Lt Governor Kiran Bedi today shot off a letter to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, seeking action on complaints that the Puducherry Adi Dravidar Development Corporation allegedly wasted Rs 6.3 crore on installating high mast lamps in the union territory.
A copy of the letter, addressed to the Commission's Vice Chairman L Murugan, was distributed to reporters here via WhatsApp.
Bedi said she had received a complaint from Puducherry based Rajiv Gandhi Human Rights Organisation,alleging that the corporation "has wasted Rs 6.3 crore meant for the welfare of Scheduled Caste people by erecting high mast lamps at 175 centres in nine Assembly constituencies where it is not essential."
The Lt Governor also stated that the work of erecting the lamps was allegedly awarded on nomination basis.
"It was also alleged that there were chances of misappropriation of funds," she said and requested NCSC to take action to ensure that diversion of funds meant for the needy did not take place again.
Bedi further said "as many such matters do not come to me as Administrator for sanctions, they have been revealedonly by feedback from people or media reports."
Bedi had written to the Central Vigilance Commission in August this year, seeking a probe into alleged irregularities in purchase of two luxury boats by the Puducherry Tourism Development Corporation in 2015.
The CVC had since asked the Chief Secretary to Puducherry governmentto send a report in three weeks time.
Chief Minister V Narayanasamy, however, took strong exception to Bedi writing directly to the CVC without bringing the matter to his attention or to the notice of the Minister concerned or the Tourism Secretary.
Bedi in her rejoinder, said she had written to the CVC invoking 'quasi-judicial powers' available to her under Rule 44 of the Business Rules of Union Territory of Puducherry.
The Chief Minister said 'there is no room for quasi judicial powers as the issue was not first brought to his attention.'
He also pointed out yesterday at a press meet that the government would send an appropriatereply to the CVC.
He had also reiterated that "none can bypass the elected government or procedures and approach the Centre for a probe."
The Narayanasamy-led Congress government in Puducherry has been at loggerheads with the Lt Governor over a host of issues since she assumed the office last year.
(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)