Hari Babu Kambhampati officially took oath as the 27th Governor of Odisha, marking an important development in the state’s administration. The oath ceremony was held at the Raj Bhavan in Bhubaneswar on 3 January 2025. The oath of office was administered by Chakradhari Sharan Singh, who was serving as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court at the time.

Hari Babu Kambhampati succeeded Raghubar Das, who stepped down from the position. The swearing-in ceremony was attended by senior government officials, political leaders, and distinguished guests from different sectors.

New Responsibility for Hari Babu Kambhampati

Hari Babu Kambhampati is a well-known public figure with experience in governance and administration. Before being appointed as the Governor of Odisha, he served as the Governor of Mizoram. His appointment to Odisha was made by Droupadi Murmu on 24 December 2024.

The appointment was seen as an important step because Odisha continues to play a major role in India’s economic and cultural development. The state has recently gained attention for its progress in infrastructure, digital governance, industrial investment, tourism, and renewable energy projects.

As Governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati will act as the constitutional head of the state and perform duties defined under the Constitution of India.

Role of the Governor in a State

The Governor is the constitutional head of every Indian state. Under Article 153 of the Constitution, each state has a Governor who represents the President of India at the state level.

The Governor is appointed by the President under Article 155 and remains in office according to Article 156. While the elected government handles daily administration, the Governor performs important constitutional functions and ensures that governance follows constitutional principles.

Some key responsibilities of a Governor include:

Appointing the Chief Minister after elections.
Administering the oath of office to ministers.
Summoning and dissolving the state legislature when required.
Giving assent to bills passed by the state assembly.
Acting as a link between the state government and the central government.

These responsibilities help maintain the smooth functioning of the democratic system.

Oath Ceremony and Constitutional Provisions

The oath of office for a Governor is mentioned in Article 159 of the Constitution of India. According to this provision, the Governor promises to preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution and to serve the people of the state faithfully.

The oath is generally administered by the Chief Justice of the state’s High Court. If the Chief Justice is unavailable, the senior-most judge of the High Court can perform the ceremony.

The swearing-in of Hari Babu Kambhampati followed these constitutional procedures, ensuring a smooth transition in the office of Governor.

Importance of Raj Bhavan

The official residence of the Governor of Odisha is the Raj Bhavan located in Bhubaneswar. The Raj Bhavan serves as the center for many constitutional and ceremonial activities in the state.

Important meetings, official events, and interactions with government representatives often take place here. It is also a symbol of the constitutional framework that supports democratic governance in Odisha.

While the Governor serves as the constitutional head, the elected government led by the Chief Minister manages the day-to-day administration and policy decisions of the state.

Visit to Jagannath Temple Before Oath

Before taking charge as Governor, Hari Babu Kambhampati visited the famous Shree Jagannath Temple in Puri.

The temple is one of the most respected pilgrimage sites in India and is dedicated to Lord Jagannath. It is also known worldwide for the annual Ratha Yatra, which attracts millions of devotees and visitors every year.

His visit reflected the cultural and spiritual significance of Odisha, a state known for its rich traditions, heritage sites, classical arts, and religious landmarks.

Odisha’s Growing Importance

Odisha has been making headlines in recent years due to rapid growth in sectors such as mining, manufacturing, green energy, tourism, ports, and digital services. The state is also focusing on sustainable development and attracting new investments.

With Hari Babu Kambhampati taking over as Governor, Odisha enters a new phase of constitutional leadership. His experience in public service and administration is expected to contribute to the state’s ongoing development journey while supporting the democratic and constitutional framework of governance.