Pondy needs Rs 900 cr for tsunami houses: Minister

Puducherry,Oct 9(UNI)The Union Territory of Puducherry required about Rs 900 crore to construct houses for tsunami-affected fishermen and implement pending schemes, Union Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V Narayansamy said here today.

Talking to newspersons, Mr Narayansami said Chief Minister V Vaithilingam and his Cabinet colleagues had urged the Centre to provide Rs 663 crore for construction of houses to tsunami victims.

In a few days, they would meet the Prime Minster and seek additional funds to implement development schemes pending due to cost escalation.

In their capacity as Parliament Members, Prof Ramadass(PMK) and himself would give all possible help to the delegation to secure the funds, he added.

The Chief Minister would urge the setting up of a power plant in Karaikal by the NTPC.

On the price rise of essential commodities,Mr Narayansami called upon the Chief Minister and Ministers to initiate steps to put an end to hoarding through the Civil Supplies Department. This would automatically bring down prices.

On the proposed move to hand over the government medical college building here to the ESI Corporation,Mr Narayanasamy said when the Puducherry Administration could not invest Rs 853 crore to start the medical college, it should welcome if the ESIC come forward to start it and provide 50 per cent seats to the locals.

However, a decision can be taken only after hearing the views of all sections of the people.

He also sought the implementation of 'Goondas Act' to maintain law and order.

UNI PAB RL PM1426