Other States - Puducherry

Construction of houses to begin in a few days

— Photo: T. Singaravelou

WELFARE ASSISTANCE: Minister of State for Planning and Parliamentary Affairs V. Narayanasamy handing over a life jacket to a fisherman in Puducherry on Wednesday. Chief Minister Vaithilingam is in the picture.

PUDUCHERRY: Chief Minister V.Vaithilingam on Wednesday said that construction of houses for tsunami-affected persons in Kalapet would commence in a few days. As many as 1,400 houses would be constructed at the cost of Rs. 90 crore.

At a programme organised to distribute assistance under various welfare schemes to fisherfolk, he said, “the work orders will be issued tomorrow. The works will begin in two to three days.”

Till now, 7,500 houses had been constructed for the tsunami-affected in Puducherry. “We have to construct 7,500 more and we require Rs. 400 crore for the works. We have discussed this with Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and Planning V. Narayanasamy,” Mr. Vaithilingam said.

All welfare schemes announced for the fishermen would reach the beneficiaries in time, he said.

Mr. Narayanasamy said the Centre was ready to provide funds for the welfare of fishermen. “Around 7,000 houses have to be constructed for those residing within 500 metres from the coast and Puducherry requires Rs. 210 crore for the works,” he said.

Mr. Vaithilingam had assured him that the construction of houses would be completed by March next.

“The Puducherry government should focus on improving the standard of life of the fishermen,” Mr. Narayanasamy said.

Fisheries Minister Malladi Krishna Rao said that Rs. 50 crore should be allocated in the budget for fisheries sector from next year. Funds had been allotted for disbursing old-age pension. Sarees and dhotis would be distributed to the beneficiaries soon.

Mr. Rao said that Rs. 63 lakh had been allotted as subsidy for diesel. “The harbour scheme requires Rs. 20 crore and we request the Centre to provide the funds,” he said. Old-age pension would be disbursed every month, he added.

Minister for Public Works M.O.H.F. Shahjahan said that deep sea fishing should be brought in as it would provide more job opportunities for the youth belonging to the fishing community. “The port project would provide jobs to at least 2,000 to 3,000 young people,” he added.

Member of Parliament M. Ramadass said a welfare board for fishermen should be formed in Puducherry. Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy was also present.

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