Only defecation-free Puducherry villages to get free rice, says Kiran Bedi
Kiran Bedi says in a WhatsApp message to mediapersons after her weekend visits to some villages, where she expressed dissatisfaction over the ‘slow pace’ of implementation of the rural sanitation programme.
The territorial government’s free rice scheme would be operated in rural areas only after local MLAs and commune panchayat commissioners certify that the hamlets are open defecation free and garbage free by May 31, Puducherry Lt governor Kiran Bedi said on Saturday.
After backlash, Bedi tweeted saying “I have clarified my earlier communications to put at rest any misgivings”.
In view of misreading of my intent to improve d living conditions of rural poor & in view of assured commitment that rural areas will be Open defecation free by June 2018,
— Kiran Bedi (@thekiranbedi) April 28, 2018
I have clarified my earlier communications to put at rest any misgivings.Tom shall b my 156, weekend round.
The territorial government’s free rice scheme would be operated in rural areas only after local MLAs and commune panchayat commissioners certify that the hamlets are open defecation free and garbage free by May 31, Puducherry Lt governor Kiran Bedi said on Saturday.
After backlash, Bedi tweeted saying “I have clarified my earlier communications to put at rest any misgivings”.
Under the free rice scheme, families coming under below poverty line are entitled to get 20 kg rice every month while those with yellow cards in the Above Poverty line category are entitled for 10 kg rice.
Her order, however, drew flak from AIADMK legislature wing leader A Anbalagan, who told reporters that Bedi was treading the path of ‘autocracy’ by issuing such directives.
He said it was the duty of municipal bodies and contractors to ensure there was no garbage accumulation. The poor should not be victimised for ‘improper functioning’ of these agencies entrusted with the scheme, he said.
Ever since she became Lt Governor in May 2016, Bedi and the Congress government have been at loggerheads over various issues, including her style of functioning, the swearing-in of three MLAs and medical admissions, among others.
The Madras High Court had upheld the appointment of the three BJP functionaries of the Puducherry unit as nminated members of the House.
They were appointed as nominated members by the Home Ministry through its June 23 2017 order.
They were inducted as nominated members by Lt Governor on July 4 last year, triggering protests by the Congress and its ally, the DMK.