Complete detailed Notes on the State Government in India for BPSC and Other Competitive Exams in 2025
Indian Polity- 5
State Government in India
A. Governor
Articles 153–162
- Governor is the constitutional head of the state (like President at the Centre).
- Appointed by the President of India.
- Holds office during the pleasure of the President (no fixed term).
- Can be removed or transferred by the President.
Qualifications
- Indian citizen
- Minimum age: 35 years
- Must not hold an office of profit
- Not a member of Parliament or State Legislature
Powers of the Governor
| Category | Powers/Functions |
| Executive | Appoints CM, other ministers, Advocate General, State Election Commissioner, Chairman/Members of State PSC (in consultation with President). |
| Legislative | Summons, prorogues, and dissolves the Legislative Assembly; addresses first session; can nominate one member from Anglo-Indian community (provision removed in 104th Amendment). |
| Financial | Ensures state budget is laid before legislature; money bills can be introduced only with Governor’s recommendation. |
| Judicial | Appoints district judges; can grant pardons, reprieves, remissions in some cases (but not for court martial or death sentence — unlike President). |
| Discretionary | In situations such as President’s Rule (Article 356), or when no party has clear majority. |
Governor acts as a link between the Centre and the State.
B. Chief Minister
Articles 163–167
- Real executive head of the state government.
- Appointed by the Governor (leader of majority party in Legislative Assembly).
Functions and Powers
- Head of Council of Ministers; allocates portfolios.
- Advises the Governor in all matters of governance.
- Acts as a link between Governor and State Legislature.
- Plays key role in policy formation and state administration.
The CM is collectively responsible with the Council of Ministers to the Legislative Assembly.
C. State Legislature
Articles 168–212
The State Legislature can be:
- Unicameral – Only Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha).
- Bicameral – Legislative Assembly + Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad).
Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha)
- Lower House of state legislature.
- Members: 60 to 500, directly elected.
- Term: 5 years (can be dissolved earlier).
- Presiding Officer: Speaker.
Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad)
- Upper House (in bicameral states).
- Not more than 1/3rd of Assembly strength.
- Indirectly elected:
- 1/3 by local bodies
- 1/3 by MLAs
- 1/12 by teachers
- 1/12 by graduates
- 1/6 nominated by Governor
Permanent body: 1/3rd members retire every 2 years.
Legislative Procedure in State
| Bill Type | Introduced in | Passed by |
| Ordinary Bill | Any House (in bicameral states) | Both Houses (or only Assembly in unicameral) |
| Money Bill | Only in Assembly, with Governor’s recommendation | |
| Finance Bill | Same as at the Centre |
In unicameral states, the Assembly performs the entire legislative function.
Bicameral vs Unicameral States
Bicameral States (as of 2025):
Only 6 states have bicameral legislatures:
- Andhra Pradesh
- Telangana
- Uttar Pradesh
- Bihar
- Maharashtra
- Karnataka
Jammu & Kashmir had a bicameral legislature before the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019.
Unicameral States:
- Most Indian states (like Rajasthan, Gujarat, Odisha, Kerala, etc.)
- Only one House: Legislative Assembly
Arguments in Favour of Legislative Council
- Provides room for experts and intellectuals.
- Acts as a revising chamber for bills.
- Ensures balanced legislation.
Arguments Against
- Not directly elected → lacks popular mandate.
- Creates delay and redundancy.
- High cost of maintenance.
Key Differences: Governor vs Chief Minister
| Feature | Governor | Chief Minister |
| Nature | Nominal/Constitutional Head | Real Executive |
| Appointed by | President | Appointed by Governor |
| Accountability | To President (Centre) | To State Legislature |
| Term | Pleasure of President | 5 years (as long as majority exists) |
| Role | Ceremonial & Constitutional | Administrative & Political Leadership |
Quick Revision Chart
| Organ | Powers & Responsibilities |
| Governor | Appoints CM, assents to bills, summons legislature, emergency powers |
| Chief Minister | Real head, policy making, leads CoM, coordinates between Governor & Assembly |
| Legislative Assembly | Directly elected body, makes laws, controls executive |
| Legislative Council | Revisory chamber (only in some states) |
| Bicameral Legislature | Two Houses (Assembly + Council) |
| Unicameral Legislature | Only Assembly |
Expected Questions in UPSC/BPSC
- Which Article deals with the Governor’s appointment?
Article 155 - Can a state have both Legislative Assembly and Council?
Yes, in Bicameral states (Article 169) - Who acts as the real executive head of a state?
Chief Minister - Which is the only body that can be dissolved at the state level?
Legislative Assembly - How is the legislative council created or abolished?
By Parliament under Article 169, based on Legislative Assembly’s resolution.
Broad outline how the State Government functions
