Tue Dec 30 07:41:02 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

AIADMK Urges Statehood for Puducherry, Seeks Debt Relief

Puducherry, India – December 30, 2025 – The All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) is pressing the Indian government to grant statehood to the Union Territory of Puducherry. A delegation led by AIADMK Secretary A. Anbalagan presented a memorandum to Vice-President C.P. Radhakrishnan on Monday, December 29th, 2025, outlining the party’s demands.

The memorandum highlights that statehood is a long-standing request. Alternatively, the AIADMK proposes an amendment to the Government of Union Territories Act of 1963 to grant greater administrative and financial powers to the elected council of ministers in Puducherry.

The AIADMK is also seeking the waiver of a legacy loan of ₹2,600 crore that dates back to 2007 when a separate public account was established for Puducherry. The party contends that Puducherry’s total debt burden has now exceeded ₹13,000 crore, with annual central government assistance being consumed solely by interest payments. They pointed out that the 15th Finance Commission has allocated 1% of revenue from the central resources pool to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir Union Territories and demanded that Puducherry also be included.

Beyond financial concerns, the AIADMK also raised concerns about the delay in implementing the Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (RTE) Act, 2009, in Puducherry. Additional requests included directives for private medical colleges to release 50% of MBBS seats to the government quota, the reversal of a decision to privatize power distribution, and the expansion of Puducherry airport. The AIADMK hopes the Vice-President will address these pressing issues.

Summary of the text:

The AIADMK party has formally requested the Vice-President of India to take action on several key issues affecting Puducherry. The primary demand is for statehood for the Union Territory. Failing immediate statehood, they seek greater administrative and financial autonomy through amendments to existing legislation. A major point of contention is the legacy debt burden that consumes Puducherry’s central financial assistance. The party also raised concerns about the slow implementation of the RTE Act, privatization of the power sector, and inadequate MBBS seats. They are advocating for the airport’s expansion and want Puducherry to be included in the Finance Commission allocation, similar to Ladakh and Jammu and Kashmir.

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