Which of the following are the discretionary powers given to the Governor of a State? 1. Sending a report to the President of India for imposing the President's rule 2. Appointing the Ministers 3. Reserving certain bills passed by the State Legislature for consideration of the President of India 4. Making the rules to conduct the business of the State Government Select the correct answer using the code given below.
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 1 and 3 only ✓ UPSC's answer
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Why the answer is (b)
• The Governor's discretionary powers include recommending President's Rule under Article 356 (1) and reserving bills for the President's consideration under Article 200 (3); others include choosing a CM when no party has a majority and seeking information from the CM under Article 167.
• Appointing ministers (2) is done on the CM's advice, and rules of business (4) under Article 166 are made on ministerial advice — neither is discretionary.
• Hence 1 and 3 only, option (b).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Appointing ministers is on the CM's advice, not discretionary.
- (c) 2, 3 and 4 only
- Ministers and rules of business are on advice; reserving bills is discretionary.
- (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
- Items 2 and 4 are not discretionary.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2014, held on 24 August 2014. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.