On this happy occasion of the 54^th Anniversary of the Republic Day of India, I have great pleasure in extending my warm greetings and best wishes to my fellow citizens in the Union Territory of Pondicherry. 

          Today India celebrates her 55^th Republic Day.  As you all know, fifty four years ago this day India emerged on the world scenario as a Sovereign Democratic Republic.  This was made possible by the untold sacrifices made by the freedom fighters of Indian Freedom Struggle.  It is a day of introspection, assessment and resolution.   

Our largest Democratic country has made impressive strides in the realm of Economy, Science & Technology.  It has now become a shining example for all developing countries and is treated with a new found respect by the major powers. 

In line with the rest of the nation, the Union Territory of Pondicherry has also made   spectacular progress and development in all major sectors of development such as agriculture, industries, education, health, welfare, etc.  

The progress in implementation of plan schemes in the five year plans, over the decades, has been very impressive in this Union Territory.   The  Planning Commission has agreed to the plan  size of  Rs. 452.77 crores for the annual plan 2003-04 envisaging an increase of 9.88% compared to the Annual Plan of 2002-03.  

          Programmes for the growth of agriculture continue to enjoy the highest priority in the economic development of the Union Territory.  Launching of Website and Wide Area Network (WAN), being the first in the country, will undoubtedly usher in another Green Revolution in Pondicherry. ‘Uzhavar Udaviyagams’ have been established in the rural areas of Pondicherry catering to the requirements of the farmers by providing One Stop solution to their problems.  ‘Uzhavar Santhai’ have been opened in Pondicherry town and Lawspet to serve as a mutual benefit for the farmers and consumers.  A group insurance scheme called ‘Jana Shri Bhima Yojana’ for agricultural labourers has been instituted, which is the first of its kind in India.  ‘Flower, Fruit and Vegetable Shows’ are being annually conducted in all the four regions of the Territory encouraging public participation. 

The Animal Husbandry and Animal Welfare Department has evolved progressive and  innovative  schemes  for  maximum  health  care  of  livestock  and profitable milk production for the upliftment of the farmers of Pondicherry.  The ‘Kamadhenu Scheme’ envisages insurance coverage for the selected animal for Rs. 12,000/-; insurance coverage for the owner of the animals paying Rs.1,00,000/- in the event of accidental death and one time medical expenses upto Rs. 5000/- to the farmers or spouse for any illness contracted during this period.           

The Cooperative movement launched in the territory after the ‘defacto merger’ has witnessed significant growth and change in various fields.  It has a sprawling network of  cooperative activity of about 4.11 lakhs members with  491 cooperative societies covering every segment of the population.  The capacity of the Pondicherry Cooperative Milk Production Unit has been enhanced from 50,000 litres to 1.00 lakh litres.  The Govt. is keen on the upliftment of the economic condition of the handloom weavers whose wages were recently revised.  Some of the Cooperative Stores have been converted into Cooperative Cost Price Shops to make them run profitably.   

The Public Distribution System has been streamlined for ensuring proper distribution of essential commodities.  The National Consumer Day and World Consumer Day are being celebrated to create public awareness on consumer participation and to assert their rights.  The activities of the department has been fully computerized and the data of card holders are being updated regularly. 

          A reliable power supply is ensured with establishment of 110/11 KV sub-station in Karaikal through Power Grid Corporation of India.  Similarly, to improve the power supply position in Pondicherry, the third 16 MVA power transformer and the second 10 MVA power transformer have been commissioned at Kurumampet and Thethampakkam respectively.  The efficacy of the transformers has also been toned up in order to ensure steady and reliable power supply.  Generation of electricity using solar energy is also being implemented on experimental basis. 

          The Union Territory of Pondicherry has a viable industrial climate to boost industrial development in the Union Territory.  The District Industries Centre, Khadi & Village Industries Board and PIPDIC play a key role in contributing to the industrial development in Pondicherry. The District Industries Centre is implementing various plan schemes sponsored by Government of  India  creating employment opportunities for the educated unemployed.  Recently, a ‘Growth Centre’ has been declared open at Polagam in Karaikal region on behalf of PIPDIC, ensuring a bright industrial climate in the region.  The setting up of a Special Economic Zone in Pondicherry is on the anvil ensuring exponential exports growth in potential besides providing enormous employment opportunities.  Similarly, the establishment of an Electronic Park at Thirubhuvanai, Pondicherry Technopolis at Kalapet and an Export Facilitation Centre at a cost of Rs.100 lakhs are major break through by PIPDIC.  

           The performance of the Union Territory in the field of Public Works is impressive.   Laying of roads, improving of irrigational facilities, construction of bridges, laying of underground sewerage system, water supply, rehabilitation of minor irrigation tank, desilting of canals under Tank Rehabilitation Project, construction of buildings beautification of Beach Road, rain water harvesting system are some of the highlights of the  Public Works Department.

 Pondicherry has shown remarkable development in the field of Education with the upgradation of Government schools, conducting of regional level science exhibitions, holding of national level school games, introduction of computer facilities, distribution of free supply of textbooks, stationery and uniforms to poor students, encouraging promising students in the field of sports activities etc.  The introduction of  ‘No detention up to IV Standard Scheme’ and ‘Breakfast Scheme upto X Std. in Govt. Schools are other major activities of the sector.  The Department of Education was bifurcated into two separate Directorates namely i) Directorate of School Education and ii) Directorate of Collegiate & Technical Education to give a boost to the Educational Standard in this Union Territory.  Apart from this, establishment of a separate Secondary  and Higher Secondary Education Board is at an advanced stage which for Pondicherry which will be another milestone in the development of education.  Sports Stadia will be opened in rural areas for encouraging sports activities. 

