Ludhiana, March 2 -- Members of the Punjab Dyers Association (PDA) have been directed to clear pending lease rent of nearly Rs.6.97 crore to the prisons department within four months, with payment to be made in three installments on or before June 30.

The association has received a communication in this regard from the office of the additional director general of police (prisons).

The issue had been under deliberation for several years at multiple administrative levels and was also the subject of proceedings before the Punjab and Haryana high court.

The high court had directed the chief secretary to examine the matter. Subsequently, a meeting involving all concerned departments was convened, following which the present decision was tak...