UPSC Mains 2026 · GS II · Q11 · 15 marks · 250 words

Discuss the position of the Governor in the federal polity of India. What is the nature of his power while giving assent to a bill passed by the State Legislature ? Is he bound by the aid and advice of his Council of Ministers in all his functions ?

हिन्दी में

भारत की संघीय राज-व्यवस्था में राज्यपाल की स्थिति की विवेचना कीजिए । राज्य विधायिका द्वारा पारित विधेयक पर अनुमति देते समय उसकी शक्ति की प्रकृति कैसी है ? क्या वह अपने सभी कार्यों में अपनी मंत्रिपरिषद की सहायता व सलाह से बाध्य है ?

ExecutiveCentre-State Relations

How a topper answered the closest question

Toppers wrote this one in a test series: “The constitutional position of the governor is that of a lynchpin of federalism, holding together the units of federal polity. Critically examine the functioning of the office of governor in carrying out its envisaged role.”

Mudit Foujdar193 wordsTheir whole copy

Opening · a constitutional or legal provision

The Supreme Court has established the office of Governor as a Constitutional Office and not a mere agent of the Centre.

The Governor performs its functions as a lynchpin of federation as follows:

Body · points

  1. Nominal head of state legislature.

  2. Performs Discretionary Functions (Art. 163) • Calling political parties to form government. • Reserving bills for President's assent (Art. 201)

  3. Pardonning powers (State Laws) (Art. 161)

  4. Recommends 'President's Rule' on breakdown of constitutional functioning in the state (Art. 356)

However, the office of Governor has come under criticism:

  1. Acting as agent of the Central government.

  2. Obstruction in passing state bills (Tamil Nadu NEET Bill)

  3. Interference in day-to-day administration (Kerala Governor row over cancelling VC appointments)

  4. Political / Partisan statements (Maharashtra Governor)

  5. Treated as 'political footballs' (No security of tenure; arbitrary dismissals)

  6. Lack of consultation with Chief

Close · a way forward

Minister while appointing Governor (as recommended by Sarkaria Commission)

In the spirit of cooperative Federalism, it is important to de-politicise the office of Governor. Recommendations made by Sarkaria and Punchhi Commission (non-political personality, Removal through legislative resolution) can go a long way in preserving the honour of the post.

How toppers approach this question, and more on its topic: open the question.

Toppers’ answers to other close questions

Source: UPSC, Civil Services (Main) Examination 2026, General Studies Paper II, Q11. The paper on upsc.gov.in. Themes and links to toppers’ answers are by UPSC Grade, not by UPSC.