The Union Tourism Ministry has acceded to the request of the Puducherry government for allocation of ₹124 crore for modernisation of the tourism sector and for maintenance of heritage buildings in the Union Territory.
This was stated by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy while distributing educational assistance, books and other benefits to the children of construction workers at a function here on Wednesday.
Mr. Narayanasamy said that law and order was under control in Puducherry. He blamed the previous AINRC Government for failure to approach the Centre for allocation of funds resulting in the present financial crisis.
The Centre’s demonetisation drive, shifting of liquor shops on national highways and ban on registration of plots in unauthorised layouts had resulted in a loss of ₹400 crore as revenue to Puducherry.
The Puducherry Government would approach the Centre without break to get allocation of funds. The ruling Congress with the support of the DMK would complete one year in office soon.
He felt sorry that an MLA of the Opposition party had indulged in a baseless campaign against the government at a function got up recently to give away job orders to educated youth. This had resulted in several companies leaving the venue without handing over the appointment orders.
‘No diversion’
The government had directed officials to ensure funds meant for implementation of free rice scheme, old age pension and educational assistance to students under CENTAC were not diverted. Old age pension would be distributed at the doorstep of the beneficiaries from June.
Earlier, while declaring open the MLA office at Nellithope, the Chief Minister said he had asked the police to invoke the provisions of the Goondas Act to rein in the anti-social elements.
Mr. Narayanasamy said the murders that had taken place were all because of domestic feuds and were not planned. Law and order was under control in Puducherry and the government would never be slack in ensuring peace, he said.
