Tue Mar 25 08:56:43 UTC 2025: ## Puducherry Chief Minister Renews Statehood Plea, Citing Administrative Bottlenecks
**Puducherry, March 25, 2025** – Chief Minister N. Rangasamy reiterated his demand for Puducherry’s statehood on Tuesday, citing significant administrative hurdles stemming from its current status as a Union Territory (UT). Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Rangasamy argued that the UT’s bureaucratic structure creates delays in crucial processes, hindering economic development.
The Chief Minister’s comments came in response to a query regarding an upcoming investors’ meet. He explained that even if the meet were successful, the subsequent establishment of industrial units would be significantly hampered by the need for multiple official approvals. He contrasted this with the streamlined process in neighboring Tamil Nadu, where Chief Minister M.K. Stalin can expedite approvals for industrial projects. Rangasamy used the example of Tamil Nadu’s rapid industrial development in the Vanur taluk, highlighting the stark difference in efficiency.
Rangasamy emphasized that his plea for statehood wasn’t for personal gain but to ensure the smooth functioning of future elected governments and the overall progress of Puducherry. Assembly Speaker R. Selvam echoed the Chief Minister’s concerns, stating that officials were obstructing the implementation of government schemes. The ongoing struggle for statehood remains a central issue for the Puducherry government.
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