Puducherry’s per capita income increases to ₹3,06,119: CM Rangasamy

The per capita income of the Union Territory of Puducherry has now increased to ₹3,06,119 as a result of measures initiated by the government in the past few years, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said here on Saturday (August 15, 2026).

Delivering his Independence Day address after hoisting the national flag during the celebrations held at the Beach Promenade, the Chief Minister said the government had taken several measures to improve the livelihoods of all sections of society.

Thanking the voters for re-electing the AINRC-BJP in the 2026 Assembly polls, the Chief Minister said his government was committed to fulfilling the aspirations of all people with the support of the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The Chief Minister, in his address, highlighted various measures taken up to improve the livelihoods of agricultural and dairy farmers in Puducherry. The speech also covered policy initiatives by the departments of Adi Dravidar, Fisheries, Education, Health, and Industries.

The government was taking various measures to improve the traffic situation and drinking water supply, prevent waterlogging, and provide more job opportunities for the youth. Administrative measures are being taken to recruit 74 junior engineers in the Public Works Department through a written test, Mr. Rangasamy said.

PRTC earns revenue of ₹200 crore

Steps taken by the government in the public transport sector have led to a rise in revenue. Under the PM e-Bus Sewa scheme, the Centre has sanctioned around 75 electric vehicles, of which 25 have already been purchased and deployed in service, the Chief Minister said.

In the financial year 2025-26, the Pondicherry Road Transport Corporation earned a revenue of ₹200 crore. So far in this fiscal year, the Corporation has earned a revenue of ₹59.09 crore. Under the Central Government’s Capital Investment Scheme, in-principle approval has been obtained for 132 new bus shelters in the UT, the Chief Minister said.

The territorial administration was preparing a Waterways Master Plan for the promotion of coastal trade in the UT. Steps are also being taken to deepen the mouth of the Puducherry Port to make it operational for cargo transport and improve fishing activity. Measures are under way to establish new power substations at Lawspet and Thavalakuppam, he said.

₹64 crore for Ekta Mall

Mr. Rangasamy also informed the gathering that the Centre has released the first instalment of ₹64.24 crore for the construction of Prime Minister’s Ekta Mall proposed for the promotion of local handicraft products.

After hoisting the national flag, the Chief Minister inspected a guard of honour provided by the Puducherry Police and witnessed an impressive march-past by the different wings of the police, fire services, ex-Servicemen, NCC cadets, NSS volunteers, and schoolchildren. The Chief Minister also presented various awards and witnessed cultural events.

Pro-tem Speaker A. Anbalagan, Home Minister A. Namassivayam, legislators, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan, Director General of Police Shalini Singh, and senior officials were present. Independence Day celebrations were also held at the UT’s enclaves of Karaikal, Mahe, and Yanam.