'CM should take responsibility for financial crisis'

Puducherry, Jul 12: Puducherry Tourism Minister Malladi Krishna Rao today said Chief Minister N Rangasamy, who also holds the finance portfolio, should shoulder responsibility for the present financial crisis.

Talking to newspersons here after visiting the Puducherry airport runway expansion work at Chunnambaar Boat House and the Catering College at Murugambakkam, Mr Rao said the tourism department immediately requires Rs 20 crore.

For schemes with the department, the Union government would provide 80 per cent of the budget and the state government 20 per cent, he added.

He said since the state government has not yet released its share of 20 per cent, the works were being executed with the Central funds.

Stating that the last Cabinet meeting was held on March 17, the Minister said it is four months since the Cabinet met last and it had not been convened even to discuss the price rise of petrolium products.

He added that in the past nine months, Rs 311 crore bills were pending with the PWD and altogeher the government was running at a deficit of Rs 500 crore.

Mr Rangasamy should explain the proposed resources and steps taken for adjusting the funds by explaining about the exigency of the situation in totality.

To find a solution to the chronic problems, all the Ministers should meet the Lt Governor together and apprise him of the position, he added.

UNI