Mukherjee asks governors to ensure state governments act as per Constitution

Asserting that the role of governors is to act as a bridge between States and the Centre, President Pranab Mukherjee on Thursday said that governors have to ensure that state governments act according to the Constitution while safeguarding the interests of the state.

Speaking at the inauguration of the 45th conference of governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Mukherjee said: "This is the unique responsibility of a governor as they represent the Centre in the State and the State at the Centre."

Mukherjee further called upon governors to remain alert and ensure that the coming general election to the 16th Lok Sabha is peaceful and conducive to free expression of the will of the people.

He also said governors must also ensure that the pluralistic character of our nation is not tarnished in any manner.

The President further advised governors to spend more time touring inside the states and closely monitor the implementation of Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 for benefits to reach the tribals of Scheduled Areas. Measures to strengthen Autonomous District Councils and extend certain features of the Panchayati Raj Institutions should be also considered.

He also called upon governors to be pro-active as chancellors in taking up the cause of higher education to bring excellence in state institutions.

Dignitaries participating in the conference included the Vice President, the Prime Minister and Union Ministers of Defence, Finance, Home Affairs, Law and Justice, Tribal Affairs, Human Resource Development, Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission and Minister of State (Independent Charge) in the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region.

The agenda for the two-day conference of governors includes external and internal security environment, development issues in scheduled areas and north eastern region, improving the quality of higher education and making disaster management more effective.