Govt to sell cement at subsidised rate

Puducherry, Apr 10: On the lines of the Tamil Nadu Government's move to sell cement at a subsidised rate, the Puducherry administration too is taking such steps here, Chief Minister N Rangasamy told the Territorial Assembly today.

Replying to a question, he said cement was being imported and would be sold through the cooperative building centre. The consignment would arrive here next week and it was decided to sell cement at Rs 220 per bag.

When members pointed out that the Tamil Nadu Government was selling cement at a much lesser price, Mr Rangasamy said the imported cement would be sold at least Rs five less than the Tamil Nadu rate.

He ruled out the possibility of selling cement at half price to the beneficieries of the Kamaraj Housing scheme, stating that they could construct houses at 400 sqft with the Rs one lakh assistance.

To another question, Industries Minister V Vaithilingam said as many as 390 new industrial units -- 185 small, 42 medium, 29 large and 134 micro industries -- were started in the Union Territory in the last seven years. As many as 12,652 locals were provided employment in these units. However, 288 industries were closed down due to various reasons.

UNI