The role of a Governor in Indian states is significant, as they serve as the constitutional head and represent the central government. Assam, one of the most vibrant states in Northeast India, has had many distinguished personalities serve as Governors. In this article, we present a detailed governor of Assam list, discussing their tenures and contributions to the state. Hyperlinks to additional information on each Governor are provided for further exploration.
Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari (1947-1948)
Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari was the first Governor of Assam, assuming office on August 15, 1947. He had a brief tenure, lasting until December 28, 1948. Hydari was instrumental in managing the sensitive integration of Assam into independent India. Learn more about Sir Muhammad Saleh Akbar Hydari here.
Sri Prakasa (1948-1950)
Sri Prakasa served as the Governor of Assam from December 28, 1948, to May 15, 1950. He played a crucial role in the development of the state, focusing on education and infrastructure. Sri Prakasa later served as the Governor of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. Discover more about Sri Prakasa here.
Jairamdas Daulatram (1950-1956)
Jairamdas Daulatram, an Indian independence activist, served as the Governor of Assam from May 15, 1950, to July 15, 1956. During his tenure, Daulatram focused on the upliftment of tribal communities and the promotion of local industries. Read more about Jairamdas Daulatram here.
Fazal Ali (1956-1959)
Fazal Ali served as the Governor of Assam from July 15, 1956, to November 7, 1959. He was a prominent Indian jurist and played a significant role in the reorganization of Indian states. The Fazal Ali Commission, which he headed, was instrumental in redrawing state boundaries. Learn more about Fazal Ali here.
Chandreswar Prasad Sinha (1959-1961)
Chandreswar Prasad Sinha served as the Governor of Assam from November 7, 1959, to August 31, 1961. During his tenure, Sinha focused on the development of agricultural activities in the state. Find out more about Chandreswar Prasad Sinha here.
Vishnu Sahay (1961-1967)
Vishnu Sahay, an Indian civil servant, served as the Governor of Assam from August 31, 1961, to September 7, 1967. Sahay played a significant role in the administration of the state during the tumultuous times of the 1960s. Learn more about Vishnu Sahay here.
Braj Kumar Nehru (1968-1973)
Braj Kumar Nehru, an Indian diplomat and economist, served as the Governor of Assam from January 23, 1968, to September 30, 1973. During his tenure, Nehru focused on promoting economic development in the state and enhancing cooperation between Assam and other Northeastern states. He later served as the Governor of Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir. Learn more about Braj Kumar Nehru here.
Lallan Prasad Singh (1973-1980)
Lallan Prasad Singh served as the Governor of Assam from September 30, 1973, to August 9, 1980. A former ICS officer, Singh played a crucial role in maintaining law and order in Assam during a period of political unrest. Discover more about Lallan Prasad Singh here.
Prakash Mehrotra (1980-1981)
Prakash Mehrotra served as the Governor of Assam from August 9, 1980, to October 28, 1981. Mehrotra focused on the development of the state’s infrastructure and improving the quality of education. Learn more about Prakash Mehrotra here.
S. M. H. Burney (1981-1985)
S. M. H. Burney served as the Governor of Assam from October 28, 1981, to March 16, 1985. During his tenure, Burney played a crucial role in mitigating the Assam Agitation (1979-1985), a popular movement against illegal immigration. Find out more about S. M. H. Burney here.
Bhishma Narain Singh (1985-1989)
Bhishma Narain Singh served as the Governor of Assam from March 16, 1985, to December 27, 1989. He played a vital role in the signing of the Assam Accord, which ended the Assam Agitation and led to the establishment of the All Assam Students Union (AASU). Learn more about Bhishma Narain Singh here.
Anisetti Raghuvir (1989-1990)
Anisetti Raghuvir served as the Governor of Assam from December 27, 1989, to August 17, 1990. His tenure was brief, but he focused on maintaining peace and stability in the state. Discover more about Anisetti Raghuvir here.
