“Tell us what you want and we shall fulfil that,” said Chief Minister V. Vaithilingam, in an act of reaching out to those he termed ‘separatists' operating in Karaikal.
In a clear pointer to Struggle Groups demanding separate Union Territory status for Karaikal, the Chief Minister rebuffed their “separatism,” pitching it against the government's “developmental initiatives.”
The Chief Minister was speaking at the inaugural of the revitalised Karaikal Ammayar Temple tank and the Arasalar bridge here on Saturday. The revitalisation project of the 16th century temple tank was funded by the Union Ministry of Tourism at a cost of Rs.3.46 crore.
Home Minister P. Chidambaram, who presided over the function, spoke of the need to have “not just good leaders but also efficient ones,” at the helm and ensure their return to power in order to guarantee developmental path.
PURA
V. Narayanasamy, Union Minister of State for Planning, Parliamentary Affairs and Culture, said that Karaikal had been allotted Rs.77 crore under PURA (Providing Urban Amenities to Rural Areas). Seven villages had been adopted under the scheme.
A.M.H. Nazeem, Leader of the Opposition in the Puducherry Assembly, called for a dedicated water distribution scheme for Karaikal.
Since the grant of “district” status for Karaikal and upgradation of the post of Regional Administrator to District Collector, 23 posts had been recommended for creation for the office of the District Collector. Sanction was pending with the Ministry of Home, he said, requesting the Home Minister to expedite the decision to strengthen the administration.
The 56 metre-bridge across the Arasalar river has been funded by the Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport, and Highways at a cost of Rs.7.09 crore.
The earlier bridge across the river was washed away in the tsunami. A bailey bridge was set up with the assistance of the Army in its place.
