President of India to preside over two-day Conference of Governors and Lt. Governors on June 4-5, 20

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
02-June, 2018 12:20 IST

President of India to preside over two-day Conference of Governors and Lt. Governors on June 4-5, 2018 at Rashtrapati Bhavan

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will preside over a two-day Conference of Governors and Lt. Governors on June 4 and 5, 2018, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. This will be the 49th such Conference to be held in Rashtrapati Bhavan and the second Conference to be presided over by President Kovind.

The first Conference of Governors was held at Rashtrapati Bhavan in 1949. It was presided over by Shri C. Rajagopalachari, then the Governor General of India.

The two-day 2018 Conference will discuss important thematic issues in various sessions. On June 4, 2018, the Conference will commence with the inaugural address by the President. The second session will see briefings and presentations on flagship programmes of the Government of India and on internal security. During this session, presentations will be made by the Vice Chairman and the CEO of NITI Aayog as well as by the National Security Advisor. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering.

The third session will cover the theme of higher education in state universities and skill development for employability. The Governor of Gujarat will be the convenor of this session. During this session presentations will be made by the Secretary, Higher Education and the Secretary, Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion.

In the fourth session, Governors/Lt. Governors will discuss steps taken on the report ‘Rajyapal – Vikas Ke Rajdoot: Catalytic Role of Governors as Agents for Change in Society’. This report was submitted by the Committee of Governors to the President on January 9, 2018. The Committee was constituted during the 48th Conference of Governors in October 2017. The Governor of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana will convene this session.

On June 5, 2018, the fifth session of the Conference of Governors will discuss ideas on how to commemorate the 150thbirth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. During this session, presentations will be made on Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and Swachhata Internship and Governors/Lt. Governors will make suggestions. The Governor of Uttar Pradesh shall be the convenor of this session.

In the sixth and concluding session, brief presentations on the deliberations in the previous thematic sessions will be made by the convenor Governors. The President, the Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Home Minister and the External Affairs Minister will address the concluding session.

A special session on Union Territories will be held on June 5, 2018, at which Lt. Governors/Administrators of Union Territories will discuss status of implementation of various flagship programmes. The Cabinet Secretary, Home Secretary and other senior officials will be part of the meeting.

Governors and Lt. Governors of all States and Union Territories will attend the Conference. The Vice President; Prime Minister; Union Ministers of Home Affairs; External Affairs; Human Resource Development; Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; Minster of State (I/C) of Ministry of Culture and Vice Chairman and CEO of NITI Aayog and other senior officials from various Ministries will also participate.

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[Hindustani78]

https://www.hindustantimes.com/indi...o-governors/story-7RMctfyXKe7wWycmji4k6K.html

The Centre has issued fresh guidelines on allowances to be paid to the governors which include expenses on tours, hospitality, entertainment and furnishings, four months after enhancing the salaries of the constitutional post.

According to a notification issued by the Union home ministry, the governor of West Bengal, among all the governors, will get the highest amount of Rs 1.81 crore as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses.

The West Bengal governor will also be entitled to Rs 80 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 72.06 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the two Raj Bhavans, located in Kolkata and Darjeeling.

The Tamil Nadu governor will get Rs 1.66 crore as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses.

The Tamil Nadu governor, which has Raj Bhavans in Chennai and Ooty, will also be entitled to Rs 7.50 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 6.5 crore as allowance for the maintenance of the two Raj Bhavans, according to the notification issued last week.

The salaries and allowances of the governors are paid by the respective state governments.

The governor of Bihar will get Rs 1.62 crore as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses.

The governor of Bihar will also be entitled to Rs 62 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 80.2 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavan in Patna.

The Maharashtra governor will get Rs 1.14 crore as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 26.7 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 1.8 crore as allowance for the maintenance of the three Raj Bhavans, located in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur.

The governor of Karnataka will get Rs 1.05 crore as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 6.5 lakh asallowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 38.2 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavan, located in Bangalore.

The Rajasthan governor will be entitled to Rs 93 lakh as allowance for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 1 lakh for renewal of furnishings and Rs 73.2 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavans in Jaipur and Mount Abu.

The governor of Uttar Pradesh will be entitled to Rs 66 lakh as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 10 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 3.53 crore as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavan in Lucknow.

The Gujarat governor is entitled to Rs 55 lakh as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 15 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 20 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavan in Gandhinagar.

The governor of Haryana will be entitled to Rs 54.5 lakh as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 10 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 21.6 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavan in Chandigarh.

The Arunachal Pradesh governor will be entitled to Rs 54 lakh as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 10 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 30.75 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavan in Itanagar.

The governor of Andhra Pradesh will be entitled to Rs 53 lakh as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 6 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 18.3 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of the Raj Bhavan in Hyderabad.

