Puducherry Cabinet expands student financial aid and plans revenue boost through excise changes

The Puducherry Cabinet has approved an expansion of the Perunthalaivar Kamarajar Financial Assistance Scheme to include students in dental, veterinary, agriculture, law, arts, and science courses. Previously, assistance was limited to MBBS, nursing, and engineering students. The Cabinet also plans to merge local and central housing schemes, providing ₹5 lakh to underprivileged beneficiaries for home construction. Additionally, the government aims to increase revenue from excise by enhancing liquor outlet fees and issuing new permits. The Cabinet discussed raising the guideline register value to its 2013-14 level and approved the takeover of a cooperative school in Lingareddipalayam for improved management.