Page 3 - Puducherry

IMD Issues thunderstorm warning for Tamil Nadu, Puducherry for next 3 hrs

Chennai received heavy rains throughout the day on Wednesday, and the intensity of the showers increased in the evening, causing major traffic snarls across the city

NIA files charge sheet against 13 people in killing of a political worker

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has filed a charge sheet against 13 people in the case of killing of a political functionary in Puducherry about six months ago, an official said on Friday. Senthil Kumaran was brutally killed by six motorcycle-borne assailants on March 26. The accused hurled country-made bombs at the political activist in front of a bakery in the Villianur area of the Union territory and then attacked him with machetes, killing him on the spot. The local police had initially registered a case, which was handed over to the NIA and re-registered by the central agency on April 29. The key conspirator in the case, Nithiyanantham, was later arrested along with his associates identified as Vignesh, Siva Sankar, Raja, Pradap, Karthikeyan, Vengatesh, Rajamani, Ezhumalai, Kathirvel, Ramachandiran, Lakshmanan, Dhilipan and Ramanathan. "All of them, except Ramanathan, have been charge-sheeted by the NIA under various sections of IPC, Arms Act, Explosive Substances Act

PM Vishwakarma yojana aims to empower beneficiaries economically: Min

Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment A Narayanaswamy on Sunday said the Prime Minister Vishwakarma scheme is aimed at empowering the Vishwakarma community socially and economically. Addressing a gathering here, he said Puducherry was among the 70 locations where the scheme was launched. Extending his birthday greetings to the Prime Minister today, Narayanaswamy said, "we believe in the importance of preserving our cultural heritage and promoting inclusive growth." Through the PM Vishwakarma scheme we are providing a platform for the Vishwakarma artisans and workers to flourish and contribute to the nation's progress, he said. Under the scheme 30 lakh artisans would benefit across the country with the budget allocation of Rs 13,000 crores. It would enable the artisans to skill and upskill their capacity. Those engaged in one of the 18 family based traditional trades can register on the PM Vishwakarma portal through Common Service Centre with bio metric ...

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Puducherry from August 30 to September 1

An official press release from the IMD on August 30, said, "Heavy rainfall very likely over Tamil Nadu, Puducherry and Karaikal from 30 August- 1 September

Spiritual tourism has potential to boost development in Puducherry: Prez

President Droupadi Murmu on Monday said she was glad to find that spiritual tourism was getting a boost in Union Territory of Puducherry. Addressing a gathering at the civic reception accorded to her at JIPMER during her first visit to Puducherry, the President said Puducherry was a 'wonderful destination for spiritual tourism' and added that spiritual tourism was emerging fast as a global trend. Murmu further said, "spiritual tourism has the potential to boost socio economic development in Puducherry." She noted that the central government has taken several measures under Swadesh Dharshan scheme to promote tourism related activities in Puducherry. Earlier, after inaugurating the Rs 17 crore advanced linear accelerator equipment for treatment of cancer patients in JIPMER, the President said the facility would minimize radio therapy exposure. She virtually inaugurated the Rs 10.51 crore Ayush hospital set up in the neighbouring Villianoor and said it had come up under the National

Implementation of GST has brought in economic revolution: Puducherry LG

Puducherry Lt Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan on Saturday said the introduction and implementation of Goods and Services Tax (GST) in the country has brought in an economic revolution in the country. Addressing officers and tax payers at the celebrations of 'Six Years of GST' organised by the Commissionerate of GST and Central Excise (Puducherry), the Lt Governor said it (GST) marked a significant milestone in the indirect system of taxation. "It is a remarkable initiative in a diverse and federal country as multiple tax laws have been consolidated into a single system. It is no small feat," the Lt Governor said. She said tax compliance had also increased. "Where there is increased response and compliance the development of the nation is also ensured," the Lt Governor, who also gave away awards to the tax payers on the occasion said. Soundararajan said the GST Council meeting also took into consideration periodically the various views and feedback from Finance Ministers of state

NMC restores recognition to govt med college in Puducherry: CM Rangasamy

Chief Minister N Rangasamy said here on Friday that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has restored recognition to the Puducherry government-run Indira Gandhi Medical College and Research Institute (IGMCRI) after the college rectified the deficiencies that the NMC had pointed out while declining continuation of its recognition on May 26. Rangasamy told reporters through a virtual address that the dean of the institution had appealed to the NMC that the deficiencies it had pointed out with respect to the faculty and functioning of cameras installed in the college were rectified. After considering the dean's representation, NMC informed his government on Friday that the recognition of the college has been restored. Following the restoration of recognition, IGMCRI would admit 150 students to the first MBBS course in the current academic year (2023-2024), the chief minister added. The chief minister said the government would upgrade the facilities in the college. "We have also decid

Light to moderate rain likely in parts of TN, Puducherry from June 11-15

Light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunder and lightning is likely to occur in parts of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday

Puducherry will establish IT park to create jobs: CM at NITI Aayog meet

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy informed the eighth Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog on Saturday that his government would establish an IT park in the Union Territory to generate job opportunities for the youth. Keeping in view the national strategies and the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (developed India) 2047, the Puducherry government has framed a vision document for raising the GSDP of the Union Territory to USD 50 million by 2047. In his speech at the meeting in New Delhi, Rangasamy said that through development of Karasur industrial estate, it is expected that around Rs 5,000 crore would be invested through private investment over a period of five years and around 10,000 people would be benefitted either directly or indirectly. The Chief Minister said it is a challenging task for the line departments to ascertain whether welfare measures of the government reach intended beneficiaries without pilferage. To overcome this arduous task, a centralised database called ...

