Capt Amarinder picks five as OSDs

Chandigarh: The Congress-led government on Wednesday announced five more political appointments as Officers on Special Duty (OSD) with Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh. The OSDs are Gurpreet Singh Sonu Dhesi, Jagdeep Singh Sidhu, Sandeep Singh Brar, Damanjeet Singh Mohi and Ankit Bansal. A spokesman for the CMO’s office said the terms and conditions of their appointments would be finalised shortly. More political appointments of advisers under newly appointed Senior Adviser Lt Gen TS Shergill is expected in coming days. Sources said Kewal Dhillon, former MLA who lost from Barnala in the recent Assembly elections, could also be rehabilitated. Meanwhile, the process of assigning rooms to CM’s advisers and political secretaries began on Wednesday. TNS

Assembly session from tomorrow

Chandigarh: The 15th Punjab Vidhan Sabha formally constituted on March 14 has been summoned by the Governor to meet for its first session on March 24. The session will begin with the taking of oath by the new MLAs followed by the election of the Speaker and Deputy Speaker on March 27. On March 28, there will be Governor's address and March 29 has been fixed for obituaries and passing the vote of account. TNS

Pay panel chief Mann resigns

Chandigarh: RS Mann, who was made the chairman of the Sixth Pay Commission of Punjab by the previous government, on Wednesday resigned from the post citing personal reasons. Jai Singh Gill will replace him. This would mean that entire process would have to be started all over again. TNS

Ajit Singh Kohar SAD deputy leader

Chandigarh: Ajit Singh Kohar has been appointed as the deputy leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) in the Assembly. The party has 15 members in the House and party president Sukhbir Singh Badal is the leader of the House. TNS