President Droupadi Murmu on Friday declared a two-day conference of Governors open, with the democratization of Raj Bhawans and effective Centre-state coordination high on the agenda at a time of growing conflict between some state governments and Governors.
In her opening remarks, Murmu said the agenda included carefully chosen issues crucial in achieving national goals. “For the smooth functioning of democracy, it is crucial that the Central agencies work with better coordination across all states. Governors should think about how they, as the constitutional heads of the respective states, can promote this coordination,” she said, asking Governors to take the lead in natural farming.
Murmu also said that with the implementation of three new laws related to criminal justice, a new era of the justice system had begun in the country with the “change in thinking evident from the adoption of names of the laws — Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.”
She also called upon Governors to contribute to the National Education Policy implementation in their capacity as chancellors of state universities. Flagging the government’s development agenda for the poor, the border areas, deprived sections and those left behind in the development journey, Murmu said Governors should work to ensure inclusive development with focus on scheduled and tribal areas.
She asked the participants to boost youth-led development by encouraging youngsters to engage with the government’s ‘MY Bharat’ campaign. Referring to the ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ pitch, Murmu urged Governors to contribute to strengthening the spirit of unity.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged Governors to play the role of an effective bridge between the Centre and state and interact with people and social organisations in a manner to co-opt those who are underprivileged. He said the post of the Governor was an important institution which could play a crucial role in the welfare of people of the state within the framework of the Constitution, particularly with reference to tribal areas.
Home Minister Amit Shah detailed the agenda and urged Governors to visit vibrant villages along the border and aspirational districts to boost development work and engage people.