Governor of Indian States
Who is the Governor of a State?
The Governor is the Chief Executive (de facto executive) of the State. But, like the president, he is a nominal executive head. He also acts as an agent of the Central Government. Generally, there is one Governor for each state, but the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 facilitated the appointment of the same person as a governor for two or more states.
How is the Governor of a state elected?
The Governor of the state is neither directly elected by the people nor indirectly elected by a specially constituted electoral college. He is appointed by the President. In a way, he is nominated by the Central government but his office is not an employment under the Central Government. His office is an independent constitutional office.
Generally, he should not belong to the same state where he is appointed, so that he could be kept free from local politics.
What is the tenure of the Governor?
A governor holds office for a term of 5 years but his tenure is subjected to the pleasure of the President. He has no security of tenure and can be removed by the president at any time. He can hold office beyond his term of 5 years until his successor assumes charges.
What are the power and functions of the Governors?
- All executive actions of the government of a state are formally taken in his name.
- The Chief Minister and other ministers of the state are appointed by the Governor.
- He also appoints the Advocate General of the State, the State Election Commissioner, the Vice-Chancellors of Universities in the State, and the Chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission.
- He can recommend the imposition of Constitutional Emergency in a state to the President.
- During the period of President’s rule in a state, he has extensive executive power in the state.
- He acts as the Chancellor of Universities in the State.
- Without his recommendation, no demand for a grant can be made in the state.
- Like the president, he can also pardon, reprieve, respite, remit suspend or commute the punishment or sentence of any person convicted of any offense against a state law except by a Court-Martial. Also, he cannot pardon a death sentence.