Completed three and half years today in Puducherry

Dear Puducherrians.

I complete three and half years today in Puducherry. This is my longest tenure at anyone posting in my public service starting as a lecturer in 1970.

And joining Indian Police Service in 1972.

I wish to thank the Government of India for giving me an opportunity to serve here.
I thank each and  every one of you for providing me an opportunity to learn and serve Puducherry with all its small regions.

I have been blessed to receive huge acceptance, respect and support from several sections of society, which I can and will continue to return by ensuring total dedication and integrity in my given responsibilities, without any expectations of appreciation or rewards.

I believe in the message of Lord Krishna.

“Your duty is do your KARMA with FAITH in ME’....
Wishing you all a Happy New Year  and Prosperous Puducherry, which is green, clean, healthy and safe.

Your friend in RajNivas/ People Nivas.
Kiran.

A call to leadership.

A call to leadership.
**********

We talk of rights and responsibilities.
The police officers have a legal responsibility to protect life and property and enforce respect for the law and lawful directions. They are trained to do.
Failing to protect is neglect, cowardice or complicity.
When Police men and women perform their duty fairly, firmly, fearlessly and responsibly, they need to be protected by their seniors.
More so when their actions are open to full enquiry ,always, which is why the police departments have exclusive departments of vigilance and departmental enquiries.
Hence it is the duty of the department itself to scrutinise their acts of omission and commision in a rigorous manner.
This is when the role of leadership comes. It is their duty to ensure no one is prejudged and humiliated for doing their bonafide duty.
Never drive men and women in uniform to the wall and let them lose faith in their own service and own seniors.
They must trust their seniors that while they do their duty they shall be defended, protected and heard before being judged.
Something of this kind cannot go amiss.
We the people will suffer in the long run if we weaken this responsibility.
People cannot have a diffident force.
We need a decisive force for all round protection. Crisis will come and go. It’s the way of the world.
All police acts can be categorised as Malafide or Bonafide. This is why disputed actions require urgent inquiry. But not premature humiliation in any form. It hurts them and self respect of their families. Most of all their children. Police leadership needs to be sensitive to this.
Such actions are the defining moments of police leadership...
As mine did in Jan 1988. We then did not have video virals.
Technology now speaks and provides evidence for and against.
There are Lessons to be learnt for all, from this incident yet again.
Key is are we willing?

An Open Letter for Puducherrians.

Reference the news reports in the papers today on the subject concerned.

Here is an enumeration of the following actions or initiatives (or ‘interference’ in day to day administration) by the Lieutenant Governor’s Office in the last three years (nearing completion on May 29th).
——-

Beginning with cleaning of beaches , streets, drains and canals. Rewarding Swachhata workers, Municipal and PWD workers and Volunteers for their cleaning and maintaining the same.

Encouraging and promoting the habit of cycling amongst the youth. Inspiring and encouraging volunteerism.

Responding to all public grievances reaching Raj Nivas through open house or otherwise.

*Opening up of RajNivas to the general public or visitors who were keen to see 250 years old Majestic RajNivas.

*Guidance to Dept of Power and Municipalities and others on recovery of pending financial loans and arrears by name and shame and improve technology and internal management with the help of Secretary Power.

Seeking judicial intervention for dealing with errant private medical colleges extorting exorbitant fees from poor aspirants for medical seats and fighting long drawn legal battles to provide permanent relief with the help of strong support of Mr Sridhar, Private Secretary most very knowledgable about legal processes.

*Increasing vigilance on the land grab mafia. Providing relief to vulnerable citizens, senior and French nationals with the help of Collector.

*Promoting and advocating the use of helmet wearing as a measure of road safety. ( to not much avail still)

*Facilitating the improvement in water table through a movement of Water Rich Puducherry through CSR in desilting.
Also cleaning of the urban drains to avoid flooding of the city with sound support of all departments of the government of Puducherry.

*Using incognito road safety and night round to check on women safety.

*Mentoring of officers for improved administration by practical training and self study. With able assistance of my own Secretariat.

*Promoting and propagating the value of  field work for improved direct public connectivity and sensitivity in expeditious resolution of public grievances led by Team RajNivas.


*Promoting the need for sustained quality communication internally within one’s own department and externally with people for better administration. To provide to speed  and inclusivity in administration.

