Powers and Functions of Governor of State

The Governor enjoys many different types of powers:

• Executive powers related to administration, appointments and removals,
• Legislative powers related to lawmaking and the state legislature, that is Vidhan Sabha or Vidhan Parishad,
• Discretionary powers to be carried out according to the discretion of the Governor.

Qualifications of the Governor of State

• He must be the citizen of India.
• He must passed the age of 35 years.
• He must not be the member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
• He cannot hold any other office.

Powers of the Governor of the State

Executive Powers of the Governor

• Appoints Chief Minister,
• Council of Ministers,
• Chairman & members of State Public Service Commission,
• Advocate General of the State and Election Commissioner of the State.

Legislative Powers of the Governor

• Summons, Prorogues & dissolves the State Legislature.
• Addresses the first session of State Legislature after election and at the beginning of each new session.
• Sends messages to State Legislature on bills pending before it.
• Appoints l/6th members of Legislative Council.
• Nominates one member from the Anglo-Indian community (if not proper representation).
• Makes laws through ordinances.
• Gives assent to the Bills so that they become laws.
• The Governor has three alternatives before him with respect to the Bills :
• He can give his assent to the Bill;
• He can return it, if it is not a Money Bill, for reconsideration suggesting alternations. But such Bills when passed again have to be given assent;
• He may reserve the Bill for the assent of the President.

Financial Powers of the Governor

• Ensures that the budget is laid. All money bills can be introduced on his recommendation only.

Judicial Powers of the Governor

• President consults Governor while appointing Chief Justice and other judges of High Court.
• Appoints judges of courts below the High Court can grant pardon reprieve or remission of punishment for offense against State laws.General Studies Question Bank CD
• But he cannot grant pardon in cases of death sentences.

Emergency Powers of the Governor

• Reports to the President if the State Government is not running constitutionally and recommends the President’s Rule (Article 356).
• When the President’s Rule is in progress, he becomes the Agent of the Union Government in the State’.
• He takes over the reigns of administration directly into his own hands and runs the State with the aid of the Civil Servants.

Other Powers

• Receives & tables the report of State Auditor General.
• Tables the report of State Public Service Commission.
• Acts as Chancellor of State Universities & appoints Vice – chancellor.
• Can appoint any members as Chief Minister if no party has clear – cut majority.
• Can refuse to sign an ordinary bill passed by State Legislature.