Loknath Misra (1990-1991)
Loknath Misra served as the Governor of Assam from August 17, 1990, to May 1, 1991. An Indian jurist and former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, Misra concentrated on ensuring the rule of law in Assam during his tenure. Learn more about Loknath Misra here.
Devi Das Thakur (1991)
Devi Das Thakur served as the Governor of Assam from May 1, 1991, to May 16, 1991. Despite his brief tenure, Thakur was committed to maintaining peace and stability in the state.
Madhukar Dighe (1991-1995)
Madhukar Dighe served as the Governor of Assam from May 16, 1991, to April 1, 1995. During his tenure, Dighe focused on the development of infrastructure and the promotion of education in the state. Learn more about Madhukar Dighe here.
Lokanath Misra (1995-1997)
Loknath Misra returned as the Governor of Assam for a second term from April 1, 1995, to July 31, 1997. He continued to work towards maintaining peace and stability in the state. Discover more about Loknath Misra here.
Srinivas Kumar Sinha (1997-2003)
Srinivas Kumar Sinha served as the Governor of Assam from July 31, 1997, to June 4, 2003. A retired Indian Army Lieutenant General, Sinha focused on counter-insurgency measures and maintaining law and order in the state. Learn more about Srinivas Kumar Sinha here.
Ajai Singh (2003-2008)
Ajai Singh served as the Governor of Assam from June 4, 2003, to July 5, 2008. During his tenure, Singh played a significant role in promoting education and healthcare in the state. Find out more about Ajai Singh here.
Shiv Charan Mathur (2008-2009)
Shiv Charan Mathur served as the Governor of Assam from July 5, 2008, to June 3, 2009. Mathur focused on the development of agriculture and the promotion of local industries during his tenure. Discover more about Shiv Charan Mathur here.
K. Sankaranarayanan (2009)
K. Sankaranarayanan served as the Governor of Assam from June 3, 2009, to July 26, 2009. Despite his brief tenure, Sankaranarayanan was committed to maintaining peace and stability in the state. Learn more about K. Sankaranarayanan here.
Janaki Ballabh Patnaik (2009-2014)
Janaki Ballabh Patnaik served as the Governor of Assam from July 27, 2009, to December 11, 2014. A veteran Indian politician, Patnaik focused on promoting education, healthcare, and infrastructure development in the state. Discover more about Janaki Ballabh Patnaik here.
Padmanabha Acharya (2014-2016)
Padmanabha Acharya served as the Governor of Assam from December 11, 2014, to August 22, 2016. Acharya played a crucial role in promoting the interests of the tribal communities and the overall development of the state. Learn more about Padmanabha Acharya here.
Banwarilal Purohit (2016-2017)
Banwarilal Purohit served as the Governor of Assam from August 22, 2016, to October 6, 2017. Purohit emphasized the importance of education, healthcare, and infrastructure during his tenure. He later went on to become the Governor of Tamil Nadu. Discover more about Banwarilal Purohit here.
Jagdish Mukhi (2017-2021)
Jagdish Mukhi served as the Governor of Assam from October 10, 2017, to February, 2023. A seasoned Indian politician, Mukhi focused on promoting social harmony, education, and sustainable development in the state. Learn more about Jagdish Mukhi here.
Shri Gulab Chand Kataria (2023 – Present)
Gulab Chand Kataria is the 31st Governor of Assam. Chief Justice Gauhati High Court Justice Sandeep Mehta administered the oath of office to the new Governor. Shri Gulab Chand Kataria hails from Udaipur, Rajasthan. He was the former Home Minister of Rajasthan and a leader of opposition in the Rajasthan Legislative Assembly prior to his appointment as the Governor.
Conclusion
Throughout Assam’s history, the state has been guided by a diverse group of Governors who have played crucial roles in its development and progress. The governor of Assam list showcases individuals who have dedicated their tenures to fostering peace, stability, and prosperity in the state. By understanding the contributions of these Governors, we gain insight into the state’s history and the foundations upon which its future will be built.
