The Government of India Act 1935

Question 1

What was it?

Answer 1

• In March 1933, the British announced their proposals for how India should be governed, despite the failure of the RTCs
• After discussions amongst British politicians, and consultation with pro-British Indians, nominated by the British themselves, a bill was introduced.
• In August 1935 the Government of India Act came into being.
• Last Major legislation that the British government passed, before Independence.
• Was to become the basis for talks of Independence.

Question 2

What were its main Terms?

Answer 2

1. India was to be a Federation, consisting of 2 provinces(British India+any princely states, who’d join)
2. 2 houses of parliament, at central Govt. level. Upper House (Council of State), which would have 156 ELECTED British Indians, 104 NOMINATED Princely State members. Lower House (Assembly), having 250 ELECTED British Indians, & 125 NOMINATED Princely State members.
3. Diarchy was dropped at a provincial level, and instead enforced at central Govt. level. Some reserved subjects, including; defense, and foreign affairs, were to be tended to by the G.G, and up to 3 councilors.
4. Replacing diarchy at the provincial level, was a system, providing provinces, a lot of autonomy. The provincial ministers, were in charge of the administration, & the provincial governors, were advised to act upon their orders, except in matters of special responsibility, like the peace of the province and the rights of minorities.
5. The number of provinces was increased to 11, by making NWFP one, and creating Sindh & Orrisa. The provincial legislature did vary. This appeared to grant the people power, which was far from reality.
6. The G.G, was head of the federation, and would have special powers, regarding reserved subjects.
7. The Provincial Governors also enjoyed special powers. They could dismiss ministers and even the entire administrations, during emergencies.
8. Only 25% of the population could vote in provincial elections, due to property qualifications.

Question 3

What sort of response met it?

Answer 3

• Greatly opposed
• Princes resented it, due to the loss of power
• Nehru “Charter of Slavery.” & “a machine with strong brakes, but no engine.”
• Jinnah “thoroughly rotten, fundamentally bad & totally unacceptable.”