Lieutenant Governor A.K. Singh has apprised the President Pranab Mukerjee of the crisis of “devolution of funds as per the Finance Commission Recommendations” in the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor conveyed the issue through video conferencing convened by the Rashtrapati Bhavan on Saturday through the National Knowledge Network.
No clear formula
A press release from Mr. Singh’s office said, “The Lieutenant Governor has conveyed the fact that since Union Territories are not covered in the Finance Commission structure, there is no clear formula for devolution of Central assistance.
“The matter has been taken up with the Ministry of Home Affairs.”
The Lieutenant Governor also informed the President that harmony prevailed in the territory and that he was working in concert with Chief Minister N. Rangasamy to ensure good law and order as well as speedy implementation of all developmental works here.
Unique heritage
“We are focusing on preserving the unique heritage of Puducherry and for this we have involved experts and also sought the assistance of the Union Urban Development Ministry,” Mr. Singh stated.
The programmes initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi such as Swachch Bharat Abhiyan, Adarsh Sansad Gram Yojana, Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India and Digital India were being vigorously pursued in Puducherry, Mr. Singh said.
Earlier, Mr. Mukherjee reminded Governors that they, as first citizens of their States, drew their authority from the Constitution and were oath-bound to protect, preserve and defend the Constitution and work for the welfare of people.
The celebration of plurality, promotion of tolerance and understanding among all sections of society must guide their actions in the discharge of constitutional duties, Mr. Mukherjee said.
After the President’s address, Governors of five States and the Lieutenant Governor of Andaman and Nicobar Islands and Puducherry, A.K. Singh, were afforded an opportunity to brief the President.
