April 19, 2026

Calcutta high court KOLKATA: The EC has decided to challenge Calcutta HC order that set aside the appointment of govt college teachers as presiding officers during the Bengal assembly polls on April 23 and 29. State CEO Manoj Agarwal said EC would move an appeal before a division bench against the order passed by Justice Krishna Rao. An official said that EC needed around 4.1 lakh polling officials, and since the duty roster had been prepared, it would be difficult to induct staff from the reserve bench. Poll body replaces Chinsurah observer EChas relieved C Paulrasu, a 2004-batch IAS officer, as observer for the Chinsurah seat in Hooghly and asked him to immediately leave Bengal. IAS officer, Rajesh Kumar Sharma, who is a general observer in Hooghly, was asked to take charge of Chinsurah. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh claimed Paulrasu had said in the observers’ WhatsApp group that the CEO had no authority to convene meetings with or direct the observers, as they were appointed by EC. This was allegedly cited as the reason for his removal.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123Photostories6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potential123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

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Calcutta high court KOLKATA: The EC has decided to challenge Calcutta HC order that set aside the appointment of govt college teachers as presiding officers during the Bengal assembly polls on April 23 and 29. State CEO Manoj Agarwal said EC would move an appeal before a division bench against the order passed by Justice Krishna Rao. An official said that EC needed around 4.1 lakh polling officials, and since the duty roster had been prepared, it would be difficult to induct staff from the reserve bench. Poll body replaces Chinsurah observer EChas relieved C Paulrasu, a 2004-batch IAS officer, as observer for the Chinsurah seat in Hooghly and asked him to immediately leave Bengal. IAS officer, Rajesh Kumar Sharma, who is a general observer in Hooghly, was asked to take charge of Chinsurah. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh claimed Paulrasu had said in the observers’ WhatsApp group that the CEO had no authority to convene meetings with or direct the observers, as they were appointed by EC. This was allegedly cited as the reason for his removal.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123Photostories6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yetThings you should NEVER Do on Akshaya Tritiya based on your birth dateTop 5 residential hotspots in Nagpur for upscale living and long-term investment potential123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event


EC to challenge High Court’s professor poll duty order before division bench

KOLKATA: The EC has decided to challenge Calcutta HC order that set aside the appointment of govt college teachers as presiding officers during the Bengal assembly polls on April 23 and 29. State CEO Manoj Agarwal said EC would move an appeal before a division bench against the order passed by Justice Krishna Rao. An official said that EC needed around 4.1 lakh polling officials, and since the duty roster had been prepared, it would be difficult to induct staff from the reserve bench. Poll body replaces Chinsurah observer EChas relieved C Paulrasu, a 2004-batch IAS officer, as observer for the Chinsurah seat in Hooghly and asked him to immediately leave Bengal. IAS officer, Rajesh Kumar Sharma, who is a general observer in Hooghly, was asked to take charge of Chinsurah. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh claimed Paulrasu had said in the observers’ WhatsApp group that the CEO had no authority to convene meetings with or direct the observers, as they were appointed by EC. This was allegedly cited as the reason for his removal.



