47TH Conference of Governors convened by the President concludes in Rashtrapati Bhavan

47TH Conference of Governors convened by the President concludes in Rashtrapati Bhavan 

The 47th Conference of Governors concluded today (February 10, 2016) at Rashtrapati Bhavan. 

In his concluding remarks, the President reiterated that all Governors have been charged with an onerous responsibility - to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution. It is, therefore, imperative that all their actions are within the framework of the Constitution and conform to the highest ideals enshrined in this living document. He said as holders of high offices they must not only be fair but also be seen to be fair.

The President said the Governors of eastern states, specially the North Eastern states, should become active participants of the Government’s ‘Act East’ policy. Connectivity of the North Eastern States must be improved by strengthening the road and rail network. There is need for a progressive policy for industrial investment and promotion in the hilly and mountainous states. The entire North-East and the Northern region of the country is highly vulnerable to seismic disturbances. The building codes and regulatory mechanisms for new construction have to be enforced strictly. It needs to be ensured that disaster management procedures are in place and regular drills are conducted.

The President said laudable initiatives taken by some Governors should be replicated in other states. As Chancellors/ Visitors of universities at the state level, Governors can play a proactive role in driving quality higher education. Governors could also examine the possibility of conducting In-residence programmes in Raj Bhavans on the lines of what is organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

The President said strong monitoring, rigorous follow-up, and validation of progress are essential for the success of the Swachh Bharat Mission. Governors, as the live-link between the centre and the states, can catalyze initiatives. Governors may take up smart solutions in their Raj Bhavans which can serve as technology demonstrators. They may also ask the universities to make use of the Unnat Bharat Abhiyaan for developing smart villages. Governors can also sensitize states/ UTs about adopting a well-knit strategy to achieve the objectives of the Make-in-India programme.

Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari and Prime Minister Narendra Modi also addressed the concluding session.

The two day Conference had as its agenda- (a) Security- Internal and External with special focus on terrorism and insurgency activities; (b) Creating jobs for youths: special focus on skill development for school dropouts; (c) Implementation of flagship programmes of the Government like Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Housing for all by 2022 and Smart Cities; (d) Improving quality of Higher Education; (e) Giving impetus to “Make in India” programme and employability and (f) Act East Policy and development of North Eastern Region.

The Conference was attended by Twenty-three Governors and two Lt. Governors. Union Ministers for Home Affairs, External Affairs, Finance, Urban Development, Defence, Human Resource Development; Minister of State (I/C) of Ministry of Labour and Employment; Minister of State (I/C) Commerce and Industry; Minister of State (I/C) of Development of North Eastern Region; Minister of State (I/C) of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship; Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog and National Security Advisor addressed the gathering. 

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President of India’s message on the eve of the 37th anniversary of the Islamic revolution of Iran 

The President of India, Shri Pranab Mukherjee has extended his greetings and felicitations to the Government and people of the Islamic Republic of Iran on the eve of the 37th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran (February 11, 2016).

In a message to His Excellency Dr. Hassan Rouhani, the President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the President has said, “On behalf of the Government and the people of India and on my own behalf, it is with great pleasure that I convey warm greetings and best wishes to Your Excellency and to the Government and people of Iran on the occasion of the 37th Anniversary of the Islamic Revolution of Iran.

Relations between India and Iran are built on our civilisational and cultural ties that span centuries. We consider Iran a close friend and look forward to enhancing our relationship into a more collaborative partnership across diverse areas of our shared interest.

I am happy to note that our bilateral ties have strengthened considerably during your leadership of your great country. India believes that a fruitful engagement between our two nations will be beneficial for the stability and prosperity of the entire region.

Please accept, Excellency, our sincere wishes for your personal good health and well being as well as for the progress and prosperity of the friendly people of Iran”.

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PM addresses concluding session of 47th Governors' Conference in Rashtrapati Bhawan

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, addressed the concluding session of the 47th Governors Conference at Rashtrapati Bhawan today.

The Prime Minister said Governors occupy a unique high position, owing to their vast years of experience, and the prestigious nature of their post. He said they can hence work as catalytic agents in the States, speeding up and improving processes without themselves becoming a part of them.

The Prime Minister noted that India is the only major economy across the world, which is moving ahead strongly despite the global economic crisis. He said that with the world taking note of India, India is not a mute spectator to global developments, and has played a key role in recent global fora such as CoP-21, and WTO.

The Prime Minister stressed on the importance of cooperative federalism, which he said must be implemented in letter and spirit. He said the Centre and States must work together as "Team India." He added that the spirit of cooperative federalism must also extend to cooperative, competitive federalism, with healthy competition for development among states.

The Prime Minister urged all Governors to think about some form of legacy which they would leave behind at the end of their terms, as their contribution to the States.