No separate directorate for minorities: Rangasamy

Puducherry, May 4 (UNI) Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy today ruled out the possibility of setting up a separate directorate for minorities to ensure their socio-economic and educational development.

Replying to a question in the Territorial Assembly, he said Christians and Muslims comprised only 13 per cent of the population in the Union Territory and assistance was being provided to them through the Backward Classes Corporation. The administration would examine the possibility of setting up a separate corporation for them, he added.

Mr Rangasamy said the administration would enhance the financial assistance for the construction of temples through the Hindu Religious Institutions (HRI). Temples, which could not be constructed with Rs 75,000 already granted, would get Rs 1.25 lakhs and for those left unfinished a sum of Rs two lakhs would be provided.

The Chief Minister refuted the charge that the HRI was discriminating between temples areawise in the provision of assistance and said that for temples which do not come under HRI, two thirds of the expenses were being borne by the Government.

UNI