UPSC Prelims 2009 Q78: Indian Polity – Union & State Executive
Consider the following statements :
1. The Governor of Punjab is concurrently the Administrator of Chandigarh.
2. The Governor of Kerala is concurrently the Administrator of Lakshadweep.
Which of the above statements is/are correct ?
- (a) 1 only
- (b) 2 only
- (c) Both 1 and 2
- (d) Neither 1 nor 2
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation
Checking two Governor-as-Administrator claims
Some Indian Governors hold a dual role, also administering a nearby Union Territory.
| Statement | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Governor of Punjab is concurrently Administrator of Chandigarh | Correct | The Governor of Punjab does indeed concurrently serve as the Administrator of Chandigarh, a Union Territory |
| 2. Governor of Kerala is concurrently Administrator of Lakshadweep | Incorrect | Lakshadweep has its own separate Administrator, not the Governor of Kerala in this dual role |
Governor dual-role facts:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Punjab Governor | Also Administrator of Chandigarh |
| Kerala Governor | NOT concurrently Lakshadweep's Administrator (a separate official holds that post) |
Answer: (a) 1 only.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Punjab Governor-Chandigarh Administrator dual role is accurate; Kerala's Governor does not hold a similar role for Lakshadweep.
- (b) Incorrect. Lakshadweep has its own separate Administrator, not the Kerala Governor.
- (c) Incorrect. Statement 2 is false, so 'both' cannot be correct.
- (d) Incorrect. Statement 1 is accurate, so 'neither' is wrong.
Key point
The Governor of Punjab is genuinely the concurrent Administrator of Chandigarh — but Lakshadweep has its own separate Administrator, NOT the Governor of Kerala.
Remember
Punjab's Governor is concurrently Chandigarh's Administrator — but Kerala's Governor is NOT concurrently Lakshadweep's Administrator.
Common mistakes
- Assuming all nearby Union Territories automatically share a dual-role arrangement with a neighbouring state's Governor.
- Confusing Chandigarh's dual-role arrangement (with Punjab) with Lakshadweep's separate administration.
- Not knowing the specific, limited set of states whose Governors hold such dual UT roles.
Exam tip
Punjab's Governor = also Chandigarh's Administrator (a real dual role). Lakshadweep has its OWN separate Administrator, unrelated to Kerala's Governor.
Sources
- Punjab Reorganisation Act, 1966
- Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India — Annual Report 2008–09 (Union Territories)