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The Puducherry government is planning to fill 1,000 more vacancies in various departments in the Union Territory (UT), Chief Minister N. Rangasamy said on Monday (October 27, 2025). “Our government has taken several steps to provide employment opportunities to educated youth. Vacancies have already been filled in various departments, and 1,000 more vacancies will be filled. Also, measures are being taken to allot 700-odd acres of land for industrial development at Sedarapet,” the Chief Minister said. Mr. Rangasamy was speaking at a function, alongside Lieutenant Governor K. Kailashnathan, to inaugurate an electric bus charging station, 25 newly purchased e-buses, 38 women-operated e-rickshaws, 15 smart bus shelters, and a ride-hailing application. The Chief Minister said the inauguration of eco-friendly initiatives in the transport sector was possible because of the close relationship maintained by the Centre and the Puducherry administration. “People are asking how these initiatives are possible, because the previous government was not able to execute any development works and initiate welfare programmes. We are able to deliver this because of the support extended by the Central government,” he said. The Central government would fund the procurement of 75 more electrical buses. Besides this, the Pondicherry Road Transport Corporation has planned to buy 25 new buses, the Chief Minister said. In his address, the Lt. Governor said the newly launched transport facilities are part of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to improve the quality of life in urban areas of the country. The launch of electrical vehicles for public transport showed the government’s commitment towards the protection of environment. The Smart City Mission was aimed at providing modern and safe amenities to people residing in cities, he said. “We are passing through an important phase in the development of Puducherry. The Central government has been extending support for the development of education, health, sanitation, tourism, and industrial activity in the UT. All the projects are executed with a long-term vision to make Puducherry smart and green,” the Lt. Governor said. The Lt. Governor said the Central government has so far approved 82 projects worth ₹620 crore under the Smart City scheme. The Union government would incur 50% of the project cost. Around 72 projects have already been completed and the remaining are nearing completion, he said. Speaker R. Selvam, Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) S. Selvaganabathy, Chief Secretary Sharat Chauhan, and Commissioner-cum-Secretary (Transport) A. Muthamma were among those who attended the inauguration. Black flag demonstration Before the commencement of the inaugural function, Independent legislator Nehru alias Kuppusamy staged a protest against the government’s decision to involve private players in the operations of e-buses. He, along with supporters, raised black flags when the Lt. Governor’s convoy entered the venue. The legislator was seen complaining to the Chief Minister that the people of his constituency were not given job opportunities in operating the buses. Later, Chief Minister, in his address, clarified that employees were selected for operating the buses on a merit basis in a transparent manner. A release from the Transport Department said Hyderabad-based Evey Trans Private Limited will provide drivers and maintenance workers for the operation of the buses. The PRTC will provide conductors.
