Which Act for the first time made it possible for Indians to take some share in the administration of their country?
Which Act for the first time made it possible for Indians to take some share in the administration of their country? Correct Answer Indian Councils Act 1861
The correct answer is Indian Councils Act 1861.
Key Points
- Indian Councils Act 1861
- Provisions of the Indian Councils Act 1861 were:
- For the executive functions of the Council, a fifth member was added, Now there were five members for home, military, law, revenue, and finance.
- Indian Councils Act 1861 for the first time made it possible for Indians to take some share in the administration of their country.
- Lord Canning, who was the Governor-General and Viceroy at the time, introduced the portfolio system. In this system, each member was assigned a portfolio of a particular department.
- For legislative purposes, the Governor-General’s Council was enlarged. Now, there were to be between 6 and 12 additional members (nominated by the Governor-General).
- Out of these, at least half of the additional members were to be non-official (British or Indian).
Additional Information
- Charter Act 1833
- The company’s commercial activities were closed down.
- It was made into an administrative body for British Indian possessions.
- The company’s trade links with China were also closed down.
- This act permitted the English to settle freely in India.
- This act legalized the British colonization of the country.
- The company still possessed the Indian territories but it was held ‘in trust for his majesty’.
- Charter Act 1853
- For the first time, the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s council were separated.
- This act served as the foundation of the modern parliamentary form of government.
- The legislative wing of the Governor-General’s Council acted as a parliament on the model of the British Parliament.
- It extended the company’s rule for an indefinite period, unlike the previous charter acts.
- Government of India Act 1858
- The Viceroy and the governors of the various presidencies were appointed by the Crown.
- The Viceroy was to be assisted by an Executive Council.
- This act made India a direct British colony.
- This act abolished the dual government of the Pitt’s India Act.
- This act also ended the doctrine of lapse.
- The Indian Civil Services was to be instituted for the administration of the country.
- There was provision for Indians also to be admitted to the service.
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Feb 20, 2025