Security stepped up for Shekhawat's visit in Puducherry

Puducherry, Dec 28 (UNI) Security has been tightened here in connection with the two-day visit of Vice-President Bhairon Singh Shekawat to the Union Territory.

During his stay, Mr Shekawat will deliver the 7th convocation address at the Pondicherry University on December 30.

As many as 11,768 candidates, including 7,256 regulars and 4,512 in the Distance Education Programme will receive their degrees.

Altogether 157 candidates will be awarded with gold medals and prizes at the convocation. Governor Mukut Mithi and Education Minister M O H F Shajahan will participate in the function, an official release said here today.

About 600 police personnel would be deployed for security duty during the visit of Vice-President, police sources said.

Arriving at the Ouppalam helipad near here at 1230 hrs on December 30, Mr Shekawat would motordown to Rajnivas and take part in the convocation at 1530 hrs.

The Vice-President will also visit Sri Aurobindo Ashram, Auroville and the Manakkula Vinayagar temple, the next day before leaving for New Delhi in the afternoon.

UNI PAB VD HT1822