Briefly Region

Deepender inducted in Rahul’s team

Chandigarh: Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi has chosen Rohtak MP Deepender Singh Hooda to be part of his Quick Response Team. Deepender has been tasked with keeping an eye on the social media. Keeping in view the growing significance of the social media,Deepender will be responsible for the party’s strategy to enhance its impact on social sites like Facebook and Twitter.

Govt unveils tobacco policy

Chandigarh: As part of the Punjab government’s efforts to make the state smoke-free,Principal Secretary (Health and Family Welfare) Vini Mahajan on Wednesday formally released guidelines for implementation of smoke free rules and tobacco free educational institutions.

Panchayat polls in the offing in Punjab

Chandigarh: The Punjab government is all set to conduct elections for the zila parishad,block smiti and panchayat bodies by May 31. Following an announcement by the state election commission,all preliminary arrangements have been completed,Rural Development and Panchayat Minister Surjit Singh Rakhra said on Wednesday.

Punjab hikes prize money for medallists

Chandigarh: The Punjab government has increased prize money for athletes from the state who win medals in Commonwealth and Asian games. The prize money for medal winners in Asian Games has been hiked fivefold whereas the prize money for the medal winners in the Commonwealth Games has been increased three-fold. Now,Asian Games gold,silver and bronze medal winners will get a cash prize of Rs 26,16 and 11 lakh respectively.