Lt Governor sets priorities for 2019; CM promises changes

: Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi and Chief Minister V Narayanasamy extended their greetings to the people in the Union Territory on the eve of new year.

In her new year message, Bedi said the territorial administration would move towards rural sanitation during 2019 and also witness prioritisation of road safety.

"Rural sanitation and road safety are priorities and the enforcement of Municipal Act has already picked up during the last few weeks," she said.

The year 2019 is a year of election too - Parliament and hopefully elections to local bodies as well, she said.

"We have to maintain peace and uphold the law in all respects for democracy to prevail," she said.

Among the achievements made in 2018, she said the NIOT (National Institute of Ocean Technology) of the Central government and creation of more than 200 water-harvesting structures and 30 rainwater ponds in industries and institutions to replenish precious groundwater-table were notable achievements.

"Our biggest achievement is the recovery of the prestigious promenade beach thanks to all agencies involved," she said.

There was good recovery of arrears in power and municipal services, she said.

"We have several challenges ahead and we need to train our rank and file and update their administrative skills and this exercise had already been launched," Bedi said.

Raj Nivas (her office) would remain as accessible in 2019 as it was in 2018, the Lieutenant Governor said and thanked the people of Puducherry "for the love, respect and trust bestowed on us and we shall continue to serve you with maximum integrity."