The Madhya Pradesh governor will be entitled to Rs 48.43 lakh as allowances for tour, hospitality, entertainment and other expenses, Rs 7.5 lakh as allowance for renewal of furnishings and Rs 25.12 lakh as allowance for the maintenance of two Raj Bhavans in Bhopal and Panchmarhi.

The revision of allowances of the governors came after four years.

The salaries of the governors were increased to Rs 3.5 lakh per month four months ago.


The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the Governors and Lt. Governors invited at his residence, on the eve of Conference of Governors 2018, in New Delhi on June 03, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
04-June, 2018 12:19 IST
Inaugural address of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind at the Conference of Governors 2018

1. A very warm welcome to all of you to Rashtrapati Bhavan and to the 49th Conference of Governors. I would especially like to welcome the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Smt Anandiben Patel, the Governor of Odisha, Professor Ganeshi Lal, and the Governor of Mizoram, Shri K. Rajasekharan, who are participating in the Conference for the first time.

1. This Conference is held annually, generally towards the beginning of the year. However, the 2017 Conference could only be held in the month of October. Hence this year’s Conference is taking place about seven months after the previous one. Such Conferences provide an opportunity for Governors to interact and have meaningful discussions with the Vice President, the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs, members of the Council of Ministers, the Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog and senior officials of the Government, all of whom are participating in the Conference. We will be discussing important issues and charting out the future course of action for these. In this context, the Conference of Governors holds a distinct significance.

1. As per the Constitution, the post of Governor has an exalted place in the scheme of governance. The Governor is a mentor and guide to the state government and an important link in the federal structure. The people of the state view the office of the Governor and the Raj Bhavan as a fount of ideals and values.

1. In the previous Conference, we had discussed issues related to “Infrastructure”, “Public services”, and “Higher Education in the States and Skill Development”. Extremely useful and valuable suggestions were received from all of you.

1. As agreed to at the previous Conference, a Committee of Governors was constituted. The Committee submitted its report in January 2018. The report envisages the role of Governors as “Change Agents” in society. There will be a discussion on the actions taken on this report in session IV today.

1. While drafting the agenda for this year's Conference, the central focus has been to sensitise all of you to the programmes being implemented for the benefit of those of our fellow citizens who have been left behind in our development journey, and to hold an in depth discussion on these programmes. One hundred and fifteen (115) Aspirational Districts, across various states, have committed themselves to speedy development. There will be a presentation and discussion on the schemes being implemented in these districts. Understanding this background will help you guide a spectrum of stakeholders in their efforts to work for the welfare of the poor, women, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, farmers and young people. There are approximately 100 million people in our country who belong to the Scheduled Tribes. A majority of this population lives in regions that are covered under the Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. As Governors you can help in the shaping of a road map for the betterment of lives of our fellow citizens, who have not benefited as much as expected from our development journey.

1. India is blessed with the largest youth population in the world. As Governors, you are guardians of our youth – in the sense that you can inspire young people to absorb the right moral values and you can motivate them to both pursue modern education and remain sensitive to our Indian ethos.

1. As had been mentioned in the previous Conference of Governors, 69 per cent of all universities in our country come under the purview of state governments. About 94 per cent of students enrolled for higher education study in these universities. You are the Chancellors of most of these universities. In your capacity as Chancellors of state universities, it is for you to provide the necessary impetus and inspiration to these institutions and to enhance the level of scholarship. With the instruments of your office and with your rich experience in public life, you are ideally equipped for this responsibility. You can help ensure that admissions of students and appointments of teachers in state universities are completed well in time and in a transparent manner. You can also help ensure that examinations, declaration of results and convocations take place as scheduled. It is for you to inspire state universities to maintain this discipline and integrity. In a fast changing, globalised environment, it is equally essential to keep the academic curriculum updated so as to maintain the contemporary relevance of education. As Governors of your states, it is for you to engage the youth and motivate them to use their academic achievements for the welfare of society and of our country. We need to strive collectively for a better life for our coming generations.

1. The Government of India has decided to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi over a 24-month period commencing October 2, 2018. A National Committee chaired by the President has been constituted for this purpose. The first meeting of the National Committee was held on May 2, 2018, in the Rashtrapati Bhavan complex. Many noteworthy suggestions were received during the meeting. This Conference has an entire session dedicated to discussing the commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation. As we know, Gandhiji believed in constructive and actionable programmes that made a difference to the lives of ordinary people. There would be no better way to cherish his memory than to strive for genuine and meaningful social transformation. Gandhiji gave us an unfailing talisman. He said that to judge the efficacy of any action we contemplate, we should ask ourselves if it would be of help to the weakest, poorest and most disadvantaged person we know. We must keep this talisman in mind and I would welcome suggestions from all of you to put Gandhiji’s ideals and values into practice.

1. I am confident that the presence and the contributions of the Vice President, and of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Home Affairs and their senior ministerial colleagues will make the deliberations of this Conference even more meaningful. All of you have rich experience in public life. I am confident that all of you will give valuable suggestions during this Conference. The deliberations will help us in our efforts to build a society marked by sensitivity, fraternity and inclusion.

