Rangasamy sworn in as Puducherry Chief Minister

Speaking to reporters after the swearing-in, Rangasamy hinted that Puducherry would witness a single-party rule. Asked whether AIADMK would be inducted into the ministry, Rangasamy would only say, "AINRC (All India NR Congress) has formed the ministry with blessings and support of the AIADMK". Within minutes of assuming office, Rangasamy signed files sanctioning 25 kilo free rice each month to families under below poverty line and 15 kilo rice to families above poverty line. Official sources said the move, which would benefit more than three lakh families, would entail an expenditure of Rs 7 crores each month to the administration. Rangasamy said all the students sponsored under government quota through Centralised Admission Committee in the private medical and engineering colleges would be sanctioned funds to reimburse the fees they pay to the institutions for the courses. All those who have been deprived of the scheme during the last two years would also be covered under it, he said. Official sources said the government had immediately earmarked Rs 7.5 crores for the purpose. Rangasamy also increased the monthly financial assistance to aged persons from Rs 700 to Rs 2000. Earlier in the day, the swearing-in ceremony witnessed some faux pas, with the Chief Secretary reading out the Presidential Oath appointing Rangasamy as the Chief Minister of the UT before the national anthem and the prayer song were played. After the notification was read out the Lt Governor started administering the oath of office to Rangasamy. The police band started playing the national anthem, which normally takes place after the oath of secrecy is also administered. Meanwhile, Union Minister of State in PMO, V Narayanasamy, who was present at the function, assured full support and cooperation to the new Puducherry government.

source: PTI