The Constitution of India provides a federal government with separate systems of administration for the Union and the States. India has 28 states and 8 union territories, including the national capital territory of Delhi. A uniform structure for State Governments is laid down in Part VI, Articles 152 to 237. Like the Centre, a State Government has three branches: the Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary.
1. The Governor – Appointment and Qualifications
- The constitutional head of the state executive; Article 154 vests the executive power of the State in the Governor. One person may be Governor of two or more States.
- Appointed by the President; usual term five years, but holds office during the pleasure of the President. Resigns by addressing the President; can be transferred by the President.
- The State Legislature or a High Court has no role in removing a Governor. A person may be Governor for any number of terms.
- Two conventions: he should not be a resident of the State concerned, and the State Government is consulted on the choice.
- Article 158(3A): if one person governs two or more States, his emoluments are shared among them as the President determines.
- Qualifications (Articles 157 and 158): citizen of India, at least 35 years, not a member of Parliament or a State Legislature, no other profitable occupation.