Government of India Act 1935: A Step Towards Limited Self-Rule

History Indian History

Posted by NewAdmin on 2025-02-11 08:51:37 |

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The Government of India Act of 1935 was the longest and most comprehensive piece of legislation enacted by the British Parliament for governing India. It was based on the recommendations of the three Round Table Conferences held between 1930 and 1932 and was an attempt to address the growing demand for self-rule while maintaining British control over India. The act introduced significant constitutional reforms, but it fell short of meeting the aspirations of Indian nationalists who were demanding complete independence.

One of the key features of the Government of India Act was the introduction of provincial autonomy. It provided for the establishment of responsible government in the provinces, where elected Indian ministers would have control over most departments. The act abolished the system of dyarchy that had been introduced in the Government of India Act of 1919, which had divided responsibilities between elected Indian ministers and British-appointed officials. Now, the provincial legislatures had greater authority, and the executive was responsible to the legislature. However, the governor, appointed by the British, retained significant powers, including the authority to override the decisions of elected ministers.

At the central level, the act proposed a federal structure, which included both British Indian provinces and princely states. However, the federation never came into existence because the princely states were reluctant to join. The act also introduced a system of separate electorates and communal representation, further deepening divisions between different religious and social groups. This provision was opposed by the Indian National Congress, which saw it as a British strategy to divide Indian society and weaken the freedom movement.

Another important aspect of the act was the expansion of the electorate. The number of Indians eligible to vote was increased to about 35 million, which was still a small fraction of the total population. The act also established a Federal Court to handle constitutional disputes and laid the foundation for future judicial developments in India.

Despite these reforms, the act was widely criticized by Indian nationalists. The Indian National Congress rejected it because it did not grant full independence or responsible government at the central level. The Muslim League, while initially supporting some provisions, later demanded separate safeguards for Muslims. The act ultimately failed to satisfy any major political group in India and did little to ease the growing demand for complete self-rule. However, it laid the groundwork for the constitutional framework that was later adapted in independent India and played a role in shaping the Indian Constitution after 1947.

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