Transparency most vital aspect of good governance: Prez

Mumbai: President Ram Nath Kovind on Friday said the word 'durbar' was linked to royalty in the preIndependence era, but its modern concept promotes transparency, which is the most important aspect of good governance in democracy. He was addressing a gathering after inaugurating the newly-reconstructed Durbar Hall at the Raj Bhavan here.

The president said that just like the Rashtrapati Bhavan in the national capital, the Raj Bhavan in Mumbai has become a constitutional symbol of hopes and aspirations of people in the world's largest democracy.

"Before Independence, the word durbar was connected to royalty, while in the present times, it is associated with democracy. The modern concept of durbar promotes transparency, which is the most important aspect of good governance in a democratic system," he said. "There is nothing private or secret in a durbar. Everything happens in full public view, by taking everyone along. Even elected representatives are holding 'janata durbars' to connect with the people. This method is becoming popular. In this context, the new Durbar Hall is a symbol of new India, new Maharashtra and our vibrant democracy," the president said.

He added that this heritage site might be a legacy of the British, but its present and future was linked to the glory of Maharashtra and rest of the country. Kovind said there was definitely something special about Maharashtra, which brings him to the state again and again. "Maharashtra is a land of spirituality as well as of brave struggles against injustice. This is a land of patriots and devotees of god. Maharashtra is a major economic and cultural centre in the country," he said.

He said during his fourand-a-half years of tenure as the president, he visited Maharashtra 12 times.—PTI