R E G I O N A L   B R I E F S

PUNJAB

Amritsar
Online admission to ITIs this session: The state government has decided to start online admissions to the ITIs from current academic session. Technical Education and Industrial Training Minister Anil Joshi said the government had also decided to introduce semester system in the ITIs. He said the ITIs had been told to launch new trades from 2013-14 session under the IDP scheme to facilitate students in getting better job opportunities. Joshi directed the ITIs to approach the Quality Council of India to get the trades affiliated.

SGPC’s turban plea to government: The SGPC on Wednesday urged the state government to ensure that Punjab Police officials wear turban as per the Sikh traditions. SGPC chief Avtar Singh Makkar has taken up the matter with Deputy CM Sukhbir Badal. On May 30, 2011, the Sikh clergy had directed the SGPC to raise the issue with the state government.

Moga
Minor abducted from Moga: A 17-year-old girl was allegedly abducted by two youths from her relative's house in Dala village in the district, police sources said on Tuesday. In a complaint lodged with the police, the victim's mother Gurmeet Kaur stated she along with her daughter had come to her parental house a few days ago. Two youths identified as Kuldip Singh and Sukha Singh, both residents of Machike village, forcibly entered their house and kidnapped her daughter, a Class XI student.

HARYANA

Chandigarh
Strike called off: The agitating employees of Haryana State Primary Agriculture Cooperative Societies (PACS) ended their month-long strike today. Housing and Cooperation Minister Satpal Sangwan met these employees in Panchkula and assured them that all their genuine demands would be considered. Satisfied with the assurance, the employees ended their strike, a press note stated here today.

HIMACHAL PRADESH

Hamirpur
Workshop for college teachers ends: A week-long workshop on computer applications, organised for college teachers at local postgraduate government college, concluded here today. Experts from NIT, Hamirpur, the SBI and other institutions gave lectures on uses of computer applications in different fields. College Principal PC Patial gave away certificates to the participants from different colleges of the state on the conclusion of the workshop.

Nahan
Pharma cell chairman appointed: Manoj Garg of Horizon Bioceuticals was appointed chairman of the Pharmaceutical Cell of Laghu Udyog Bharti (LUB), Sirmaur Chapter, and Subash Miglani of MMG Laboratories vice-chairman at an executive meeting of the LUB held recently. This was stated by Vipul Ghai, president, LUB, Sirmaur Chapter.