Court revival

Calcutta, Jan. 2: The government has decided to revive with its own funds 88 non-functional fast-track courts to ensure speedy trials.

The cabinet today approved the proposal to sanction 94 posts, including those of judges, stenographers and clerks, to run the courts. The 151 fast-track courts in Bengal used to be run with funds from the finance commission till last year.

Paddy cash

Calcutta: The cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal to give a loan of Rs 70 crore to cooperative society Benfed to procure paddy from farmers. The loan will be disbursed by the finance department in a month.

Chinese dead

Krishnagar: Wang Lizhu, a 64-year-old Chinese tourist, died after falling off a boat into the Bhagirathi. She was returning to Nabadwip from Mayapur. Wang was part of a group of 30 Chinese tourists who had gone to visit the Krishna temple in Mayapur. Wang’s body was recovered

Hill cops

Darjeeling: The government on Wednesday recruited 125 village police volunteers in the Darjeeling hills, a move that could curtail the influence of the Gorkhaland Personnel — a volunteer force hired by the Gorkha Janmukti Morcha — in rural areas here.

Pous drive

Santiniketan: Visva-Bharati on Tuesday night began a campaign requesting stall-owners who are still occupying the Pous Mela grounds in Santiniketan to clear the area immediately as it is causing pollution and affecting the day-to-day functioning of the varsity.