M A I N   N E W S

LPG on demand by Dec-end
Tribune News Service

RAMAN (Bathinda), June 2 — The Union Petroleum Minister, Mr Ram Naik, today said that 90 gas agencies would be set up in Punjab to clear the waiting list of consumers and to provide gas connection on demand in the state by the end of December 2000.

Mr Naik, who was here to preside over the function organised in connection with the inauguration of construction of oil refinery, said that Petroleum Ministry would ensure the opening of gas agencies in each block of the state and in those villages which were having population of more than 15,000.

Mr Naik said that Central Government was also making efforts to provide connection of LPG to all the 1.10 crore waiting consumers by the end of December 2000. He added that at present, the waiting list of LPG connections comprised of 4.62 lakh consumers in Punjab. The Union Minister said that 35 new petrol pumps would also be set in Punjab so that fuel could be made available to the consumers to the nearest points from their dwellings.

He disclosed that a Bill regarding the use of LPG in the automobiles had been introduced in the Parliament in the last session and it would be passed in the coming Monsoon session. After passing of this Bill, the motor vehicle owners would be able to use LPG in place of petrol. The use of LPG would also reduce the air pollution being caused by the petrol and diesel based vehicles.

Transfers of docs put on hold
Tribune News Service

CHANDIGARH, June 2 — Following a meeting with the PCMS Association, the Punjab Government today temporarily stopped the transfer order of about 800 doctors.

Mr P.K.Verma, Principal Secretary of the Health Department, said in a statement that “orders are being reviewed in order to delete any transfer which is found to be unnecessary and therefore, the concerned doctors have been asked to continue in their present place of posting for the next few days”.

The Punjab Government has instructed Director Health Services, Punjab and senior officers concerned to stop the transfer orders of doctors in their respective jurisdiction till further orders. Those who have been relieved need not join at a new place of posting and wait for the fresh orders in this connection.

Dr Manjit Singh Randhawa, Dr D.S.Gill and Dr Manjit Singh, all senior office-bearers of the PCMS Association, today held a detailed meeting with Mr Verma and other officers concerned of the Health Department and urged for cancelling the transfer orders. Earlier a deputation of the association led by Dr Randhawa had met the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary for getting the transfer orders cancelled.