Polity Chapters

1. Evolution of Indian Constitution2. Constituent Assembly and Making of the Constitution3. Different Sources of the Indian Constitution4. Important Articles of the Constitution5. Important Amendments of the Constitution6. Some Special features of the Indian Constitution7. Federal and Unitary features of the Indian Union8. The Preamble9. Lapse of Paramountcy10. Integration and Merger of Indian States11. The Union and its Territories12. Reorganization of States13. Citizenship14. Fundamental Rights15. Directive Principles of State Policy16. Fundamental Duties17. Procedure of Amending the Constitution18. Executive of the Union19. The Parliament of India20. President of India21. Vice President22. Prime Minister23. Council of Ministers24. Lok Sabha25. Rajya Sabha26. Vidhan Sabha27. Vidhan Parishad28. Governor29. Chief Minister30. State Council of Ministers31. The Parliament of India32. NITI Aayog33. Executive of the States34. Special Position of J and K35. Panchayats36. Municipalities37. The Supreme Court38. The High Court39. Inter-State Council40. Finance Commission41. Planning Commission42. National Development Council43. National Integration Council44. Inter State Relations45. Emergency Provisions46. Public Service Commissions47. Election48. Delimitation Commission of India49. The Official Languages50. National Symbols51. Glossary of Constitutional Terms

Governor of a State

The Governor is the constitutional head of a state, appointed by the President of India.

Introduction

The Governor is the nominal executive head of the state, just like the President at the Union level. He/she acts as the link between the central government and the state government.

Articles 153 to 162 of the Indian Constitution deal with the Governor.

Appointment of the Governor

  • Appointed by the President of India.
  • No election; a nominated post.
  • The same person can be appointed as Governor for two or more states.

Qualifications

  • Citizen of India
  • Minimum age: 35 years
  • Should not be a member of Parliament or State Legislature
  • Should not hold any office of profit

Term and Salary

  • Appointed for a term of 5 years, but holds office at the pleasure of the President.
  • Can resign by writing to the President.
  • Salary and allowances decided by the Parliament and charged on the Consolidated Fund of the State.

Powers of the Governor

1. Executive Powers

  • Appoints Chief Minister and other Ministers
  • Appoints Advocate General, State Election Commissioner, Chairperson of State Public Service Commission
  • Administers oaths of office

2. Legislative Powers

  • Summons and prorogues the State Legislature
  • Can dissolve the Vidhan Sabha
  • Addresses the state legislature at the beginning of the first session
  • Gives assent to bills or withholds assent or reserves it for the President
  • Can promulgate ordinances under Article 213

3. Financial Powers

  • Ensures the Annual Budget is laid before the Legislature
  • Can recommend introduction of Money Bills

4. Judicial Powers

  • Can grant pardons, reprieves, etc., in cases under state law

5. Emergency Powers

  • Acts as the representative of the President during President's Rule under Article 356

Discretionary Powers

The Governor usually acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers. However, in certain cases, he can act in his discretion:

  • Appointing a CM when no party has clear majority
  • Recommending President’s Rule
  • Reserving bills for the President

Previous Year Questions

  • Q1 (HSSC 2022): The Governor of a State is appointed by?
  • President of India
  • Q2 (SSC CGL 2021): What is the term of office of the Governor?
  • 5 years
  • Q3 (RRB NTPC 2019): Which Article deals with the appointment of Governor?
  • Article 155
  • Q4 (UPSC 2018): Which article provides for discretionary powers to Governor?
  • Article 163
  • Q5 (SSC CHSL 2020): Who gives assent to a state bill?
  • Governor
  • Q6 (RRB ALP 2018): Can a Governor be appointed for more than one state?
  • Yes
  • Q7 (HSSC JE 2019): Minimum age for Governor?
  • 35 years
  • Q8 (SSC MTS 2022): Under which Article can the Governor issue ordinances?
  • Article 213
  • Q9 (UPPSC 2021): Who administers the oath to the Governor?
  • Chief Justice of the High Court
  • Q10 (RRB Group D 2021): Is Governor a part of State Legislature?
  • Yes
  • Q11 (SSC GD 2019): Which body can remove a Governor?
  • President of India
  • Q12 (SSC JE 2020): Who appoints the Advocate General of State?
  • Governor
  • Q13 (UPSC 2020): In case of no majority, who selects CM?
  • Governor using discretion
  • Q14 (SSC CPO 2020): Governor is responsible to whom?
  • President of India
  • Q15 (HPSC 2022): Governor’s ordinance power is similar to President’s power under?
  • Article 123 (President), Article 213 (Governor)

Conclusion

The Governor is an essential part of the state administration. Although a nominal head, he plays a critical role in maintaining constitutional balance and ensuring smooth functioning of the state government.

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