The President has called for all steps to ensure internal and external security and territorial integrity. In his new year message to Governors and Lt Governors through video conferencing, Pranab Mukherjee expressed serious concern over repeated ceasefire violations on LoC and recent incursions off the coastal line. He also said the scourge of Left-Wing extremism should be tackled through twin-pronged strategy of development and deterrence.
He said , while India is committed to peace and non-violence, we cannot afford the luxury of being complacent on our borders. The President said after three decades, general elections have provided a stable government at the Centre with a clear majority for a single party, with a mandate for good governance. He said to realise the aspirations of our countrymen and guide India’s rightful ascent in the comity of nations, both the Central and the State Governments have to collectively share the responsibility.
The President reminded the Governors that they draw authority from Constitution and are oath-bound to protect,preserve and defend the Constitution and work for the welfare of the people of the state. Maintaining that Constitution guarantees India’s secular and democratic fabric, he said there is need to be ever vigilant against all efforts to disturb peace and tranquility.
Stating that education was an essential part of development, he called upon Governors to pay special attention to educational institutions to ensure that they provide quality education and inculcate the core civilisational values of patriotism, compassion, honesty, tolerance, performance of duty and respect for women.
The President said a number of important initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, Saansad Adarsh Gram Yojana, PradhanMantri Jan Dhan Yojana, Make in India campaign and the Digital India programme have been launched in 2014.Asking Governors to contribute in the process of change, he said for successful implementation of these initiatives, wise leadership and gentle influence of Governors is essential.