Puducherry Assembly adopts resolution urging Centre to grant statehood

The territorial Assembly on Friday adopted a resolution unanimously urging the Centre to grant statehood to Puducherry after Chief Minister N Rangasamy made out a strong case for it. The resolution was first moved as private members resolution by the opposition DMK and an Independent member G Nehru seeking statehood for Puducherry 'to overcome several handicaps and hindrances the elected government was facing now as Puducherry was an Union Territory.' The Chief Minister, who rose to respond to the resolution, said "it (resolution) is converted into an official resolution." With all the members who spoke earlier extending support to the resolution for statehood, Speaker R Selvam announced it was treated as an official resolution and was adopted unanimously. All members, irrespective of their party affiliation and nominated and Independent members stood up and banged the desks showing their joy at the resolution being adopted unanimously and as an official resolution. Earlier, DMK

Privatisation of power sector in Pondy will not affect consumers: Minister

Puducherry Home and Electricity Minister A Namassivayam on Wednesday allayed the fears of the elected members and also members of public that the government's decision to privatise power sector would hit employees and consumers in the Union Territory. Replying to the views expressed by the members during the debate on demands for grants to his departments including Electricity in territorial Assembly, the Minister denied rumours that the privatisation of power sector would affect the employees, consumers and the farmers here. He also said that there was "unfounded rumour" that the assets of the Department of Electricity were worth Rs 20,000 crore and that they would all be transferred to the private players once privatisation materalised. "The value of the assets is only Rs 1,030 crore and after depreciation it would come to Rs 551 crore," Namassivayam said. "No immovable properties would be handed to the private players. The land belonging to the government now used by the Departme

Puducherry govt to spend Rs 500 cr on drinking water project soon: CM

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Friday said a comprehensive drinking water supply project would be launched in the Union Territory soon to ease the current woes faced by residents. Replying to a question by independent member G Nehru in the territorial Assembly during question hour, the Chief Minister said the government would also drill borewells in rural areas and bring water to urban localities to tackle the crisis. As much as Rs 500 crore would be spent to implement the comprehensive drinking water supply scheme in Puducherry, he added. Members across parties brought to the notice of the government the hardships faced by residents in getting safe and uninterrupted water supply. Nehru said there have been instances of people getting poor quality water, which caused skin diseases and even cancer. He appealed to the Chief Minister to initiate immediate steps to provide uninterrupted, clean and safe water to Puducherry's residents. PWD Minister K Lakshminarayanan said the

Govt to set up Siddha college-cum-hospital in Puducherry: CM Rangasamy

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Thursday said a Siddha college-cum-hospital would be established in the Union Territory soon. Replying to a question tabled by Independent MLA G Nehru in the Assembly, the Chief Minister said the college-cum-hospital would come up at a cost of Rs 50 crore on a land covering an extent of five acres. Besides, Rangasamy said the government has drawn up plans to increase bed facilities and strengthen other infrastructure to meet the requirements of people thronging the outpatient department (OPD) wing in the Indira Gandhi Government General Hospital here. The government had already proposed to procure medicines for which Rs 20 crore had been set aside, he further said. The casualty department in the general hospital would have an additional block to accommodate the growing number of incoming patients in the OPD wing. The Chief Minister added that a CT scanner and an MRI scanner would be purchased and installed in the hospital soon.

Puducherry declares school holiday from March 16 to 26 over H3N2 flu scare

The Puducherry government on Wednesday announced a holiday for all schools up to Class 8 from March 16 to March 26 in view of the spread of H3N2 influenza virus in the Union Territory. The order will be in force for schools in all the four regions of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam in the Union Territory in view of prevalence of the viral subtype of influenza, particularly among children. Speaking in the Assembly during zero hour, Home and Education Minister A Nammasivayam said in view of spread of the influenza particularly among children, the government decided to declare a holiday for all schools including privately-managed institutions and government-aided schools from primary class to Class 8. The UT health department had stated on March 11 that Puducherry reported 79 virus cases belonging to the viral H3N2 subtype till March 4. Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister C Djeacoumar said the territorial administration has introduced a government order (GO) providing reservation for

