NEW DELHI, July 13 — The President, Mr K R Narayanan, today announced the formation of a committee of Governors to look into the implementation of programmes for the welfare of Scheduled Castes/Scheduled Tribes.

The composition of the committee will be announced in due course. The setting up of the committee follows views expressed by some Governors, pointing out “serious lacunae” in the implementation of the programme, and also inadequate utilisation of the funds allocated for the purpose, a Rashtrapati Bhavan release said.

Mr Narayanan announced the formation of the committee at the conclusion of the two-day Conference of Governors at the Rashtrapati Bhavan today.

Earlier in his response to the discussion, the Prime Minister, Mr Atal Behari Vajpayee, said the views expressed by the Governors would serve as input in formulating policies as well as in stremlining Centre-state relations. This, he said, in turn would contribute to the strengthening of the Indian economy, society and polity.

The Home Minister, Mr L K Advani, deplored the attacks on Christians and Christian institutions and asked all states to investigate such attacks and take action against the guilty and those behind the attacks.

He stressed on the need for internal security and asked all states to remain vigilant making special efforts in dealing with such elements.

The External Affairs Minister, Mr Jaswant Singh, briefed the Governors on the country’s foreign policy and the status of international relations. He said that a large number of countries had come out in the open in support for India’s UN Security Council membership which pointed out to the upswing the foreign policy India had achieved in the recent past.

The Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes, elucidated on nation’s defence preparedness, including modernisation of armed forces and border road network. He also exhorted the need for more cooperation among state for boosting the morale of the troops.

The Finance Minister, Mr Yashwant Sinha, said the country had registered an impressive economic growth in last couple of years. He also stressed on the need for increased fiscal discipline and taxation reforms on the part of the states to further consolidate the gains on economic front.