Raj Bhawans are not "parallel power centres", Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu said today and urged governors to play the role of mentors in the development process.
Addressing the valedictory session of the 49th conference of governors at Rashtrapati Bhavan, he also advised the governors not to air personal views, hold press conferences or post tweets on sensitive and political issues.
The vice president urged them to follow the spirit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's advice 'reform, perform and transform'.
Asking the governors to become catalysts of development and set examples of simplicity and promote handloom, and locally-made goods, Naidu said, "You are wise counsel, a mentor, a friend, philosopher and guide."
"Raj Bhawans are not parallel power centres. Governors should play the role of mentors in the development process. I am sure that you will have a much greater role in the coming years in fostering change.
"Change in the way governments deliver services, change in the societal consciousness about critical issues, change in the way society grapples with social evils like untouchability, atrocities against women and discrimination," he said according to a statement issued by his secretariat.
The vice president said by maintaining a close rapport with the state government, the governors can exert a positive influence on the policies and programmes, and guide the government.
"We have an opportunity to change the course of development by focusing on inclusive and sustainable development. We should not lose this opportunity," he said.
Naidu said the governors should highlight the sacrifices made by local freedom fighters to inspire the youth and asked them to impress upon state governments to promote local languages and make them compulsory up to class 10.
He also asked the governors to emphasise on ending colonial practices and mindset, and highlight our history, tradition, civilisation and values.
"While the elected governments are primarily responsible for planning and implementing programmes, there is always a need for a wise counsel, a mentor, a friend, philosopher and guide to steer the ship of development. This is especially true when narrow perspectives tend to distort the development process. That's where your role becomes so very important," he said at the conference.
The vice president said the governors, through their gentle advice, can ensure that the benefits of all the programmes reach all sections without any bias or discrimination.
"Through your objective, equidistant approach, you can maintain a constant dialogue between various political parties and create a climate that builds consensus on development issues," he said.
Objectivity and equidistant approach should get reflected in speeches and activities, Naidu said, adding the public should feel that they are responsive and are willing to listen to their viewpoints.
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