In Puducherry, Chief Minister Rangaswamy has announced that the AFT, Swadeshi, and Bharti mills will not be reopened, emphasizing the importance of spending tax money wisely. During a discussion in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, Sivashankar proposed the creation of an expert committee to renovate and operate several cooperative sugar mills for increased employment opportunities. However, the Chief Minister reiterated that AFT, Swadeshi, and Bharati mills cannot be reopened due to their nature and the amount of tax money involved. The Puducherry Co-operative Sugar Mill is being considered for renovation, and the land of Swadeshi and Bharati mills may be purchased from the National Panchal Corporation for tourism development projects. The government is also considering producing ethanol in a cooperative sugar mill with the help of Indian Oil Corporation. The Leader of Opposition suggested the formation of a committee to make a decision regarding the mills, while Anibal Kennedy questioned what would happen if the Panchalas were closed.
Puducherry: AFT, Swadeshi and Bharti mills cannot be reopened. Chief Minister Rangaswamy has said that how much people should spend their tax money.
Following was the discussion during question hour in the Puducherry Legislative Assembly:
Sivashankar (BJP-backed self): “Would an expert committee be set up to renovate and run 3 panchalas, 2 nualpalas, co-operative sugar mills to provide more employment opportunities in Puducherry state? What steps have been taken to start the mills with private participation?” He questioned.
Chief Minister Rangasamy: “There is no possibility of opening AFT, Sudeshi and Bharati mills. Puducherry Co-operative Sugar Mill, Karaikal Jayaprakash Narayanan has given some recommendations to renovate the cooperative sugar mills. The government is taking steps to re-open the Puducherry Co-operative Sugar Mill.
Sivashankar: “There are more educated youth in Puducherry. These factories should be opened to provide employment to them,” he said.
Chief Minister Rangasamy: “AFT, Swadeshi and Bharti panchals cannot be reopened. There is no chance. Everyone knows the nature of the mill. How much tax money are people spending? We have decided to pay dues to the employees, officers and workers there as per the labor law. Considering the current situation, the place is for tourism development projects. can be used.
Swadeshi, Bharati Mill land should be purchased from the National Panchal Corporation. We have given only the first installment. After purchasing the land, the government will consult and take appropriate decision. “Indian Oil Corporation has offered to produce ethanol in a cooperative sugar mill,” he said.
Leader of Opposition Siva: He said, “Government should take some decision regarding the mills. Two years are going to end since you came to power. I request you to set up a committee now and take a decision at least within the next year. We can take steps to run the sugar mill.”
Anibal Kennedy (DMK): “What if the Panchalas are closed?” he asked.
Chief Minister Rangasamy: “If the funds are allocated, will they come in and work? The decision will be made only after opening and running the money. There is also the idea of setting up a theme park. The government will take a decision on this soon,” he said.