Pondicherry: Mukut Mithi, who assumed charge as Lt. Governor of Pondicherry at Rajnivas here on Wednesday, told his maiden press conference that he would treat the tourism sector as one of the major thrust areas in Pondicherry. Stating that his work as Lt. Governor was not only to administer and govern the Union Territory but also to mingle with the people, he said that he would work in close coordination with the Chief Minister and his council of ministers.

Mr. Mithi, a former Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, said while receiving his order of appointment as Lt. Governor from President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam he had had some guidelines and advice from the President relating to the development of Pondicherry.

"I will measure up to the advice of the President and also bring into force all the points that the President had made during his visit to Pondicherry on November 1, 2004 for the welfare of people of the Union Territory." Mr. Mithi said that he would cherish the advice and directives of the President. Stating that Karaikal, a constituent region of Pondicherry, was severely hit by the tsunami in 2004 and that the Centre had also released funds for assistance and rehabilitation of the tsunami ravaged people there, Mr. Mithi said that he would visit Karaikal along with the Chief Minister and his ministerial colleagues after the forthcoming budget session to know at first hand the extent of the rehabilitation of the people affected by the tsunami.

He said immediately on his arrival here, he was told that the Pondicherry Administration had taken efforts to make Pondicherry a `mini Singapore' from the point of development and tourist activities. He said he would strive to realise this dream.

Chief Minister N. Rangasamy was present when the Lt. Governor addressed presspersons.

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