PM Modi to visit Puducherry on Feb 16 to launch development, welfare schemes

PUDUCHERRY: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Puducherry on Feb 16 to launch a slew of development and welfare schemes of the Union and Puducherry govts, said Speaker of the legislative assembly of the Union territory of Puducherry R Selvam.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday. Selvam said the legislative assembly would reconvene ahead of Modi’s visit at 9.30am on Feb 12, and chief minister N Rangasamy, who holds the portfolio of finance, would pass the interim budget (vote on account) to meet the expenses of the territory for the initial months of the financial year 2026-27. The All India NR Congress-BJP coalition govt will present an interim budget instead of a full-fledged budget due to the ensuing assembly polls.

Confirming the Prime Minister’s itinerary, speaker Selvam stated that Modi would visit Puducherry on Feb 16. "The visit is strictly for official govt business. The Prime Minister will be inaugurating several Union and state govt projects aimed at the development of the Union territory," the speaker said, clarifying that no political rallies are currently on the agenda.

Updating on the long-awaited new legislative assembly cum secretariat complex, the Speaker revealed that the project, which was estimated at Rs 350 crore in 2021, has now been revised to Rs 657 crore. "The Union govt has granted approval for Puducherry to avail of a 50-year loan at 0.5% interest to fund the construction," Selvam noted. The administration is making efforts to have the Prime Minister lay the foundation stone for the new complex during his visit.

On the opposition parties’ criticisms regarding job creation, Selvam asserted that the govt had maintained transparency in recruitment. He noted that approximately 5,000 posts had been filled recently based on merit, with another 1,000 recruitments expected by March.

Regarding the Union budget, the speaker debunked claims of ‘nil allocation’ for the Union territory, stating that Puducherry received an additional Rs 86 crore in grants compared to the previous year. He further highlighted specific allocations, including Rs 100 crore for a new fish landing centre and over Rs 250 crore for tourism development.

Selvam concluded by reiterating the govt's commitment to the ‘Best Puducherry’ vision promoted by the Prime Minister, focusing on infrastructure growth and transparent governance.