MUMBAI, July 25: Maharashtra Chief Minister Manohar Joshi has said the government will extend all co-operation to the World Bank (WB) -aided Maharashtra Health System Development Project to improve medical facilities in rural and tribal areas of the state.

This assurance was given by Joshi to a delegation of WB officials including senior economist Dr Latif Nawaz, which called on him at Mantralaya on Thursday.

Thanking the Bank for having selected Maharashtra for its project, Joshi said, it would go a long way in removing regional imbalances in health and medical services in the state.

Health Minister Dr Daulatrao Aher, minister of state for health Dr Vijaykumar Gavit and senior officials of the health department were present at the meeting.

CM's congrats to Nanda

Chief Minister Manohar Joshi has congratulated former prime minister Gulzarilal Nanda on having been conferred the Bharat Ratna, the country's highest award.

In a message, Joshi praised Nanda as one of the most honest leaders. ``His selfless attitude, simple lifestyle and dedicated service to the nation have endeared Gulzarilal Nanda to the people of the country,'' Joshi said.

He added, ``by conferring the Bharat Ratna on the late freedom fighter, Aruna Asaf Ali, her exemplary contribution to the freedom struggle has been recognised and duly honoured.''

Financial aid for children

The National Teachers' Welfare Pratishthan, New Delhi, has invited applications for its scheme of rendering financial aid to the children of primary, secondary and higher secondary teachers studying for medical, engineering and management.

Students who have not got help under the scheme previously or who do not have any scholarship are eligible to get help under the scheme.Teachers should apply only for one child and submit the application with the original receipt of payment of fee, income certificate and college certificates. Applications should be sent through the principal of the college or school concerned, to the Director, Education, Pune - 1, by September 30.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.