201 industries set up in Pondy, 13 closed down in 2005-'06

Puducherry, Apr 17 (UNI) As many as 201 small indsutries were set up in the union territory during 2005-06, of which 13 were closed down following cancellation of registration, Puducherry Labour Minister E Valsaraj told the legislative assembly today.

Replying to a question, Mr Valsaraj said the registrations of 13 industries were cancelled under the Industrial Act 1948. About 71 employees were affected because of the closure. Sixty of them were either given compensation or alternate employment.

He said the total number of employees in the closed units was below ten. While 11 units of the units closed down were in Puducherry region, two were in Yanam.

Replying to another question, Chief Minister N Rangasamy said the administration was taking steps to reimburse the money to the depositors in 'Thirumalai Benefit Funds', who were cheated by the company.

He said the company had cheated the depsitors to the tune of Rs.4.35 crore. Only 88 persons prefered compaints to claim Rs.2.28 crore. The property of the company attached was only to the tune of Rs One crore.

To another question Agriculture Minister E Valsaraj said 110 acres out of the 225 acres of the land in Pandit Jawharlal Nehru Agriculture College in Karaikal was being cultivated. The rest was used for buildings, ponds and roads.The college had earned a revenue of Rs.6.13 lakhs during 2006-07 from this cultivation.

He said 23.25 acres of land was kept barren.To a supplimentary question. Vegetables and fruits were being sold there. The administration would open a seperate sales counter this year.

UNI