Date:04/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/04/stories/2006080409560100.htm

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Pondy focus on infrastructure development

S. Nadarajan

Tourism promotion will also get its due, says Rangasamy

Polluting industries will not be permitted

Government to go ahead with SEZ plan

Pondicherry: Chief Minister N. Rangasamy on Wednesday told the Territorial Assembly that adoption of uniform sales tax had not affected the economy and industrial development of the Union Territory.

Winding up a two-day debate on the motion of thanks to the Lieutenant Governor's address, he said the Government was keen on promoting infrastructure development.

The facility to raise public borrowings at 7 per cent interest would be of help.

He said no industry posing a threat to environment and affecting the water table would be allowed. Of the 7,694 industries in the Union Territory 7,462 were in the small-scale sector. The Government was going ahead with its proposal to set up a Special Economic Zone and other pilot projects to ensure jobs for educated youth.

Mr. Rangasamy said a 91-hectare site had been identified for a housing project in tsunami-affected villages. A total of 7,694 houses would be constructed.