The Union Territory of Pondicherry ranks ahead in the Health sector particularly in ensuring ‘Health for All’.  All modern facilities have been provided in ensuring good health and care.  Targets have been exceeded in the Pulse Polio Immunisation Programme. The department has received appreciation from the Union Ministry of Health for intensive implementation of health related programmes.  The Administration has been taking all possible steps for providing comprehensive health services to the common man right from the issue of Health Identity Cards, etc. 

         The welfare of fishermen is being ensured by the Government remarkably by extending succor during natural calamities and fish ban periods. Fishermen Pension Scheme is being implemented for their welfare.  The  Pondicherry  fishing  harbour is nearing completion.  Steps are being taken vigorously to improve the Pondicherry port and a meeting of the Maritime States Development Council is being  held in this month for better prospects.

        Social Welfare Schemes continue to be effective with multi-pronged approach.  The programmes for the welfare of the aged widow and economically weaker section deserve special mention. The state age old pension and widow pension have been enhanced from Rs.150/- / Rs.175/- to Rs.200/- per month,  besides provision of grant of funeral expenses to the family of aged and widow pensioners,  distribution of free supply of sarees and dhotis, free rice, subsidy for Mangalyam of Rs.1000/-, etc.   Integrated Child Development Services play an important role in ensuring healthy children, besides pregnant and lactating mothers.  

 The activities of Pondicherry Corporation for Development of Women and handicapped persons make every woman and handicapped person socially and economically independent.  Various training programmes are being implemented with financial assistance in order to improve their skills. The Government has enhanced the monthly financial assistance for the handicapped from Rs.250/- to Rs.400/- and reduced  the deformity eligibility percentage from 75% to 40%.  The reservation of 3% has been made for them in Education and employment  and  marriage  incentive  is  also  given.  A 50% fuel subsidy, free bus facility, travelling allowance of Rs.50/-, free distribution of orthopaedic appliances and implementation of Handicapped National Trust Act for their social security are the other measures undertaken for the welfare of the physically challenged people.  A sum of Rs.10,000/- is being given under National Family Benefits Scheme to persons who have lost the bread winner of the family.  A new scheme with financial help of Rs.10,000 is being given as marriage assistance for the people Below the Poverty Line. 

The Government of Pondicherry has been implementing various schemes for the upliftment of the Adi Dravidar Community in Pondicherry.  Free distribution of house site pattas,  subsidy for house construction, free distribution of sarees and dhoties , free distribution of textbooks and stationeries, disbursement of incentives and educational allowance for the Adi Dravidar students, provision of separate hostel facilities, payment of contingencies for the parents, provision of basic amenities for the Adi Dravidar localities, provision of marriage allowance, medical allowance, funeral rites allowance and inter-caste marriage allowance are some of the major highlights of the sector.

It is gratifying that Pondicherry has a rich potential for tourism development.  Hence, the Government is giving special importance for the development of Tourism prospects in Pondicherry.  The ‘International Yoga Festival’, ‘World Tourism Day’ and ‘Food Festival’ are being celebrated annually including the ‘Shopping Festival’ as a way of encouraging tourism development in Pondicherry.  Efforts are underway to identify tourist spots in Pondicherry and also facilities are being provided to attract inquisitive tourists. Steps are being taken to make Pondicherry  a  highly desirable tourist destination for  Holiday  makers  by  toning  up  tourist facilities such as sight seeing tours, package tours,  boating facilities and other related aspects.   Various  steps  are  also  being  contemplated to  protect  and  preserve  heritage buildings in the Union Territory of Pondicherry as an integral part of imparting a push to heritage tourism in the territory.  The administration had entered into contract with the Government of Andaman & Nicobar Islands for tourism development prospects and accordingly signed an ‘MOU’ in June 2003 last.  It is pertinent to note that the Government of India have sanctioned Rs.2.50 crores for the beautification of Beach Road, making  Pondicherry a landmark Territory.  Infact, Tourism will be accorded top priority as was done in Andaman & Nicobar Islands.   It is expected that the conversion of Metre Guage to Broad Gauge Rail between Pondicherry and Villupuram will be completed by February 2004 and Railway Traffic will commence thereby giving a highly overdue to the Territory’s economic development.

 The Government is well aware of the services of Police officials in maintaining the law and order situation in Pondicherry and their interests are being protected and maintained by all means.  Modern facilities including computer facilities are being provided in the police stations to make their work updated and reliable.   

The Government also respects the freedom fighters of Pondicherry who have dedicated themselves in liberating Pondicherry from the foreign yoke.    The administration never fails to honour them on important occasions. 

Periodical evaluation of our progress is essential for applying appropriate correctives in time.  There is much to enthuse and exult over what has been achieved, but we have a long way to go before we can ever think of relaxing. 

 Before I conclude, I take this opportunity to greet every citizen of Pondicherry.  Pondicherry is a peaceful city with rich cultural heritage.  It is our duty to ensure that it remains so for ever.

JAI HIND!