Disinfectant tunnels harmful: NGO

Hoshiarpur: An NGO, Savera, has urged CM Capt Amrinder Singh to direct the district authorities across the state to not use disinfectant tunnels, which have been installed at many places to prevent the spread of Covid, as it is harmful. In a statement, Dr Ajay Bagga, former Civil Surgeon and NGO convener, said the spraying of alcohol, chlorine and lysol on humans was not only harmful, but also ineffective. OC

No aid from Centre yet: FM

Bathinda: Finance Minister Manpreet Singh Badal on Sunday said the state had not received any monetary assistance from the Central Government to fight Covid-19. “The amount state has received is the GST compensation, revenue loss grant and outstanding disaster relief fund grant,” he said, adding that Centre still owed four months’ GST arrears to the state. He said, “Nevertheless, it is not the time for politics. We are working to tackle the situation at our own level, after considering the compulsion of the Union Government.” TNS

Parminder offers help to govt

Sangrur: Former Finance Minister Parminder Dhindsa on Sunday wrote to CM Capt Amarinder Singh and offered his services to help the state government in managing the financial affairs in times of Covid outbreak. He contributed his salary towards the CM’s relief fund to fight the virus. “Being the former FM, I have ample experience about finance. I am ready to help if the government wants,” the Lehra MLA said. He requested the CM to cut salaries of all MLAs to arrange money for fighting Covid. TNS

Cops greeted with flower petals

Abohar: Social activists showered flower petals on the police as the latter took out a flag march here on Sunday. SP Manjit Singh and DSPs Rahul Bhardwaj and Sandeep Singh led the flag march. During brief halts, the officers informed people that curfew had been extended till May 1 and that the District Magistrate had revised guidelines on the movement of vendors, opening of banks and other establishments. OC

Badal thanks corona warriors

Muktsar: Former CM Parkash Singh Badal on Sunday thanked all doctors, paramedical staff and sanitation workers for rendering their services in battle against the Covid pandemic. He also sought a special increment for them from the state government. In a video clip, he said, “I thank all doctors, paramedical staff and sanitation workers who are our frontline warriors in the battle against the pandemic. I appeal to the state government to immediately provide them personal protective equipment and give them a pay hike.” TNS