1. With these words, Ladies and Gentlemen, I declare the Conference of Governors 2018 open. I request the Minister of Home Affairs to take forward the proceedings.

Thank you,
Jai Hind!

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President's Secretariat
04-June, 2018 12:12 IST
Two-Day conference of Governors Commences at Rashtrapati Bhavan; Governor is an important link in the Federal Structure, says President Kovind in inaugural address

The two-day Conference of Governors and Lt. Governors commenced today (June 4, 2018) at Rashtrapati Bhavan with the inaugural address of the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind. This is the 49th such Conference held in Rashtrapati Bhavan and the second Conference presided over by President Kovind.

In his opening address, the President said that as per the Constitution, the post of Governor has an exalted place in the scheme of governance. The Governor is a mentor and guide to the state government and an important link in the federal structure. The people of the state view the office of the Governor and the Raj Bhavan as a fount of ideals and values.

The President said that there are approximately 100 million people in our country who belong to the Scheduled Tribes. A majority of this population lives in regions that are covered under the Fifth and Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India. Governors can help in the shaping of a road map for the betterment of lives of our fellow citizens, who have not benefited as much as expected from our development journey.

The President said that 69 per cent of all universities in our country come under the purview of state governments. About 94 per cent of students enrolled for higher education study in these universities. Governors are the Chancellors of most of these universities. In their capacity as Chancellors of state universities, it is for them to provide the necessary impetus and inspiration to these institutions and to enhance the level of scholarship. With the instruments of their office and with their rich experience in public life, Governors are ideally equipped for this responsibility.

The President said the Governors can help ensure that admissions of students and appointments of teachers in state universities are completed well in time and in a transparent manner. They can also help ensure that examinations, declaration of results and convocations take place as scheduled. It is for them to inspire state universities to maintain this discipline and integrity.

The two-day 2018 Conference will discuss important thematic issues in various sessions which include briefings and presentations on flagship programmes of the Government of India and on internal security; higher education in state universities and skill development for employability; steps taken on the report of Committee of Governors, constituted during the 48th Conference of Governors; and commemoration of the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. A special session on Union Territories will also be held on June 5, 2018, at which Lt. Governors/Administrators of Union Territories will discuss status of implementation of various flagship programmes.

Apart from the Governors and Lt. Governors of all States and Union Territories the Vice President; Prime Minister; Union Ministers of Home Affairs; External Affairs; Human Resource Development; Skill Development & Entrepreneurship; Minster of State (I/C) of Ministry of Culture and Vice Chairman and CEO of NITI Aayog and other senior officials from various Ministries are participating in the Conference.

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Prime Minister's Office
04-June, 2018 13:20 IST
PM addresses opening session of 49th Governors' Conference

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, today addressed the opening session of the 49th Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhawan.

The Prime Minister spoke at length about how Governors could leverage their experience in different walks of life, so that people derive maximum benefit of various central development schemes and initiatives. He said the institution of Governor has a pivotal role to play within the federal structure and Constitutional framework of our country.

He said Governors of States with significant tribal population can help in ensuring that the tribal communities benefit from Government initiatives in fields such as education, sports and financial inclusion. He said the tribal communities had played a key role in the freedom struggle, and this should be recognised and recorded for posterity through avenues such as digital museums.

The Prime Minister noted that Governors are also Chancellors of Universities. He said that International Yoga Day on June 21st can be utilized as an opportunity to generate greater awareness about Yoga among the youth. Similarly, he emphasized that Universities can also become the focal point of the celebrations for the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

The Prime Minister mentioned some key themes of development such as the National Nutrition Mission, electrification of villages and development parameters in aspirational districts. He suggested that Governors could also visit a few recently electrified villages to witness first-hand the benefits of electrification.

He said that during the recent Gram Swaraj Abhiyan from 14th April, seven key schemes of the Government were implemented fully in over 16000 villages. He said that these villages have been freed from seven problems through Jan Bhagidaari. He said Gram Swaraj Abhiyan is now being extended to 65000 more villages, with a target date of 15th August.

The Prime Minister suggested that planning for the 50th Governors' Conference next year should begin immediately. This effort should focus on making this annual event even more productive.



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[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing the opening session of the 49th Governors’ Conference, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 04, 2018. The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing the opening session of the 49th Governors’ Conference, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 04, 2018. The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and the Union Home Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh are also seen.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind addressing the opening session of the 49th Governors’ Conference, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 04, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the opening session of the 49th Governors’ Conference, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 04, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the opening session of the 49th Governors’ Conference, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 04, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing the opening session of the 49th Governors’ Conference, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 04, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in a group photograph at the opening session of the 49th Governors’ Conference, at Rashtrapati Bhavan, in New Delhi on June 04, 2018.