In Brief 8212; Pune

Modern staff call off hunger strike
The indefinite hunger strike by staff representatives of the Progressive Education Society8217;s Modern College, Ganeshkhind, at the University of Pune, was withdrawn at 11 pm on Tuesday, after prolonged discussions with University officials. Pro Vice-chancellor Dr N J Sonawane has assured the striking teachers that the UoP would name a committee to submit a report on their grievances within 15 days, following which the UoP would initiate strict action against the authorities proven responsible for their grievances. The teachers declared they will intensify agitation if the committee was not named, or its report not submitted within 15 days.

Shinde is PCMC octroi chief
Assistant commissioner of the Pimpri Chinchwad Municipal Corporation PCMC, Tanaji Shinde has been appointed as PCMC chief octroi superintendent. The post was lying vacant after the transfer of Kishoreraje Nimbalkar. Administrative officer Ashok Prabhune has been appointed in charge of the slum development department, while Viswasrao Bhosekar has been appointed as officer in charge of the Nigdi-Pradhikaran office, and Shankar Banekar as public relations officer. Secretary General of Mahratta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture has authored 14 books.

Wage agreement sanctioned
Chief Minister of Maharashtra Vilasrao Deshmukh has sanctioned the new wage agreement of the Maharashtra Transport Kamgar Sanghatana. Employees will receive wages according to the revised payscales. General secretary of the Sanghatana Hanumant Tate said that the talks will be held in the period of a month to take a decision on the arrears of the past 42 months.