India is union of states Article 154 of the constitution of India vests the executive power of the state in the Governor who exercises his power directly or through officers subordinate to him.

He is appointed by the President under his hand and seal. The President selects as a person for Governorship on the advice of the council of ministers. This is a clear departure from the practice in the United States where the Governor is directly elected by the people of the state.

In this respect the constitution of India has followed the Canadian practice. A convention regarding the appointment of Governor has arisen in India that an outsider, one not belonging to the state is appointed the Governor. Normally, there is a Governor for each state but the constitution Act. 1956, makes it possible to appoint the same person as the Governor for two or more states.

Appointment, Term and salary:

ADVERTISEMENTS:

The Governor is appointed by the President and holds his office at the pleasure of the President in accordance with the Article 156. Any citizen of 35 years of age and above is eligible but he must not hold any other office of profit, nor be a member of Parliament or state Legislature.

The normal term of office is five years but may be terminated earlier by (i) dismissal by the President or (ii) resignation addressed to the President. A Governor gets a salary of Rs. 36.000 per month and provided an official residence free of rent.

He is entitled to all the allowances and privileges as were enjoyed by a provincial Governor at the commencement of the constitution. Parliament has the right to make laws relating to emoluments, allowances and privileges of the Governor.