The executive powers and functions of the Governor of a state in India reflect their role as the chief executive head of the state. Here are the main powers and functions:
Formally Taking Actions:
- All executive actions of the state government are formally taken in the name of the Governor.
Authenticating Orders and Instruments:
- The Governor can make rules specifying the manner in which orders and other instruments executed in their name shall be authenticated.
Convenient Transaction of Business:
- The Governor can make rules for the more convenient transaction of the business of the state government and for the allocation of business among the ministers.
Appointment of Chief Minister and Ministers:
- The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers, who hold office during the pleasure of the Governor.
- In states with a significant tribal population (Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and Odisha), the Governor appoints a Tribal Welfare minister.
Appointment of Advocate General:
- The Governor appoints the advocate general of the state and determines their remuneration. The advocate general holds office during the pleasure of the Governor.
Appointment of State Election Commissioner:
- The Governor appoints the state election commissioner and determines their conditions of service and tenure of office.
- However, the state election commissioner can be removed only in a manner similar to the removal of a high court judge.
Appointment of Chairman and Members of the State Public Service Commission:
- The Governor appoints the chairman and members of the state public service commission. However, they can only be removed by the President and not by the Governor.
Seeking Information:
- The Governor can request information from the Chief Minister regarding the administration of the state and proposals for legislation.
Requiring Matters to be Considered by the Council of Ministers:
- The Governor can require the Chief Minister to submit matters for the consideration of the council of ministers if they have been decided by a minister but have not been considered by the council.
Recommending Constitutional Emergency:
- The Governor can recommend the imposition of constitutional emergency in a state to the President. During a period of President's rule in the state, the Governor enjoys extensive executive powers as an agent of the President.
Chancellor of Universities:
- The Governor acts as the chancellor of universities in the state and appoints the vice chancellors of universities in the state.
