Centre releases ₹64 crore under SASCI for PM Ekta Mall project in Puducherry

Central government allocates ₹64 crore for PM Ekta Mall project in Puducherry, promoting local artisans and crafts.

A detailed project report for the mall was prepared by the Centre for Urbanisation, Buildings and Environment. | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

The Central government has released a sum of ₹64 crore under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) for the establishment of PM Ekta Mall in Puducherry.

The Department of Planning and Research, in a release said the Central government had agreed to fund PM Ekta Mall project on an area of 4.7 acres of land in the town. Of the total project cost of ₹128 crore, the Centre has released ₹64 crore for the construction of the mall. 

“The PM Ekta Mall project was conceived by the Union government to provide a market place for products of local artisans. Our mall will showcase among other products the terracotta works from Villianur, paper-mache crafts from Thirukkanur and other handicrafts of the Union Territory. Under SASCI, we have received ₹64 crore as the first tranche for the implementation of the project,” the release said. 

A detailed project report was prepared by the Centre for Urbanisation, Buildings and Environment. The mall will have thematic retail zones dedicated to One District One Product, GI-tagged goods, and crafts from across the Union Territory. It will also house an amphitheatre, landscaped open spaces and host craft demonstrations, exhibitions and events. Interactive kiosks, digital displays and multilingual signage are also planned, the release said.