The government’s move to distribute freebies such as mixers and grinders to the public has received stiff opposition from a social welfare organisation.
Opposing the move stoutly, Puducherry Social Development and Anti-Corruption Organisation sent a representation to Lieutenant Governor A.K. Singh to reconsider the decision of the government in view of precarious financial situation in the Union Territory. D. Tamilarasan, a practising lawyer in Puducherry, who also heads Puducherry Social Development and Anti-Corruption Organisation, said freebies should be given only after conducting thorough survey.
He also warned of raising a legal dispute in the Madras High Court if the government fails to heed his suggestion.
In a representation, Mr. Tamilarasan said there is no house without a mixer and grinder in Puducherry. Under such circumstances, the government announced that it would distribute mixers and grinders and are in the process of procuring them. In real sense, no Chief Minister or Minister spend their money to distribute such freebies. All have been bought only from the taxpayers’ money and given as freebies. Pointing out that the Union Territory has been facing severe financial crisis, he asked whether it was necessary to waste taxpayers’ money in a reckless manner on freebies.
“Economic condition and standard of life in Puducherry is totally different from the neighbouring State of Tamil Nadu. So the Union Territory Government should reconsider its decision to distribute wasteful freebies on par with Tamil Nadu,” said Mr. Tamilarasan.
If the government is determined to proceed, it should conduct a thorough door-to-door study and devise guidelines for distribution. Entrusting officers for selecting bidders is tantamount to opening doors for corruption.
The representation also requested the Lt. Governor to take suitable action.
Lawyer warns of raising a legal dispute in the Madras High Court if the government fails to heed his suggestion
