rama Gopal, Professor of Economics, Annamalai University, inaugurates intensive course on ‘Recent insights in economics,’ Rev. Fr. G. Pushparaj, Principal, presides, Karumathur, 10 a.m.

Sourashtra College:J.S. Sukumar of Winways Systems speaks on ‘Open source systems — benefits and applications,’ Silver Jubilee Hall, 11.30 a.m.

Yadava College:K. P. Navaneetha Krishnan, correspondent, inaugurates ‘Beats 2010,’ State-level inter-collegiate meet, 9.30 a.m.; D. Bharani, film actor, distributes prizes, Nagendran Auditorium, 5 p.m.

Nadar Mahajana Sangam S. Vellaichamy Nadar College:State-level seminar on ‘Recent trends in computing techniques;’ N. Sivasubramanian, former Chief General Manager, Indian Space Research Organisation, and T. Kathirvalavakumar of Virudhunagar Hindu Nadar Senthikumara Nadar College address, Audio Visual Hall, 8.30 a.m.

Vickram College of Engineering:S. Chandran of Thiagarajar College of Engineering speaks on ‘Town planning,’ Conference Hall, 2 p.m.

K. L. N. College of Information Technology:K. A. Kanagasabapathy, General Manager, F. L. Smidth, inaugurates national conference on ‘Emerging trends in power systems and power electronics; P. K. Alagirisamy, Superintending Engineer, Tamil Nadu Electricity Board, addresses; K. N. K. Ganesh presides, Department of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, 10 a.m.

Madurai Sivakasi Nadars’ Pioneer Meenakshi Women’s College:11 {+t} {+h} College Day celebration, K. Pandia Rajan, Managing Director, Ma Foi Group, addresses, Poovanthi, 4.30 p.m.

St. Charles College of Education:Regional seminar on ‘Teacher competencies required to empower students as protectors of earth,’ Thanakkankulam, 9.30 a.m.

Tamil Nadu Science Forum:National Science Day celebration, S. Dinakaran of Madura College speaks, C. Indira Devi, Headmistress, presides, Government High School, Anaiyur, 10 a.m.

ICICI Bank:P. C. Thangaraj, Assistant Commissioner of Police, inaugurates ATM, 70 Alagarkoil Road, K. Pudur, 10 a.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous:Meeting, Dr. Dheep Hospital, Alagarkoil Road, K. Pudur, 7.30 p.m.

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Coimbatore Tourist Taxi Owners’ Association meeting on March 10

Coimbatore Tourist Taxi, Van and Travel Owners’ Association has convened a meeting on March 10 to reach a consensus on the terms and conditions for letting the cabs on hire for the World Classical Tamil Conference to be held here in June.

In a release, R.Suresh Babu, secretary of the association, said that a proposal had been given to the government following a request from the Transport Department to provide 1,000 vehicles. The proposal had raised the following issues: fixing the hire charges per day for different types of vehicles; whether per day rent is applicable for the utilisation of the vehicle from morning to evening and not on the basis of 24 hours; giving driver bata of Rs. 250 the same day or as advance for 10 days.

The proposal had also sought an assurance for settlement of the bills within 15 to 20 days besides arrangements for refuelling of vehicles.

The meeting would finalise the terms and conditions based on the opinions voiced by the members.

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Inauguration of an Outpatient block at Appasamy Hospitals

Both Central and Tamilnadu governments have been implementing various health schemes.

Under the scheme ‘health for all’ that covers rural areas, a sum of Rs 22,300 crore has been earmarked by the Centre and the State government.

Stating this while speaking at the inauguration of an outpatient block at Appasamy Hospitals at Arumbakkam in Chennai yesterday, Union Minister for Shipping G K Vasan said that this hospital has been doing yeoman service for the past 10 years in the form of eye camps, dialysis for the poor patients, etc, etc.

Appasamy Group has been manufacturing cataract lens, slits and equipment and ranks number two in the world in this field, according to its CEO B L Sampath Kumar.

Later briefing the press, director of Appasamy Hospitals Ramamurthy said that taxes in the country were progressive and nowhere in the world manufacturing tax, excise duty and VAT were being levied. Over 60 years, this has been the state of affairs.

Ninety per cent of the medical gadgets were being imported with only 10 per cent locally manufactured. The country can compete with the multinationals if taxes were not progressive, he said.

Leader of Congress Legislature Party D Sudharssanam, Principal Secretary-Health and Family Welfare V K Subburaj, ruling party leader in Corporation of Chennai N Ramalingam, former State Information Commissioner S Ramakrishnan, retired IAS officers A M Swaminathan and R Varadarajulu, managing director of Tamilnadu Civil Supplies Corporation Veerashanmugamani, Additional Director General of Police T Radhakrishnan, Joint director-Agriculture Vasuki, Father of Hand Surgery Dr R Venkatasmy, chairman of Zone 5 of the Corporation S Suresh Babu and Ward 74 member D Ramesh were present.

