CM Rangasamy raises concern over 'sluggish' pace of Smart Cities projects in Pondy

Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Wednesday expressed concern over the sluggish and tardy implementation of the Smart Cities project in Puducherry.While speaking in the territorial assembly, the Chief Minister told opposition Congress MLA M Vaithianathan the project should have resulted in development of infrastructure with investment of around Rs 2,000 crore but only Rs 256 crore had been spent so far.He also charged the previous Congress government with having done nothing to speed up the work.

Chief Minister N Rangasamy on Wednesday expressed concern over the ''sluggish and tardy'' implementation of the Smart Cities project in Puducherry.

While speaking in the territorial assembly, the Chief Minister told opposition Congress MLA M Vaithianathan the project should have resulted in development of infrastructure with investment of around Rs 2,000 crore but only Rs 256 crore had been spent so far.

He also charged the previous Congress government with having done nothing to speed up the work. ''There was inordinate delay in taking up developmental works under the Smart City project in Puducherry. Administrative hiccups were also caused and consequently sluggish execution of works had only resulted in unproductive expenditure,'' he rued.

Rangasamy also said that it was indeed doubtful whether the project would be completed by the end of June. Participating in the discussion, the Congress MLA said while most of the states had completed the execution of Smart Cities projects, Puducherry is lagging behind.

Independent legislator G Nehru said the government should order an inquiry to find out the reason for the government not being able to implement the project. He also wanted a White Paper containing full details of the project, implementation of work and expenditure made so far.

Earlier, the House gathered for the day and Speaker R Selvam extended Ugadi greetings on his behalf and also on behalf of the Assembly and the council of ministers.

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