At the state level, the governors of the states of India have identical powers and roles to the one of the President of India at Union level.The role of the governor is to preserve, protect and defend the constitution and the law as incorporated in his / her oath of office under Article 159 of the Indian constitution in the administration of the State affairs. Both his / her acts, advice and supervisory powers over the executive and legislative bodies of a State shall be used to enforce the provisions of the Constitution. Through this way, the governor has several different forms of powers:
Executive powers
- the governor all the executive powers of the state government. The governor appoints the chief minister, who enjoys the patronage of the majority in the State Legislative Assembly. The governor also appoints the other members of the Council of Ministers and distributes portfolios to them on the recommendation of the chief minister.
- chief minister of a state appoints the Advocate General and the chairman and members of the State Public Service Commission. The State Election Commissioner is also appointed by the Governor.
- The president consults the governor in the appointment of judges of the High Courts and the governor appoints the judges of the District Courts.
- The Governor of the state by virtue of his or her office is also the Chancellor of most of the Universities in the State.
Legislative powers
- State head calls the sessions of both houses of the state legislature and prorogues them. The governor can even dissolve the State Legislative Assembly. These powers are formal and the governor's use of these powers must comply with the advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister.
- The governor 's speech on these occasions usually details new policies of the state government. A bill that the state legislature has approved, can become a law only after the governor gives assent. The governor may return a bill to the state legislature, if it is not a money bill, for reconsideration. And, if the state legislature sends it back to the governor for the second time, the governor will assent to it. The governor has the right to reserve those bills for the president.
- If the state legislature is not in session and the governor finds it appropriate to provide a rule, then the governor may promulgate ordinances. Such laws are sent to the state legislature at its next session. They remain valid for no more than six weeks from the date the state legislature is reconvened unless approved by it earlier.
Financial powers
- Governor requires to be put before the State Legislature the annual financial statement which is the State Budget. Further no demand for grant shall be made except on his recommendation. They can also make advances out of the Contingency Fund of the State to meet any unexpected expenditure. Moreover, he constitutes the Finance Commission of parliament.
Discretionary powers
- When no party gets a simple majority, the governor has power to select a candidate for chief minister who can bring together a majority coalition as soon as possible.
- Governor can impose president's rule.
- During emergency rule per Article 353, he may bypass the advice of the council of ministers if expressly approved by the president.
