Who is a Governor of a State in India?

The Governor holds the position of the Chief Executive of the State. However, like the President of India, they serve as a Nominal Executive Head which is also known as the Titular or Constitutional Head. In addition to their State responsibilities, the Governor acts as an agent of the Central government, thus having a dual role. Usually, each State has its own Governor. However, the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1956 allowed the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States. Furthermore, there are currently 28 Governors in India with the President of India appointing them. 

What is the Main Role of the Governor?

The Governor of a State in India acts as a bridge between the Central government and the State, thus making sure that the State administration functions smoothly. Additionally, the Governor holds notable powers such as appointing the Chief Minister and doling out ministerial positions. Moreover, they also have an important part in the Legislative process by assenting to Bills passed by the State Assembly.  However, while usually bound by the advice of the Chief Minister and Cabinet, Governors can exercise discretion in certain situations.

Also Read: What is the Difference between the Council of Ministers and the Cabinet?

Qualifications of the Governor 

The Constitution specifies only 2 requirements for the appointment of a person as a Governor: 

• Citizenship of India.
• Attainment of the age of 35 years.

The Sarkaria Commission on Centre-State Relations (1983-88) put forward the following suggestions:

• The criteria for a person to be appointed as a Governor should include:
  • Their eminence in a particular field.
  • Moreover, they need to be from outside the State.
  • Maintaining a degree of detachment from local State politics.
  • Having a limited involvement in politics in general, especially recently.

• It is advised that a politician from the Ruling party at the Centre should not be appointed as Governor of a State governed by another party or coalition of parties.

• Furthermore, to guarantee effective consultation with the State Chief Minister in the selection of a Governor. Moreover, the constitution should specify the consultation process, possibly by amending Article 155.

• The Prime Minister may consult the Vice-President of India and the Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the Governor’s selection. Therefore, this consultation should be informal and confidential and not a matter of Constitutional obligation.

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