Full Text (PDF)
Review Article

Revitalizing Governance: The Case for Reforming India's Governors

Nagendra Ambedkar Sole, Dilsa Elz Jojan

Author Information

Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


International Journal of Political Science 10(1):p 67-76, January – June 2024. | DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/IJOPS.2454.9371.10124.9

How Cite This Article:

Dilsa Elz Jojan, Nagendra Ambedkar Sole. Revitalizing Governance: The Case for Reforming India's Governors. Int J Pol Sci 2024;10(1):67–76.

Timeline

Received : January 29, 2024         Accepted : March 02, 2024          Published : June 30, 2024

Abstract

In the complex tapestry of India's federal framework, the role of Governors has emerged as a focal point of contention, rife with misuse and political interference. This review article delves into the critical role Governors play within India's governance structure, emphasizing the urgent need for substantial reforms. Drawing upon insights from influential commissions such as the Rajamannar Committee, Administrative Reforms Commission, Bhagwan Sahay Committee, Sarkaria Commission, Venkatachaliah Commission, Punchi Commission, and Second Administrative Reforms Commission, it scrutinizes recommendations for rectifying the current state of affairs. Central to the discourse is the necessity of overhauling the appointment and operation of Governors, advocating for individuals of vast experience and unwavering impartiality. These reforms serve as the linchpin for preserving the integrity of India's federal system and upholding democratic values. These reforms are desirable and essential in an era marked by political entanglements. By adopting a review approach that synthesizes insights from diverse sources including scholarly literature, legal cases, and expert recommendations, this article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the challenges surrounding theGovernor's office. Incorporating observations and suggestions contributes to the ongoing discourse on enhancing the efficacy and integrity of India's governance apparatus within its federal structure.


References

  • 1.   B. Dhamija, 8 April 2023. [Online]. Available: https://thewire.in/politics/office-of-governorthreat-democracy.
  • 2.   M. R. Madhavan, 11 march 2023. [Online]. Available: https://timesofindia.indiatimes. com/blogs/voices/governor-versus-state-whytensions-are-rising-again/.
  • 3.   P.Nair,27August2023.[Online].Available:https:// www.newindianexpress.com/explainers/2023/ aug/27/why-federalism-in-india-is-more-anaspiration-than-a-reality-2609049.html.
  • 4.   R. Radhakrishnan, 1 December 2022. [Online]. Available: https://frontline.thehindu.com/ politics/how-conflicts-between-governorsand -stat e-gover nme nts -are -playin g-out/ article66188258.ece.
  • 5.   K. Menon, 1 December 2022. [Online]. Available: https://frontline.thehindu.com/politics/ how-conflicts-between-governors-and-stategovernments-are-playing-out/article66188258. ece.
  • 6.   M. Jha, 20 January 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.newsclick.in/Recent-Rise-ConflictBetween-Governor-Non-BJP-Govts-WorryingDemocracy.
  • 7.   B. Mitra, 1973. [Online]. Available: https:// indiankanoon.org/doc/460440/.
  • 8.   C. Reddy, 1974. [Online]. Available: https:// indiankanoon.org/doc/93947/?type=print.
  • 9.   G. Misra, 1974. [Online]. Available: https:// indiankanoon.org/doc/1523622/.
  • 10.   P. K. K. Chouhan , “The Sarkaria Commission Report and Article 356,” International Journal of Advanced Research and Development, vol. 3, no. 2, pp. 692-695, March 2018.
  • 11.   Anjaneyulu, 1988. [Online]. Available: https:// indiankanoon.org/doc/290785/.
  • 12.   K. Singh, 1994. [Online]. Available: https:// indiankanoon.org/doc/60799/.
  • 13.   D. M. S. Saggu, Dynamics of the Institution of Governor in India, New Delhi : K.K. Publications , 2021.
  • 14.   SupremeToday, 2023. [Online]. Available: https:// supremetoday.ai/doc/judgement/00900003403.
  • 15.   S. K. Jha, Jharkhand Political drama ends with Arjun Munda winning trust vote, Ranchi: India Today, 2005.
  • 16.   A. Sharma, 2006. [Online]. Available: https:// legalserviceindia.com/article/l315-BiharAssembly-Dissolution-Case.html.
  • 17.   R. Committee, “Report of the Centre-State Relations Inquiry Committee,” Government of Tamil Nadu, Tamil Nadu, 1971.
  • 18.   A. R. Commission, “Centre-State Relationships,” Government of India, New Delhi, 1969.
  • 19.   J. S. B. J. Reddy, “The Institution of Governor under the Constitution,” Vigyan Bhawan Annexe, New Delhi , 2001.
  • 20.   V. Commission, “Report of the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution,” Government of India, New Delhi, 2002.
  • 21.   M. . L. Academy , 18 April 2019. [Online]. Available: https://journalsofindia.com/office-ofthe-governor-and-its-misuse/.
  • 22.   S. A. R. Commission, “Local Governance,” Government of India, New Delhi, 2007.
  • 23.   S. A. R. Commission , “Capacity Building for Conflict Resolution,” Government of India, New Delhi, 2008.
  • 24.   S. A. R. Commission , “State and District Administration,” Government Of India, New Delhi, 2009.
  • 25.   A. Verma, 7 September 2020. [Online]. Available: https://blog.ipleaders.in/office-governoragency-union/.
  • 26.   A. K. Mehra, 3 February 2023. [Online]. Available: https://thewire.in/politics/governor-officeconvoluted-constitution.
  • 27.   S. K. Singh, 24 March 2022. [Online]. Available: https://www.deccanherald.com/opinion/ in-perspective/reforming-the-office-of-thegovernor-1094068.html.
  • 28.   K. Rajagopal, 15 March 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/ governors-cannot-precipitate-the-fall-of-electedgovernments-supreme-court/article66623480.ece.
  • 29.   S. Biswas, 21 March 2023. [Online]. Available: https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asiaindia-65014164.

Data Sharing Statement

There are no additional data available. All raw data and code are available upon request.

Funding

This research received no funding.

Author Contributions

All authors contributed significantly to the work and approve its publication.

Ethics Declaration

This article does not involve any human or animal subjects, and therefore does not require ethics approval.

Acknowledgements

We would like to express our gratitude to the patients, their families, and all those who have contributed to this study.

Conflicts of Interest

No conflicts of interest in this work.


About this article


Cite this article

Dilsa Elz Jojan, Nagendra Ambedkar Sole. Revitalizing Governance: The Case for Reforming India's Governors. Int J Pol Sci 2024;10(1):67–76.


Licence:

Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


Received Accepted Published
January 29, 2024 March 02, 2024 June 30, 2024

DOI: https://doi.org/10.21088/IJOPS.2454.9371.10124.9

Keywords

Office of GovernorReformsFederal Structure;Federal StructurePresidentPartisan AgendaDiscretionary PowersPolitical Turmoil

Article Level Metrics

Last Updated

Monday 21 September 2026, 11:53:55 (IST)


1328

Accesses

3
238
00

Citations


NA
NA
NA

Download citation


Article Keywords


Keyword Highlighting

Highlight selected keywords in the article text.


Timeline


Received January 29, 2024
Accepted March 02, 2024
Published June 30, 2024

licence


Attribution-Non-commercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0)

This license enables reusers to distribute, remix, adapt, and build upon the material in any medium or format for noncommercial purposes only, and only so long as attribution is given to the creator.


Access this article



Share