President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has called upon States to create an effective mechanism for achieving zero tolerance against terrorism. She urged both, the Centre and States to work hand in hand to fortify security architecture of the country. Inaugurating a two day conference of Governors in New Delhi on Saturday the President emphasised the need for utmost attention to the external and internal security of the country as it is facing the multiple challenges of terrorism. These include left wing extremism and insurgency.

The President called upon the Governors for a sensitive and sympathetic administration in the scheduled areas affected by the Left Wing Extremism. She asked them to urge the State governments to intensify the government – tribal interface at the grassroot level to map out the most optimal path for their good.

Stressing that the menace of corruption must be rooted out as it hurts the common man, the President said that the remedy lies in a multi pronged strategy. It includes prompt delivery systems, transparent processes and public accountability combined with preventive and punitive measures.

She said, Governors can play an important role in wiping out the menace of ragging in educational institutions as they are also the Chancellors of State Universities.

The President said that India's economic and technological prowess has been universally recognized and despite the global economic meltdown and domestic inflationary pressures, the fundamentals of country's economy continue to remain strong. Expressing concern over the plight of farmers, Patil strongly pitched for improvement in the agro-economy. She said people living in rural India have to be economically and socially empowered.