Puducherry Lt Governor Kiran Bedi has taken strong objection to public officials not attending the 'At Home' on the occasion of Independence Day at Raj Nivas on Tuesday. Bedi has sought an explanation from the absentees.
“All public officials of GOP (Government of Puducherry) who were invited but did not attend are hereby called to explain why they did not, without due intimation and permission to be exempted,” said an order from the Lt Governor on Wednesday. As part of the unprecedented action, Bedi wants the explanation to reach her within three days. The order states that an unsatisfactory explanation will lead to a written displeasure in the concerned officer's personal file.
“Attending government invited function is not only part of your official duty but an expression of respect to the occasion while bonding with fellow colleagues, vital to good administration. I do hope in future you will all respect the sanctity of the official invitations,” the order read.
Bedi said all secretaries, heads of department and directors who did not attend are being identified. “The message is clear—discipline shall not be compromised,” she said.
“'New India' cannot be 'New India' without public servants being part of patriotic fervour. And being part of bonding and celebration at least on certain days when the whole nation comes together,” she said. Bedi further said India needs public servants who treat their service as service to the nation and not another job.
Absentee officials have been asked to give an explanation at a time the At Home event met with a virtual boycott by the politicians. Puducherry Chief Minister V. Narayanasamy and BJP's local unit president V. Saminathan reportedly were the only two leaders who attended the function.
