President Inaugurates Conference of Governors: Focus on National Development and Welfare
The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated the Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on 2nd August 2024. The conference aims to address critical issues shaping centre-state relations and promoting welfare schemes for the public. The event, which spans two days, will see the participation of the Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, and other key officials.
In her opening remarks, President Murmu emphasised the importance of the conference's agenda, which includes topics crucial to achieving national goals. She expressed hope that the discussions would enrich the participants' understanding and enhance their roles in governance.
The Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar, urged the Governors to fulfil their constitutional duties by raising awareness about social welfare schemes and the remarkable developments of the last decade. Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the role of Governors as a bridge between the Centre and States, urging them to engage with underprivileged communities and social organisations. He stressed the importance of the Governors' role in the welfare of people, particularly in tribal areas, within the constitutional framework.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah outlined the course of discussions for the conference and encouraged Governors to visit Vibrant Villages and Aspirational Districts to bolster confidence among residents and accelerate development efforts.
President Murmu announced the implementation of three new laws related to criminal justice—Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam—marking a new era in India's justice system. She underscored the need for better coordination among central agencies across states for the smooth functioning of democracy.
Addressing the issue of higher education, the President highlighted the National Education Policy's focus on improving accreditation and assessment systems in educational institutions. She urged Governors, in their capacity as chancellors of state universities, to support these reforms. She also stressed the importance of inclusive development for the tribal population living in Scheduled and Tribal areas, urging Governors to suggest ways to achieve this goal.
The President further emphasised the significance of youth engagement through the 'MY Bharat' campaign, which aims to channelise the energy of the youth into constructive work. She also praised the 'Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat' campaign for fostering unity among people from different states and Union Territories.
In light of global challenges like climate change, the President called on Governors to promote the 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' campaign to make it a larger people's movement. She also advocated for natural farming to enhance soil fertility and farmers' income, suggesting that Raj Bhavans could set an example in this regard.
The conference includes breakaway sessions where sub-groups of Governors, along with Union Ministers and officials, will deliberate on specific agenda items. Their observations and suggestions will be presented during the concluding session on 3rd August 2024, attended by the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, and other dignitaries.
Prime Minister Modi, who attended the conference, remarked on X, "Attended the Conference of Governors this morning. This is an important forum in which we discussed how Governors can foster development and serve society." The conference provides a vital platform for discussions on how Governors can contribute to national development and societal welfare.