Founder leader of the All-India NR Congress N. Rangasamy was sworn in as Chief Minister of the Union territory for the third term at Raj Nivas on Monday at 3.20 p.m. Lieutenant Governor Iqbal Singh administered the oath of office and secrecy to Mr. Rangasamy.
Immediately after the swearing-in function, Mr. Rangasamy visited his office in the Legislative Assembly and signed the files to provide free rice to red and yellow ration card holders. He also took the decision to reimburse the fee incurred by government-sponsored students in professional colleges.
He told reporters later that his government had decided to provide 25 kg of free rice and 15 kg of rice to red and yellow card holders respectively. As promised in the election manifesto, the government would distribute Rs.2,000 a month for elderly persons. However, for the time being Rs.1,000 would be given as assistance every month, he said.
All promises given in the manifesto would be fulfilled in a time-bound manner, he said, adding his government would make the Union territory a developed region. He also expressed gratitude to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa for the support she extended during the election.
Asked about the appointment of Ministers, he said they would be selected within a few days.
Union Minister of State for Prime Minister's Office V. Narayanasamy; Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) P. Kannan; the former Chief Minister, V. Vaithilingam; the former Home Minister, E. Valsaraj; the former Revenue Minister, Malladi Krishna Rao; convener of DMK Puducherry unit, R. V. Janakiraman; newly elected members of the All-India NR Congress and senior officials attended the swearing-in ceremony.
