PUDUCHERRY: R Radhakrishnan of AINRC, who won his maiden Lok Sabha elections, by marking the entry of his three-year-old party into Parliament, said that his priority was to resolve the financial problems faced by the government of Puducherry by getting the necessary assistance from the Centre and enable AINRC government led by N Rangasamy to provide a good governance.
Speaking to Express, Radhakrishnan said the Union Territory has been struggling for finance and it would be a challenge to get the necessary funds to support the government for the welfare and development of the people. Radhakrishnan said a year-and-a-half ago, the proposals were sent to the government of India by the Puducherry government in this regard, which have to be pursued. Besides, the finance for pension of government employees needs to be obtained from the Central government as given to the employees of Delhi administration.
He felt that efforts were required to increase Central assistance to the Union Territory. “The Central grants provided on the basis of area and population are inadequate since UT comprises four regions which include three outlying regions. The administrative expenditure is also four-fold as a separate administrative set-up is necessary in each region. This has to be considered and special funds needs to be provided by the Central government,” he said.
The funds under Centrally sponsored schemes are other areas that have to be tapped and utilised, he added.
Alternative avenues for revenue and employment also need to be tapped, he said and added that he would strive to get industries to Puducherry.
“Around 800 acres of land have been acquired for the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and this can be utilised for industrial investments. Even in Karaikal, there is land for promoting industries,” he said.
Speaking about the tourism projects, he said it needed a fillip. “Already, the government has planned several projects in Murungapakkam (Arts and crafts village and Water Sports), Arikamedu and Chunamber which have to be pursued by getting the necessary funds from the Tourism Ministry.”
“The people have placed great responsibility on me and I have to work hard to fulfil the expectations of the people,” he said.
He assured to work sincerely to honour all the election promises including Statehood for Puducherry.