Notes: State Government | Social Studies & Pedagogy Paper 2 for CTET & TET Exams - CTET & State TET PDF Download

Roles and Responsibilities of the State Governments

The State Governments have separate departments to ensure the proper functioning of the State. Some of their key responsibilities include:

1. Internal Security: Maintaining law and order within the state through state policies.
2. Education: Providing and managing public education systems, including schools, colleges, and support for underprivileged students.
3. Agriculture: Supporting farmers with funds, best farming practices, disease prevention, and aid during disasters.
4. Finances: Handling financial powers such as expenditure, taxation, borrowing, and origination of money bills.
5. Reservation of Bills: The State Governor may reserve any bill for the consideration of the President.
6. Transport: Operating public transportation systems within cities and towns.
7. Water Supply: Providing water supply for drinking and irrigation purposes.
8. Budget: Creating budgets for the State.
9. Public Health/Healthcare Services: Establishing and managing healthcare facilities, clinics, hospitals, laboratories, ambulance services, blood banks, etc.

Structure of the State Government

The State Government consists of three organs carrying out executive, legislative, and judiciary functions:

Executive:

The State Executive comprises the following authorities:

1. Governor of the State.
2. Chief Minister and his Council of Ministers.

Governor

The Governor, appointed by the President of India on the advice of the Central Government's Council of Ministers, serves as the constitutional head of a State. Below are the qualifications, term, and powers vested in the Governor:

• Qualifications:
  • Citizen of India
  • At least 35 years old
  • Not holding any office of profit in the State or Union Legislature
• Appointment Conventions:
  • Should not belong to the State where appointed
  • Consultation with the Chief Minister of the respective State
• Term:
  • Usually five years, subject to removal by the President at any time
  • May continue beyond five years until a successor takes office
• Powers and Functions:
  • Executive Powers
  • Legislative Powers
  • Financial Powers
  • Judicial Powers
  • Emergency Powers

Chief Minister and Council of Ministers

The Chief Minister, appointed by the Governor, serves as the executive head of the State. Here's an overview of their roles and functions:

• Appointment:
  • Appointed by the Governor upon recommendation
  • Forms Council of Ministers with the Governor's approval
• Portfolio Allocation:
  • Assigned by the Chief Minister
• Responsibilities:
  • Acts as the intermediary between the Governor and the Council of Ministers
  • Real head of the State Government
  • Responsible for advising the Governor on ministerial appointments and portfolio allocation.

Chief Minister's Responsibilities

The Chief Minister of a State has several key responsibilities:

• Presiding Over Cabinet Meetings and Coordinating Ministers
• Guiding the Functioning of the Cabinet
• Playing a Key Role in Framing Laws and Policies
• Communication with the Governor and Council of Ministers
• Serving as the Sole Link between the Cabinet and the Governor

Advocate General of State

The Advocate General is a crucial legal officer of the State Government, appointed by the Governor. Here are the key points about their role:

• Appointment and Tenure
• Qualifications and Responsibilities
• Participation in State Legislature

Legislature of the State

The State Legislature holds a central position in the political system of a State. Here's an overview:

Legislative Assembly/Vidhan Sabha

The Legislative Assembly is an integral part of the State Legislature, with the following characteristics:

• Composition and Election of Members
• Formation of Government and Appointment of Chief Minister

Legislative Council/Vidhan Parishad

The Legislative Council complements the Legislative Assembly and has its own unique structure and composition:

• Indirect Election of Members
• Composition and Appointment of Members

Officers of State Legislature

Each House of the State Legislature has its own presiding officers. Here's an overview:

Chairman and Deputy Chairman of Legislative Council

• Election and Tenure
• Resignation and Removal

Speakers and Deputy Speakers

• Election Process
• Responsibilities and Vacancies

Legislative Procedures

The legislative process in States varies based on the structure of the legislature. Here are some key points:

• Unicameral Legislature
• Money Bill Procedure

Judiciary

The judiciary in States is led by the Chief Justice of the respective High Court. Here are some key points:

• Jurisdiction and High Courts
• Establishment of High Courts
• Newest High Courts

Union Territories

Union Territories are administered by the President through appointed Administrators. Here are some key points:

• Administration and Governance
• Transformation of Delhi into National Capital Territory (NCT).