Former IPS officer and ex-Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry Kiran Bedi shared her candid views on governance, policing, and public accountability. She said air pollution in Delhi persists not due to the absence of solutions, but because of a lack of sustained political focus and coordinated bureaucracy.
In an exclusive interview with The Statesman, she underlined the need for grassroots political leadership that remains visible beyond polls. On prisons and crime, she flagged rooted corruption and called for more robust systemic reforms, including carefully implemented body cameras. India’s first female IPS officer also emphasised the need to revive the beat officer system to rebuild trust between police and communities.
Q: About the prevailing air pollution—there have been different governments, but the problem remains the same. Is it a lack of political will, or something else?
A: Visibly, it has not been a political priority, as is evident from the recent past’s political election speeches. In Delhi, during the campaigns, it was stated to be a problem. However, it was not taken up as a priority until it affected everyone.
Because it’s not prioritised politically, the bureaucracy too is not converged on the issue. It’s disjointed in its functioning.
We, the community, are also not together. We also do not wake up till it hits us. We have no (non-partisan) collective voice.
The courts also pass orders without hitting at the root of the problem. Individually, people feel helpless. The media is reactive but causes the tremors later.
The political class, if not heading towards an urgent election, waits for the anger to subside.
Q: Banning old vehicles will not solve Delhi’s pollution problem—vehicle fitness matters more than age. Why are such rules applied mainly to common citizens, and shouldn’t politicians also lead by example, perhaps using bicycles like ordinary citizens?
A: Yes, what is missing is political leadership at all levels, especially the leadership at the grassroots. Imagine if every elected corporator walked through their constituency regularly, educated people, and resolved the issues.
They are visible only before elections. When they come for votes. But do not do periodic town halls. Listening and learning. And improving and correcting. And inspiring (is required).
Q: In the Lawrence Bishnoi interview case, how do criminals manage to communicate from inside jails? Does this point to corruption or lapses within the jail administration?
A: In prisons, if corruption prevails, you can buy anything. Corruption in prison is known. Those are right from the top to the bottom. Even the political level is not ruled out.
Q: Lawrence Bishnoi has admitted to planning Sidhu Moosewala’s killing, yet he continues to give interviews and appears to enjoy strong security. Where does this leave the quest for justice for Moosewala’s parents?
A: As said, such people use money and muscle power. And the prison staff has its own temptations (limitless in some cases). Economic offenders/wealthy inmates have huge buying power.
Q: One police reform is immensely needed—body cameras. Do you agree?
A: Yes, it will be worth it! In certain situations—when, where, and who—we need to work this out. By proper SOPs and storage, etc. I’m sure that this must have been sorted out by now. Departments know the best.
Q: What steps should be taken to build more trust between police and citizens?
A: A proper beat officer system, which brings about community policing, besides other measures. But this is the basic foundation.
A beat officer system that provides for a beat officer of the area responsible for his geographical location. He walks it. Talks it. And perhaps resides in it too—to stay connected and informed.
He collaborates with RWAs and the rural panchayats, etc. Collaborates with associations and institutions. He is the eyes and ears of the department. Keeps a watch on developments. He is the intelligence and the watch and ward. Besides being a friend for immediate need and intervention.
Q: Please tell about your journey from a bureaucrat to a politician!
A: It was never one of transactional politics. Electoral politics was a situational compulsion, not a choice.
Q: How do you reflect on your tenure as the Lt Governor of Puducherry? What were your biggest learnings?
A: It was the most rewarding five-year period of my career.
The biggest learning is that if those in top positions remain accessible to ordinary people daily, listen to them, and conduct field visits, many problems can be prevented.
Q: Your thoughts on a candidate who completes his engineering and then enters UPSE!
A: He can be of value here, too, if he also acquires soft skills along with hardware. Keeps himself accessible and sensitive. Civil administration needs multi-skills. We have many departments that require them.
Q: Cops and cameras—many police officers today seem addicted to posting reels on social media. How do you view this trend?
A: Depends on what kind? Is it to inspire, co-opt, and inform? Then it’s a good use of the communication tool. Not for casual use. But serious engagement.