I have every right to address Puducherry assembly, says Kiran Bedi

Even as the Congress government is contemplating holding the first session of the legislative assembly of the Union territory in 2017 without the Lt Governor’s customary address, Kiran Bedi, in an interview to Bosco Dominique, stressed that as an administrator she had every right to address it. Bedi put forward certain facts to prove that she never interfered in the functioning of the government, but only followed the law.
Excerpts from the interview:
There are reports that the Congress government has decided to break convention and commence the first session of the assembly (beginning on January 24) without the customary address by the Lt Governor.What is your reaction to this?
As per the legal provisions, the administrator has the right to address and send messages to the assembly on the commencement of the first session of each year. This is the law.
What are the reasons behind your decision to award the contract to dredge fishermen harbour to a central government dredging agency instead of a private firm?
My office recommended exploring the possibilities of availing the assistance of the central government to carry out the work. Rest of the matter was entirely that of the secretariat. We did not interfere.
The MLAs charge that you have not cleared files for the release of MLA constituency development funds (Rs 2cr).
Is that true?
No proposal or file relating to release of MLA constituency funds has been received during the current financial year in LG’s office so far.
When the Puducherry government decided to disburse old age and widow pension at the doorsteps, you directed the transfer of pension directly to the beneficiaries’ accounts. The government claims that post-demonetisation people are finding it difficult to withdraw money. Your comments?
The proposal came to LG’s office on December 30. The department submitted that out of the total 1,44,847 beneficiaries, only 1,714 would require cash through aganwadi workers, due to geriatric condition. And remaining will be served through Aadhar Based Payment Platform Card, Electronic Clearing System. This proposal was approved without any change on December 30.
The cabinet alleged that you have not approved files on postings, transfers and extension of services of senior officers. Is this correct?
Proposal for promotion of six PCS officers was received and approved. But the orders are not issued yet by the government. Nothing is pending with the LG’s office. As regards transfer of 20 PCS officers, since many had not completed two years of their tenure and were being proposed to be shifted prematurely, without justified reasons, it was a violation of an SC judgment.
Is the delay in attending to the Kurumampet dump yard fire because of disbanding of WhatsApp groups?
Yes the immediate casualty of dissolution of WhatsApp groups was the fire at Kurumpet dump yard. I believe a senior officer visited the spot six days after the fire and that too after I called for a report.
On my return, I forced an insight coordination meeting. I called them to the spot and directed them to work with Tamil Nadu fire services.