Rangasamy reiterates demand for statehood

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Saturday renewed the demand for statehood for Puducherry.

Puducherry: Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Saturday renewed the demand for statehood for Puducherry.

Seeking cooperation of all political parties in this regard, Rangasamy said "unless Puducherry becomes a State we will continue to suffer for want of powers to take decisions."

Reiterating his demand, he said as a "Union Territory now we have to meekly accept and implement whatever schemes the Central government brings in. We are totally helpless."

He was speaking after launching `Aadhaar based Direct Benefit Transfer` of subsidy` scheme for consumers of LPG in Puducherry.

The Chief Minister said banks should act speedily and ensure that beneficiaries of the direct benefit transfer scheme did not face difficulties.

Referring to payment of monthly assistance to the aged (Old Age Pension) through banks under the DBT scheme, he advised banks to take steps to make the amount available to the aged at their doorsteps.

He concurred with the views of AIADMK legislator A Anbalagan, who had left the venue after airing his criticisms against the Centre.

Earlier, Anbalagan alleged that Congress-led UPA government was keeping the coming Lok Sabha polls in mind while implementing the DBT scheme although it was "causing hardships" to the people.

PTI

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