Dhal Singh Bisen was sworn in as the Governor of Uttarakhand on 19 October 2026 at Lok Bhavan in Dehradun. Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari of the Uttarakhand High Court administered the oath. Bisen succeeded Lieutenant General Gurmit Singh (retd.), who had served as Governor for more than five years. President Droupadi Murmu announced Bisen’s appointment on 12 October 2026.
Appointment and oath of a Governor
Article 155 of the Constitution of India provides that a state Governor is appointed by the President by warrant under the President’s hand and seal. A Governor is not directly elected by the people or by a state legislature. Under Article 159, the Governor takes an oath or affirmation before entering office, administered by the Chief Justice of the state’s High Court or, in the Chief Justice’s absence, the senior-most available judge of that court. The oath requires the Governor to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of India and the law, and to devote himself or herself to the service and well-being of the people of the state. The ceremony for Bisen took place at Lok Bhavan, the official residence and office of the Uttarakhand Governor.
Constitutional position and tenure
Article 153 provides for a Governor for each state and allows the same person to be appointed Governor of two or more states. Under Article 154, the state’s executive power is vested in the Governor and is exercised in accordance with the Constitution. The Governor generally acts on the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers headed by the Chief Minister, subject to constitutional provisions. Article 156 states that a Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President. The normal term is five years from the date of entering office, but the Governor continues until a successor assumes office. Bisen’s predecessor, Gurmit Singh, served in the post for over five years.
Dhal Singh Bisen’s public career
Bisen is a four-time MLA and a former Madhya Pradesh Cabinet Minister. His ministerial portfolios included school education, transport and mines. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, cabinet members, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan and other senior officials attended the oath ceremony. Bisen stated that his objectives included upholding constitutional values and advancing initiatives in healthcare, education and tourism.
Important Facts for Exams
:
- Article 153 of the Constitution of India provides for a Governor for each state.
- Article 155 governs the appointment of a state Governor by the President.
- Article 159 prescribes the oath or affirmation taken by a Governor.
- Article 156 provides that a Governor holds office during the pleasure of the President.
Dhal Singh Bisen took the oath as Uttarakhand Governor on 19 October 2026. The oath was administered by Acting Chief Justice Manoj Kumar Tiwari at Lok Bhavan in Dehradun.
