Puducherry CM Hikes Kamaraj Housing Scheme Subsidy to Rs 5 Lakh, Approves Press Benefits

Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy announced an increase in the subsidy for the Kamaraj Housing Scheme to Rs 5 lakh. Beneficiaries will receive an additional Rs 5 lakh from a central scheme. He also introduced benefits for reporters, including increased pensions and free laptops, and sanctioned the 2024-25 budget.

In a significant announcement, Puducherry Chief Minister N Rangasamy revealed that the subsidy under the Kamaraj Housing Scheme has been increased to Rs 5 lakh. This increase is aimed at replacing huts with concrete buildings, benefiting each individual with a total of Rs 10 lakh, including an additional Rs 5 lakh from a central government scheme.

Chief Minister Rangasamy also declared enhanced benefits for the press community. Retired reporters will now receive a monthly assistance of Rs 15,000, up from Rs 10,000. Current presspersons will be given free laptops, and house sites will be allocated to journalists not yet covered under the existing scheme. Additional applications for pension will also be sanctioned in due course.

In a concluding move, the assembly approved the Appropriation Bill proposing a budget of Rs 12,700 crores for the fiscal year 2024-25. The bill, tabled by the Chief Minister, seeks to appropriate funds from the consolidated fund for governmental expenditure in the upcoming financial year.

(With inputs from agencies.)