MLAs are of the opinion that the Centre should grant full statehood to Puducherry to take up development work without any hindrance | Photo Credit: T_Singaravelou more-in The Legislative Assembly on Thursday passed a government resolution seeking statehood for the Union Territory. Moving the resolution, Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy said over the years the financial allocation by the Centre to the Union Territory as grant had come down from 70% to 25%. As per the recommendation of the 14th Financial Commission, States were meeting their financial commitments by way of 42% budgetary support by the Centre. The Centre had considered the Union Territory as a State while making allocation under the Goods and Services Tax. The Centre should consider granting statehood for taking up welfare and development work without any administrative hindrance. A. Anbazhagan (AIADMK), R. Siva (DMK) and N.S.J. Jayabal (AINRC) gave notice to move a private member resolution seeking Statehood for the Union Territory. The Chief Minister agreed to convert the resolutions given by the members as government resolutions. The Assembly adopted another resolution asserting the rights of an elected government. SC ruling The Chief Minister, while moving the government resolution, said the Supreme Court in a case between the Delhi Chief Minister and Lt. Governor of the national capital had stated that the Cabinet enjoyed powers. As per the court order, the Lt. Governor had to function under the aid and advice of the Cabinet. As per 239, 239 (A) and 240 of the Constitution, once a Legislative Assembly came into force all the powers vested with the President governing the Union Territory would automatically get transferred to the Assembly. “When the President does not have any powers, how is that the Lt Governor, a representative of the President, enjoys powers,” he said moving the resolution. The House unanimously adopted the resolution asserting the powers of the Legislative Assembly. A private member resolution moved by Mr. Anbalagan seeking 25% quota in Pondicherry University was passed unanimously.

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