NE must be active participants of Act East Policy: President
Source: The Sangai Express

New Delhi, February 10 2016: President Pranab Mukherjee today said that it was imperative that all actions of Governors of States were within the frame-work of the Constitution and conformed to the highest ideas enshrined in the living document.

In his concluding remarks at the 47th Conference of Governors, which concluded here, he reiterated that all Governors had been charged with an onerous responsibility � to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

He said that, 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.

President Pranab Mukherjee and Prime Minister Narendra Modi

"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," he said.

Mukherjee 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, he said.

"Governors could also examine the possibility of con- ducting in-residence progra-mmes in Raj Bhavans on the lines of what is organized at Rashtrapati Bhavan,"he said.

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," he said.

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

The conference was attended by 23 Governors and two Lt.Governors, apart from several Union Ministers, the Vice-Chairman of NITI Aayog and the National Security Adviser.

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.