Contents
Source– The post is based on the article “Should Chief Ministers have a say in the appointment of Governors?” published in The Hindu on 10th November 2022.
Syllabus: GS2- Functioning of executive and issues related to federalism
News- The article explains the mechanims and powers of office of Governor.
What are the roles and responsibilities of a Governor?
The post of Governor is actually inherited from the past. The Mughals had Governors in order to be able to reach out to vast territories of the empire. The British also had Governors to be able to govern India.
The Governor has administrative and political functions to perform. These include addressing the joint session of the Assembly and the Budget session, and signing Bills that have been passed by the Assembly.
We are a federal country. So, there is a need to ensure unity and some level of uniformity across the Union. The post of Governor as a link between the Centre and the States.
Why did the Sarkaria Commission recommend that CM should be consulted in appointment of Governors?
Many times, Governors take decisions as directed by the Union Home Ministry and the Central government. They have shown little regard for the Assembly or the State and changed governments at their will.
The Governor is supposed to be an independent, non-partisan person. He/she is supposed to keep the interests of the State in mind. The relationship between the Governor and the Chief Minister is what determines smooth functioning.
Should the CM be consulted in the appointment of the Governor?
Governors have to make independent decisions. These are deciding a government, the numbers, or the vote of confidence. The Governor at times has to go against the will of the Chief Minister.
The Governor has to be independent to function in a non-partisan manner. He should not be beholden to the ruling party or to the Chief Minister.
There should be general consultation. The opinion of the Chief Minister would go a long way in helping make the functioning of the Governor in a State more effective.
What about the NCRWC suggestion for a committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Home Minister, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chief Minister of the State concerned to select a Governor?
The total composition of the committee is of the ruling party at the Centre. It should be the Vice-President, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha, the Leader of the Opposition, and maybe the Chief Minister of the State.
We have no criteria, no minimum qualifications laid out for a Governor. These are often retirement perks or rewards for loyalty to a particular party. Governors cannot be called before a court of law. These are things which have to be kept in mind. The appointment of Governors cannot be according to the whims and fancies of the Prime Minister.
What should be the way forward for the Governor?
Therefore, there has to be cooperation and coordination between the State government and the Governor, irrespective of their political loyalties.
The majority and vote of confidence has to be decided on the floor of the House.
The Governor is supposed to be a friend, philosopher and guide. He should help from the back for sorting out issues and resolving disputes, even between political parties. The Governor should also advise the Centre on what is happening and what needs to be done.
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