Wanted: Governors. Delay in selection is unwarranted

The way the posts of Governor have been allowed to remain vacant in six crucial states, it would seem that the issue is not exactly the top priority with the Centre. Strictly speaking, Governors do not engage in day-to-day governance, but their presence is absolutely necessary to keep the elected heads of state governments under benign watch. The Governor acts as the conscience-keeper of the state, while at the same time being the eyes and ears of the Centre. By not appointing new persons to the high constitutional posts, the Centre is inadvertently giving the unfortunate impression that they are not very relevant to the scheme of things. At present, gubernatorial duties in three vital states —Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan and West Bengal — are being discharged by the Governors of adjoining states as an additional charge. Naturally, this puts an extra burden on them. If it was only a matter of a few days, things might have passed muster. But doing so for weeks and months altogether is not a very happy sign.
On the other hand, in Punjab, the term of Governor General SF Rodrigues ended six weeks back, but he continues to hold charge simply because a new Governor is yet to be selected. The Centre, which has to do the selection, ought to have announced the name of his successor, who also happens to be the Administrator of Chandigarh, long before the vacancy arose to avoid the prevailing confusion.
There is no dearth of either talent or aspirants in the country. It is just that the government at times treats Governorship as a sinecure job for out-of-work politicians. That obviously narrows down its selection pool. It must give due recognition to the qualities of right men, in whichever field they happen to be. The need is for men of honesty, integrity, sagacity, experience, responsibility and clean public image. Handing over charge to undeserving persons is going to bring down the image of the post. The endeavour should be to pick up the best, and to pick them in time. The political situation in most states does not warrant delay. 

Source: The Tribune, Chandigarh, India.

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