Introduction

Goa attained full statehood in 1987, and its Governor is appointed by the President of India for a five-year term. Serving as the ceremonial head of the state, the Governor represents the President of India in Goa. Additionally, the Governor holds the position of Ex Officio President of the Indian Red Cross Society’s Goa Branch, overseeing its operations. This role also grants the authority to appoint the Chairman and Honorary Secretary of the society. While primarily a figurehead, the Governor plays a crucial part in upholding constitutional responsibilities and supporting humanitarian initiatives within the state.

Executive Powers of the Governor of Goa

The Governor of Goa holds significant executive authority, overseeing administration, appointments, and removals within the state government. These powers include appointing key officials and ensuring the smooth functioning of the state’s executive machinery. The Governor also plays a crucial role in upholding constitutional provisions and maintaining governance in the state.

Legislative Powers of the Governor of Goa

The Governor exercises legislative powers related to law-making and the functioning of the state legislature, which includes the Vidhan Sabha and Vidhan Parishad. This authority extends to summoning and dissolving the legislature, giving assent to bills, and recommending ordinances when the legislature is not in session. The Governor also addresses the legislature on key policy matters and ensures the smooth legislative process.

Discretionary Powers of the Governor of Goa

The Governor possesses discretionary powers that can be exercised independently based on personal judgment. These powers allow the Governor to take decisions without consulting the Council of Ministers in specific situations, such as recommending President’s Rule in the state or reserving certain bills for the President’s consideration.

Ex Officio Powers of the Governor of Goa

The Governor of Goa also enjoys e-officio powers such as:

Chancellor of Goa University
As the chancellor of Goa University, the Governor exercises powers under the Goa University Act, 1984, and its statutes. This role involves overseeing academic and administrative affairs, appointing key university officials, and ensuring the institution's smooth operation.

President of the Indian Red Cross Society (Goa Branch)
The Governor serves as the ex officio president of the Indian Red Cross Society’s Goa Branch. In this capacity, the Governor has the authority to appoint the chairman, honorary secretary, and other key functionaries, ensuring the organization’s effective humanitarian services.

President of the Goa State Environment Protection Council
Heading this advisory body, the Governor collaborates with government authorities and NGOs to address environmental and ecological concerns. The council meets every six months to discuss and strategize environmental conservation efforts.

Chairman of the Special Fund for Ex-Servicemen and Widows
The Governor also chairs this fund, which focuses on the rehabilitation and welfare of ex-servicemen and widows, providing financial support and assistance for their well-being.

List of Governor of Goa During Portuguese Rule

Goa, along with Daman and Diu was a union territory of India until 30 May 1987. As such it was governed by lieutenant governors till it achieved statehood under Government of India. Francisco de Almeida served as the first Portuguese Governor-General in 1505, while Manuel António Vassalo e Silva was the last, leaving office in 1961. Over the course of Portuguese rule, a total of 163 individuals held the position of Governor-General.

·       Maj Gen K. P. Candeth (military governor) from 19 December 1961 to 6 June 1962

·       Tumkur Sivasankar from 7 June 1962 to 1 September 1963

·       M. R. Sachdev from 2 September 1963 to 8 December 1964

·       Hari Sharma from 12 December 1964 to 23 February 1965

·       K. R. Damle from 24 February 1965 to 17 April 1967

·       Nakul Sen from 18 April 1967 to 15 November 1972

·       S. K. Banerji from 16 November 1972 to 15 November 1977

·       P. S. Gill from 16 November 1977 to 30 March 1981

·       Jagmohan from 31 March 1981 to 29 August 1982

·       Air Chief Marshal I H Latif from 30 August 1982 to 23 February 1983

·       K. T. Satarawala from 24 February 1983 to 3 July 1984

·       Air Chief Marshal I H Latif from 4 July 1984 to 23 September 1984

·       Gopal Singh from 24 September 1984 to 29 May 1987

List of Governor of Goa Since 1987

·       Gopal Singh from 30 May 1987 to 17 July 1989

·       Khurshed Alam Khan from 18 July 1989 to 17 March 1991

·       Bhanu Prakash Singh from 18 March 1991 to 3 April 1994

·       B. Rachaiah from 4 April 1994 to 3 August 1994

·       Gopala Ramanujam from 4 August 1994 to 15 June 1995

·       Romesh Bhandari from 16 June 1995 to 18 July 1996

·       P.C. Alexander from 19 July 1996 to 15 January 1998

·       T. R. Satish Chandran from 16 January 1998 to 18 April 1998

·       J. F. R. Jacob from 19 April 1998 to 26 November 1999

·       Mohammed Fazal from 26 November 1999 to 25 October 2002

·       Kidar Nath Sahani from 26 October 2002 to 2 July 2004

·       Mohammed Fazal from 3 July 2004   16 to July 2004

·       S. C. Jamir from 17 July 2004 to 21 July 2008

·       Shivinder Singh Sidhu from 22 July 2008 to 26 August 2011

·       K. Sankaranarayanan from 27 August 2011 to 3 May 2012

·       Bharat Vir Wanchoo from 4 May 2012 to 4 July 2014

·       Margaret Alva from 12 July 2014 to 5 August 2014

·       Om Prakash Kohli from 6 August 2014 to 25 August 2014

·       Mridula Sinha from 26 August 2014 to 2 November 2019

·       Satyapal Malik from 3 November 2019 to 18 August 2020

·       Bhagat Singh Koshyari from 18 August 2020 to 6 July 2021

·       P. S. Sreedharan Pillai from 7 July 2021- Incumbent