PUDUCHERRY: Puducherry Lt. Governor Kiran Bedi on Wednesday emphasised the importance of focusing on law and order to make Puducherry a ‘zero crime’ union territory.
She was addressing the budget session of the 14th Puducherry Assembly which commenced on Wednesday. “We need to focus on law and order so that we can make Puducherry a zero crime union territory through ‘beat’ system, surveillance and modernisation of police force. This will give a sense of safety, security to both citizens and tourists, thereby contributing to the dream of “prosperous Puducherry”, Bedi said.
“Puducherry has taken long strides in development, particularly in the field of health, education, social welfare; still there is a lot of scope for improvement” she said.
She asked the government to focus on “Swachh Bharat” to make Puducherry the first ‘open defecation free’ (ODF) union territory in the country. The Lt. Governor said ensuring sustainable growth in tourism sector, through creation of new tourism infrastructure and restoration of existing places of interest in Puducherry which is continuously figuring as a popular tourist destination due to its spirituality, peace and beauty, is the main aim of the government.
Stating that Puducherry spends a major portion of its financial resources to the committed expenditure and only a limited portion was available for developmental activities Bedi said it is important to design suitable policies to maximise the resource allocation through appropriate methodology.
She said the government was committed to development and empowerment of Scheduled Castes, Backward Classes, minorities, the disabled and other weaker sections of society.
She also said the government accords highest priority for road safety to ensure an accident free and mobility safe Puducherry. Complimenting the Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy for his ‘progressive leadership’ to the government Bedi said his knowledge, administrative skill and experience will be a great asset to the Union Territory.
