Social changes through old age schemes: Govt

Puducherry, Aug 21:Aadministration would set aside pending applications for the payment of old-age pension here, with the commencement of the provision of old age pension from September 7, Chief Minister N Rangasamy said on Thursday, Aug 21.

Distributing free house-site pattas to 300 families, under the Ariyankuppam assembly constituency today, Rangasamy said that as many as 11,000 applications in the last two years for old age pension was pending.

He said the immediate needs of a man include food,clothing and shelter and if these were met,this would improve the quality of life.With this end in view, the administration is providing free house-site pattas to the poor and also a subsidy of Rs 1 lakh to construct houses there.He also said that the government desires to bring about social changes by making Puducherry a hut-free area.

The government had introduced several schemes which would uplift the standard of living of the poor here, including the free-rice scheme which could not be continued for three months and to compensate it 30 kilograms of rice was given to the poor.

Thereafter, the scheme would continue every month.He also added that there was apprehension among parents on the continuation of the educational assistance scheme for the 'CENTAC' selected students and added that the fund for 2008-09 scheme was already allocated and would continue.

He also said that the funds for all departments were allocated and all the announced schemes of the government would be implemented.

The administration is taking steps to attract entrepreneurs in Puducherry to start industries here, to employ local youths.

He added that the educated youths should not depend on the government alone for employment, and instead opt for self-employment which would provide employment opportunities to several others .

UNI