Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy on Thursday announced that the government will construct around 55,000 toilets under the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan at a cost of Rs. 120 crore. The scheme would be completed before October 2 as the intention of the government was to ensure a clean Puducherry.
Modi appreciative
Inaugurating the 20 kg free rice scheme to cardholders in Abishegapakkam village near here, Mr. Narayanasamy said that during his recent visit to New Delhi, he had placed before the Prime Minister Narendra Modi a detailed representation about the scheme.
Mr. Modi was appreciative of the scheme. The toilets would be constructed by the municipalities, Department of Rural Development and the District Rural Development Agency (DRDA). Our main intention is to ensure that Puducherry emerged as a clean city by Gandhi Jayanthi, he said.
Underground cable
The Chief Minister also detailed the government’s plan to provide underground cable in all areas under Manaveli constituency and infrastructural facilities like roads in various villages.
Referring to the free rice scheme, he said that the previous AINRC Government had not adopted a clear policy on the issue and the rice was not regularly available to cardholders.
To cost Rs. 20 crore
The implementation of the free rice scheme would involve an expenditure of Rs. 20 crore per month and a total of 3.3 lakh families coming under the Public Distribution System would be covered under the scheme.
Mr. Narayanasamy said the government would spare no efforts to measure up to the expectations of the people and welfare schemes would be adopted in close coordination with the Centre.
Local mills
Social Welfare Minister M. Kandasamy said the rice meant for the scheme would be procured from local mill owners instead of being procured from outside.
This would also benefit local farmers.
He referred to the close ties that Mr. Narayanasamy shared with the Central Ministers and said this would ensure the implementation of various welfare schemes in Puducherry.
20 kg free rice scheme to ration cardholders inaugurated in Abishegapakkam
