Part VI of the Indian Constitution covers the state executive, which includes the governor as executive head, the chief minister, the council of ministers, and the attorney general. A governor of the state is the formal executive leader of the state, but it also serves as an agent of the union government; therefore, he has dual duty. Before the 7th constitutional amendment, each state had its own governor, but the 1956 amendment made it easier to nominate the same individual to lead two or more states. The president of India appoints the governor.
Necessary Qualifications to be a Governor
The Indian Constitution’s Article 157 discusses the criteria for nomination as a judge.
He should be an Indian citizen.
He should’ve reached the age of 35.
The requirements, however, are as follows:
He should not be a member of the state legislature or the House of people.
He should also refrain from holding any other office of profit.
Over the years, two more norms have emerged in this regard.
He should be an outsider in the first place (to the state) and should not participate in active politics.
As a result, he will be unable to become involved in local politics and interests and will be able to exercise his role with the highest honesty and neutrality.
Before choosing the governor, the president must consult with the chief minister of the state in question. However, there have been instances where these two norms have been broken.
How to become Governor of a State in India?
The Governor is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of the Cabinet, according to the Indian Constitution. However, this issue has evolved into a political one, with citizens being rewarded for supporting the ruling political party. However, depending on the morals of the government, good, experienced academics and others can also become governors.
The president appoints the governor (Article 155). The governorship is not a position in the union government. It is a constitutionally autonomous office. Governors were supposed to keep out of politics, according to our constitution.
An Indian citizen who has reached the age of 35 can become a governor (Article 157). He should not, however, be a Member of Parliament or a Member of the Legislative Assembly, nor should he occupy any profit-making post (Article 158).
Despite the fact that the governor is elected by the president, the idea originates from the center’s dominant political party leaders. This appointment has recently evolved into a rehabilitation procedure for people who have lost elections, a way to reward those who have served the ruling party, or a way to resolve seat sharing and other internal party conflicts.
As a result, if you want to be governor, the most crucial thing is to gain the attention of a powerful political party. You may do this by either joining the party, serving them for a long period or becoming a powerful figure.
Work as a bureaucrat with a political bent.
Obtain a solid reputation as a lawyer or academician and indirectly assist a political party.
The Governor is a representative of the President who serves at the President’s pleasure. As a result, the president does not need to seek counsel from the chief minister or anybody else in order to remove them from office.
Is it necessary for the Governor to be an outsider?
Governors are often outsiders who do not reside in the state in which they hold office. This is a tradition rather than a legal obligation. Its goal is to keep the governor out of locall politics. Because it is not an eligibility requirement, a person can be appointed as Governor of their home state if the president of the center wishes.
Conclusion
The Governor is the Executive Head of the State, and his duties are generally equivalent to those of India’s President. A person can be named Governor of two or more states, and their appointment is uncontested.
He has the legislative power to approve or refuse a bill’s assent. The power to call the State Assembly to order and adjourn it. He also possesses judicial powers, including the power to grant pardons. The Governor is also important in financial matters, as many financial bills may only be submitted on the Governor’s recommendation.