New Delhi: The Union government, headed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has asked governors of states and Union territories to be “more pro-active on social media, connect with the public, and promptly share their views especially when there are differences of opinion between the Centre and the states on policy”, the Indian Express has reported.
The particular recommendation to governors figures in the official agenda note, signed by President Droupadi Murmu, in the run-up to the two-day governors’ conference starting on Friday, August 2, the newspaper said.
The official note also appeals to governors to not work in silos and suggests governors help improve coordination between various Central agencies and organisations under state governments. Such coordination, the official note said, would help in improving various aspects of governance, including the generation of jobs, education, skilling, services and growth.
The two-day conference will be presided over by President Murmu, and will be attended by the Prime Minister, Union home minister, various other ministers and top officials of the government.
The implementation of three criminal reforms, reforms in higher education, and the development of tribal areas are some of the key issues that are expected to come up during the conference. Breakaway group discussions of governors will be followed by a concluding session where these smaller groups will make presentations on the key issues of governance.
The agenda note also instructs governors to regularly hold open forums and roundtable discussions with community leaders, and engage directly with citizens, including reaching out to schools and hospitals.
The fact that these suggestions come at a time when governors are locked with state governments ruled by opposition parties assumes significance. The Supreme Court is currently hearing petitions filed by Tamil Nadu, Kerala and West Bengal governments.
