NEW DELHI: President Pranab Mukherjee today warned that any deviation from the Constitutional principles and provisions would weaken the democratic fabric of the country and “jeopardise” social, economic and political well being of citizens.
In his opening remark at the 46th Governors Conference here, the President said Constitution was the only guiding document for providing framework for governance and asked governors to ensure peace and communal harmony.
“Every Indian looks forward to the Constitution as the guarantor of liberties, freedom and equality. Any deviation from the principles and provisions embodied in the Constitution would weaken the democratic fabric of the country and jeopardise the social, economic and political well-being of our citizens,” he said.
The President said the Governors and Lt. Governors have the “primary responsibility” to ensure that the affairs of the states and Union Territories are conducted strictly in accordance with the letter and spirit of this hallowed document.
“Prevalence of peace and communal harmony must be ensured,” he said at the inauguration of the two-day conference which was attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other cabinet ministers. .
Dwelling upon international relations, the President said India follows a policy of maintaining peaceful relations with all countries and “all disputes, relating to our border areas or otherwise, should be resolved through peaceful means.”
On the economic front, he said India is projected to have the largest workforce in the world by 2025, with a surplus of 47 million workers against a shortage of 56.5 million skilled workers in the world.
“This demographic dividend is a double-edged sword. If their huge potential is tapped, they could become a powerful engine for growth. On the other hand, if we fail to do so, it could create social tension,” he warned.
He said the youth could become creators, innovators, builders and leaders of the future if they get proper education. “We must capitalise our advantage and enhance the employability of our youth through skilling, re-skilling and up-skilling,” he said.
The President said skill development is also important for the success of the ‘Make-in-India’ campaign aimed at facilitating investment, fostering innovation and making India a world-class manufacturing hub.
He expressed hope that the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship will evolve an appropriate skill development framework, remove the demand-supply disconnect for skilled manpower, promote Public-Private Partnerships and expand youth entrepreneurship education.-PTI