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Today Madurai Exclusive News

Madurai kaalavasal junction
RELIGION

Tiruvalluvar Kazhagam: Discourse on ‘Tirumandiram’ by S. Tirumavalavan, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 7 p.m.

Tiruvalluvar Mandram: Discourse on ‘Tiruvilayadalpuranam’ by S. Sadacharam, S.S. Colony, 5 p.m.

Ramakrishna Mutt: Bhajan, New Natham Road, 6.30 p.m.

Tatwananda Ashram: Samananda conducts ‘Bhagavad Gita’ class, Ayira Vaisyar Primary School, South Avanimoola Street, 6.45 p.m.

Hindu Baktha Jana Sabha: Puja, Thottichayamman Temple, Nilayur, 6 p.m.

Samarasa Sanmarga Sahiya Sangam: Discourse by R. Hari Govinthan, North Adi Street, Meenakshi Sundareswarar Temple, 6.30 p.m.

CULTURE

Gandhi Memorial Museum: T. Ravichandran conducts yoga, meditation and pranayama classes, 6 a.m., 10.30 a.m. and 5 p.m.; Women’s Day celebrations and self-employment course for women, 10 a.m.; spoken Hindi classes, 5 p.m.

Aanmeega Kalvi Nilayam: Physical exercise and meditation classes, 24 Besant Road, Chokkikulam, 7.30 a.m.

International Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Centre: Meditation, bhajan, satsangh, 23 Dr. Sathar Road, Anna Nagar, 5.30 p.m.

Yoga Research Centre: Pushparaj conducts yoga therapy classes, Department of Philosophy, Madura College, 6.30 a.m.

Small Industries Product Promotion Organisation: Craft Bazaar, Gandhi Museum, 10 a.m.

GENERAL

Madurai Kamaraj University Faculty Association: Women’s Day celebrations, R. Kathiresan, Department of Commerce, and J. Vijaya, joint secretary, LIC Employees Union, address, Dr. Ambedkar Building, 3 p.m.

Agricultural College and Research Institute: Technology Week celebration, Kakkan Auditorium, 10 a.m.

K.L.N. College of Information Technology: Women’s Day celebrations, I. Selvamani, psychiatrist, addresses, Pottapalayam, 1 p.m.

N.M.S. Sermathai Vasan College for Women: Women’s Day celebrations, seminar on ‘If you know thyself,’ Rani Chakravarthy addresses, 9.45 a.m.

American College: ‘Unbound’ performance project, 6.30 p.m.

Ultra College of Engineering and Technology for Women: Women’s Day celebrations, KR. Arumugam, chairman, presides, 11.30 a.m.

E.M.G. Yadava Women’s College: Women’s Day celebrations, S. Sethurakkayi, Head, Department of Geography, Sri Meenakshi Government Arts College, addresses, 9.30 p.m.

Tamil Nadu Theological Seminary: Women’s Day celebrations, rally and public meeting, Jinnah Thidal, 4 p.m.

Confederation of Indian Industry: Conference on ‘Women in 2020 – a vision,’ Hotel Fortune Pandiyan, 10 a.m.

Indira Gandhi Memorial Matriculation and Higher Secondary School: 25 {+t} {+h} Annual Day celebrations, R. Raja Govindasamy, Principal, Thiagarajar College, addresses, Tirunagar, 5.30 p.m.

High Court Legal Services Committee: Women’s Day celebrations, T. Mathivanan and K.B.K. Vasuki, judges, Madras High Court, address, Latha Mathavan Engineering College, Alagarkoil, 5 p.m.

Madurai Non Formal Education Centre: N. Chenbagaraman, Inspector General of Police, and P. Balasubramaniayan, Commissioner, address, Tamukkam Ground, 11.30 a.m.

Sumathi Fertility Clinic and IVF Research Institute: Women’s Day celebrations, free medical camp for women, Anna Nagar, 8 a.m.

Centre for Rural Education and Development: Women’s Day celebrations, Dinesh Ponraj Oliver, Collector (in-charge), address, Ajantha Theatre, Alanganallur, 10 a.m.

Women Entrepreneurs Forum: Women’s Day celebrations, G. Nathchiar and Premi Indra Kumar address, Tamil Nadu Chamber of Commerce and Industry premises, Kamarajar Salai, 3 p.m.

Lions Club of Madurai Malligai: Blood donation camp, P.K.N. Arts and Science College, Tirumangalam, 9 a.m.

