CM cites J&K case, says chances bright for Puducherry's

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy on Thursday said the prospects of union territory of Puducherry being included in the 15th Central Finance Commission were 'bright' since Jammu and Kashmir, bifurcated into two UTs, would be brought under the purview of the panel.

Pressing his demand for including Puducherry in the finance panel, he told the territorial assembly that such a step was required to ensure that it got Central grants on par with the states to meet its budgetary commitments.

Winding up the two-day debate on the motion of thanks to Lt Governor's address to the assembly, he said presently Puducherry was kept out of ambit of the Finance Commission.

"However with the inclusion of the newly created Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir in the Finance Commission, chances are becoming bright for Puducherry to be included in the commission," he said.

Narayanasamy said he has also written a detailed letter to the Chairman of the Commission on the plea.

Recently, he had told reporters here that Jammu and Kashmir has been included as part of the Central Finance Commission through Section 83 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill 2019, passed by the Parliament.

The Centre had on August 5 abrogated provisions of Article 370 of the Constitution that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the state into two Union territories -- Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

Also making out a strong case for upgradation of Puducherry into a full fledged state, the Chief Minister sought the cooperation of all sections to reach the goal.

He said the file relating to distribution of free rice involving an expenditure of Rs 160 crore was now pending for clearance by Lt Governor Kiran Bedi.

Earlier, opposition AINRC member Gopika took a dig at the government, saying several schemes were stuck because of its frequent turf war with the Lt Governor.

"There should be cordial relations with the Lt Governor for speedy development of Puducherry," the member added.

After the Chief Minister's reply, the motion of thanks to the Lt Governor for her address was adopted through voice vote and the House was adjourned for the day.