Sat Nov 01 09:23:06 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and news article based on the provided text:
Summary:
On Puducherry Liberation Day, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy announced several initiatives, including expanding old-age pension benefits to 5,000 more people. The government is also investing in education by providing laptops to students and in healthcare by establishing advanced operation theatres and a physical care center at the government medical college. Infrastructure improvements are also underway, including the four-laning of Puducherry-Cuddalore Road and expansion of the Puducherry airport. Additionally, the government plans to distribute wheat to ration card holders and establish a memorial at Karaikal to commemorate the region’s liberation struggle. The Liberation Day was celebrated across the Union Territory with flag hoisting and cultural events.
News Article:
Puducherry Boosts Pension, Healthcare on Liberation Day
PUDUCHERRY, November 1, 2025 – Puducherry Chief Minister N. Rangasamy today announced a significant expansion of social welfare programs as the Union Territory celebrated its Liberation Day. Speaking near Gandhi Thidal on Beach Road, the Chief Minister declared that 5,000 additional residents would receive old-age pensions, bringing the total number of beneficiaries to nearly 196,000.
“Our government is committed to the well-being of our citizens,” Rangasamy stated during the flag-hoisting ceremony. “This expansion of the old-age pension scheme demonstrates our dedication to supporting our senior citizens.”
The announcements didn’t stop there. The Chief Minister also highlighted ongoing investments in education and healthcare. Laptops will soon be provided to Class 12 students. At the government medical college, eleven state-of-the-art operation theatres are nearing completion at a cost of ₹20 crore. Furthermore, a new physical care center, funded jointly by the Union government and the territorial administration at a cost of ₹23.70 crore, will be established.
Infrastructure improvements are also on the horizon. A consultant has been appointed for the four-laning of the Puducherry-Cuddalore Road, and the process of expanding the Puducherry airport is underway. Adding to the support for residents, the government plans to soon distribute 2 kg of wheat monthly to ration card holders.
Finally, to commemorate the historical significance of Puducherry’s liberation struggle, a new memorial will be established in Karaikal, modeled after the one in Kizhoor village, a pivotal location in the region’s fight for independence from French rule.
The Liberation Day celebrations, marking the de facto merger of Puducherry, Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam with India, were held throughout the Union Territory, featuring cultural events and a guard of honor inspected by the Chief Minister.
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