Vickram College of Engineering: Department of Electronics conduct special lecture by S. Sivakumar, conference hall, 10 a.m.

Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad: World Women’s Day competition prize distribution, Sri Jayanthi Illam, 28, Srinivasa Perumal Temple, Kamarajar Salai, 3.30 p.m.

Sermathai Vasan College for Women: ‘Principal Kanagasabapathy awards’ distribution function, 5.30 p.m.

Alcoholics Anonymous: Meeting, Quality Care Hospital, Ellis Nagar, 7 p.m.

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Tamil Conference development works relating before April end

Deputy Chief Minister M K Stalin instructed the officials to complete the development works relating to the World Classical Tamil Conference before April end.
Tamil Conference development works
Stalin, who conducted a review meeting here on Friday, stressed the need for the early completion of the works being undertaken by the departments and Coimbatore corporation.

District Collector P Umanath told Stalin that all groundwork for the establishment of the parks had been completed and a Chennai-based trust would commence the works shortly.

The collector also informed that underground cable laying works by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Board (TNEB) on Avinashi and Tiruchy Roads at Rs 56 crore were in full swing.

While underground cable laying on Avinashi Road would be completed before March end, such works on Tiruchy Road would be over before April end, Umanath said.

Stalin advised State Highways Minister M P Saminathan to ensure that works on 17 roads at a cost of Rs 60 lakh, widening of Trichy Road at a cost of Rs 16 crore and Hope College Railway flyover should be completed before April end.

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Rise in dual epidemic cases

Diabetes and heart attack are dual epidemic non-communicable threats, according to professor Ashok Kumar Das from JIPMER, Puducherry.
heart animation
He said this during the two-day national conference today and tomorrow on initiatives and interventions for cardiovascular risk reductions in diabetes (iCARDIA) organised by Associates in Clinical Endocrinology Education and Research (ACEER) at Guindy in Chennai yesterday.

Director of ACEER Dr Usha Sriram introduced the international faculty members – professor Michael Davidson and professor Mathew Sorrentino, both from University of Chicago, Illinois, USA; professor Mark Molitch from Northwestern University, Illinois; and professor of Laboratory Medicine of University of Minnesota Medical School Gundu H R Rao.

In India, 50.8 million people suffer from dual diseases and it is feared that the number would reach 87 million in 2030, all for lack of awareness among the masses.

Unless and until people with diabetic suffer kidney failure or cardiac arrest they do not seem to bother or try to prevent by change in lifestyle.

Indians settled abroad also suffer from this. A national policy with authoritative guardian should be formed.

When there are diabetes research institutes in the US and other countries, with one even in Pakistan, India has none, said speakers at the press meet.

Gundu Rao has written to the government of India on the need for setting up an institute. Seventy per cent of the carbohydrate-rich food are consumed by Indians and that was the reason when an African had muscles, Indians had fat.
heart_beating
Ashok Kumar Das said 50 per cent of diabetic patients had some form of heart involvement and 75 per cent of cardiovascular deaths owing to diabetes.

Dr Bashi Tagore, a diabetologist from Ahmedabad, had conducted many meetings in Gujarat calling for an increase in awareness among the public.

International and national dignitaries would speak on subjects like twin epidemics, genes, diabetes and CVD, glycemic control and CVD: making sense of the evidence, post-prandial hyperglycemia: importance in CVD, prediabetes: how aggressive one should be among others during the two-day session.

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Deployed for security throughout new Secretariat and Assembly complex

Over 2000 policemen will be deployed for security throughout the city for the inauguration of the new Secretariat and Assembly complex here on 13 March when the Prime Minister andother dignitaries will be in the city, said City Police Commissioner T Rajendran today.
Secretariat and Assembly complex
Addressing media persons, the Commissioner said, ‘the function will be attended by Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh. We have not obtained details of his visit to the city. Once they are obtained, we will elaborate on the security arrangements.

It will be decided after consultations with special security officers from the Prime Minister’s Office. A total of over 2000 cops will be deployed on duty on the day’.

To a query on security arrangements for the Indian Premier League (IPL) matches in Chennai, Rajendran said, ‘we will provide adequate security at the M A Chidambaram Stadium and hotels where the players stay.’

Questioned about action on the erring police officials in the fake IPS officer Charulatha issue, Rajendran said, ‘a strict departmental action is to be initiated against them’.

On the recent attacks on the office of a television channel in the city by Communist cadres, he said, ‘ security has been beefed up at the offices Communist party and the television channel.’

Earlier, he took part in a function organised to present Chief Minister’s medals to 31 officers who have worked honestly and sincerely for over a decade.

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