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.