Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment

Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment: The constitutional provisions governing the function and appointment of governors in India are affected by amendment legislation relating to appointing the same individual as the governor for two or more Indian states. About the concurrent appointment of Governors for many states by the President of India, these modifications sought to resolve several problems and conflicts that had developed over time.

In this article, we will learn about Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment which is related to the Governor’s Appointment for Two or More States, along with its objectives, features, achievements, drawbacks, etc.

What is Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment?

Article 153 of the Indian Constitution, as affected by the 7th Constitutional Amendment, deals with the appointment of Governors for Indian states. This amendment allows for appointing the same individual as the Governor for two or more states. The primary goals include ensuring effective state administration, preventing political interference, and upholding the federal system of the Indian Constitution

Objectives of Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment

The following are the main goals of the amending legislation addressing the appointment of governors:

1. Assure effective state administration and governance.
2. Avoid political meddling and conflicts of interest.
3. Uphold the Indian Constitution’s federal system.

Features of Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment

Important characteristics of the amending legislation relating to governors’ appointments might be:

1. Imposing restrictions on the number of states a person may be named governor of.
2. Defining the requirements, capabilities, and responsibilities of governors.
3. Ensuring a firm separation between the Governor’s and the Chief Minister’s roles.

Achievements of Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment

1. Reduced Conflicts of Interest: By prohibiting the same person from serving as governor of many states, which could result in improper political influence, these amendments have sought to lessen conflicts of interest.
2. Improved Governance: These reforms help to strengthen governance by ensuring that governors are nominated with a clear focus on state administration rather than party affiliations.

Drawbacks of Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment

1. Limited Eligibility: While addressing conflicts of interest, the modifications may also reduce the number of candidates for the Governor’s office, which could have an impact on the caliber and expertise of appointees.
2. Despite the changes, there is still a chance that governors will be seen as being politically influenced, depending on the specifics of their selection.

Conclusion – Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment

Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment in India addresses the appointment of governors for states. The amendment allows the same person to be appointed as the governor for two or more states. The primary goals include ensuring effective state administration, preventing political interference, and upholding the federal system of the Indian Constitution. While the amendment has reduced conflicts of interest and aimed to improve governance, there are concerns about limited eligibility for governorship and the potential for political influence in the selection process. Overall, these changes aim to strike a balance between administrative efficiency and maintaining the integrity of the governor’s role in the Indian political system.

FAQs on Article 153 of the 7th Constitutional Amendment

1. In India, can one individual hold the office of governor in more than one state?

In order to avoid conflicts of interest, the Indian Constitution has been amended to limit the simultaneous appointment of the same individual as governor for two or more states.

2. In India, how are governors chosen?

The Indian President appoints governors on the counsel of the Prime Minister and the Council of Ministers. Their hiring decisions often take into account their credentials, prior experience, and appropriateness for the position.

3. What is a governor’s term of office in India?

Governors in India normally serve terms of five years, although the President of India has the power to remove them before that time has passed.

4. Do governors participate in the day-to-day running of their states?

No, governors are not involved in the day-to-day management of states; instead, their roles are mostly ceremonial. They serve as the President’s representatives in the states and are responsible for overseeing the operation of state governments.

5. What role do governors have in Indian politics?

Governors are supposed to be apolitical, yet there has been discussion and controversy over how political factors have occasionally affected their nominations and decisions.

References:

The Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956 [www.india.gov.in/]

Governors of States [www.constitutionofindia.net/]

Article 153 in Constitution of India [indiankanoon.org/]

153. Governors of States [constitutionofindia.etal.in/]