Page:White Paper on Indian States (1950).pdf/296



WE, the Rulers of Travancore and Cochin, do hereby, with the concurrence and guarantee of the Government of India, enter into the following Covenant:

As from the first day of July, 1949, the States of Travancore and Cochin shall be united in, and shall form, one State, with a common executive, legislature and judiciary, by the name of the United State of Travancore and Cochin.

In the succeeding Articles of this Covenant, the first day of July, 1949, is referred to as the appointed day, the States of Travancore and Cochin are referred to as the Covenanting States, and the United State of Travancore and Cochin is referred to as the United State.

As from the appointed day,—

(1) There shall be a Raj Pramukh for the United State.

(2) The present Ruler of Travancore shall be the first Raj Pramukh and shall be entitled to hold office during his life-time.

(3) In the event of a permanent vacancy arising in the office of the Raj Pramukh by death, resignation or any other reason, such vacancy shall be filled in such manner as the Governor-General of India may prescribe.