Page:White Paper on Indian States (1950).pdf/278

This page has been proofread, but needs to be validated.

268

Article IV

(1) In order that they may be enabled to discharge conveniently and with dignity the duties of their respective offices, the Raj Pramukh and the Up-Raj Pramukh shall be paid from the revenues of the Union such consolidated annual allowances as the Government of India may prescribe.

(2) If the Raj Pramukh is, by reason of absence or illness or for any other reason, unable to perform the duties of his office, those duties shall, until he has resumed them, be performed by the Up-Raj Pramukh. During such period the Up-Raj Pramukh shall be entitled to the same allowance and other amenities as the Raj Pramukh.

Article V

(1) There shall be a Council of Ministers to aid and advise the Raj Pramukh in the exercise of his functions except those under Article VII.

(2) The Ministers shall be chosen by, and shall hold office during the pleasure of the Raj Pramukh.

Article VI

(1) The Ruler of each Covenanting State shall, as soon as may be practicable, and in any event not later than the 20th of August, 1948, make over the administration of his State to the Raj Pramukh; and thereupon,

(a) all rights, authority and jurisdiction belonging to the Ruler which appertain, or are incidental to the Government of the Covenanting State shall vest in the Union and shall hereafter be exercisable only as provided by this Covenant or by the Constitution to be framed thereunder;

(b) all duties and obligations of the Ruler pertaining or incidental to the Government of the Covenanting State shall devolve on the Union and shall be discharged by it;

(c) all the assets and liabilities of the Covenanting State shall be the assets and liabilities of the Union; and

(d) the military forces, if any, of the Covenanting State shall become the military forces of the Union.

Article VII

(1) Subject to any directions or instructions that may from time to time be given by the Government of India in this behalf, the authority to raise, maintain and administer the military forces of the Union shall vest exclusively in the Raj Pramukh.