Conduct civic polls, Kiran Bedi tells Puducherry govt

Puducherry: Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi on Friday unfurled the national flag to mark the 69th Republic Day celebrations at Indira Gandhi Sports complex here. Ms Bedi later inspected a guard of honour and took the salute at the march past presented by various contingents of the police, Dire service personnel, Home Guards, volunteers of NCC, students of the National Service Scheme and school children.

Among those present on the occasion were Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy, his cabinet colleagues, Assembly Speaker V. Vaithilingam, legislators, leaders of various political parties, freedom fighters and officials.

A number of departments of Puducherry administration, including the police and also boards and corporations presented tableaux on the occasion and cultural programme by school children added to the glitter of the celebration.

Ms Bedi also gave away President's police medals for meritorious services to Superintendent of Police Konda Venkateswara Rao, inspectors N. Selvam and S. Bascarane and also to a sub inspector of police R. Umaibalan.

Lt Governor' Medals for Extraordinary services were also presented to five police officers.

She also presented the Chief Minister and Education Minister rolling trophies to several schools for outstanding performance in the public examination. 

Earlier in her R-Day message, the Lt Governor urged the administration to conduct local body elections without further delay to ensure people's participation in grass roots democracy.

The Lt Governor said, though the government of Puducherry has made some efforts to meet the requirements of the law as per the Constitution of the country, a lot more must be done to enjoy the fundamental rights to the fullest. 

Republic day celebrations at the assembly premises were led by Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy who hoisted the flag in the presence of ministers, legislators and other officials.