Malda briefs

Poll preparation

MALDA, March 5: In preparation for the Lok Sabha polls, the Malda district magistrate interacted today with district police officials in connection with the training of election officials, including the officers-in-charge of the polling stations.

Epic cards

MALDA, March 5: The Malda district administration will extend the 10 February deadline for the electoral identity card distribution exercise by a few days. “The process will require more time, as 1.45 lakh identity cards are to be distributed,” the DM said. n SNS

Rs 2 kg rice

MALDA, March 5: The government has asked the food and supplies department to make sure rice is supplied at the agreed rate of Rs two per kg for BPL beneficiaries and people belonging to the Antyodaya project. The CPI-ML (Liberation) alleged that seven dealers in Kaliachak II block delivered rice at the rate of Rs 6.50 for BPL residents and Rs 3 for Antyodaya people after 27 February, when the cheap rice scheme should have been enforced. The CPI-ML leaders lodged complaints with police and the BDO of the Kaliachak II block in this connection. n SNS

Journalists

MALDA, March 5: Journalists working in the electronic media met the Malda SP and sought his intervention after they were allegedly prevented from taking snaps of police officials during the election training programme today, despite the DM's permission. n SNS

Illicit liquor

MALDA, March 5: A group of women demolished illegal spirit joints at Raipur village under English Bazaar police station yesterday, to stop their husbands from consuming liquor. n SNS