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Governors play a vital role in the governance of India’s 28 states, as mandated by Article 154 of the Indian Constitution. Appointed by the President of India, they serve a five-year term and act as the constitutional heads of their respective states. Article 154 also ensures that every state has a Governor. In practice, these esteemed individuals oversee various executive actions carried out by the State Government, acting in the Governor’s name. Their role is pivotal in maintaining the balance of power and upholding the principles of federalism within the Indian political landscape.
New governors of India Appointed Updates:
In a significant development, President Draupadi Murmu has appointed new governors for 13 states and one union territory in India. These newly appointed governors have successfully taken their oaths of office and are now officially in charge of their respective states. This move by the President marks a noteworthy shift in leadership across the country, ushering in fresh faces and perspectives to contribute to the growth and development of their respective regions. It reflects a commitment to effective governance and the promotion of regional cooperation. Stay tuned for updates on the new governors as they begin their tenure and work towards the betterment of their respective states and the union territory.
| List of State-Wise Governors of India | ||
| State | State-Wise List of Governors of India | Took Office |
| Andhra Pradesh | Shri Justice (Retd.) S. Abdul Nazeer | 24th February 2023 |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Lt. General Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, UYSM, PVSM, YSM (Retired) | 16th February 2023 |
| Assam | Shri Gulab Chand Kataria | 22nd February 2023 |
| Bihar | Shri Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar | 18th February 2023 |
| Chhattisgarh | Shri Biswa Bhusan Harichandan | 22nd February 2023 |
| Goa | Shri P.S. Sreedharan Pillai | 15th July 2021 |
| Gujarat | Shri Acharya Dev Vrat | 22nd July 2019 |
| Haryana | Shri Bandaru Dattatraya | 15th July 2021 |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla | 18th February 2023 |
| Jharkhand | Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan | 1st February 2023 |
| Karnataka | Shri Thaawarchand Gehlot | 11th July 2021 |
| Kerala | Shri Arif Mohammed Khan | 6th September 2019 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Shri Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel | 8th July 2021 |
| Maharashtra | Shri Ramesh Bais | 18th February 2023 |
| Manipur | Sushri Anusuiya Uikye | 22nd February 2023 |
| Meghalaya | Shri Phagu Chauhan | 18th February 2023 |
| Mizoram | Dr. Kambhampati Haribabu | 19th July 2021 |
| Nagaland | Shri La. Ganesan | 20th February 2023 |
| Odisha | Prof. Ganeshi Lal | 29th May 2018 |
| Punjab | Shri Banwarilal Purohit | 31 August 2021 |
| Rajasthan | Shri Kalraj Mishra | 9th September 2019 |
| Sikkim | Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya | 16th February 2023 |
| Tamil Nadu | Shri R. N. Ravi | 18th September 2021 |
| Telangana | Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan | 8th September 2019 |
| Tripura | Shri Satyadeo Narain Arya | 14th July 2021 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Smt. Anandiben Patel | 29th July 2019 |
| Uttarakhand | Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, PVSM, VSM (Retd.), UYSM, AVSM. | 15th September 2021 |
| West Bengal | Dr. C.V. Ananda Bose | 23rd November 2022 |
List of Governors of India’s Union Territories:
This list offers a comprehensive look at the accomplished individuals who occupy these important roles. For more extensive information, please consult the provided source.
| List of Governors of India Union Territories | |
| Union Territory | Lt. Governor & Administrator |
| Andaman and Nicobar Island (UT) | Admiral D K Joshi (Lieutenant Governor) |
| Chandigarh (UT) | Shri Banwarilal Purohit (Administrator) |
| Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu (UT) | Shri Praful Patel (Administrator) |
| Delhi (NCT) | Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena (Lieutenant Governor) |
| Jammu and Kashmir (UT) | Shri Manoj Sinha (Lieutenant Governor) |
| Lakshadweep (UT) | Shri Praful Patel (Administrator) |
| Puducherry (UT) | Dr. Tamilisai Soundararajan (Addl. Charge) (Lieutenant Governor) |
| Ladakh (UT) | Brig. (Dr.) Shri B.D. Mishra (Retd.) (Lieutenant Governor) |
The First Governors’ Legacy:
| First Governors of India | ||
| State | First Governor | Term |
| Andhra Pradesh | C. M. Trivedi | 1953-1957 |
| Assam | Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari | 1947-1948 |
| Bihar | Dr. Rajendra Prasad | 1947-1948 |
| Bombay (Now Maharashtra and Gujarat) | Raja Maharaj Singh | 1947-1948 |
| Madhya Pradesh | Dr. Kailash Nath Katju | 1952-1957 |
| Mysore (Now Karnataka) | Jayachamarajendra Wadiyar | 1949-1956 |
| Orissa (Now Odisha) | Asaf Ali | 1947-1948 |
| Punjab (Now Punjab, Haryana, and Chandigarh) | Chandulal Madhavlal Trivedi | 1947-1952 |
| Rajasthan | Sardar Hukam Singh | 1948-1952 |
| Uttar Pradesh | Hormasji Peroshaw Mody | 1947-1952 |
Eligibility Criteria:
- Indian Citizenship: To become a Governor in India, you must be a citizen of the country.
