Ranchi, Aug. 11: The government has constituted a council to conduct entrance test for admission to paramedical courses in the three medical colleges of Jharkhand. The decision to this effect was taken at a meeting convened by health minister Dinesh Sarangi.

A health department official said the council comprises director Rims K.P. Srivastava (chairman), Rims medicine department head A.K. Mahto (controller of examinations), principal of MGM Medical College and principal and Medical Council (members).

The official said the council will be responsible for conducting examination to courses for ophthalmic assistants, surgical assistants, laboratory technicians, X-ray technicians and staff nurses (grade A).

The health minister met Governor Ved Prakash Marwah today and discussed the activities of Red Cross Society in the state. Marwah stressed the need to increase the activities of the society.

The chief minister also held a review meeting of the department with the health department officials. Sarangi told The Telegraph: “The chief minister reviewed the progress of various Central and state-level health programmes.”

“The chief minister will make an announcement on August 15 regarding filling up of vacant posts of doctors and nurses in the state. He also reviewed the pending schemes and asked the department to complete them within the time-frame,” he added.

Land protest: The Jharkhand Janadhikar Party (JJP) today staged a dharna in front of the south Chhotanagpur commissioner’s office in protest against any move to amend the Chhotanagpur and Santhal Parganas tenancy laws.

Party’s working president L.M.N. Shahdeo said: “Any amendment in the Act will not be in the interest of tribal. In case the acts are amended, tribals will become extinct from Jharkhand.”

“Those who support amendment to the law contend that tribals will get sufficient money for their land and the money can be used for development. But, past experience says that tribal are not capable of saving money,’’ he added.