Governor of a State

This article covers Governor of a State in India- Appointment, Tenure, Role, Powers and functions, etc. This will help you in clearing all your concepts related to Indian Polity and thus ensuring good score in competitive exams like State PCS, UPSC CDS, SSC CGL, SSC CHSL, Railway exams, etc.

The Governor, unlike the Chief Minister who is the de facto head of a state in India, is the principle head of the state.

According to the 7^th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956, a person can be the governor of two or more states.

All matters relating to the appointment of the Governor, his powers and the office of the Governor are described under Article 153 to Article 162 of the Constitution of India.

Dual role of Governor:

It acts as an important link between the central and state government.
He is the constitutional head of state and works only on the advice of the Council of Ministers.

Appointment:

Under Article 155, the Governor of a state is appointed by the President.
Article 157 and Article 158 describe the eligibility and requirements for the post of Governor.

Tenure:

Article 156 describes the tenure of the Governor. According to this, the Governor can continue in his office for 5 years during the pleasure of the President.
The Governor can resign from his post by addressing the President or he can be dismissed by the President before five years.
There is no provision of impeachment as it is for the President.

Read the complete list of Governors/Lieutenant Governors/Administrator of Indian States/UTs.

Powers and Functions:

The following powers have been conferred on the Governor by the Indian Constitution:

Like the President of India, the governor also has some executive, legislative and judicial powers. He is consulted during the appointment of judges of High Court. He appoints the State Council of Ministers on the recommendation of the Chief Minister of that State.
The governor also has pardoning powers similar to that of Indian President but he cannot pardon a death sentence.
He can nominate one member to the state legislative assembly and one-sixth members to the state legislative council.
But the governor has no diplomatic or military powers, like the President. Governor serves as commander-in-chief of the state’s military forces.
In addition, he also has some discretionary or emergency powers. The discretionary powers of the Governor are as follows:
- The Governor can dissolve the Vidhan Sabha, if the Chief Minister loses the trust vote of majority.
- The Governor may reserve any bill passed by the state legislature for the assent of the President at his discretion.
- Also, the Governor may at his discretion recommend President's rule in case of failure of constitutional machinery in the State.
- The Governor can seek information from the Chief Minister regarding the administrative and legislative matters of the state.