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Rangasamy firm on full Statehood

PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Friday reiterated the demand for conferring full Statehood on Puducherry with a view to helping the administration to serve the people in a more efficient manner.

Speaking at the National Press Day celebrations organised by the Department of Information and Publicity, he said MLAs and politicians cutting across party lines have been vociferously demanding more powers for Puducherry.

“If given full Statehood, Puducherry will be able to do well as there has been a steady increase in the Union Territory’s revenue. In future with more industries coming up and a Special Economic Zone being set up, there would be a further increase,” he said.

On the charge that the government was unable to implement schemes in a time-bound manner, Mr. Rangasamy said it has always been his practice to fulfil promises made during one Assembly session before the commencement of the next.

Attributing the delay in implementing schemes to administrative delay, Mr. Rangasamy said steps have to be taken to effect necessary changes, not just for the sake of the present government but also for future governments.

Stating that cooperation from the Press was very important for the smooth functioning of the government, he appreciated the role of the media in the Union Territory. “You have always been very active and supportive of our efforts. It is our bounden duty to take immediate steps when the Press highlights any lacuna in schemes,” he said.

The chief guest at the function, S. Venkatraman, former reporter, said there has been an amazing increase in the number of newspapers, magazines, TV channels and websites containing news. Puducherry Municipality Chairperson B. Sridevi appreciated the role of media in highlighting civic issues.

The Chief Minister also presented free bus passes to newspersons that could be used in Puducherry Road Transport Corporation buses.

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