Governors of the states of India =========================== | UPSC SSC Exam Current Affairs and Study Notes

Governors of the states of India
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The Governor of the state by virtue of his or her office is also the Chancellor of most of the Universities in the State. The dignity and impartiality of the office of the Chancellor puts the Governor in a unique position with regard to protecting the autonomy of the Universities and saving them from undue political interference. The Governor as Chancellor of University also acts as President of the Senate. Governor has power to direct inspection of every component of the Universities and affiliated colleges, required due action on the result of inquiry. The Chancellor appoints search committee for appointments of Vice Chancellor. Governor accords consent of warrant of degrees and withdraw degree or distinctions both at the recommendations of the Senate. Governor approves or disapproves statutes passed by the Senate and appoints teachers of the University based on recommendation of the respective committees.


➨Legislative powers
The state head summons the sessions of both houses of the state legislature and prorogues them. The governor can even dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. These powers are formal and the governor's use of these powers must comply with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.

The governor inaugurates (to dedicate) the state legislature by addressing it after the assembly elections and also at the beginning of the first session every year. The governor's address on these occasions generally outlines new policies of the state government. A bill that the state legislature has passed, can become a law only after the governor gives assent. The governor can return a bill to the state legislature, if it is not a money bill, for reconsideration. However, if the state legislature sends it back to the governor for the second time, the governor must assent to it. The governor has the power to reserve certain bills for the president.

When the state legislature is not in session and the governor considers it necessary to have a law, then the governor can promulgate ordinances. These ordinances are submitted to the state legislature at its next session. They remain valid for no more than six weeks from the date the state legislature is reconvened unless approved by it earlier.

Governor is empowered under Article 192 to disqualify a member of a House of the State legislature when the election commission recommends that the legislator is no longer complying with provisions of Article 191.

As Per Articles 165 and 177, Governor can ask the Advocate General to attend the proceedings of both houses of the state legislature and report to him any unlawful functioning if any.


➨Financial powers
The governor causes to be laid before the State Legislature the annual financial statement which is the State Budget. Further no demand for grant shall be made except on his recommendation. They can also make advances out of the Contingency Fund of the State to meet any unforeseen expenditure. Moreover, he constitutes the Finance Commission of state.


➨Discretionary powers
The governor can use these powers:

When no party gets a clear majority, the governor has discretion to choose a candidate for chief minister who will put together a majority coalition as soon as possible.
He can impose president's rule.
He submits reports on his own to the president or on the direction of the president regarding the affairs of the state.
He can withhold his assent to a bill and send it to the president for his approval.
During emergency rule per Article 353, he can override the advice of the council of ministers if specifically permitted by the president.