

PUDUCHERRY: N Rangasamy, after assuming charge as Chief Minister on Monday, first turned his attention to the promises made in the election manifesto. He signed three files extending doles, according to which free rice would be provided to all categories of ration card holders.
While the BPL card holders would get 25 kg of free rice, the APL card holders would get 15 kg of rice through PDS.
Briefing mediapersons in his chamber on Monday, he said the old age pension had been enhanced from Rs 750 to Rs 1,000.
This was a deviation from the promise made in the manifesto which had pegged the enhancement at Rs 2,000.
Regarding the difference in the amount, a decision would be taken later with the same being announced in the Legislative Assembly, said Rangasamy.
Further, he cleared a file for extending arrears to students of professional courses including engineering and medical that had been pending under the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Financial Assistance scheme.
Seated in front of a huge portrait of his Guru Appa Paithiyasamy in his chamber and with a statue of Shirdi Saibaba taking precedence on his table, he thanked the people for electing the party to power and assured them that his government would not let the people down.
He promised to put the Union Territory on the road to development and work for the welfare of the people.