*Installing collaborative measures by greater use of technology by HODs (inter and intra) with the help of National Informatics  Centre.

*Putting in place control and close monitoring to be accessible 24x7 for any any one. Through close monitoring of the Control Room system by a Chief Grievances Officer Of the rank of Superintendent Police.

*Striving towards appointments on merit cum seniority. Also expediting long pending disciplinary service matters or rules formation or clearing back log of promotions. Putting a halt to back door entries ably assisted by the Secretariat.

*Taking all possible measures of Financial prudence to save Puducherry from falling in a debt trap. And that the administration observes financial discipline in managing its over 7500 Crore Budget for its 14 Lakh population by strictly following General Financial Rules as approved by President Of India. Ably assisted by the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary.

*Taking the responsibility of Countering misinformation in public domain for people to make better informed choices with the help of PRO and RajNivas.

*Ensuring Raj Nivas maintains a methodical documentation, publications and proper use modern tools of communications with the help of Creative Team at RajNivas.

*Seeking the replacement of the former Chief Secretary by an officer of highest integrity with sound professional skills.
Thanks to the Government Of India.

*Giving people the right to information of files being cleared by Lieutenant Governor’s officer every week by the OSD , Mr Theva Neethi Dhas.

*Observing Public Celebrations ans Leadership series through invited speakers at RajNivas inviting all sections of society, age groups and faiths.
Ably assisted by Comptroller RajNjvas.

*Grooming interns for exposure to administration and inspiring them for ethical leadership.

*Most of all connecting Raj Nivas to the people of Puducherry and making it accessible in all respects including a monthly message on DoorDarshan Jointly with OSD for translating in Tamil.

*Promoting Puducherry as a very hospitable and clean destination for over 14 Lakh Tourists visiting Every year.

*Last but not the least, inspiring officers to be self-driven and the public to become more responsible towards citizens duty.

These practices and more  if sustained will keep Puducherry a favoured destination for all round prosperity of Puducherry.
It does not matter who does. And how much. Key is that we do and the needs are met. Ideally all work together to give people holistic good administration. 

People have to be served. Their needs cannot cannot wait.
With best wishes.
Yours Sincerely
     Kiran Bedi.               May 1. 2019.

An open letter for the Puducherrians.

Last two and half years RajNivas has tried to work for the betterment of Puducherry, to make it cleaner, safer, greener, healthier and water rich for agriculture, drinking water and sanitation and more.
At times this was resisted by certain vested interests, yet we persued it for the benefit of Puducherry as a whole.
Efforts were also made to strictly work within the allocated budgets passed by the Legislative Assembly so that we do not borrow more (within limits) which shall have to be payed back by our children after some years.
We, used all moneys correctly for the poor and never allowed any diversion.
We were supported the Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary in doing so.
However where there is no money allocated where do we give from?
We had to raise donation support in kind for filling up irrigation channels for our farmers, cleaning drains to prevent flooding, or else the poor in low lying areas would have lost their belongings, meet women’s and school children’s needs, like computers, stationery, story books, footwear, insurance policies for poor people and even their recreation .
We raised rewards and medical checks-up for the deserving poor women in sanitation work. All were gifted with sarees by traders and donors.


( All by raising resources in kind not provided for in our budgets. )

Rajnivas has worked closely both with people in rural and urban areas.
All weekends mornings, by now 216 weekends were spent with them looking at their grievances and resolving them.
We thank people of Puducherry for the respect and regard they given me personally.
We have also tried to ensure that money meant for the poor and needy is not diverted. And whatever is available be correctly used.
We have actually prevented diversion of funds. After a long time staff in Tourism corporation have receives over one Crore of rupees of their provident funds saved because of our proper financial  administration. This has benefitted the lower classes the most. Or else perhaps they would have never ever got.
Also gratuity for ATF without work for so long , and others will be given their gratuity because we had saved their moneys from grant in aid.
We are bound by Grant in aid financial rules which were being violated all along and now stopped.( it is this which has disturbed the CM the most).
I wish to point out that because of the good administration of CS, FS and Lt Governor Office, money’s were saved to give the poor rice or else some portion of it could have been diverted. Details are not known to public. But can be made public in case need arises.
Friends many things we do silently and does not come to public notice. As we do not hold every weekend press conferences.
However I am open to discuss all issues in an open public forum where HCM, his cabinet colleagues and members of the public are present along with Chief Secretary and the Finance Secretary and others on financial issues raised by any one to inform the common people how we have carefully worked to save money for the poor, be it for rice, wages of AFT or Swadeshi Mills, Sugar Mills etc. and Even on issues of road safety due to large number of fatalities. It is to save a common man’s earning member of the family dying by road accident. 

