Meira Kumar to open Ambedkar Manimandapam in Pondy

Puducherry, Jun 21: The Ambedkar Manimandapam would be inaugurated next month by Union Minister Meira Kumar here, Puducherry Welfare Minister M Kandasamy said today.

Talking to newspersons, Mr Kandasamy refused to attribute any political significance to his Delhi visit.

He met Ms Kumar and sought Rs 11 crore from the Centre for renovation and construction of Adi Dravidar Students Hostel and a similar sum for old-age homes under the Social Welfare Department.

The Minister refused to make any remarks on summoning of Chief Minister N Rangasamy by the AICC to New Delhi.

He, however, reacted when a journalist pointed out to the demand by Leader of the Opposition A M H Nazeem to sort out the problem between the Chief Minister and Ministers.

Mr Nazeem had the right to air his views and most of his statement were true.

Several schemes could not be implemented due to fund carcity, he said, adding that the money for providing free bicycles to students was settled this year resulting in delay in the implementation of the scheme.

Mr Kandasamy said Rs 600 crore of works, for which orders had been placed, could not be taken up due to financial constraints and paucity of funds was being experienced in the Backward Class Commission and in his department.

''It is the Chief Minister who should ensure the provision of sufficent funds,'' he added.

To a question, Mr Kandasamy said he was never after power and would execute to perfection any work assigned to him.

UNI