QUES . Analyse the powers of the Governor and the causes for their frequent friction with states. UPSC IES/ISS EXAM 2022. General Studies. 200 Words. 5 Marks

HINTS:

The Governor is the constitutional head of a state and is appointed by the President of India. The powers of the Governor are outlined in the Indian Constitution, and they serve as the representative of the President in the state.

The Governor has several powers, including:

Executive Powers: The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other ministers, advocate general of a state, state election commissioner, etc. All executive actions of the government of a state are formally taken in his name.

Legislative Powers: The Governor summons and prorogues the state legislature, and they can also dissolve the state assembly in certain situations. They can withhold their assent to bills passed by the state legislature and reserve them for the consideration of the President.

Financial Powers: Money bills can be introduced in the state legislature only with his prior recommendation. He sees that the Annual Financial Statement (state budget) is laid before the state legislature.

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Judicial Powers: He can grant pardons, reprives, respites and remissions of punishment or suspend, remit and commute the sentence of any person.

Thus, the Governor although meant to be apolitical and act on the advice of the council of ministers, holds significant powers granted under the Constitution.

However, while the Constitution grants powers to the Governor, there are no specific provisions on how the Governor and the state government should publicly engage when there is a difference of opinion which often leads to friction between the Governor and the state government.

Some of the causes of friction are:

Political Differences: Often, the Governor is appointed by the central government, which may be of a different political party than the state government. This can lead to political differences, and the Governor may use their powers to undermine the state government’s functioning.

Disputes over Bills: The Governor can withhold their assent to bills passed by the state legislature, which can lead to disputes between the Governor and the state government. This can lead to delays in implementing policies and can impact the functioning of the state government.

Dissolution of State Assembly: The Governor has the power to dissolve the state assembly in certain situations, which can lead to friction with the state government. This power can be used by the Governor to prevent the state government from functioning effectively.

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Appointment of Chief Minister: The Governor appoints the Chief Minister of the state, and this power can be used to appoint someone who is not favored by the state government. This can lead to friction between the Governor and the state government.

Thus, while the Governor has significant powers under the Indian Constitution, there are also friction between the Governor and the state government. These include political differences, disputes over bills, dissolution of the state assembly, and appointment of the Chief Minister. It is important for both the Governor and the state government to work together in a spirit of cooperation and mutual respect to ensure the smooth functioning of the state.

External link: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/state-government-governors-powers-disagreements-9240141/