Who is the Governor of Odisha: Role, Responsibilities, and the Current Incumbent
The role of a Governor in India holds great significance as they serve as the ceremonial heads of the states, ensuring that the constitutional machinery of the state functions smoothly. In this article, we will discus, who is the Governor of Odisha 2023 the role and responsibilities of the Governor of Odisha, one of India’s culturally rich and economically vibrant states. Additionally, we will explore the current incumbent. Understanding the functions of the Governor in Odisha is crucial in comprehending the state’s governance and administration. To comprehend the role of the Governor in Odisha, it is essential to consider the historical context. The concept of the Governor’s office in India traces its roots to the colonial era, during British rule. After India gained independence in 1947, the position of the Governor continued to exist, albeit with a different mandate. Odisha, a state with a rich history and culture, has seen several distinguished individuals hold this prestigious office over the years.
List of Odisha Governor Since Independence
| Governor | From | To |
| Raghubar Das | 19 October 2023 | Incumbent |
| Prof. Ganeshi Lal | 29 May 2018 | 19 October 2023 |
| Satya Pal Malik (additional charge) | 21 March 2018 | May 28, 2018 |
| S.C. Jamir | 21 March 2013 | March 20, 2018 |
| Murlidhar Chandrakant Bhandare | 21 August 2007 | March 9, 2013 |
| Rameshwar Thakur | 18 November 2004 | August 21, 2007 |
| M. M. Rajendran | 15 November 1999 | November 17, 2004 |
| C. Rangarajan | 27 April 1998 | November 14, 1999 |
| K. V. Raghunatha Reddy | 13 December 1997 | April 27, 1998 |
| Gopala Ramanujam | 13 February 1997 | December 13, 1997 |
| K. V. Raghunatha Reddy | 31 January 1997 | February 12, 1997 |
| Gopala Ramanujam | 18 June 1995 | January 30, 1997 |
| B. Satya Narayan Reddy | 1 June 1993 | June 17, 1995 |
| Saiyid Nurul Hasan | 1 February 1993 | May 31, 1993 |
| Yagya Dutt Sharma | 7 February 1990 | February 1, 1993 |
| Saiyid Nurul Hasan | 20 November 1988 | February 6, 1990 |
| Bishambhar Nath Pande | 17 August 1983 | November 20, 1988 |
| Cheppudira Muthana Poonacha | 1 September 1982 | August 17, 1983 |
| Ranganath Misra (acting) | 25 June 1982 | August 31, 1982 |
| Cheppudira Muthana Poonacha | 4 November 1980 | June 24, 1982 |
| S. K. Ray (acting) | 1 October 1980 | November 3, 1980 |
| Cheppudira Muthana Poonacha | 30 April 1980 | September 30, 1980 |
| Bhagwat Dayal Sharma | 23 September 1977 | April 30, 1980 |
| Harcharan Singh Brar | 7 February 1977 | September 22, 1977 |
| Shiva Narayan Shankar (acting) | 17 April 1976 | February 7, 1977 |
| Akbar Ali Khan | 25 October 1974 | 17 April 1976 |
| Gati Krushna Misra (acting) | 21 August 1974 | October 25, 1974 |
| Basappa Danappa Jatti | 8 November 1972 | August 20, 1974 |
| Gati Krushna Misra (acting) | 1 July 1972 | November 8, 1972 |
| Sardar Yojendra Singh (acting) | 20 September 1971 | June 30, 1972 |
| Shaukatullah Shah Ansari | 31 January 1968 | September 20, 1971 |
| Ajudhia Nath Khosla | 12 September 1966 | January 30, 1968 |
| Khaleel Ahmed (acting) | 5 August 1966 | September 11, 1966 |
| Ajudhia Nath Khosla | 16 September 1962 | August 5, 1966 |
| Yeshwant Narayan Sukthankar | 31 July 1957 | September 15, 1962 |
| Bhim Sen Sachar | 12 September 1956 | July 31, 1957 |
| P. S. Kumaraswamy Raja | 10 February 1954 | September 11, 1956 |
| Fazal Ali | 7 June 1952 | February 9, 1954 |
| Asaf Ali | 18 July 1951 | June 6, 1952 |
| V. P. Menon (acting) | 6 May 1951 | July 17, 1951 |
| Asaf Ali | 21 June 1948 | May 5, 1951 |
| Kailash Nath Katju | 15 August 1947 | June 20, 1948 |
| Chandulal Madhavlal Trivedi | 1 April 1946 | August 14, 1947 |
| Howthorne Lewis | 1 April 1941 | 31 March 1946 |
| Sir John Austen Hubback | 8 December 1938 | March 31, 1941 |
| George Townsend Boag (acting) | 11 August 1938 | December 7, 1938 |
| Sir John Austen Hubback | 1 April 1936 | August 11, 1938 |
Role and Responsibilities
Constitutional Duties: The Governor of Odisha, like Governors in other states, plays a crucial role in upholding the Indian Constitution. They are the ceremonial head of the state and act as a link between the state government and the President of India. Some of the key constitutional duties of the Governor include:
- Appointing the Chief Minister: The Governor appoints the Chief Minister, who is usually the leader of the majority party in the state legislative assembly.
- Dissolving the Legislative Assembly: The Governor has the authority to dissolve the legislative assembly if the Chief Minister advises it or if a situation arises that necessitates early elections.
- Addressing the State Assembly: The Governor delivers the Governor’s Address at the beginning of the state legislative assembly session, outlining the government’s policies and priorities.
Legislative Functions: The Governor has an active role in the legislative process. They must approve bills passed by the state legislative assembly before they become laws. The Governor can also withhold their assent to a bill or return it for reconsideration under certain circumstances.
Discretionary Powers: Governors have discretionary powers, allowing them to take independent decisions in certain situations. However, these powers are exercised within the framework of the Constitution and under the advice of the Council of Ministers.
Conclusion
The role of the Governor in Odisha is of paramount importance in upholding the principles of democracy, ensuring the functioning of the state government, and safeguarding the interests of the people. While the specific responsibilities and contributions may vary from one Governor to another, their overall role remains consistent. The Governor’s role in Odisha, with its rich cultural heritage and diverse demographics, holds great significance in shaping the state’s future. The individual holding this position plays a pivotal role in maintaining the state’s constitutional integrity and fostering its development, while also celebrating its unique identity. In conclusion, the Governor of Odisha serves as a vital link between the state government and the central government, contributing to the state’s progress, cultural preservation, and social development. Their role in maintaining the state’s constitutional framework and fostering its growth cannot be overstated.
FAQ,s
Who is the Governor of Odisha 2023?
The Present Governor of Odisha since 19 October 2023 is Raghubar Das.
Who is the first Governor of Odisha?
The First Governor of Odisha is Sir John Austen Hubback.
Who is the first lady Governor of Odisha?
There has not been a female governor appointed in Odisha since Independence.
Who is the Current Governor of Odisha?
The Current Governor of Odisha since 19 October 2023 is Raghubar Das.