Pondy House adopts resolution seeking funds for water conservation

Moving the resolution, Chief Minister V Narayanasamy sought the cooperation of all for the judicious use of water.

Narayanasamy also mentioned the efforts taken by the government to conserve water, including construction of bed dams across rivers here. He also said that setting up of mineral water plants and soft drinks units were totally banned in Puducherry. Several members took part in the debate.

Speaking on the issue, AIADMK legislature party leader A Anbazhagan referred to the remarks made by Lt Governor Kiran Bedi on Twitter about politicians and people of Tamil Nadu on the water crisis issue and said that the L-G’s remarks should be condemned in the House. DMK member R Siva also supported this demand. Narayanasamy said on the same day itself, he condemned her in a release.

The CM said the people of Nettapakkam in a joint venture had de-silted tanks in the village and the same spirit should be with the people everywhere.

Intervening, DMK MLA Siva wanted to know whether it is true that the Centre had provided Rs 1,576 crore towards implementation of 7th Pay Commission. Siva said a Union Minister had given a written reply to a question in Parliament. Narayanasamy said the amount of Rs 1,576 crore is the Central grant for Puducherry and every year a slight increase will be there and this is the Central’s share for budget. This has nothing to do with 7th Pay Commission, he said.

 The CM said the resolutions opposing Hydrocarbon project, seeking exception from NEET and NEXT, and three language principle were also to be adopted.

Obituary resolutions

Meanwhile, the House adopted an obituary resolution for former chief minister RV Janakiraman. Moving the resolution, Chief Minister detailed the services rendered by Janakiraman, following which several members spoke.

Narayanasamy said the government will erect statues for Janakiraman as well as to former CMs P Shanmugham and MOH Farooq. The house also condoled the death of former Puducherry Lt Governor Virendra Katari, former Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit and former legislatorG Venugopal.

Opposition NR Congress, AIADMK and BJP members on Monday staged a walk out from the Assembly alleging that they are not satisfied with the mode of conduct of the House and the members are not getting due respect. AIADMK legislature party leader A Anbazhagan asked the Speaker about the urgent need for this special session. He said the budget session will have to be conducted shortly. As such, the government could have convened it. Anbazhagan and BJP member (nominated) V Saminathan charged that they got the copy of the resolutions late in the night and then how the government expect them to take part in the debate. CM V Narayanasamy said the Centre was approached for approval of the budget file and it will take some time. Since, the Parliament session is on, it was felt best to adopt a resolution seeking more funds for water conservation and forward it to the Centre. Hence, the special session. When Anbazhagan tried to raise more points, there was interruption. Irritated, he tore off the documents and staged a walk out.