PC declares housing complex for tsunami hit villagers

PUDUCHERRY: Union Home Minister P Chidambaram today declared open a housing complex of more than 1,400 independent houses constructed by Puducherry government for rehabilitation of tsunami-affected fishermen families.

The complex, built with the help of a Rs 82 crore Central Government grant, will house the fisher-folk of Pillaichavady, Sinna Kalapet, Periya Kalapet and Ganapathy Chettykulam villages, who were hit by the tsunami in December 2004.

Chidambaram also lauded the Union Territory for being top in the education sector in a recent nationwide survey, which brought to the fore "the excellent opportunities available in all levels of education in Puducherry."

Puducherry, was the only city that provides free medical education to all school students, he said.

Chief Minister V Vaithilingam, V Narayanasamy, Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and the chief minister's cabinet colleagues were among those who spoke at the function.