More later.

Look forward to our meeting with HCM and his cabinet colleagues and our concerned secretaries on Feb 21 at 10 AM. Hopefully by then the road will be cleared for public use.
I apologise for all inconvenience caused to you all by road blocks, and mournful drums beaten at night in and around the RajNivas. Those drums have been seized now. But the main Raj Nivas Road is still not Open. 

Our 211th Weekend Morning Round

Today on our 211th Weekend Morning Round, as part of our Mission Water Rich Puducherry, we revisited areas which were earlier bone dry, to check their status and the difference in water table. (Tsunami Quarters, Pondicherry University & Pondicherry Engineering College located in Kalapet area)

It was observed that there is an increase of about 4 mtrs in the level from 27 Mtr deep to now hover at about 23 Mtrs deep.
Likely to show more improvement with water flow to come towards the direction.
To sustain the momentum of Water - Rejuvenation, following key points were made for further follow up.
- To Caliberate the Ground Water table area wise, for specific area policies.
- Agriculture department + Public Works + Local Bodies to work together. As consumers and providers of water
- To encourage incentive based change of cropping pattern by farmers to ensure water availability round the year.
- To encourage use of recycled surface water instead of ground water for cooling and vegetation.
- To have an Inter state Co-ordination to reduce drawal of ground water by water industries situated in TN at border areas
- Percolation ponds created in Tsunami Quarters under CSR by Shasun Strides was seen. To be expanded.
- Pondicherry Engineering college to establish Water Treatment Plant & create 9 more Rain Harvesting structures and roof top harvesting.
- Asked the Engineering College and Pondicherry university to involve students in creating water pits or get in the alumni to support to save scarce government resources.
- And more.
- See pictures of the difference made.
Before and after. 👆👆

Today’s news ( so far read the English editions. Others yet to read )

Today’s news ( so far read the English editions. Others yet to read )
is having the HCM rant on financial sanctions and policy approvals by the Administrator’s office.
The fact is Grants in Aid and policy approvals are governed by General Financial Rules and the business rules besides other legal provisions.
And observance of these is the responsibility of the Chief Secretary along with his Secretaries. See Rule 59 of the business Rules. (Chapter VI)
It says as follows.
“The Chief Secretary and the Secretary of the Dept Concerned are several responsible for the careful observance of these rules......”
Hence every time the HCM and the Secretariat sends a file to Administrator’s office for a sanction and approval he and they do so because the rules demand it to be sent.
So once a file is received in LG Secretariat it demands an independent examination by the Administrator.
That is what this approval or sanction implies.
The long prevailing problem lies in the fixed belief of the HCM that the Lt Governor is a mere rubber stamp to endorse what ever is proposed by him.
Then why send the file?
Keep a rubber stamp in your own office and just stamp it yourself.
On one hand HCM sends the file and the other hand he cries foul and complains when the decision is not in accordance with his wishes.
One cannot send files with a pre expected decision.
Regrettably the HCM expects mere endorsements and not independent application of mind. And a decision which suits him even if it is in violation of financial or administrative rules.
This why the Lt Governor of Puducherry is also termed as an Administrator also.
I feel sorry for HCM that he continues to expect something which is not legally and morally correct.
Also what  is not in the short and long term interest of Puducherry.