Govt accords priority for jobs to youth in Puducherry: CM Rangasamy

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Tuesday said his administration accords priority to provide jobs to the youth in Puducherry. Wrapping up the debate on the motion of thanks to Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan's address presented to the House on March 9, he said, "No stone would be left unturned in providing jobs to the youth. We have already taken steps to provide education to the students and providing jobs to the educated youth is our next priority by developing industries." Thanking the Lt Governor for presenting her customary address in the House, which kickstarted the current budget session, Rangasamy said that the Union Territory was poised to register all round development "with the support of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and also with the cooperation of the Lt Governor." Charging the previous government (headed by Congress) in Puducherry with having caused "several hiccups in administration and development of Puducherry", the Chief Minister said, "It is

Puducherry CM assures fair selection of candidates via tests for govt posts

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Tuesday assured the territorial assembly that there would be fair selection of candidates for postings in government departments through competitive examinations. He was responding to the apprehensions expressed by the ruling BJP legislator P M L Kalyanasundaram over rumours that there were other ways of selection for the posts of lower and upper division clerks (LDCs and UDCs). "This rumour has come to cause concern among the young aspirants who had applied for the examination," Kalyanasundaram said. The CM in his reply to the member's representation said, "selection examination through competitive tests for the posts of LDCs and UDCs would be fair and none should get hoodwinked." He further said his government has taken steps to fill all vacant posts in the government departments. Of the 10,000 vacant posts the government will post 6,000 posts through examinations and the remaining 4000 would be filled through promotions. Rangasamy also .

Puducherry CM N Rangasamy announces monthly LPG subsidy of Rs 300

The Puducherry government on Monday announced a Rs 300 monthly LPG subsidy for the people of the union territory, earmarking Rs 126 crore for the scheme. Chief Minister N Rangasamy made the announcement in the UT budget presented for the year 2023-24. Rangasamy, who detailed the achievements of various departments said the government had earmarked Rs 126 crore for implementing the scheme to provide the subsidy of Rs 300 for all families for one cylinder a month. He presented a Rs 11,600 crore tax free budget. The LPG subsidy initiative would benefit all families possessing family ration cards. The CM said the government would also hold a "World Tamil Conference" here with the participation of Tamil scholars from various countries. A national conference would also be conducted as a highlight of celebration of the 150th birth anniversary of Sri Aurobindo "to propagate his thoughts, philosophy, research on yoga and literature." Further, the government would deposit Rs 50,000 under

Stalin urges DMK workers to strive to win all LS seats in TN, Puducherry

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin on Saturday exhorted the party workers to strive to win all the 39 Lok Sabha seats in the state and the lone constituency in neighbouring in Puducherry in the Parliamentary elections scheduled next year. Addressing a mammoth gathering here, where more than 4,000 people from various political parties including the AIADMK and DMDK joined the ruling DMK, Stalin reminded that the Secular Democratic Alliance (SDA), led by his party had lost one seat to the opposition in the previous Lok Sabha elections in 2019. He urged the partymen to work hard to win all the 40 seats (39 in TN and 1 in Puducherry) in the coming elections, since the people had given a clear mandate for the SDA by giving a thumping victory to the alliance partner-Congress' candidate- in the recent Erode East Assembly bypoll. Stalin said the win in Erode East was a reflection of the good governance and schemes given to the people of Tamil Nadu, like free bus travel fo

Puducherry Assembly adjourns sine die after holding session for 24 mins

The Puducherry Assembly which met here on Friday was adjourned sine die after holding a session for 24 minutes. The House passed the demands for additional grants for the year 2022-2023 sought by Chief Minister N Rangasamy and his cabinet colleagues for their respective departments. The House also passed the Appropriation Bill tabled by the Chief Minister. Earlier, the Speaker R Selvam made an obituary reference as soon as the House commenced proceedings regarding the death of Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom. The Speaker paid glowing tributes to the Queen who died on September 8, 2022. All the legislators stood in silence for a couple of minutes in memory of the late queen. After obituary reference, all the six opposition DMK members led by the legislature party leader R Siva who came dressed in school uniforms and carried bags to symbolically show that school students were yet to receive uniforms, urged the government to come out with a resolution on statehood for ...

RailTel bags Rs 170.11cr contract from Puducherry govt for Smart City

RailTel Corporation of India Ltd, a Mini Ratna Public Sector Unit (PSU) under the Ministry of Railways has received a work order from the Department of Revenue and Disaster Management, Government of Puducherry for design, develop, supply, install, test, commission and Operations and Maintenance (O & M) for five years of Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC) and other associated activities for Puducherry Smart City.The estimated total value of the work order is Rs 170.11cr (including GST) which will be completed in 10 months' time.As per the official statement, RailTel has been selected through competitive bidding and it is the first smart city project awarded by Puducherry Government.It further said that besides ICCC, the project includes Data Center Disaster Recovery (DC-DR), On Street Parking Management, Intelligent Traffic Management System, Creation of online/mobile based platform to facilitate tourists and visitors, City level application and Smart Dashboard, Smart Kiosks,