The Hindu : Other States / Pondicherry News : Perspective plan vital to develop infrastructure: Chief Secretary

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Tuesday, Jun 22, 2004

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Perspective plan vital to develop infrastructure: Chief Secretary

By Our Staff Reporter

PONDICHERRY, JUNE 21. The Pondicherry Chief Secretary, C.S. Khairwal has stressed that there should be a long and perspective plan to develop infrastructure in the Union Territory and the plight of farmers should be taken into account particularly in fixing the price for the produce cultivated by them.

Putting forth his suggestions on priorities for the Central Budget 2004-2005 at a meeting convened by the Pondicherry Lok Sabha member, M. Ramadoss here yesterday, the Chief Secretary said development of roads was essential for several reasons and most importantly to provide jobs and also for rapid economic development.

There should also be a plan to bring in Mass Rapid Transport System in the Union Territory.

Mr. Khairwal, who wanted development of outlying of regions like Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam making use of the potential available in each of these regions said that the famous shrine of Lord Saneeswarar at Tirunallar attracted not less than 50 lakh devotees every year. This might go to one crore in course of time. Hence the framing of plans should be such that this temple town should be upgraded fast.

He said that Pondicherry was topping the list drawn up by the Centre for development of ports under the Sagar Mala system.

If the port was developed in keeping with the guidelines of the Centre there could be wider job opportunities both directly and indirectly and the transaction of cargo would be on a larger scale.

Calling for setting up of a training institution for elected representatives in Pondicherry, he said that Pondicherry could show the way for the rest of the country and if an institution was established here not less than 6000 legislators including the MPs would come over to Pondicherry from all over the country and this would boost the development of the Union Territory.

Yanam had five islands, which could be nurtured and promoted for tourism. Similarly the Mahe region getting copious rains could also be developed into a resort for those spending holidays.

Representatives from various non-governmental organisations, industries, educational institutions, media and also service sector presented their views.

Mr. Ramadass said that he would ensure that the views expressed at the meeting were placed before the Union Finance Minster for consideration by the Central Government. There were suggestions that rural infrastructure should be promoted and the delay in fund sanction be avoided.

The Secretary to Lt Governor, Chetan B.Sanghi, officers of the PWD, the nationalised banks and government staff organisations were present.

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