‘We have saved Puducherry ₹20 crore’

#TeamRajNivas Along with #WaterRichPuducherry

 Team is on it’s 200th Weekend Morning Round. Reviewing Progress made in cleaning 86 KM of 23 Water Channels to water bodies NOW undertaken by Donors themselves. A Unique+historical Community Action & a model to follow @PMOIndia

This desilt has not happened since very long, also saving Govt Exchequer over 20 Crores which it could ill afford.
This is happening by work being got done directly by donor companies by paying the service providers directly.
PWD engineers supervised it.
No financial transaction has happened with Government. RajNivas acted as a bridge between the willing donor and the Machinery Provider.
A most unique and transparent community action.
A win win for all, Industry, agriculture, sanitation, environment, farmers, drinking water, and more.
A model replicable elsewhere. Government plays the role of a facilitator and breaks contractor raj.
These donors will now be awarded Swatchta hi Sewa awards on Nov 3 at RajNivas at 5 PM. U are invited.

cm-is-lying-says-kiran-bedi

The Secretariat decided to recall its financial powers under FR for Grant in aid.

Friends
The more we listen to officers and examine the requests for sanction for GIA ( Grant In Aid) files at the LG Secretariat the more it reveals how ‘ callously’ WE have been dealing with release and sanction of grants.
The Secretriat decided to recall its financial powers under FR for Grant in aid.
Erstwhile these files were not being put up to this office as a regular feature...( as records show)
In the past we have been releasing  moneys over the years without due precautions and scrutiny. As is evident so far. ( barring an exception)
Loss over loss was glossed over. Objections from auditors not complied with. And people entered for employment for salaries thru irregular means. And back doors.
Moneys sanctioned for specific purposes were breached and diverted to pay salaries.
Moneys were also released without the departmental policy to use these.
PSUs or Societies deviated from their core functions. And went into More and more of business without having core competences. Amassing huge losses and debts.
Leadership was both political and bureaucratic and both combined are responsible for this state of affairs over years.
Which is why Puducherry is reeling under a debt and not able to pay even its duly recruited employees in time.
It’s said no decision also is a decision.
This is what has been seen when no decisions were taken by combined leadership as a safe option.
It’s no more....
Every reequest for GIA is being closely examined and questions asked.
They are being made conditional to essential performance norms.
It’s a long haul.
It’s costing every bit of the energy at LG Secretariat to review. 
Yet it is limited. We are still at the tips of these icebergs.
This is to inform you it shall not be business/ appraisals as usual.
If a grant is given which is public money, people of Puducherry must get its returns with performance and without diversion.
The Incharge Secretary/ Head, now shall have to certify that objections have been met, no diversions have happened.
And no back door recruitment done.
Or else be prepared for the inevitable. It’s all about financial accountability from which none of us are immune.
Public servants must resist from being spectators and take responsibility for the administration they have chosen to be in. Or else files shall follow defaulters post retirement. As is already happening...
We shall share a list of observations once the first round of GIA is over. To educate and alert you.
If u want your pensions safe stop ignoring what is irregular. 

Calls for alignment with nature..

Bedi calls for alignment with nature

Natural disasters are a product of the compromise on environmental rules and regulations as well as climate change, Puducherry Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi has said.

Talking about the floods in Kerala in the course of a press conference at the Indian Institute of Management-Kozhikode on Tuesday, she said that global warming and climate change were not sparing anyone, including the richest part of the world. “Several times, the United States of America had been hit the maximum. Climate change is not sparing anyone, the reason is the increasing population and the stress on mother earth, the stress on natural resources, water, air or land.”

Ms. Bedi said that over a period of time, with the increase in population, here had been enormous pressure on land in India. “There is high pressure on land for housing, agriculture, industry, and for institution building. Environmental rules and regulations have at many places got compromised. Many disasters are a product of this.”

She said that long-term consequences were not being explained and only short-term policies were being looked at. “As administrators, as community leaders, political leaders, we need to be in alignment when it comes to management of the environment. There are expert opinions, we need to respect them. Examine them respectfully and have a reason for their acceptance or rejection,” she said.

Both acceptance and rejection would have their own implications and only history would judge whether the reasons were right or wrong.

“There may not be any mala fide reason, it can be a bona fide error, a genuine error of understanding a situation,” she said.

Drawing lessons from the Kerala floods, one needed to be very sensitive to environment rules, the former police official said. “It is applicable not only to Kerala, but [also] to everywhere. We cannot compromise on nature, which shows its anger in a very difficult way. We need to manage the pressure on land for housing, agriculture, and industry. And, Kerala is one of the most thickly populated States in the country too,” she said.

