Actual Article
Article 153: Governors of States
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.
UPSC Notes for Article 153
Explanation:
- Governor for Each State:
- Every State in India shall have a Governor.
- The Governor is the constitutional head of the State, appointed by the President of India.
- Multiple States:
- The same person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States. This provision allows for administrative flexibility and efficient use of resources.
Key Points:
- Role of Governor: The Governor acts as the representative of the President in the State and performs various constitutional and ceremonial duties.
- Administrative Flexibility: Allows the central government to appoint the same individual as Governor for multiple States, promoting efficient governance.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 153
Cases:
- Shamsher Singh vs. State of Punjab (1974): Clarified the role and powers of the Governor, emphasizing that they must act on the advice of the Council of Ministers.
- Nabam Rebia and Bamang Felix vs. Deputy Speaker (2016): Addressed the discretionary powers of the Governor, particularly in the context of summoning and dissolving the State Legislative Assembly.
Commissions:
- Sarkaria Commission: Reviewed Centre-State relations and recommended guidelines for the appointment and functioning of Governors to ensure impartiality and effectiveness.
- Punchhi Commission: Further examined the role of Governors, suggesting measures to enhance their effectiveness and independence.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 153
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) According to Article 153 of the Indian Constitution, which of the following statements is correct?
- A. Each State must have a separate Governor.
- B. The same person cannot be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
- C. The same person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
- D. Governors are appointed by the State Legislature. Correct Answer: C. The same person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) The Governor of a State in India is:
- A. Elected by the people of the State
- B. Appointed by the President
- C. Appointed by the Prime Minister
- D. Elected by the State Legislature Correct Answer: B. Appointed by the President
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 153
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the significance of Article 153 in the context of Indian federalism. How does the provision for appointing the same person as Governor for multiple States impact Centre-State relations?”
- Mains 2019: “Analyze the role of the Governor as outlined in Article 153. How does the dual role of the Governor as the constitutional head of the State and representative of the Centre influence the governance of States?”
Additional Insights:
- Federal Structure: Article 153 is crucial in maintaining the federal structure of India by establishing the role of the Governor as a vital link between the State and the Centre.
- Efficient Governance: The provision for appointing the same person as Governor for multiple States can lead to more efficient and resource-effective governance.
- Balancing Act: The Governor’s role involves balancing the interests of the State with those of the Centre, ensuring cooperative federalism.
Understanding Article 153 is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it outlines the provision for Governors in Indian States, ensuring effective governance and maintaining the federal structure. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering insights into the mechanisms that support Centre-State relations and the constitutional framework of India.