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Dharmendra Pradhan How do you interpret rising stress among children, especially with digital exposure? ■ I see this not as a problem but as a social challenge. As aspirations increase, competition and pressure will also rise. Digital devices have added another dimension, but the root remains the same. This is not a governance issue alone. We need to simplify the core issue and prepare children for life, not just exams. At the same time, excessive screen exposure, constant comparison on social media and information overload are amplifying anxiety. Children are not just studying anymore, they are continuously being evaluated — by peers, platforms and perceptions. This makes it important to guide usage, not simply restrict it. What role do society and campaigns play in addressing mental health concerns? ■ Policy is only one part. Impact comes from social awareness and behavioural change. Everyone has a role to play, including the media. The Times of India’s campaign on destressing and mental health is important in shaping understanding. Parents must realise that success is not defined by coaching or a narrow set of exams. We must also build a culture where digital use is balanced with physical activity, conversation and rest. This is a societal issue of aspirations and perception, not just performance. What policy measures are being taken to reduce stress and make learning more meaningful? ■ NEP addresses the fundamentals. We have introduced new curriculum, syllabus, textbooks and pedagogy, with more sports, arts and skill development. Bagless days and full-fledged courses in sports and skills are meant to reduce academic burden. The aim is to move from certificates to competencies. Students should not feel limited to JEE or NEET. A 360-degree approach builds confidence and helps reduce distress, while also giving students space away from constant digital pressure. What is the central approach to de-stress students within classrooms? ■ Mother tongue. It directly affects understanding and confidence. A child often feels lost when the classroom language is different from the language spoken at home. Mother tongue-based education up to Class V, preferably till Class VIII, bridges this gap. It improves comprehension and significantly reduces stress, making learning more natural and less intimidating. How should India balance digital expansion and AI with student wellbeing? ■ Digital expansion and AI must be approached with awareness and balance. Look, as society moves toward digital, internet penetration in India has reached deep, and smartphones are widely available. We are speaking about Centres of Excellence and AI in education. At such a time, I have observed how other countries handle this — how can we “ring-fence” digital education? If there are any suggestions for ring-fencing digital education from social media, do let me know. We are issuing advisories, focusing on data privacy and building systems for “AI in education” and “AI for education”. Using AI as a tool is one thing — like learning about a telephone. But exchanging information through that telephone is another aspect. We want to be hands-on with both. In India, the understanding of this is multi-dimensional. It presents both an opportunity and a challenge. To gain knowledge, you need the internet through accessibility tools. If you want to perform big data analytics, understand patterns, or have deep understanding, you need AI. It is needed in everything. In the knowledge ecosystem, there is a horizontal connectedness across all verticals—that is what AI is. But safeguards come from awareness. Like fire can burn, technology must be understood responsibly. Children should be taught how to use technology, not be left alone with it. Every technological shift creates a dilemma between old and new systems, and the answer lies in informed transition through scientific understanding and collective responsibility.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Dharmendra Pradhan How do you interpret rising stress among children, especially with digital exposure? ■ I see this not as a problem but as a social challenge. As aspirations increase, competition and pressure will also rise. Digital devices have added another dimension, but the root remains the same. This is not a governance issue alone. We need to simplify the core issue and prepare children for life, not just exams. At the same time, excessive screen exposure, constant comparison on social media and information overload are amplifying anxiety. Children are not just studying anymore, they are continuously being evaluated — by peers, platforms and perceptions. This makes it important to guide usage, not simply restrict it. What role do society and campaigns play in addressing mental health concerns? ■ Policy is only one part. Impact comes from social awareness and behavioural change. Everyone has a role to play, including the media. The Times of India’s campaign on destressing and mental health is important in shaping understanding. Parents must realise that success is not defined by coaching or a narrow set of exams. We must also build a culture where digital use is balanced with physical activity, conversation and rest. This is a societal issue of aspirations and perception, not just performance. What policy measures are being taken to reduce stress and make learning more meaningful? ■ NEP addresses the fundamentals. We have introduced new curriculum, syllabus, textbooks and pedagogy, with more sports, arts and skill development. Bagless days and full-fledged courses in sports and skills are meant to reduce academic burden. The aim is to move from certificates to competencies. Students should not feel limited to JEE or NEET. A 360-degree approach builds confidence and helps reduce distress, while also giving students space away from constant digital pressure. What is the central approach to de-stress students within classrooms? ■ Mother tongue. It directly affects understanding and confidence. A child often feels lost when the classroom language is different from the language spoken at home. Mother tongue-based education up to Class V, preferably till Class VIII, bridges this gap. It improves comprehension and significantly reduces stress, making learning more natural and less intimidating. How should India balance digital expansion and AI with student wellbeing? ■ Digital expansion and AI must be approached with awareness and balance. Look, as society moves toward digital, internet penetration in India has reached deep, and smartphones are widely available. We are speaking about Centres of Excellence and AI in education. At such a time, I have observed how other countries handle this — how can we “ring-fence” digital education? If there are any suggestions for ring-fencing digital education from social media, do let me know. We are issuing advisories, focusing on data privacy and building systems for “AI in education” and “AI for education”. Using AI as a tool is one thing — like learning about a telephone. But exchanging information through that telephone is another aspect. We want to be hands-on with both. In India, the understanding of this is multi-dimensional. It presents both an opportunity and a challenge. To gain knowledge, you need the internet through accessibility tools. If you want to perform big data analytics, understand patterns, or have deep understanding, you need AI. It is needed in everything. In the knowledge ecosystem, there is a horizontal connectedness across all verticals—that is what AI is. But safeguards come from awareness. Like fire can burn, technology must be understood responsibly. Children should be taught how to use technology, not be left alone with it. Every technological shift creates a dilemma between old and new systems, and the answer lies in informed transition through scientific understanding and collective responsibility.About the AuthorManash Pratim GohainManash Pratim Gohain is a seasoned journalist with over two decades at The Times of India, where he has built a rich body of work spanning education policy, politics, and governance. Renowned for his incisive coverage of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, accreditation reforms, and skilling initiatives, he has also reported on student politics, urban policy, and social movements. His political reportage—both reflective and news-driven—adds depth to his writing, bridging policy with public impact. Through his 2,500 articles and related outlets, he has emerged as a trusted voice in national discourse, particularly in linking education reform to broader societal change.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Vamsikrishna 0
NEW DELHI: The opposition parties are mulling another notice in Parliament for removal of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar , the move coming days after their earlier plea was rejected by the Speaker of Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the RajyaSabha.Sources said key INDIA bloc parties are discussing the matter and working on a possible draft. The decision to revive the issue was based on the fact that the presiding officers of the two Houses Om Birla and CP Radhakrishnan gave reasoned orders on why the notices were being rejected. It is felt that the notices can be submitted again by rectifying the lacunae mentioned by the two Chairs.It was said that one reason for the rejection was the absence of specific instances of misdemeanour.Sources said talks are at an early stage and would take some time to mature. The bid to press against CEC Kumar appears an attempt to make a political statement in the wake of controversies surrounding the SIR in election-bound West Bengal, after similar rows erupted in other states. While there is consensus among opposition parties on the issue, Trinamool Congress has been its prime mover.While the earlier notice was submitted in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the opposition is still to decide if to follow the same pattern or to pick one House for the new petition. The discussion on re-petitioning against the CEC comes in the wake of the Modi govt’s defeat on the Constitution amendment bill on delimitation and women’s quota.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

