AMN /
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stressed on the importance of cooperative federalism saying it must be implemented in letter and spirit. Addressing the Governors’ conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan today, he said the Centre and States must work together as Team India and the spirit of cooperative federalism should also extend to cooperative, competitive federalism, with healthy competition for development among states.
Mr. Modi said Governors occupy a unique position, owing to their vast years of experience and they can work as catalytic agents in the States. He noted that India is the only major economy across the world, which is moving ahead strongly despite the global economic crisis. Vice President Mohd. Hamid Ansari also addressed the concluding session.
In his concluding remarks President Pranab Mukherjee asked the Governors that all their actions should be within the framework of the Constitution and as holders of high offices they must not only be fair but also be seen to be fair. Mr. Mukherjee reiterated that they have been charged with an onerous responsibility to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.
He also urged the Governors of eastern states, specially the North East to become active participants in the government’s Act East policy. He stressed the need to improve the connectivity in the North Eastern States saying there is need for a progressive policy for industrial investment and promotion in the hilly and mountainous states. The President said the region of the country is highly vulnerable to seismic disturbances and therefore the building codes and regulatory mechanisms for new construction have to be enforced strictly.