Date:19/11/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/11/19/stories/2008111950120100.htm
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75,000 free gas connections soon

Staff Reporter

Photo: T. Singaravelou

New scheme: Social Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy (left) with R.K.R. Anantharaman, MLA, and Labour Commissioner G. Malar Kannan at the inauguration of a training programme in Puducherry on Tuesday. —

PUDUCHERRY: The territorial administration will soon provide 75,000 new free gas connections. Funds to the tune of Rs. 22 crore are required for the purpose, Social Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy, who also holds the Labour portfolio, said on Tuesday.

Inaugurating a five-day training camp on ‘Behavioural Skill Management’ for women, organised by the Labour department, he said the government would take steps to provide the connections as soon as possible.

The Minister asked Labour Department officials to conduct checks at industries twice every month to see if basic facilities were available for the employees.

“It is important for the department to concentrate on obtaining 50 per cent jobs in private industries for educated youth. Similarly, the department should see that the candidates who apply for jobs through the department obtain employment soon,” he said.

He said centres to train women in weaving would be established in all constituencies.

“The population of weavers is reducing and it is important that women take up weaving. They will receive benefits under seven schemes for weavers such as financial assistance for children’s education, medical expenses and Rs. 1,250 as pension after retirement. The government would take steps to provide up to date machinery for weaving,” he added. Steps to procure the products from the weavers were being discussed, he said.

For providing vegetables at cheaper rates, the Puducherry Agro-Products, Food and Civil Supplies Corporation has opened centres at three places including at Villianur and Thattanchavady.

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