Recognition for merit: Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi giving away commendation certificate to School Education Director L. Kumar at the Civil Services Day event in Puducherry on Friday. Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar are with her. | Photo Credit: S_S_KUMAR more-in Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi has urged the officers to fan out to backward and aspirational areas to identify the sufferings of the people. She was addressing the Civil Services Day function organised by the government for the first time here on Friday. Ms. Bedi said that Puducherry was far better than most of the places across the country and was blessed with unique features. “There is no deficiency of rules, policy and finance. What is deficient is lack of last mile connectivity. This meant that officers should not avoid visiting the backward areas to identify the sufferings of the people. Medical facilities, skill development, LPG connections and other amenities can be improved by field visits,” she said. “We cannot expect the poorest man to visit us as it would mean loss of a day’s wages for him. We should, on the other hand, make regular visits. This is the experience I have gained over since I assumed office in Puducherry two years ago,” she said. The Lieutenant Governor appealed to the officers to use the resources judiciously and honestly considering that it was taxpayer’s money. We should tap the alternative sources such as corporate social responsibility (CSR) of various establishments. The Lt. Governor recalled how effective the prison reforms she adopted turned out to be in Tihar Central Prison to develop the literacy of inmates. New university mooted Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy said the government had a plan to start a State-level university by clubbing Arts and Science Colleges and other institutions. He wanted the public servants to bear in mind that they were getting wages from taxpayer’s money. While politicians were occupying the posts temporarily, the bureaucrats had their services permanently as per the rules. But their attitude should be to work honestly and improve the living conditions of the people. Those who were in the higher positions should encourage officers under them without being domineering. Innovative decisions should be encouraged he said and added that Puducherry was marching ahead in tourism, health, education and maintenance of law and order. ‘Ensure transparency’ Chief Secretary Ashwani Kumar pointed out that no information could remain a secret after the Right to Information Act was enacted. Officers should adopt a transparent, honest and integrated approach, he said. Development Commissioner A. Anbarasu said that rules must be framed in such a manner that the expectations of the common man should be fulfilled. There should be speedy cadre review and the officers must use their heart to effect transparency and administrative reforms. Ms. Bedi and the Chief Minister handed over Commendation Certificates to 11 officers, including Aman Sharma, Commissioner, Mahe Municipality; L. Kumar, Director of School Education; P.T. Rudra Goud, Director, Department of Rural Development; and A.K. Ajay Kumar, Superintendent, Directorate of Higher and Technical Education.

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