Centre, states must work together as 'Team India', says PM Modi

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New Delhi: Emphasising on the importance of cooperative federalism in the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said it must be implemented in letter and spirit.

"The Centre and States must work together as Team India and the spirit of cooperative federalism should also extend to cooperative, competitive federalism, with healthy competition for development among states," addressing the concluding session of Governors' conference at Rashtrapati Bhavan, Prime Minister Modi said.

Prime Minister Modi further said the Governors occupy a unique position, owing to their vast years of experience and they can work as catalytic agents in the states.

The Prime Minister further pointed out that India is the only major economy across the world, which is moving ahead strongly despite the global economic crisis.

Meanwhile, President Pranab Mukherjee further asked Governors that all their actions should be within the framework of the Constitution and as holders of high offices they must not only be fair but also be seen to be fair.

President Mukherjee further reiterated that the Governors' have been charged with an onerous responsibility to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution.

The President further urged the Governors of eastern states, specially the North East to become active participants in the government's Act East policy.

President Mukherjee said the region of the country is highly vulnerable to seismic disturbances and therefore the building codes and regulatory mechanisms for new construction have to be enforced strictly.

Twenty-three Governors and two Lieutenant Governors are participating in the two-day conference.