Pointing out the difficulty in rebuilding of the rain-ravaged society, Ms. Bedi said that around 27,000 government employees in Puducherry had donated a day’s salary for the flood relief in Kerala. “It is not going to be enough. We may need more,” she added.

Call to practise yoga

Delivering the 23rd Foundation Day lecture at the Indian Institute of IIM-K, Ms. Bedi advised management students to practice yoga to keep themselves fit.

She said they should try to get up early in the morning and soak in the greenery around them.

“But don’t talk while doing yoga,” she said.

In a lighter vein, she requested Debashis Chatterjee, director, IIM-K, to provide mats to the students.

She encouraged the students to build “their foundation” by living each day to the fullest, prepare for the unexpected and be grateful for the present.

My response to news appearing on what the Honble CM has reportedly said and published in the newspapers today. (Aug 6th 2018)

My response to news appearing on what the Honble CM has reportedly said and published in the newspapers today. (Aug 6th 2018)
—————————————-
By regular negative statements about the responsibility and accountability of the Lt Governor’s office and exhortations to public officials to undermine the directions of the Lt Governor, I am not sure whether the Honble  Chief Minister is realising that he is always hurting the speed of progress Puducherry, of which he is the Chief Minister.
If progress be his primary interest then he would not make such public pronouncements.
The responsibilities of the Lt Governor Office are clearly laid down under the Law and Rules. And if anyone needs to know, may please read them.
Even the recent Supreme Court Judgement about Delhi affairs the Honble  Judges have “hastened to add that it does not apply to Puducherry”. (Para 180)
I have by now spent over 26 months in Puducherry. Had the CM not weakened the collective efforts, and supported and asked his colleagues too, we would have been number one UT in India in all parameters.
I only wish to say as far as the office of Lt Governor is concerned it shall continue to follow the Law and the Rules and serve people of Puducherry to the maximum and continue to be a ‘People’s Nivas’ as their right.
As far as Public officials are concerned Senior Officers know that LG is their  ‘Accepting Authority’ as per their Performance Appraisals are concerned.
Hence their final assessment gets accepted or rejected here.
If they want outstanding reports they have to justify them by year round work.

Meditation kept the Thai boys trapped in a cave astonishingly calm

July 10, 2018 by PAUL RATNER

The story of the Thai boys soccer team trapped in a cave for two weeks has captivated millions of people around the world. Lost since June 23rd, the group spent ten days without any contact with the outside world. It was finally discovered on July 2nd and rescued on July 10th.

It turned out that Ekapol Chanthawong, the 25-year-old coach of the 12-player Wild Boars soccer team, is a former Buddhist monk. He spent a decade living as a monk and is a practitioner of meditation. It is that skill that has been credited with keeping the boys calm during this ordeal. In fact, when the British divers discovered them after ten days, the group was meditating.

Aisha Wiboonrungrueng, the mother of the 11-year-old Chanin, who was trapped in the cave, thinks the coach’s background definitely helped in this situation. Watching the video of the moment the boys were found, she thought it was very noteworthy how calm they were.

“Look at how calm they were sitting there waiting,” she said. ”No one was crying or anything. It was astonishing.”

Leah Weiss, a Standford expert taught by the Dalai Lama, told CNBC that meditating played a key role in keeping the group alive. It’s a kind of mental training that improves focus and compassion, according to the expert.

“For Buddhists, meditation is a go-to when distressed or in danger,” Weiss said. “Cognitive resources that would otherwise be hijacked by the threat can be accessed once again, meaning that problem-solving capacities increase."

In particular, she pointed out that "given that insufficient air and food was a major issue for the trapped boys, meditation is actually a very practicalresponse to both of these concerns."

Meditation creates a calming effect by slowing down the heart rate, breathing and metabolism, said Weiss. It also lowers the levels of cortisol and oxygen utilization. A meditating person would also emit less carbon dioxide.

More details about how the boys got trapped in the cave in the first place are to be uncovered, but it looks to be a very dramatic real-world demonstration of the power of meditation. The incident confirms a steadily growing body of research that shows how meditation and mindfulness practices lead to lower stress levels, improved positivity, and creativity as well as clearer focus and protection from depression.

Its tragic to see many educational institutions callous towards water conservation needs.