NEW DELHI: The opposition parties are mulling another notice in Parliament for removal of chief election commissioner Gyanesh Kumar , the move coming days after their earlier plea was rejected by the Speaker of Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the RajyaSabha.Sources said key INDIA bloc parties are discussing the matter and working on a possible draft. The decision to revive the issue was based on the fact that the presiding officers of the two Houses Om Birla and CP Radhakrishnan gave reasoned orders on why the notices were being rejected. It is felt that the notices can be submitted again by rectifying the lacunae mentioned by the two Chairs.It was said that one reason for the rejection was the absence of specific instances of misdemeanour.Sources said talks are at an early stage and would take some time to mature. The bid to press against CEC Kumar appears an attempt to make a political statement in the wake of controversies surrounding the SIR in election-bound West Bengal, after similar rows erupted in other states. While there is consensus among opposition parties on the issue, Trinamool Congress has been its prime mover.While the earlier notice was submitted in both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, the opposition is still to decide if to follow the same pattern or to pick one House for the new petition. The discussion on re-petitioning against the CEC comes in the wake of the Modi govt’s defeat on the Constitution amendment bill on delimitation and women’s quota.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

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Representative image (AI-generated) NEW DELHI: Medical devices used every day—from syringes and surgical sutures to implants—may soon face tighter regulation, with Centre proposing stricter labelling rules and a standardised testing fee system aimed at improving safety and accountability. Under a draft amendment to Medical Devices Rules, 2017, manufacturers may be required to clearly disclose on product labels where devices are sterilised, including licence number of the facility. The move is intended to improve traceability so that authorities can quickly identify the source in case of infection or device failure. Govt has also proposed fixing testing charges across categories. As per the draft, implantation tests could cost Rs 5,000, sterility tests, Rs 2,000 and surgical sutures, Rs 3,000. These charges will rise by 5% annually, while fees for tests not listed will be decided by authorised laboratories. Officials say the changes are aimed at bringing uniformity in testing and strengthening oversight in the fastgrowing medical devices sector, where regulation has often been flagged as uneven. The industry, however, has raised concerns over feasibility and cost implications. Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry, said that while the proposals are a step towards strengthening quality systems, they may need to be fine-tuned for smooth implementation. “The testing fees may not fully reflect actual lab costs, and if fixed without consulting NABL-accredited labs, it could make testing difficult to sustain, leading to delays. This may increase compliance costs and put some pressure on supply and prices, especially for high-volume items like syringes and consumables,” he said. “A riskbased approach, with stricter checks for high-risk devices, would be more effective. The sterilisation labelling requirement also needs review as it may delay exports by 3-4 weeks…,” the forum coordinator added.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

