Part VI: The States

Governors of States

Article 153: Governors of States

--- Original Article ---

There shall be a Governor for each State: Provided that nothing in this article shall prevent the appointment of the same person as Governor for two or more States.

Amendment Section

1. Added by Section 6 of the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956 (Effective November 1, 1956).

Explanation

Article 153 of the Indian Constitution forms the foundation for the appointment of Governors in Indian states. The Governor acts as the constitutional head, a ceremonial yet significant position that ensures the smooth functioning of state-level administration. This article highlights the vital role of the Governor in maintaining constitutional balance and the administrative machinery of a state. The provision also includes an amendment that allows for the appointment of a single Governor for multiple states, underscoring the flexibility and adaptability of India's federal system.

Fundamental Aspects

• Clause 1: Appointment of Governor for Each State - This clause mandates the appointment of a Governor for each state in India, who serves as the ceremonial head and upholds the constitutional framework. The Governor’s responsibilities include assent to state bills and appointments of key officials in consultation with the President of India.
• Clause 2: Same Governor for Two or More States (Amendment) - Added by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, this clause allows one individual to serve as Governor for multiple states, fostering administrative coherence and reducing costs in closely aligned states.

Real-Life Examples

• Governor for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana (2014): After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, E.S.L. Narasimhan was appointed as the Governor for both Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, ensuring smooth governance during the state reorganization.
• Governor of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra (2002–2004): P.S. Ramamohan Rao held dual responsibilities as the Governor of Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra, efficiently managing resources while supporting both states.
• Governor of West Bengal and Bihar (1977–1979): Lakshmi Kant Jha served as Governor for both West Bengal and Bihar, promoting coherence between the geographically proximate states.
• Governor of Punjab, Haryana, and Himachal Pradesh (1980s): Surjit Singh Sandhawalia’s tenure as Governor for these states streamlined governance across these neighboring regions.

Historical Significance

The amendment of Article 153 in 1956 reflects India's administrative evolution during a time when the country was grappling with the reorganization of states. The ability to appoint a single Governor for multiple states ensured a more streamlined approach to governance. It allowed the Union government to maintain oversight over smaller or less populated states without creating unnecessary financial burdens. The amendment holds importance in India's broader federal framework, emphasizing the need for balance between central authority and state autonomy.

Legislative History

Article 153 of the Indian Constitution, initially introduced and debated as Article 129 of the Draft Constitution, was subsequently incorporated into the Indian Constitution on May 30, 1949. This foundation established the Governor’s role in the Indian federal system.

Debates and Deliberations

During the Constitutional Assembly debate, Shri Lakshmi Narain Sahu proposed that each state listed in Part I of the First Schedule should have at least one Governor to maintain self-respect and avoid exclusion, citing Orissa's lack of representation in central services.

Shri R.K. Sidhwa agreed with provincial representation but questioned the necessity of including it in the Constitution.

Shri Brajeshwar Prasad opposed the need for Governors, advocating for a federal structure led by Divisional Commissioners and criticizing the federal structure. Dr. P.S. Deshmukh supported a unitary system to address provincial conflicts, arguing the draft Constitution’s federal nature mirrored the 1935 Government of India Act.

Shri Rohini Kumar Chaudhuri suggested that elected Governors would address the imbalance, but the amendment was ultimately rejected, and Article 129 was adopted as Article 153.

References

• The Constitution of India
• Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956
• Case Study on Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Bifurcation, 2014