Article 153 of the Indian Constitution deals with the appointment of governors for each state in India. The Constitution of India provides for a parliamentary form of government with a federal structure. Under this system, the governor is the constitutional head of the state and the representative of the President of India. The office of governor was created to ensure that there is a unifying link between the central government and the states.
Appointment of governors
The President of India appoints the governor of a state, and they hold office at the pleasure of the President. The governor is responsible for the administration of the state and has the power to exercise executive authority. However, the governor is also accountable to the state’s Council of Ministers, who are responsible for the day-to-day administration of the state.
The governor of a state is appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Union Cabinet. The governor’s appointment is based on several factors, including their experience in public life, knowledge of the state, and suitability for the post. An individual can be appointed as a governor if he or she is above 35 years of age and is a citizen of India.
The governor’s role
The governor’s role is to ensure the smooth functioning of the state government and to provide guidance to the Council of Ministers. The governor has several functions, including the power to summon, prorogue, and dissolve the state legislature. The governor also has the power to appoint the chief minister and other ministers of the state government.
The governor is also responsible for ensuring that the state’s finances are managed efficiently. The governor has the power to approve the state budget and other financial matters, such as the imposition of taxes and the appropriation of funds. The governor is also responsible for ensuring that the state’s revenue is collected efficiently and that the state’s expenditures are made in accordance with the budget.
A constitutional amendment
In 1956, a constitutional amendment was made to Article 153 to allow the same individual to be appointed as the governor of two or more states. This change was made to ensure that the appointment of governors did not become a political issue and to ensure that the best person was appointed to the post.
The tenure for the governor is five years. If the president withdraws his pleasure before the tenure is completed, the governor is required to step down. The governor can also resign from the post if he or she wishes to do so. In the event of a vacancy, the President can appoint an acting governor to perform the duties of the governor until a new governor is appointed.