Representative image (AI-generated) NEW DELHI: Medical devices used every day—from syringes and surgical sutures to implants—may soon face tighter regulation, with Centre proposing stricter labelling rules and a standardised testing fee system aimed at improving safety and accountability. Under a draft amendment to Medical Devices Rules, 2017, manufacturers may be required to clearly disclose on product labels where devices are sterilised, including licence number of the facility. The move is intended to improve traceability so that authorities can quickly identify the source in case of infection or device failure. Govt has also proposed fixing testing charges across categories. As per the draft, implantation tests could cost Rs 5,000, sterility tests, Rs 2,000 and surgical sutures, Rs 3,000. These charges will rise by 5% annually, while fees for tests not listed will be decided by authorised laboratories. Officials say the changes are aimed at bringing uniformity in testing and strengthening oversight in the fastgrowing medical devices sector, where regulation has often been flagged as uneven. The industry, however, has raised concerns over feasibility and cost implications. Rajiv Nath, forum coordinator, Association of Indian Medical Device Industry, said that while the proposals are a step towards strengthening quality systems, they may need to be fine-tuned for smooth implementation. “The testing fees may not fully reflect actual lab costs, and if fixed without consulting NABL-accredited labs, it could make testing difficult to sustain, leading to delays. This may increase compliance costs and put some pressure on supply and prices, especially for high-volume items like syringes and consumables,” he said. “A riskbased approach, with stricter checks for high-risk devices, would be more effective. The sterilisation labelling requirement also needs review as it may delay exports by 3-4 weeks…,” the forum coordinator added.About the AuthorAnuja JaiswalAnuja Jaiswal is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Times of India, with an impressive 18-year career in narrative journalism. She specializes in health and heritage reporting, expertly simplifying complex health information to make it engaging and understandable for readers. Her deep dives into heritage topics are well-researched, resulting in captivating narratives that resonate with her audience. Over the years, she has worked in Chandigarh, Chhattisgarh and West UP, gaining diverse on-ground experience that shapes her storytelling.Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosCong, TMC, DMK Guilty’, PM Modi Blasts Oppn For Blocking Women Reservation BillIndia Summons Iran Envoy Summoned After Ships Targeted In Strait of Hormuz | WatchWomen’s Reservation Amendment Fails In Lok Sabha, Delimitation Bill Put On HoldYogi Adityanath Alleges ‘Identity Crisis’ In Bengal, Targets TMC Over GovernanceBJP Leaders Protest Outside Rahul’s Residence Over Women Quota Bill; Hema Malini, Bansuri Lead10th Indian Vessel Crosses Strait Of Hormuz Since Conflict Began”Women Were Being Used” Tharoor Backs Women’s Reservation, Warns On Delimitation Issue: “You’re Firing… After Clearance!” India-Flagged Ship’s Last Words Before Hormuz TurnbackNation Awaits PM Modi’s Address As Women Bill Fails And Hormuz Crisis Escalates‘Not A Failure Of The Government’: Why Rijiju Is Blaming The Opposition For Women’s Bill Defeat123PhotostoriesAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Why these foods are considered auspicious and bring good fortune and prosperity5 watches rich men with old money wear6 healthy leaves you should add to your daily dietAkshaya Tritiya 2026: Buy these 5 things for good fortune5 grand palaces that are now world-famous museums7 factors driving real estate growth in India’s non-metro cities7 foods in your kitchen that actually came from PersiaAlia-Ranbir to Saif-Kareena: 5 celebrity weddings that completely rewrote the Indian shaadi style rulebook’The Devil Wears Prada 2′ to ‘The Odyssey,’ and more: Hollywood’s biggest 2026 Summer releases10 iconic biryani varieties in India you probably haven’t tried yet123Hot PicksIran warDelimitation Bill DefeatPurple cap winnerOrange cap winnerIPL Points TablePublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingIPL Orange Cap 2026VijayPM Modi LiveWorld Largest EconomySue BirdIce SpicePahalgam Pony Wallah StoryWomen Quota BillE Coli Smuggling CaseErika Kirk Event

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