Puducherry admn will press Centre for more powers: CM

Puducherry, Jan 12 (UNI) Reitrating that Puducherry administration needed more powers, Chief Minister N Rangasamy today said he would press the Centre in this regard.

''I have already written to the Home Ministry in this regard,'' he informed at a press conference here.

The administration would submit the Rs 10,000 crore draft plan of the Union Territory for the next five year plan and also the Rs 1,600 crore annual plan for 2007-08 before the Planning Commission at the meeting to be held on February 19.

Major thrust would be accorded for development of Tourism and other infrastructure here, he added.

Replying to a question, the Chief Minister said the administration was taking steps to expedite all developmental programmes, including tsunami rehabilitation measures.

Since, the Union Territory had two elections (Assembly and Local body elections) last year, the implementation of the schemes were delayed, he said.

Mr Rangasamy said he would be inaugurating the week-long "Karaikal Carnival" in Karaikal region this evening.

UNI