Common goal is progress of Pondy: Kiran Bedi

The famous lady cop who had created history teaching the inmates how to behave and also the wardens how empathy worked wonders, during her stint as the head of the ‘terrible’ Tihar jail, Kiran Bedi is still a bundle of energy in her new avatar as Lt Governor of the Union Territory of Puducherry.

Amid the hectic schedule in pursuit of her goal to make the Union Territory prosperous, she spoke to Deccan Chronicle’s Executive Editor R. Bhagwan Singh and Political Editor E.T.B. Sivapriyan about her dreams for Puducherry and the roadmap to realise them. She also spoke passionately about her peaking spiritual energy close to the Aurobindo Ashram. Excerpts:

Q. It’s been a month   since you took over as Lt. Governor of Puducherry. How is your experience?

My experience is Puducherry deserved much more than it got in the past.  It is one of the most beautiful parts of India for several reasons, but deprived of that recognition. We owe it to make it achieve that. It is spiritually-nature gifted.

Q. Pondicherry is considered an inconvenient UT with Karaikal and two other tiny units attached to it. What is your opinion?

Today technology is with us. The political leadership is very active in its own areas.  I personally connect with the regions daily at 10 am through video conferencing with Collector and SP of Karaikal, Mahe and Yanam. We are using technology to keep up the communication. Of course, they will stay on my tour radar as soon I am satisfied with systems in place here in Puducherry.

Q. Are you getting good cooperation from Chief Minister V Narayanasamy?

The goal is common. The goal is progress of Puducherry. In fact, people are getting double benefit today. He and all his ministers are keen to deliver. We share presentations. The Ministers attend my briefings and field visits. We respect each other’s views. They have been very respectful and responsive.

Q. Puducherry politics has always been rocky with the Chief Minister complaining against the Lt Governor and vice versa. And even when the Chief Minister and his cabinet did not attend the Yoga event there was a quick interpretation (of misunderstanding). What do you have to say about this?

It was an unnecessary interpretation. The CM had earlier plans. I think it is a matter of what is before you. Just being present was not necessary. I did here and they did there. I could not go there and he could not be here. I think it is a way of looking at things.

Q. On the very first day of your tenure, you spoke about spirituality attached to this place. Are there any plans to tap spiritual tourism?

This is an area where we need to unfold a well-considered plan. His team and I are working on putting across a workable futuristic plan. We have to unfold an industrial policy and tourism policy at the earliest. We have had brainstorming sessions with stakeholders such as CII and ASSOCHAM and others. We have engaged with Mr TA Pai and his formidable team from Bengaluru to help us make breakthroughs. He and his ‘Think Tank’ visited us and engaged with senior officers to help them frame policies. With time we can expect a revival. The decline has to be arrested.

Q. Puducherry has a completely open sewage and how do you plan to deal with this menace?

Our immediate concern is to de-silt the canals and drains to be ready for the monsoons and prevent flooding. We are trying to identify the right sanitation machinery to avoid inhuman contact with excreta. We are also finding the funds to get machines from Swachch Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Movement). Swachch is not only being open defecation free; it is also clean canals. The Government of India is generously supporting this need. The CM has committed to our PM to make Puducherry open defecation free by Oct 2, 2017. For this every citizen of this UT has a responsibility to practice and promote behavioural change. It will then be the first UT of India to be the cleanest.

Q. Is there a proper confluence of a BJP Lt Governor and a Congress Chief Minister?

It is a confluence of intent. For me, it is not a question of politics or a political party. It is the delivery to the citizens of their essential and progressive needs. The CM, his team and I have common goals. The Lt Governor’s position is constitutional. I am here to serve as per the Indian Constitution.

Q. Puducherry is a landlocked little place and do you have any plans of getting better connectivity, such as a proper airport? And please give us details of your plans on better transportation.

Efforts are now on all three counts (connectivity through air, rail and even the sea.) I see my CM making strong personal efforts to get these. I am fully supporting his efforts on my impending visit to Delhi.

Q. Are you in touch with the Tamil Nadu Government? Are there any plans of collaborating with the TN Government to revamp the airport?

Yes. We are opening our channels to the benefit of both. It has to be a win-win situation. I see the CM making special efforts in this regard.

Q. Plans of meeting the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister?

I am at an exploration stage. Please do not forget I am new to this dynamics.

Q. Puducherry, some say, could be developed like Singapore. Do you have any plans of making the UT like Singapore? Even the Chief Minister would love this proposal since he is a go-getter.

The newly elected Government is very clear at what it wants. They have just begun. Lee Kuan Yew had a long innings. The previous government (of N Rangasamy) has left a very heavy financial debt, unpaid bills, and broken down weak, disjointed administrative systems. Also left a legacy of sick industries and commercial establishments, with workers on survival grants coming from Government of India. It’s a shame...I wonder why did people tolerate this for so long?

Q. What is the most satisfying momentous time in your life post-retirement?

Last 42 days. These have been most rewarding. The compliance and acceptance has been very encouraging. The point is do we have a choice? I am not here for a status quo. I am here on a mission mode till the last day, whenever that arrives. I am here to see a “Prosperous Puducherry”. And help my CM and his team, make it “Developed Puducherry” as he says. This is what our PM also says...Transforming India, Swachch Bharat, Skilled, Digital India, and more. I am duty bound to link Puducherry with the vision of developing India.

Q. What is the secret of your energy?

It is the complete surrender to a higher purpose. I see spiritual power in the air and the Mother Earth here. Every morning when I get up, I am gifted with energy to serve another day. I am delivering one day at a time through holistic development.

Q. How are the people and officials of Puducherry responding to their new Lt. Governor?

People have loved it. Officials too have warmed up to the change. Some have loved it too. Some are adjusting. Some have yet to...Change is not easy. I understand this...I am being patiently impatient. We are here for people, not for our own selves. I am sure those sitting on the fence will understand it. But inefficiency and corruption will not be acceptable.

Q. There are Law & Order issues and violent crimes in your neighbouring state. Are you not worried about its influence on Puducherry?

Puducherry has reasonably good policing systems. We have energised it, the message of Rule of Law has been instilled. This has empowered everyone down to every constable. It is already showing results. All kingpins of lottery crimes have been booked. Organised or violent crime will not be allowed to grow. Systems of dealing with crimes against women and children have been put in place in collaboration with NGOs. The message is clear. Follow the law or you face the law.