Acts under British Rule

Indian Councils Act of 1861

  1. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 marked a significant step in involving Indians in the legislative process for the first time.
  2. It restored the power of legislative decentralization to the Bombay and Madras Presidencies.
  3. The Act provided for the establishment of new legislative councils for Bengal, the North-Western Provinces, and Punjab.
  4. It introduced the concept of a portfolio system, where each member of the council was assigned specific departments.
  5. Non-official members, including Indians, were allowed to be included in the legislative councils.
  6. Though Indians were included, their role was largely advisory, with no real powers to influence legislation.
  7. The Governor-General was empowered to make ordinances during emergencies without consulting the council.
  8. Lord Canning was the first Governor-General to implement the provisions of this Act.
  9. The Act is considered a beginning of the process of constitutional development in India.
  10. Despite its limitations, the Act paved the way for further reforms in India’s legislative system.

Indian Councils Act of 1892

  1. The Indian Councils Act of 1892 aimed to expand the legislative councils and enhance the participation of Indians.
  2. The number of additional members in the Central and Provincial Legislative Councils was increased.
  3. For the first time, councils were empowered to discuss the budget, albeit with limitations.
  4. Members were allowed to ask questions on matters of public interest, a step towards accountability.
  5. The Act introduced an element of indirect election in selecting some members of the legislative councils.
  6. However, the term "election" was avoided, and members were "nominated" based on recommendations from select bodies.
  7. Prominent groups, such as district boards, municipalities, and universities, were given representation in the councils.
  8. The Act marked the beginning of Indian efforts to secure representation in governance.
  9. Despite these reforms, the Act failed to satisfy the growing political aspirations of Indians.
  10. The dissatisfaction led to the growth of political movements, culminating in the formation of the Indian National Congress.
  11. The 1892 Act was a precursor to more significant reforms in the Morley-Minto Reforms of 1909.

Significance

  1. Both Acts marked the gradual progression of Indians' involvement in the governance of the country.
  2. They laid the groundwork for the future constitutional development of representative institutions in India.
  3. The Acts exposed Indians to modern parliamentary practices, setting the stage for the freedom struggle.
Category
Historical Background
Indian Polity and Governance
What was the main purpose of the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
Under the Indian Councils Act of 1861, which body was reintroduced?
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 marked the beginning of which process?
Which Act allowed the Viceroy to issue ordinances in emergencies?
Under the Indian Councils Act of 1861, how many Indians were nominated as non-official members?
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 is considered significant because it introduced what feature?
Who was responsible for implementing the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
Which Act expanded the size of legislative councils in British India?
What did the Indian Councils Act of 1892 introduce in legislative councils?
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 gave legislative councils the power to do what?
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 introduced the concept of a separate legislature for which areas?
Which of the following was a limitation of the Indian Councils Act, 1892?
Under the Indian Councils Act of 1892, Indians could be nominated to which councils?
The portfolio system introduced under the Indian Councils Act of 1861 was aimed at which purpose?
Who was the Viceroy of India when the Indian Councils Act of 1861 was passed?
Which Act first allowed Indians to participate in law-making processes?
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was passed under the tenure of which Viceroy?
What was the major drawback of the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
Which Act marked the beginning of representation for Indians in the legislature?
Under the Indian Councils Act of 1892, who was responsible for nominating members to the legislative councils?
What was a significant feature of the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
Which Act allowed the discussion of the annual budget for the first time?
What type of elections did the Indian Councils Act of 1892 introduce for the first time?
Under the Indian Councils Act of 1861, ordinances issued by the Viceroy were valid for how long?
Which Act is considered a precursor to the Indian Constitution due to its legislative inclusions?
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 allowed what proportion of council members to be elected?
Which Act provided a framework for later reforms in Indian governance?
Who recommended the introduction of legislative councils under the Indian Councils Act of 1861?
The Indian Councils Act of 1861 gave legislative councils the authority to make laws on which subjects?
Which Act is often referred to as the beginning of representative governance in India?