End Bains-DC tussle: MLC

Chandigarh: Former Union Minister and member of UP Legislative Council Balwant Singh Ramoowalia has urged CM Capt Amarinder Singh to intervene and amicably resolve the differences that have arisen between the Gurdaspur Deputy Commissioner and MLA Simarjit Singh Bains. In a press release, the UP MLC said the issue had spilled over to cause unrest among people as the protest by the DC office staff had hampered public work. TNS

‘Welfare of women priority’

Chandigarh: The Punjab Government is committed to empowering women and has taken a number of steps for their welfare, said Social Security, Women and Child Development Minister Aruna Choudhary. She said the government had recently made a provision for four per cent reservation in government jobs and promotions for specially abled women and men. It had also taken steps for the welfare of victims of acid attacks who get a financial assistance of Rs 8,000 per month. TNS

Teachers block traffic

Sangrur: Members of the ETT and TET Pass Unemployed Teachers’ Union on Friday protested on the Sangrur-Dhuri road by blocking traffic. They demanded immediate recruitment on the basis of Class  XII. “We will intensify our agitation in the coming days if the Punjab Government fails to fulfil our long-pending demands,” said Deepak Kamboj, president of the union. TNS

17,000 tablets seized

Sangrur: The Lehra police seized 17,000 habit-forming tablets on Thursday night while the accused fled the spot. “During patrolling, we saw a person near Hariau village. After seeing us, he fled the spot, leaving his bag behind. During the search of the bag, we seized 17,000 habit-forming tablets. We have registered a case,” said ASI Surjit Singh. TNS

IMTECH pact with science dept 

Chandigarh: The CSIR Institute of Microbial Technology (IMTECH) on Friday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Department of Science, Technology and Environment to address the issues pertaining to public health and environment under Mission Tandrust Punjab 2.0 besides working together to make the state a research and innovation hub. Under the MoU, both organisations will strive to promote research and innovation in Punjab to enhance competitiveness, boost economic growth and create quality jobs. TNS