Governors in India: Role, Powers, List & Functions

The Governor is the constitutional head of a state appointed by the President of India for five years. Just so you remember! President of India= Governor of a state & Prime Minister of India= Chief Minister of a state. Moving on towards the powers of the Governors. He/ she enjoys executive, legislative & even the judicial powers. 

• Executive powers- Includes the appointment of the Chief Minister and other ministers, assent to bills passed by the state legislature, and the power to pardon or reduce sentences. 

• Legislative powers- Includes summoning & discontinuing the state legislature along with addressing the house. 

• Judicial powers- Includes the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and suspensions of sentences. 

The role of Governors is defined by our Indian Constitution. So, let’s check out the key roles, powers & functions of Governors under the Indian Constitution via this article.

Role & Powers of Governors in India

1. Constitutional Head: The Governor is the constitutional head of a state or union territory. They represent the President of India at the state level & they are the link between the Centre and the States.

2. Executive Powers: The Governor exercises executive powers on behalf of the President & also appoints the Chief Minister (leader of the majority party in the state), along with other members of the Council of Ministers on the advice of the Chief Minister. He also appoints the Advocate General and members of the State PSC.

3. Legislative Powers: Amongst many legislative powers. Governors can summon and prorogue the sessions of the state legislature, address the legislature at the beginning of each session & provide assent to bills passed by the state legislature.

4. Discretionary Powers: The Governor has discretionary powers which are to be exercised only at certain situations. Say for example, the Governor can reserve certain bills passed by the state legislature for the President’s consideration if they feel so or he can also return a bill to the state legislature for reconsideration.

5. Judicial Powers: The Governor appoints the Chief Justice and other judges of the High Courts of their respective states. They also have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, and remissions of punishment to individuals convicted of offenses under state laws.

6. Emergency Powers: In case of a constitutional crisis or breakdown of the constitutional machinery in the state, the Governor has the power to assume a few emergency powers such as taking over the state’s administration or recommending President's rule in the state.

7. Diplomatic Role: The Governor represents the state in ceremonial & diplomatic functions and hosts dignitaries, such as the President, Prime Minister, and foreign diplomats etc.

Qualifications of a Governor

The qualifications and eligibility criteria for the Governor in India are herein mentioned:

1. The person must be a citizen of India.

2. No specific age requirement mentioned in the Indian Constitution for the position of Governor. However, the President generally considers individuals who have reached a certain level of maturity and experience.

3. Disqualifications: Certain disqualifications may apply, like being of unsound mind, bankruptcy, holding any office of profit under the Union or State government.

4. Appointment: The Governor is appointed by the President of India for a particular state or union territory.

5. Political Affiliation: The Governor is usually appointed from outside the state and may not have any political affiliation or may have a different political background than the ruling party in the state.

Now, let’s into the difference between Chief Minister and Governor- Who do you think is more powerful?

Difference between Chief Minister & Governor

List of Chief Ministers and Governors in India 2023 

List of Governors of UT 2023