Chandigarh
Rs 66 crore spent on rural infrastructure: The Punjab Government had disbursed Rs 66.29 crore for providing basic amenities and infrastructure in villages. This grant was spent with in a stipulated time frame, said Surjit Singh Rakhra, Rural Development and Panchayat Minister. Rakhra said the grant received from the 13th Finance Commission was released to all 22 districts. He said the amount was spent for development of basic infra structure of villages. The minister said the department had issued strict instructions to all districts to utilise the funds in a proper manner.

Relief for medical education staff: In a major relief to the medical education faculty, the Punjab Government has granted 20 academic holidays besides permission to participate in national and international conferences. Disclosing this here on Tuesday, Chunni Lal Bhagat, Minister for Medical Education, said a notification in this regard had been issued. He said the faculty of all the government medical, dental and ayurvedic colleges could avail this facility.

NRI alleges bid to usurp his property: Jasdeep Singh, an NRI, on Monday alleged that an Inspector General of Police (IGP) of the Punjab Police had connived with his wife in an attempt to usurp his 20 acres of land in Sirhind. The NRI said: "He had bought a property in Mohali which the officer also trying to grab." He also alleged that he was beaten up by a policeman, who was a nephew of a senior police officer.

Indian origin prof to lead caste research: A philosopher of Indian origin who studied at Ludhiana and Chandigarh has been selected to lead significant research into caste system in Britain. Dr Meena Dhanda, Reader in Philosophy and Cultural Politics at the university, will head a team of academics to carry out the study on behalf of the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC). Dr Dhanda said: "I am delighted to be leading such an accomplished and dedicated team of researchers."

Kharar
Punjabi film starcast visits college: Students of GGS College of Modern Technology had a gala time as the cast of upcoming Punjabi film, Dil Pardesi Ho Gaya, spent time with them on the campus. The visit of the film crew was a part of the promotion of their film.