People's cooperation needed for UT's growth: Puducherry Guv

Puducherry, Jan 26 (UNI) Puducherry Lt Governor Mukut Mithi today sought cooperation of the people to develop the Union Territory into a peaceful and prosperous region.

In his Republic Day message herem Mr Mithi said as the administration was implementing welfare schemes in a proper manner the Planning Commission had sanctioned Rs 1410 crore for 2006-07, against Rs 810 crore in the previous year, an increase of 74 per cent.

The state Planning Board meeting had recommended an outlay of Rs 10,000 crore for the Eleventh Five Year Plan, besides Rs 1600 crore for the annual plan 2007-08.

Stating that the growth rate of agriculture in Puducherry was above the national average, he said the administration was according priority to the welfare of farmers.

In order to ensure the convergence of welfare activities of all allied departments for the benefit of the farming community, the administration would be implementing the new extension reforms suggested by the Centre by establishing the 'Agricultural Technology Management Agency' for improving technology dissemination methodologies to meet the needs of the farmers.

With a view to increasing farm productivity, in the wake of depleting land and water resources, the administration had constituted a task force.

To attract entrepreneurs the administration propose to improve the industrial infrastrucutre by creating industrial park, electronic park and small scale industrial estate he said adding reliable power supply was ensured for industries and farmers.

The administration proposed to set up a Puducherry Institute of Fisheries Science and Technology to impart training to the fishermen on various disciplines, Mr Mithi said adding steps would be taken for the promotion of tourism in the Union Territory.

UNI