Steps on to complete Karaikal Harbour work: CM

Puducherry, Apr 28 (UNI) The Puducherry administration is taking all steps to complete the work on the Karaikal Fishing Harbour and if additional funds were required, the government would arrange for it, Chief Minister N Rangasamy told the Legislative Assembly today.

Replying to a question, Mr Rangasamys said the total estimate for the project was Rs 46 crore and Rs 24.99 crore released by the Centre was already spent.

As per the Central Government estimate another Rs 9.07 crore would be required to complete the work, he said adding the state government would arrange for the funds.

Leader of the Opposition A M H Nazeem who posed the question pointed out that the work was progressing at a slow pace and certainly another Rs ten crore would be required to complete it to which Mr Rangasamy said the dividend of the power corporation would be utilised for the purpose.

To another question, Industries Minister V Vaithilingam said as many as 66 private security institutions were functioning here after registering under the Shops and Establishemnts Act 1964.

The interests of the workers were protected under the said Act, he said adding the government had no intention to start security institutions.

CPI Member Na Ra Kalainathan said private security men were being paid only 50 per cent of their salary and being exploited. He wanted the government to encourage ex-servicemen to come forward to start such security agencies.

Mr Vaithilingam said that ex-servicemen were not adequately available. If the member could ensure the availability, the government would consider asking them to set up security institutions.

UNI PAB GM RL DS1449