Its tragic to see many educational institutions callous towards water conservation needs. Universities and colleges with large areas are only sucking out water without any anxiety on what it doing...
This is despite so much of awareness/appeals..
In fact educational institutions ought to have been in the forefront of sensitising young generations towards social needs which is as much their own survival..
What kind of youth are we mentoring as educationists?
What kind of teachers are we? Which is why today the poor have to suffer due to serious water pollution. Their water has been sucked out.
Some areas have become cancerous because of water contamination across the country.
At least the minimum duty we have is to conserve and save. And also generate it back? Learn to do so.
Public officials too must go on vigilance checks on a regular basis to identify such culprits and name and shame them. As nothing else seems to matter to them. They are selfish.
At least let us not add to a generation of youth which will be indifferent to other rights.
In the end they will be left with nothing for themselves too.

As I felt this morning. Have a good day.

 As I felt this morning. Have a good day.

In Puducherry we are trying to change the way we have been working.
We are only making a small headway.
Not at the speed at which people need.
People are still complaining of garbage near by, a mosquito breeding pond, unclean and smelly water, public nuisance In the neighbourhood, delays in responding to their legitimate grievances, outdated skills, incorrect and unpaid bills, lack of data entry, lack of digitisation of records, absence of policies, and more.
Only recently we have removed all banners and now strictly enforcing it which is why all are complaining.
When all complain it means hopefully we are equal to all in law enforcement.
This is what it should be. When ALL complain it means we are being equally tough and not selective. We are not here to play favourites.
As Public officials our service gives us security in functioning. We must make that as our strength and perform without fear or favour.
If all department heads set themselves to improve their respective departmental performance even bit by bit every day Puducherry will be cleaner, neater, safer, more systematic, more organised, more law abiding in all respects including payments of their bills, and usage of Govt  services, respect its natural resources as responsible citizens.
We are here not for populism but performance. We are assessed in as performance appraisal not populism appraisal. Enforce the law for all for the good of all.
Wish to thank the officers in Municipalities the PWD, and the Ground Water Authority, Science and Technology, our Police Beat and Traffic regulation, Revenue Services for checking sand theft, power and property depts for getting after the defaulters by naming and shaming...
All for rising to the occasions in driving the small change. But it’s still not impacting enough to be called transformative.
The rural component needs to pick up. The land grabbing by vested interests must stop. Digital areas need attention. Speed of disposal needs a sense of urgency.
Policies need implementation...and more.
Best wishes.

start working as a CREW in Puducherry....

When each department will start working as a CREW in Puducherry, the UT will be have enuf for all.
It shall be healthy, skilled, secure, water rich, financially sound, no more dependent on loans, pay all retirees their pension on time, pay provident funds on demand, clear past bills, banks capable of giving loans to the real needy, citizens pay their bills voluntarily while the CREW makes it easy for them to, have approved UPSC recruitment and promotion rules and not function on ad hoc basis.
No rowdies to land grab absentee French citizens properties, or of the weak, girls will complete their education and be skilled and earning, rural road sides free of strewn garbage and more.
Each department is a CREW.
Once we understand then alone will Puducherry be Prosperous for all not for a few in positions of privilege.
To be a CREW we do not need money or a project or centrally sponsored scheme from Govt of India or of a budgetary provision, we need to only work together and give our full attention to our responsibilities to serve...

Public service is service and service is to serve, not take.

Public service is service and service is to serve, not take.
Every moment in our public service is for others. Their needs and their welfare.
All decisions to be taken too for larger well being.
This is the standard touch stone.
If it passes the test we are in service.
Or else we are not serving but being selfish.
Service has to be above our own selves.
When we work from office or visit the field it is for enhancing the quality of life of people who are depending on us for decisions which promote welfare and prosperity. .
Public officials are in a unique position to do millions of good karma when they alleviate others suffering.
 By giving right decisions millions gain directly and indirectly.
Like good medical care, good teachers, Water and sanitation, law and order, integrity in financial management,sound polices,  as also courage to say No to vested interests.
Value your positions as public officials. It’s good karma for a whole life time.

