Going beyond his Statehood demand for Puducherry, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy has presented an extensive wishlist to the Centre for bringing in more funds and development to the Union Territory.
Mr. Rangasamy, who met Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh in New Delhi, sought representation for the Chief Minister of the Union Territory within the structure of the newly constituted National Institution for Transforming India (NITI) Aayog and inclusion of Puducherry in the ambit of the Central Finance Commission.
A few weeks ago, Mr. Rangasamy had made a similar demand while participating in the first meeting of the Niti Aayog in Delhi where he pushed the case for a clear formula for devolution of Central funds to the UT and extending the recommendations of the 13th Central Finance Commission to Puducherry on the lines of States. He also sought a share of Central taxes.
Interacting with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Mr. Rangasamy requested representation for a nominee in the UT in the dialogue between India and Sri Lanka to resolve fishermen issues.
Puducherry’s inclusion in the list of smart cities was his demand to M. Venkaiah Naidu, Union Urban Development Minister. He also wanted the Ministry to release additional funds for protecting 16 heritage buildings listed as endangered as well as funds for rebuilding The Mairie.
Mr. Rangasamy, who was accompanied by R. Radhakrishnan, MP, also met Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda and sought a scaling up of Puducherry’s quota of seats in Jipmer and to sanction additional seats for the Government Medical College here.
