Governor – Constitutional Head of the State (UPSC & UPPSC Polity Notes)
The Governor is the Constitutional Head of a State in India, similar to how the President acts at the Union level. Although the office appears ceremonial, the Governor performs important constitutional, legislative, executive, and discretionary functions.
For UPSC, UPPSC, and State PCS exams, the topic is crucial due to repeated questions from Articles 153 to 167 of the Indian Constitution.
What is the Governor? (Article 153)
Article 153 mandates that each State shall have a Governor, but the same person may be appointed as Governor for two or more states.
Appointment of Governor (Article 155)
- Appointed by: The President of India
- Method: Indirect appointment
- On advice of: Union Council of Ministers
- Oath administered by: Chief Justice of High Court / next senior judge
Eligibility (Article 157):
- Must be a citizen of India
- Minimum age: 35 years
- Terms (Article 156):Tenure: 5 years
- Holds office during the pleasure of the President
- Can resign anytime by writing to the President
Powers and Functions of the Governor
1. Executive Powers
- Appoints Chief Minister, other Ministers, and the Advocate General
- Appoints State Election Commissioner, Chairman & Members of State Public Service Commission
- Can recommend President’s Rule under Article 356
- Responsible for the administration of Scheduled Areas & Tribal Areas
2. Legislative Powers
- Summons, prorogues, and dissolves the State Legislature
- Gives assent to Bills or can withhold/return Bills (except money bills)Can reserve bills for the President
- Addresses the first session after general elections / beginning of the year
- Nominates 1 Anglo-Indian member (if needed) in Legislative Assembly (abolished in 2020, but important for MCQs).
3. Financial Powers
- No money bill can be introduced without Governor’s recommendation
- Lays the Annual Budget before State Legislature
- Oversees the functioning of the Consolidated Fund of the State.
4. Judicial Powers
- Can grant pardons, reprieves, respites, or remissions for offences under state laws
- Appoints judges to District Courts
5. Discretionary Powers (Very Important for UPSC/UPPSC)
- Appointment of CM when no party has a clear majority
- Sending a report recommending President’s Rule (Art. 356)
- Reserving bills for President’s consideration
- Dismissing a government that has lost majority
- Determining if a floor test is required
- This is a favorite area for exam questions.
Important Articles Related to Governor
| Articles | Provisions |
| 153 | Governor for each State |
| 154 | Executive powers of the State |
| 155 | Appointment of Governor |
| 156 | Term & Removal |
| 157 | Qualifications |
| 158 | Conditions of Office |
| 159 | Oath or Affirmation |
| 160 | Contingency provisions |
| 161 | Pardoning powers |
| 163 | Council of Ministers to aid & advise Governor |
| 164 | Appointment of Ministers |
| 165 | Advocate General |
| 166 | Conduct of Business of State Govt |
| 167 | Duties of CM regarding information to Governor |
Governor & Controversies (Current Affairs Link)
This section helps in UPSC Mains and UPPSC Essay:
- Misuse of Article 356
- Conflict with elected governments in states like West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
- Delays in assenting to bills
- Debate over discretionary powers
Conclusion
The Governor plays a key constitutional role in maintaining the Federal structure of India. Despite being appointed by the Centre, the office carries significant responsibility in ensuring constitutional functioning, democratic stability, and state governance.