Exempt masks, PPE kits from GST: Association

Bathinda: The Punjab Chemist Association has submitted a representation to the state government, seeking GST exemption for face masks and PPE kits among other items. Surinder Duggal, president of the association said, “In these trying times when everyone is buying protective gears to ensure their safety, the government must exempt these items to unburden the public. At present, there is 18 per cent GST on sanitisers, 12 per cent on PPE kits, 5 per cent on face masks and 18 per cent on infrared thermometers among other essential items being used for safety against Covid. TNS

Admn seals Pathrela village in Bathinda

Bathinda: The administration has sealed Pathrela village after two cases were reported positive. In all, 68 drivers of buses who had gone to bring the stranded pilgrims, students and labourers from Nanded, Kota and Jaisalmer have been kept in quarantine and their samples have been taken. Deputy Commissioner B Srinivasan said, “Pathrela village has been sealed as a precautionary measure and a gurudwara has been completed sealed. On reaching Bathinda, a group of pilgrims was kept there and after sampling, a patient had tested positive.” TNS

Vets protest ‘irregular’ promotions

Chandigarh: The Punjab State Veterinary Officers Association on Friday alleged “irregularities” in the recent promotions of deputy directors, assistant directors and senior veterinary officers. Association president Sarbjeet Singh Randhawa said promotions had been decided even as seniority list was yet to be finalised. He said if the issue was not addressed, the association would take a tough stand. TNS

Power staff contribute Rs 7.91 cr

Chandigarh: The management, employees and pensioners of the PSPCL/PSTCL have contributed Rs 7.91 crore towards the CM relief fund. The management and employees, besides pensioners of both Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Transmission Corporation Limited, have donated their one-day salary/pension to the relief fund. TNS