Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy today voiced his concern over the "constant cut" of grants, by the central government...

Puducherry chief minister V Narayanasamy today voiced his concern over the "constant cut" of grants, by the central government, to the Union Territory. Addressing reporters here, he said earlier the Centre used to sanction a grant of 70 percent of the territorial budget. Later, it brought the grant down to 42 percent, and this was further reduced to 27 percent. "Such slashing of grants has been affecting the fiscal position of the territorial government," he said.

Narayanasamy had discussions with the secretary and joint secretary of Union Home Ministry

Narayanasamy said he had discussions with the secretary and joint secretary of Union Home Ministry in Delhi recently to clear the draft budget of the territorial government for fiscal 2018-2019. "Normally, when a proposal or draft budget finalized by the Puducherry state planning board is submitted to the Centre for clearance or approval, it would be done in 15 days," the chief minister said.

But, this time there was a delay in approval, he said, adding that he had met the officials concerned to secure the approval without any further delay. Narayanasamy hoped that the approval would be given on Monday next and the budget session of the assembly which was adjourned abruptly sine die without the House being able to present the budget on June 5 would be reconvened to adopt it.

Narayanasamy hoped that the approval would be given on Monday next

Referring to the NEET row, Narayanasamy said the central government should scrap the test as it has been claiming precious lives of young students. The previous system of admitting students on the basis of marks obtained in the plus two examination should be restored, he added.