President Pratibha Devisingh Patil has pitched for reforms to strengthen governance. Inaugurating platinum jubilee celebration of the Maharashtra Legislature in Mumbai on Tuesday, the President said there is a need to deliberate and debate on ways to strengthen governance, legislative system, as well as judicial system. There is an urgent need for undertaking electoral reforms.

She said there is also a need to reform education system. The governments, legislators, social activists and media should come together to chart the future course of action.

Terming social harmony and tolerance as the bedrock of Indian democracy, Mrs. Patil said cultivating the knack of understanding the other person’s viewpoint is a must for a democracy to be successful.

She lauded the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly for constructive democratic activity for 75 years. Saying that the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has been at the forefront of framing people friendly and growth oriented legislation she expressed the hope that Maharashtra Legislature will continue its good work in future also.

Mrs Patil said the nation looks at Maharashtra as a progressive state which pioneered far reaching legislations like the Employment Guarantee Programme, empowerment of Panchayati Raj institutions, consumer protection act and in recent times the Right to Information Act.

Remembering her past the President said that about 50 yrs ago she entered the Legislative Assembly as a young MLA and served as minister and leader of opposition.