Governor of Kerala Office - Raj Bhavan

The Governor is the head of the executive branch of the state. Articles 153 to 162 of the Constitution of India deal with the Governor. The Governor has powers and duties similar to those of the President at the central level. The official residence of the Governor of Kerala is the Raj Bhavan. Raj Bhavan is located in the capital city of Thiruvananthapuram. The legislative system of the state is a combination of the Governor and the Legislative Assembly. The Governor is the head of the state administration and the representative of the center. However, he is obliged to follow the recommendations of the cabinet. The Governor has discretionary powers only in some matters. The Governor convenes the Legislative Assembly on the recommendation of the cabinet. He also dissolves the House. The Governor convenes the Legislative Assembly in session under Article 174 of the Constitution. The House must meet at least once in six months. The Governor also has the right to address the House under Articles 175 and 176. The Governor's speech is known as the 'Policy Statement'. If the state is under President's rule, the governor has the executive power. The president appoints the governors.

Powers of the governor

All the administrative powers of the state are vested in the governor. In addition to executive, legislative, judicial and financial powers, he has discretionary powers in many matters. He holds the post of chancellor of universities. He appoints vice-chancellors of universities. According to Article 161 of the Constitution, the governor grants pardon to criminals. According to Article 213, the governor has the power to issue ordinances in the states. He appoints the Chief Minister, other ministers (on the advice of the Chief Minister), Advocate General, district judges, and the chairman of the state PSC. He has the power to approve the bill passed by the assembly and to send it back for reconsideration or to suggest amendments.