๐️ New Governors Appointed: Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju to Goa | UPSC Current Affairs
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Date: July 14, 2025
๐ฐ Source: Press Release from Rashtrapati Bhavan
๐ What's the Update?
President Droupadi Murmu appointed the following new officials:
✅ Key Appointments:
| Post | Appointee | Replaces |
|---|---|---|
| Governor of Goa | Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju | P.S. Sreedharan Pillai |
| Governor of Haryana | Prof. Ashim Kumar Ghosh | (Successor not detailed) |
| Lt. Governor of Ladakh | Kavinder Gupta | (Successor not detailed) |
๐ About Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju
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Former Union Minister of Civil Aviation
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Ex-MP in Lok Sabha
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Former MLA and State Minister in Andhra Pradesh (Excise, Finance, Revenue, Legislative Affairs)
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Younger son of Maharaja Pusapati Vijayarama Gajapathi Raju of Vizianagaram
๐ His political and administrative experience is expected to guide Goa’s governance during the state's Viksit Goa 2037 vision.
๐ง Constitutional Context for UPSC
๐ Article 155:
The Governor of a State shall be appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
๐ Article 156:
The Governor holds office at the pleasure of the President.
๐ Role of Governor:
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Constitutional head of the state
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Acts on the advice of the State Council of Ministers
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Can reserve bills for President
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Plays key role in Hung Assembly, President’s Rule, and Discretionary Powers
๐ Prelims Snippets
| Topic | Quick Info |
|---|---|
| Governor of Goa (2021–2025) | P.S. Sreedharan Pillai |
| Appointing Authority | President of India |
| Current CM of Goa | Pramod Sawant |
| Ladakh – UT since | 31 October 2019 |
| Article on LG of UT | Article 239 & 239A |
๐งพ Mains Angle: Governor’s Role in Indian Federalism
Issues Often Raised:
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Centre-State Relations (GS Paper II)
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Misuse of Governor’s Discretion in state politics
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Appointment of non-local Governors
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Governor’s role in President’s Rule (Art. 356)
Sample Mains Question:
Q. "The office of Governor has often been used to serve political ends rather than constitutional responsibilities." Examine with recent examples. Suggest reforms. (250 words)
๐ UPSC Previous Year Questions
๐น Prelims 2017
Q. With reference to the role of the Governor in Indian polity, which of the following statements is/are correct?
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Governor has no role in appointing the Chief Minister
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Governor can use discretion during a hung assembly
Answer: 2 only
๐น Mains 2022 – GS Paper II
Q. “While the Governor is expected to be an impartial constitutional head, in reality, the office has often become politicized.” Discuss.
๐ง Suggested Reforms (For Mains Enrichment)
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Punchhi Commission (2010): Limit discretionary powers
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Sarkaria Commission: Appoint Governors from outside active politics, in consultation with CM
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SC Rulings: Nabam Rebia case – limited interference in assembly functioning
๐ Conclusion
The appointment of Pusapati Ashok Gajapathi Raju as Goa’s Governor highlights how experienced administrators can contribute to state development. For UPSC aspirants, this is an opportunity to revisit the constitutional, political, and federal role of Governors and LGs, a theme that recurs in both Prelims and Mains.
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