UP assembly monsoon Session from Aug 21

Lucknow, Aug 1 (UNI) The monsoon session of Uttar Pradesh assembly is being convened here from August 21, the state cabinet decided today.

State chief secretary Naveen Chandra Bajpai said here the cabinet decided to hold the next session from August 21.

''The governor has been requested accordingly,'' he added the duration of the session would be decided by the Business Advisory Committee.

The state cabinet also decided to exempt a feature film 'Kasturi: the fragrance of life' from entertainment tax for three months.

The Hindi film is based on the life of rural women and deals with the issue of women empowerment.

The cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mulayam Singh Yadav, has approved detailed project reports to set up two allopathic colleges in Kannauj and Jalaun.

The colleges would be set up at a cost of Rs 212 crore each and would have 500 beds each. The colleges would teach 21 disciplines.

In another decision, the cabinet approved setting up of 50 new Industrial Training Institues (ITIs) for SC/ST youth. A budget of Rs 8.25 crore has been set aside for the current fiscal, while 900 new posts would be created.

The state Labour department would set up 25 new ITIs in community development blocks in minority-dominated areas. A total of Rs 15.58 crore has been earmarked for the purpose.

The government would create 650 additional posts to run these institutions. The ITIs would impart training in 12 trades, including press making, AC and refridgerator repair, health and skincare, painting, plumbing and gas and electric welding.

The Public Distribution System (PDS) shops were so far not allowed to sell provisions, including toothpastes, oil, soap and tea. From now onwards, PDS shopowners would be allowed to sell such items on market price.

''They can buy these items and sell on market price...the government is not involved in any way. The step is being taken to improve the economic viability of these shops,'' the CS informed.

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