Puducherry

The Union Territory of Puducherry has yielded Rs 600 crore this year, as way of GST (Goods and Services Tax), said Lieutenant Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, on May 10. Reportedly, this is the highest revenue Puducherry has ever made by way of GST. Furthermore, she stated that over 8,000 enterprises contributed to the revenue. She then praised the GST department for their development. 

In view of the rising COVID-19 cases, the Puducherry government on January 9, ordered to close all the physical classes for students of classes 1 to 9 in the union territory. Online classes will be the mode of study now. Earlier this week, the government allowed market and malls to operate with 50% capacity. It also ordered to operate salons, gyms, cinemas, and auditoriums with 50% seating till January 31. 

Continuous and heavy rainfall from the past two days has left with waterlogging and flood-like situations in several districts of Tamil Nadu. Speaking to ANI, a resident Rajathi requested the government to take immediate action to clear the waterlogging. "We can't cook and do our basic activities," added the resident. Besides, In view of this situation, Puducherry has also declared a holiday in schools and colleges for two days. 

On the occasion of Diwali, family cardholders in Puducherry will be receiving 10 kilogram of rice and 2 kilogram of sugar from the government. According to sources, it will be distributed free of cost through Fair Price Shops. However, the government previously allowed decrease in the price of firecrackers. Furthermore, Papsco, a government agency, has set up shops in the union territory, selling crackers at a low rate. 

The Bhartiya Janta Party (BJP) on September 21 announced that it has decided to nominate S Selvaganapathy as its Rajya Sabha candidate from Puducherry. Reportedly, a seat will vacate on October 6 when the incumbent member N Gokulakrishan's term will end. The election for that seat would be held on October 4. Notably, BJP is running its government here in alliance with the All India NR Congress (AINRC).