by Harish Gupta, National Editor, Lokmat Group
Exclusive report
A new code of conduct for Governors !
Modi wants Governors play active role in society
Harish Gupta
New Delhi, May 23
If all goes as per plan in the government, Governors in 29 states will have a new code of conduct in place.
Though there already exists a code of conduct for Governors as laid down in the Constitution and also evolved during annual meeting of the Governors & Lt. Governors held under the aegis of the Rashtrapati Bhawan.
It now transpires that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is working on a new Code of Conduct for Governors as he feels that Governors should play a more active role in the society since he is a non-political person. Modi is of the opinion that governor being the representative of the State is an ideal person to help in projecting the right image of the political class. Since most of the Governors are the appointees of the ruling political party, they invariably carry a political legacy. Therefore, their conduct in public and private has to be an example for the society. Modi is of the firm view that Governor Houses cannot be places of recreation and live life king size.
If some of the Governors are playing a more active role on social media network highlighting their contribution in various welfare activities, its because of the proddingof the Prime Minister.
Modi is reported to have also discussed the issue with some of the Governors and top party functionaries. Amongst the NDA appointed governors, Modi is highly appreciative of UP Governor Ram Naik. He is senior-most amongst the Governors appointed by the NDA and a party veteran. But he is extremely active in social functions, activities of the NGOs, interactions with the various professional groups, and other activities.,
He feels that Governors may be holding a Constitutional post and they may not directly be under the government and have no political role. But in essence they are representative of the ruling party. Therefore, anything they do will have a bearing on the ruling party.
During his interaction with some of the governors Modi asked if they have been visiting universities, colleges and interacting with the students of various age groups separately. He asked Bihar governor Ram Nath Kovind if he had gone to the Chhat Puja in his state. When Kovind replied that he didn’t, Modi said if he had gone for it, he would have got people’s appreciation. It was a non-political function. Modi wants governors to attend sports events. Modi feels that Governors should play a pro-active role to enhance the credibility ofthe Centre. He wants Governors to do some thinking and set an example.
Though there are five states where governors are yet to be appointed and dual charge if being held by one Governor. Padmanabha acharya (Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland), E S Laxmin Narasimhan (AP & Telangana), Vidyasagar Rao (Maharashtra & Tamil Nadu), Banwarilal Purohit (Meghalaya and Assam) and Om Prakash Kohli Gujrat Gujrat & Madhya Pradesh).
N N Vohra in Jammu & Kashmir is also on extended term while the term of Shriniwas Dadasaheb Patil in Sikkim is ending. Modi is now taking his time in selecting new governors and in no hurry to fill vacancies.
Ends
