New Governors Appointed: Understanding the Appointment Process for State Governors in India

Major reshuffles have been seen in some major states of India. On Saturday, July 28, President Droupadi Murmu appointed governors for the states of Rajasthan, Telangana, Maharashtra, Punjab, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Assam, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The governor of Assam, Lakshman Prasad Acharya, has been given an additional charge for Manipur. 

The President of India overlooks the appointment of State Governors to act as the Central government's representatives. This decision can be perceived as one of the major changes done by the Modi government since coming back to power.

What are the New Appointments

Check the table to know the names of the new governors appointed along with the charge of the state:

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Appointment of Governor in terms of Article Number

Since the post of a Governor is constitutional, there are articles mentioned in the constitution that deal with the procedure of appointment and removal of the Governor of state and union territory:

• Governor for Each State: Article 153 of the Indian Constitution states that each state will have a Governor. In 1956, an amendment allowed the center can appoint a  Governor for two or more states.
• Appointment by the President: As per Article 155 of the Constitution, the Governor of a state is appointed by the President of India under the nomination of the central government.
• Term and Removal: According to Article 156, a governor has a five-year tenure that is subject to change at the president's discretion. However, if the President withdraws support before five years, the Governor must resign.
• Central Government's Role: The central government has the authority to nominate and remove Governors. The President follows the advice of the Prime Minister and the Union Council of Ministers.

Eligibility Criteria for Governor 

Articles 157 and 158 of the Indian Constitution talk about the specific qualifications and conditions required for the position of a Governor.

• The Governor must be a citizen of India 
• He/She must be at least 35 years of age.

• He/She cannot be a member of Parliament or a state legislature.
• He/She must not hold any other office of profit.

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