New Governors Appointed: A Fresh Slate for Indian States
A Major Reshuffle in India’s Governorial Landscape
In a landmark development, The President Droupadi Murmu appointed six new governors and rotated three others, thus creating a sweeping change in the landscape of the country. Thus, such actions, besides others, have a distinct potential to change state politics and administration.
Key Appointments and Reshuffles
Here’s a quick rundown of the key changes:
New Governors:
Haribahau Bagde is the new Governor of Rajasthan. He is followed by Santosh Gangwar who is the new resident Governor of Jharkhand, and Om Prakash Mathur the new secretary of Sikkim. It must be noted that CH Vijayashankar has been put in charge of Meghalaya as I do not think the development is directed only to you.
The other two new posts have gone to Ramen Deka of Chhattisgarh and Jishnu Dev Varma of Telangana respectively.
Haribahau Bagde is the new Governor of Rajasthan.
Santosh Gangwar is now the Governor of Jharkhand.
Om Prakash Mathur is the new Governor of Sikkim.
CH Vijayashankar is the new Governor of Meghalaya.
Ramen Deka is the new Governor of Chhattisgarh.
Jishnu Dev Varma is the new Governor of Telangana.
Reshuffled Governors:
Lakshman Prasad Acharya appointed as Governor of Assam and additionally assigned the charge of Manipur.Gulab Chand Kataria appointed as Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.C P Radhakrishnan appointed as Governor of Maharashtra.
Lakshman Prasad Acharya, who has been assigned the charge of the position of Governor-in-Assam in tandem with the one he is currently holding, which is in Manipur, has been appointed as the Governor of Assam.
Gulab Chand Kataria named Governor of Punjab and Administrator of Chandigarh.
C P Radhakrishnan named Governor of Maharashtra.
Effects of the Reshuffle
New governors appointing at the time of the leadership changes bring in new ideas and fresh perspectives. It can also be the root of action in the political landscape. The selection of governors is a part of the government’s larger tactical plan and is always seen from the perspective of the government.
Political Implications:
The re-assignment of powers to some could even mean significant changes in the political scene of the state. There may be new governors who would steer their ship in a unique way, gaining the upper hand in the decision-making process and implementing new policies.
Administrative Changes:
The Raj Bhavan can witness the implementation of new reforms and changes due to the change in leadership.
Centre-State Relations:
The new recruits might cause a disturbance in the relations between the national government and the states.
Functions and Duties of the Governor
The Governor is the Executive Head of the State within the meaning of Article 153 and 154 of the Constitution of India. Article 154 vests the executive powers of the State in the Governor who exercises it either directly or through officers subordinate to him in accordance with the Constitution. Under Article 163, the Governor as the Constitutional Head exercises all powers under the Constitution on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers. It includes summoning and proroguing the Session of the State Legislature, Promulgation of Ordinances, giving assent to the Bills and appointing the Council of Ministers.
There are certain functions, which are possibly to be exercised by the Governor in his/her discretion as sending report to the President under Article 356 and reserving Bill for the consideration of the President under Article 254(2).
The Governor is the appointing authority in respect of the following authorities:
- Advocate General
- The Lokayukta and Upa Lokayukta
- The State Election Commissioner
- The Chairman and Members of the Human Rights Commission
- The Chairman and Members of Public Service Commission
- The State Chief Information Commissioner and members of Information Commission.
Although the consequences of these appointments will only reveal themselves in the long run, it is evident that the transferred officials have the potential to change the governance landscape in many states of India. – up
Do you like the decision to appoint new governors? In your opinion which of the two states is most likely to be impacted by the changes? Let’s hear from the readers in the comments.