Centre releases ₹129 crore towards infrastructure development in U.T.
Addressing reporters, Mr. Rangasamy said the Union Territory had been sanctioned a sum of ₹200 crore under this component. 'The funds will be utilised for completing as many as 14 development projects by the end of this fiscal,' he said.
The development works, include establishment of water purification plants at various places where high levels of Total Dissolved Solids in drinking water had been detected across Puducherry, improving connectivity to spiritual tourist destinations (Swadesh Darshan 2.0) in the Union Territory of Puducherry and creating bus stands.
The government expects the Centre to release the remaining part of the sanctioned amount soon.
According to Mr. Rangasamy, various other projects were being undertaken in the Union Territory with a loan to the tune of ₹4,750 crore from the Asian Development Bank. The repayment period for the soft loan (at an interest rate of 3-4%) is 50 years.
These projects would be implemented in two phases over the next five years, the Chief Minister added.
The projects, include drinking water supply (₹2,030 crore), tourism and transport upgrade (₹1,170 crore), desalination plants (₹1,000 crore) and an underground sewerage system (₹200 crore).
No new taxes will be levied on the people on account of the ADB loan, he said.
Meanwhile, the PRTC contract staff, including drivers and conductors, had agreed to withdraw their indefinite strike following an assurance of a hike in pay by ₹10,000, the Chief Minister said. On their other demands for regularisation and incentives, he said a decision would be taken after examining the state of finances.
On the acquisition of electric buses for the PRTC, Mr. Rangasamy said the first lot of 25 vehicles is expected to be operational in a couple of months. Work on the battery charging station is over.
Mr. Rangasamy brushed aside the corruption allegations being raised against the government by the Opposition, especially the Congress, with a delegation of its leaders submitting a petition to the President in Delhi recently. 'It is standard behaviour for those now in the Opposition to level baseless charges against a government that is pushing for development and welfare to cover up their own record of inept governance,' the Chief Minister said in reply to a question.
Responding to another question, Mr. Rangasamy said fighting to secure more funds from the Centre and continuing to demand Statehood were two distinct struggles. 'We will never give up on asking for statehood. That demand will always be there. If necessary, we will convene a special Assembly session and pass a resolution,' he said.
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