Page 106 - sst_class_07

(i) ExEcutivE PowErs
As Executive Head of the state, The Governor exercises power similar to those of the
President. The Governor appoints the Chief Minister on whose advice the other ministers

are appointed. He appoints the Advocate General and Chairman and Members of the State
Public Service Commission. He is consulted by the President while appointing Judges of
the State High Court. It is the duty of the Chief Minister to communicate to the Governor
all decision of the Council of Ministers regarding the administration of the state. The Chief
Minister is also required to furnish such information as the Governor may call for.
(ii) lEgislativE PowErs

• Bill becomes an Act only if signed by the Governor.

• Governor can even dissolve the State Legislative Assembly on the advice of the Chief Minister.
• Governor summons the session of the State Legislature.
• 1/6th of the members of the Legislative Council are appointed by the Governor.

• The Governor can also promulgate ordinance.
(iii) Financial PowErs

• No Money Bill can be introduced in the Vidhan Sabha without the prior approval of
the Governor.
• During one of the Assembly debates, the opposition raised the question of the
necessity of a Governor. While replying to this debate, Rajaji (Chief Minister of the
Madras State) said, “the Governor was like a fire-fighting vehicle.” So long as there
was no fire, the fire engines would be idle, but they would be pressed into service if
there was a fire.
• The Governor shall cause to be laid before the State Legislature “the annual financial
statement” (budget) showing the estimated receipts and expenditure of the year.

• The State Legislature may establish a contingency fund of the state. The said fund is
placed at the disposal of the Governor for the meeting unforeseen expenditure.
(iv) JuDicial PowErs
• The Governor has the power to grant pardon and to suspend the sentence of any person.
This extends to matters with respect to which the State Legislature makes laws.

• The appointments, postings and promotions of district Judges are made by the
Governor in consultation with the High Court and has to be consulted by the President
while making appointments of judges of the State High Court.
(v) EmErgEncy PowErs

The Governor has the power to make a report to the President whenever he is satisfied that
a situation has arisen in which government of the state cannot be carried on in accordance
with the provisions of the Constitution thereby inviting the President to assume to himself
the functions of the government of the state or any of them. When the state is placed
under President’s rule, the Governor acts as the representative of the President in the

state and assumes extensive powers.

Social Studies
106
106 Social Studies-7-7