CM urges Centre to include Puducherry in CFC

Chief Minister V Narayanasamy today urged the Centre to include the Union Territory as a member of Central Finance Commission (CFC) so that Puducherry would be earmarked funds to meet its fiscal commitments.

Talking to reporters here, the Chief Miniser said that he had requested the Union Finance Minister and also Secretary to the Ministry to include Puducherry as a member of the CFS.

"Once we are part of the CFC, we will get enhanced allocations as are available for the states", he said.

He said that Puducherry was getting a central allocation of Rs 567 crore every year under non-plan though Puducherry's commitments to meet liabilities arising out of implementation of Central Pay commission and payment of pension for government staff had been heavy.

Narayanasamy said that the flight services from Puducherry airport which remained defunct for last three years would be resumed from August 16 and Spice Jet would operate the services to Hyderabad.

Puducherry port would also go on stream shortly as a satellite port of Chennai Port Trust to boost cargo transactions.