Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Wednesday announced that the loans availed by Scheduled Caste and other sections in the Low Income Category from the Puducherry Cooperative Housing Society would be treated as subsidy.
Wrapping up the debate in the Assembly, Mr. Rangasamy said that if the amount due to the Housing Society from Scheduled Castes was less than Rs.4 lakh it would be treated as subsidy. For non Scheduled Castes the loan would be treated as subsidy if it was less than Rs.2 lakh.
Mr. Rangasamy said the Government will disburse the monthly assistance to the aged, destitute and differently abled persons either through banks or anganwadis and the offer was optional.
Responding to complaints from MLAs against disbursal of pension in banks, the Chief Minister said beneficiaries who wanted to receive pension through banks or anganwadis can exercise their option.
Health insurance scheme
The government will introduce a cashless Health Insurance scheme for the poor on the same lines as it is implemented in neighbouring Tamil Nadu. The government would study the operation of the scheme and emulate it in the Union Territory.
Mr. Rangasamy also announced that the washing assistance for police personnel will be enhanced from Rs.60 to Rs.600 per month. A special allowance for buying essential commodities will also be provided at the rate of Rs.1,000 per month.
The government would take up infrastructural works including construction of flyovers with loans from the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) and National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).
For AFT
An amount of Rs.20 crore would be earmarked for Anglo French Textiles (AFT) mills to meet its commitment towards payment of retirement benefits to workers who had opted for Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS).
The government will also acquire lands for construction of a new Assembly complex. The foundation stone for the new building would be laid shortly.
