Part XI - Union-State Relations • Article

Article 258A Simplified: Power of the States to entrust functions to the Union

Article 258A allows the Governor of a state, with the consent of the Central Government, to delegate any state executive functions to the Union Government or its officers.

Official Text

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution, the Governor of a State may, with the consent of the Government of India, entrust either conditionally or unconditionally to that Government or to its officers functions in relation to any matter to which the executive power of the State extends.]

Simple Meaning

Article 258A allows the Governor of a state, with the consent of the Central Government, to delegate any state executive functions to the Union Government or its officers.

Explain Like Ten

Just like the center can ask states for help, a state governor can ask the national government's officers to take over some state duties if the national government agrees.

Student Mode

Inserted by the 7th Constitutional Amendment Act (1956), Article 258A provides a reciprocal mechanism to Article 258. It allows the Governor of a State, with the consent of the Government of India, to entrust state executive functions to the Union or its officers. This establishes a two-way channel for administrative delegation and cooperative federalism.

Example

If a state government is building a major state-funded bridge or highway and wishes to utilize the engineering expertise of the central border roads or military engineers, the Governor can delegate the construction project execution to the Union forces after getting the Central Government's consent.

Key Takeaway

Article 258A completes the administrative reciprocity between the Center and the States, allowing states to delegate tasks upwards to the Union.

FAQs

Which amendment introduced Article 258A?

The 7th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1956.

Whose consent is required for the Governor to delegate functions to the Union under Article 258A?

The consent of the Government of India (the Union Government) is required.

Quiz

Under Article 258A, who can delegate state functions to the Union?

Answer: The Governor of the State

Which constitutional amendment inserted Article 258A into the Constitution?

Answer: 7th Amendment