Under a barrage of criticism from legislators in ruling and Opposition camps about her style of functioning, Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi on Friday released an open letter to elected representatives seeking to know why they were annoyed with her while reiterating her position that notwithstanding the powers of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, it was the L-G who had the final word on a range of decisions under the relevant Act.
Ms. Bedi sought to know what it was that the office of the Lt. Governor was doing on a regular basis that was causing upset among elected representatives.
Describing in great detail the daily routine at the Raj Nivas, which included a 10 a.m. review of news reports and grievances posted via website, WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook accounts, postal mails and email and a one-on-0ne meeting with the secretary or an HOD of a department, Ms. Bedi pointed out that the Raj Nivas team also works on all files and “clears them with a positive approach”.
‘No delay’
“We ensure that these are following financial and administrative rules. Those found in order, are cleared. For those that are not, we record our reasons. Or call for the officer to come and clarify. No file is held back. There is no delay. (Every file is an evidence of it. Any one making allegations of delay or bias, onus is on them to make any file public),” Ms. Bedi said.
“What is that the L-G office is doing which is not strictly called public service and causing annoyance?”
The files, most of them concerning transfers, positions, promotions, rules of appointments, extension of posts, creation of posts, disciplinary matters, approvals on security and law and order issues, project proposals of above ₹10 crore, policy approvals, Cabinet decisions and approvals of contract, came to the Raj Nivas because they need the Lt Governor's approval as per the business rules and the UT Act mandate. “When files are examined properly then queries may arise, amendments will be proposed, discussions will be called for, and difference of opinion can occur. Most of the files are cleared. It is the very few which need more information. The law and rules clearly say the last word is that of the L-G. So what does one do with this? Accept it or dispute it.” she said.
While the Chief Minister and his Cabinet had powers to function it did not preclude the powers and responsibilities of the L-G. “Please accept and respect it...we do not have a choice in the current scheme of things... Continuing to dispute it is only dissipating energy…” Ms. Bedi said.
“If we work together we can make Puducherry the best UT within a few months...People want it this way...So where is the conflict?” the open letter concludes.
