UNI

New Delhi, Aug 22: The Rajya Sabha on Monday adopted the Pondicherry (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2006, which seeks to revert the name of the union territory to its erstwhile pre-colonial name of Puducherry.

Extending support to the proposed alteration of name, BJP's Su Thirunavukkarasar from Pondicherry said while there would be no tangible benefits as such, it would add glory and prestige to the people.

Recalling the history of the former French colony, V Narayanasamy (Congress) said it was the will of the people of the state to rename it to Puducherry as reflected in the various resolutions passed in the state assembly since 1980.

"Pondicherry is a small but beautiful state, which is not polluted, and a development-oriented state that received its de facto independence from the French administrators in 1954,'' he said, adding that it was necessary that the union territory, which had been granted special category status, be allowed to evolve to full statehood. This was a long-pending demand that had been placed before the standing committee on Home Affairs, Mr Narayanasamy said.

DMK's R Shunmugasundaram recalled that during the freedom struggle, Pondicherry was a haven for freedom fighters fighting the British rule. The name change was taking place as per the law.

The Bill, tabled by Minister of State S Raghupaty, was passed by the Upper House unanimously.