Home The Constitution Part XI Article 258A

Art. 258A Part XI: Relations Between the Union and the States

Power of the States to Entrust Functions to the Union

Exact text — Constitution of India

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. [Added by the 7th Amendment, 1956]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

The mirror image of Article 258, added in 1956 — this Article lets a state (with the Union's consent) delegate its own executive functions TO the central government or its officers, completing a genuinely two-way administrative flexibility mechanism between the Union and states.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article means the administrative delegation relationship isn't purely one-directional (Union to state) — a state can similarly ask the Union to take on certain of its own executive functions, where that makes practical administrative sense and both governments agree.

Read alongside this one

Art. 258 — Power of the Union to Confer Powers on States

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 258A

Why was this Article added later (1956) rather than being in the original 1950 text?

The original Constitution only provided for Union-to-state delegation (Article 258); the 7th Amendment recognised the practical value of allowing the reverse flow too, completing a more genuinely reciprocal administrative relationship.

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The text above reproduces Article 258A of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.