Synopsis
On March 12, CM N. Rangasamy presented Puducherry's Budget for the fiscal year 2025-26, which includes an outlay of Rs 13,600 crore. The budget features welfare initiatives such as financial aid for women and students, a new bus stand, and various support measures for the community.Key Takeaways
- Rs 13,600 crore budget presented for 2025-26.
- Monthly aid of Rs 2,500 for women.
- Rs 1,000 monthly support for students.
- New bus stand named after Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
- Enhanced welfare measures for fishermen and agricultural workers.
Puducherry, March 12 (NationPress) Chief Minister N. Rangasamy unveiled the Puducherry Budget for the financial year 2025-26, featuring a total outlay of Rs 13,600 crore during the state Assembly session.
This budget introduces a variety of welfare programs, including a monthly financial support of Rs 2,500 for women and Rs 1,000 per month for students engaged in higher education.
The Chief Minister declared that women will be eligible for Rs 2,500 monthly assistance, while government school students from Class 6 to Class 12 and those in junior colleges will receive Rs 1,000 per month for a duration of three years to aid their studies.
CM Rangasamy also announced that a new bus stand will be constructed in the ECR area of Puducherry, which will be named in honor of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Additionally, he revealed that Anganwadis will now provide eggs every day, rather than on select days, and evening snacks will be made available for students in government and aided schools.
“Along with free rice, ration cardholders will receive 2 kg of free wheat each month. Agricultural workers will receive Rs 2,000 as monsoon relief, while unorganised workers will be given a Rs 2,000 scholarship to assist with their livelihoods,” the CM stated.
“The Puducherry Central Jail will undergo full computerization to modernize its functions. The MLA constituency development fund will be raised from Rs 2 crore to Rs 3 crore to enhance local development initiatives,” he added.
CM Rangasamy announced that funeral assistance for the fishing community will be increased from Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000, and fishermen will be able to purchase deep-sea fishing boats at a 50 percent subsidised rate.
This marks the first annual budget presented following the reorganization of the Puducherry Planning Board into the Consultative Committee for Transformation.
The Puducherry Legislative Assembly session commenced with an address from Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan and is anticipated to continue until March 28, with approximately 15 working days planned, keeping in mind the upcoming public holidays.