Spot visits reveal the best without loss of Time

A three in one visit by Team RajNivas, with visible outcomes, for the good of Puducherry. 
1 visit to Kalapet Beach project. 
Shall keep it under the lens of regular review. 
2..Stringent Legal Action On K.V TEX for violation of Guidelines of Puducherry Planning Authority ( PPA) and Municipal Act and Rules. The business operation will be carried out subject to compliance of the EXTANT norms. (spot visit was made on the request of RWAs) Complaint found Primafacie genuine, in the presence of President Traders Association’s, Mr Shiv Shankar. 
3. Botanical Garden opened for walkers. Morning and evening. Excellent for locals and tourists..
4. And the open air theatre to be used to for creative performances by children and others.

Botanical garden now open to morning and evening walkers. 

Free of any ticketing. All 7 days. 6AM to 9 Am. And 5-7.

Inaugurated an empowering event.

Inaugurated an empowering event. Where Girls were being trained to be courageous & bold by the Puducherry Social Welfare Dept.
Survey conducted by an NGO revealed how girls feel restricted in their mobility because of incidents of being followed. Thereby lose out on economic and knowledge growth.
Also due to insecurities of parents are forced into early marriage. And also educate less due to dowry demands from the higher educated. 
Courses shall be held for boys, parents & teachers+others.
Trained girls will also be bold enough to report the Romeos.
And report to the police on 1031 in confidence.
All agencies will work together dealing with Child, Women, welfare, teachers sensitisation, university psychology dept, social work etc. FCC, women police etc.
Sec Welfare shall coordinate the training needs. And conduct regular surveys to understand ground realities.
Boys groups will be separately organised for them to listen to what girls have to say.
Boys groups as defenders too shall be formed, for them to understand the role they can play in improving the security scenario in Puducherry...
These training programs are being funded by GOI under Nirbhay’s fund.

Innovation comes by reflection

Innovation comes by reflection of what is. And the willingness to change for the better.
Also not to consume only but provide for now and invest in the future.
In Human Resources or material. Also environment.
Be it water saving or water generating, energy saving or energy generating.
Also preparing the youth for responsibility taking by grooming them on leadership and team building.
Puducherry Vision plan Document, department wise, for the decade ahead, must incorporate mission statement, policies, strategies and operating procedures or operating manual for training, continuity and sustainability with flexibility to keep evolving.
We have to reform the past, provide the present and prepare Puducherry for the future.
This is our destiny to make for a ‘Prosperous Puducherry’ for all.

Faith in doing ones duty to the maximum

When one drives a break from the past, it can and does ruffle the status quo-Ists. It changes equations. Breaks vested interests too. These individuals express their desperation and attempt to come in the way to make things unpleasant.
But if the doer views it as evidence of dislocation to the ‘self-centered’ interests,  it increases the resolve to keep up the effort. 
Friends..
Puducherry needs improved systems in place. It needs a shared vision. Which demands a holistic and comprehensive approach.
Day after day keep putting that in place. With integrity and hard work.
This is what we as public servants are here for.
Some of us are temporary here. Puducherry is forever.
Work for Puducherry....

Free Rice scheme made conditional to MLAs and officers cleaning up their villages.

I am very anguished at the slow pace of rural sanitation. 
Last two years I have not seen local representatives and concerned public officials determined to make rural Puducherry clean within a time frame. 
I am sorry this cannot go on.—
This was the 155 Morning Weekend Round Of Team RajNivas spanning over the last two years. 
Yet we have not transformed in proportion to the effort and energy that has gone into. 
In all our rural visits we have seen community leaders putting forth various demands on behalf of the people, but I have never seen any of them impatient at cleaning up the village in their constituency. Which is the cause of several diseases also in the village through contamination of water. 
In view of this attitude I hereby direct that distribution of free rice to the villagers shall be conditional to the certification of the village being open defecation free and free of strewn garbage and plastics by submitting a joint certificate given by the MLA and the Commune Commisioner to the Civil Supplies Commisioner. 
Till then the free rice supplies will be kept on hold and in safe storage. It shall be distributed to the beneficiaries on the village being certified clean.
The certification shall also be cross checked to ensure its veracity. 
All constituencies are given four weeks notice to clean up their respective areas to be entitled for the free rice. 
The notice period ends on May 31st. 
I am sure the community leaders including concerned public servants will take the lead in this transformation.
I also urge the NABARD to support only NGO who has inbuilt waste managment as integral part of its training programs.