President Droupadi Murmu Inaugurates Governors’ Conference

On August 2, 2024, President Droupadi Murmu inaugurated a significant two-day Conference of Governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi. The conference focuses on various issues crucial for shaping center-state relations and advancing welfare schemes.

Key Remarks by the President

National Goals and Agenda

President Murmu emphasized that the conference’s agenda addresses key issues critical to achieving national objectives. She anticipated that the deliberations would be beneficial for the participants’ functioning.

New Criminal Justice Laws

The President highlighted the commencement of a new era in the justice system with the introduction of three new laws: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

Focus on Inclusive Development

She stressed the need for inclusive development, particularly for the tribal population in Scheduled and Tribal areas. The Governors were urged to propose methods for achieving this goal.

Advocacy for Natural Farming

President Murmu advocated for natural farming to enhance soil fertility and increase farmers’ incomes, encouraging Raj Bhavans to lead by example.

Addresses by Key Figures

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar

Dhankhar urged Governors to fulfill their constitutional duties by raising awareness about social welfare schemes and recent developments.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Modi encouraged Governors to act as intermediaries between the central and state governments, engage with underprivileged communities, and support tribal areas. He stressed the importance of the Governor’s role in the welfare of the state.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah

Shah outlined the conference’s discussion trajectory and urged Governors to visit vibrant villages and aspirational districts to boost confidence and support developmental work.

Recent Appointments

New Governors Appointed

On July 28, 2024, President Murmu appointed new governors:

• • Gulab Chand Kataria: Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh
  • Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde: Governor of Rajasthan
  • Jishnu Dev Varma: Governor of Telangana
  • Om Prakash Mathur: Governor of Sikkim
  • Santosh Kumar Gangwar: Governor of Jharkhand

Conference Structure

Deliberations and Outcomes

The conference will include breakaway sessions where sub-groups of Governors will discuss each agenda item, with their observations presented in the concluding session on August 3, 2024.