By IANS,
Shimla : Prabha Rau was sworn in Saturday as Himachal Pradesh’s governor at a ceremony held at the Raj Bhawan here.
She was administered oath of office and secrecy by Himachal Pradesh High Court Chief Justice Jagdish Bhalla.
Rau was also presented a guard of honour by a police contingent.
She succeeds Vishnu Sadashiv Kokje, who completed his five-year term May 8.
Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, former chief minister Virbhadra Singh, several ministers and leaders of different political parties, besides government officials were present on the occasion.
Rau, a former MP, told reporters that she would ensure the safety of Himachalis settled in Maharashtra while referring to violence against north Indians there.
She also assured of measures for the welfare of women, particularly from rural areas.
Prabha Rau was member of the Maharashtra state assembly from 1972 to 1990, besides being an MP 1999-2004.
She is third woman governor of the state since its inception in January 1971. The other two incumbents – Sheila Kaul and V.S. Rama Devi – had a short stay in Barnes Court, as the Raj Bhawan is also referred to.