- Age Requirement: Candidates should be at least 35 years old.
- No Specific Educational Requirement: There are no specific educational qualifications needed for this role.
- No Holding of Office of Profit: You cannot hold any position that earns you money in the central or state government or a local authority.
- No MP or MLA Status: You should not be a Member of Parliament (MP) or a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) in any state or union territory.
- Non-Involvement in Political Activities: You must not be actively associated with any political party or engage in political activities.
- Neutrality in Duties: Once appointed, you should remain neutral and avoid engaging in political activities.
- No Government Employment: You cannot be an employee of the Central or State Government or any Public Sector Undertaking.
- Criminal Record: You must have a clean record and should not have been convicted of any criminal offence.
- Single State Governorship: You can only serve as a Governor for one state at a time.
Important Facts of Governors India:
Role and Authority: Governors serve as the highest constitutional authorities in Indian states and represent the President locally. They hold significant powers, including appointing the Chief Minister, removing the state government, and giving approval to state legislature bills.
Dual Responsibilities: Governors have a dual role, acting both as the state’s constitutional heads and as representatives of the President. They must maintain impartiality and prioritise the state’s welfare while ensuring the state government operates in line with the Constitution.
Historical Roots: The concept of Indian governors can be traced back to the colonial era when the highest authority representing the British Crown was the Governor-General. After India gained independence, the Governor-General’s position was abolished, and the President and governors were established under the new constitution.
Varied Titles: While the official term for a governor is “Rajyapal” in Hindi, which translates to “State’s Protector” or “State’s Guardian,” in some states, they are also referred to as “Governor-General,” acknowledging the historical significance of the role.
Ceremonial Duties and Protocols: Governors have a ceremonial role in the state, participating in state functions, inaugurations, and other significant events. They also host and engage with dignitaries and foreign diplomats visiting the state.
Conclusion:
The role of Governors in India is a pivotal one in the nation’s federal structure. Appointed by the President of India, they serve as the constitutional heads of each state, ensuring the balance of power and upholding the principles of federalism. The recent appointments of Governors in various states and union territories reflect a commitment to effective governance and regional cooperation, bringing fresh faces and perspectives to contribute to the growth and development of their respective regions.
Governors, while holding significant powers, must also maintain impartiality and prioritize the welfare of their states, ensuring that state governments operate in accordance with the Indian Constitution. This duality of their role as constitutional heads and representatives of the President underscores their importance in the Indian political landscape.
The historical roots of the Governor’s role can be traced back to the colonial era, and their titles, though varied, all emphasise their significance as protectors or guardians of the state. Beyond their constitutional duties, Governors also perform ceremonial roles, participating in state functions and hosting dignitaries, adding to the rich tapestry of India’s political and cultural landscape.
List of Current Indian Governors FAQs
What are the responsibilities and functions of a Governor in India?
Governors in India serve as the highest constitutional authorities in states, representing the President locally. They have significant powers, including appointing the Chief Minister, giving approval to state legislature bills, and ensuring the state government operates within the Constitution.
Who appoints the Governors in India?
Governors in India are appointed by the President of India.
What is the duration of a Governor's term in India?
Governors serve a five-year term in India.
What are the eligibility criteria for becoming a Governor in India?
To become a Governor in India, one must be an Indian citizen, at least 35 years old, and not hold any position that earns money in the central or state government or a local authority. They should not be an MP or MLA, should not be actively involved in political activities, should have a clean criminal record, and cannot be a government employee.
Can a Governor serve more than one state at a time?
No, a Governor can only serve one state at a time.
