Should the post of State Governor be abolished?
Important for mains
Governor is the nominal head of the state and considered as the “lynchpin” between the centre and the state. Governor’s post should not be abolished because of the nature of duties he performs. If the post is abolished, it will create a burden on the President
Some of the duties performed by Governor are:
– Sends the reports to President regarding the administration in the state and informs the President whenever the constitutional machinery fails or the state government is not working as per central government’s guidelines
– When no party has secured a clear majority, the Governor calls upon the party/coalition with highest votes to prove its majority on the house floor
– The bills passed in state legislature require Governor’s assent, then only become act
– When Governor feels a bill requires President approval he sends it for his assent. This way he ensures no unconstitutional bill gets passed
Now, if the post is abolished:
– Who will send the report to President regarding state’s administration?
– Due to large number of states and UTs President may not have time to look into the administration of all states personally. It will give a free hand to the states and will lead to collapse of federal structure.
– If there is no Governor, all the bills passed by all the state legislatures will require President’s assent, which will increase the President’s burden.
The Governor’s post should not be abolished, instead measures should be taken to improve what is wrong, like:
– As of now, the Governor is appointed by President (on the advise of COM) and holds office till he has President’s pleasure. The Governor should be given a fixed tenure (may be 5 years), so that he can perform his duties without the pressure of being removed.
– an eminent person who is outsider, away from local politics should be appointed in consultation with CM, Vice President and the Speaker.
– on his removal, reasonable opportunity to be given and explanation should be laid before both the Houses of Parliament
– his removal should be by a representational legislative process
-after his removal he should not be fit to hold any office of profit except that of President, Vice-president or governor.
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