Nod to revamp labs to scale up Covid testing in Punjab

Chandigarh

To further ramp up Covid testing capacity in the state, the Council of Ministers on Wednesday gave a go-ahead to procure seven automatic RNA extraction machines for the viral testing labs at three government medical colleges (Patiala, Amritsar and Faridkot), in addition to another four for the newly set-up labs in Mohali, Ludhiana and Jalandhar.

In a Cabinet meeting via video-conferencing, chaired by Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh, it was informed that the move was aimed at controlling the Covid spread.

A senior government functionary said the cost of the seven automatic RNA extraction machines and test kits would be incurred from the State Disaster Response Fund, and the procurement process would be handled by the Vice Chancellor of the Baba Farid University of Health Sciences, Faridkot.

Presently, two viral testing labs are functional at Patiala and Amritsar medical colleges and another at Guru Gobind Singh Medical College, Faridkot. Initially, testing capacity for Covid-19 was about 40 tests per lab per day. After the department installed new machines, the testing capacity was increased to 400 tests per lab per day.

Land pooling policy

The Cabinet today approved an amended land pooling policy of GMADA. According to it, 1,000 sq yards of developed residential plots and 200 sq yards of commercial plot, excluding parking, will be given in lieu of cash compensation for every 1 acre of land to be acquired from the owners for the upcoming Aerotropolis Residential Estate.

305 warders to be recruited

The Cabinet okayed the recruitment of 305 warders through the Punjab Police Recruitment Board by taking these posts out of the purview of the Subordinate Services Selection Board.

WB-aided canal project

The Council of Ministers approved a $285.71 million World Bank project for canal-based water supply for Amritsar and Ludhiana. It involves strengthening urban water supply.

Set norms to allow film shooting: CM

Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh on Wednesday directed the Chief Secretary to formulate guidelines for shooting of films, songs, shows etc. safely amid the Covid pandemic. The CM’s directive came after three Punjabi artistes made a representation to him through a video-conference after the Cabinet meet. Rupinder Singh Gippy Grewal, Ranjit Bawa and Gurpeet Ghuggi pointed out that even though the norms were eased, the absence of guidelines was making it difficult to resume work.