In his address to the 44th Conference of Governors, the President has highlighted some of the pressing issues facing the nation at this point of time. Included among these are security and welfare of women, change in the mindset of society, amendment of criminal law, strengthening counter terrorism, improving infrastructure of border areas, good governance and delivery system, and ground water management and sanitation programme in rural India.
In a reference to the gang rape incident of a 23-year old girl in a running bus in New Delhi, the President said that the tragic incident harkens us to bring about adequate amendment in the criminal law so that security and safety arrangements for the women in the country are made foolproof. He indirectly referred to the failing moral standard of society that breeds such elements as would show no respect to women and endanger their security. This is a dangerous mindset that has evolved and needs to be arrested before more damage is done. Changing the criminal mindset is the responsibility of the government but the civil society too has to play its role. Essentially the home is the most important training school for a child. The atmosphere and environment of the home has lasting impress on the mind of a child. Therefore the effort of changing the mindset should begin with the home and the family.
The President has reflected on water conservation issue and presented a very critical condition of our water requirements in next three decades. With 18 per cent of world’s population we have only 4 per cent of its usual fresh water resources. According to one estimate, by the year 2050, at least 17 per cent of our population will be under absolute water scarcity. This is an alarming situation. Evidently we have to be very careful in making use of water availability in the country, preserve water bodies, recharge the groundwater and ensure efficient sanitation services especially to rural India.
The Presidential address to the Governors is a combination of survey of current situation and the futuristic vision of the country. Though Governors are not directly controlling the administration or the executive of their respective states, but the constitution provides that the Chief Minister keeps the Governor informed of latest happenings in the state and the policy adopted by the Government to meet the challenges. In the case of our State, the recurring subject of exchange of ideas between the Governor and the Chief Minister is of security and economic development.
In the context of current history, his ideas have become more relevant. India is going through a big change brought about by scientific and technological revolution, globalization and integration into world economic order. There is a movement in our society, both rural and urban. There is great activity in economic, industrial and commercial life and all this is strong incentive for our policy planners to plan of India of our dreams. Our country’s importance to the world community is in her great experiment with democracy in a third-world country and especially a country which is a mosaic of cultures, languages, ethnicities and life styles. In Asia-Pacific region, India is the sheet anchor of secular democracy and the entire world has focused its eyes on us to watch how painstakingly we are functioning as instruments of benign change to human freedom and dignity. This is perhaps at the centre of President’s address to the Governors. Fortunately, we have wise, considerate and patriotic leadership to guide the nation along the path to glory and prosperity.
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