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Govt. seeks Rs.270 crore more for tsunami houses

PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister N.Rangasamy on Monday said that the government had asked for allocation of Rs.270 crore more from the Centre for construction of additional houses for the tsunami victims.

Shortly after holding discussions with Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Home Affairs B.A.Coutinho, who called on him at his office, he told reporters that the government had also pleaded with the Centre to expedite the grant of additional funds to the tune of Rs.100 crore for taking up projects in the Public Works Department.

Mr.Coutinho, who visited Karaikal on Sunday, had expressed satisfaction over the rehabilitation measures implemented by the Union Territory administration in the tsunami-hit areas, Mr.Rangasamy said, adding that the former would inspect the rehabilitation projects in areas including Murthykuppam, Paneerthittu and Narambai in the Puducherry region, besides holding a review meeting with the Collector and other officials.

When asked about the demand for separate reservation for the minorities in education and employment, he said the government had already requested the Backward Classes Commission to give its opinion on the issue.

There would not be any delay in conceding the demand after receiving the Commission’s report, he added.

Mr.Rangasamy made it clear that he had visited the Pradesh Congress Committee office on Sunday to listen to the grievances of the local body representatives and party activists not out of any compulsion. The municipal councillors who met him at the party office presented their views on issues pertaining to the local bodies they represented, he said.

On the protest raised by some Dalit outfits regarding diversion of the Special Component Plan funds to indivisible schemes, he said the government would adhere to the norms evolved by the Central Government in 2005 in this regard.

He also denied that the government was reeling under funds crunch. The government had adequate funds to implement the projects announced by it, he said, stressing the need for effecting some re-allocation.

The government would distribute 2 kg of sugar free for all the 3.10 lakh ration cards from November 1 for Deepavali. The measure would cost Rs.80.60 lakh to the Exchequer, he said.

Free distribution of clothes to people below the poverty line would also commence shortly, he added.

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