Government of India Act 1935
The Government of India Act 1935 is the longest piece of legislation enacted by the British Parliament prior to 1947. A landmark topic in Modern Indian History UPSC and Indian Polity UPSC preparation, it served as the administrative foundation for colonial governance and later became the primary structural blueprint for the Constitution of independent India.
Historical Background
The legislation emerged from intense political consultations, including the Simon Commission report, the negotiations of the three Round Table Conferences, the Communal Award 1932, and the subsequent British White Paper of 1933.
Objectives of the Government of India Act, 1935
The primary aim was to establish a constitutional framework that provided limited self-governance while retaining overarching imperial control over defense, finance, and foreign affairs.
Major Features of the Government of India Act, 1935
Key Government of India Act 1935 features included:
- Division of powers into three lists: Federal List, Provincial List, and Concurrent List.
- Establishment of a bicameral legislature at the central level.
- Creation of a Federal Court 1937 to resolve inter-provincial and federal disputes.
- Establishment of the Reserve Bank of India to regulate currency and credit.
Provincial Autonomy Under the Act
A core feature was Provincial Autonomy 1935, which abolished dyarchy at the provincial level and granted executive responsibility to elected ministers accountable to provincial legislatures.
Federal Scheme Under the Act
The Government of India Act 1935 federal scheme proposed an All India Federation comprising British Indian Provinces and Princely States. However, because participation was voluntary for princely rulers, the required quota of states never joined, and the central federal structure was never fully realized.
Administrative and Constitutional Changes
Comparing Government of India Act 1919 vs 1935, the 1935 Act shifted Government of India Act 1935 dyarchy from the provinces to the Central executive while expanding the electorate to about 14% of the adult population.
Significance of the Government of India Act, 1935
The Government of India Act 1935 significance lies in introducing constitutional governance, legislative accountability, and provincial self-rule, marking a point of no return for British administrative dominance.
Limitations of the Government of India Act, 1935
- Retention of veto powers and discretionary authority with the Governor-General and Provincial Governors.
- Communal electorates were further extended, reinforcing political fragmentation.
- Residuary powers were vested in the Governor-General rather than elected bodies.
Government of India Act 1935 vs Indian Constitution
Analyzing Indian Constitution and Government of India Act 1935, over 250 provisions—including emergency powers, federal structure, administrative setup, and the judiciary—were directly adapted into the 1950 Constitution.
Government of India Act 1935 and the 1937 Elections
The implementation of provincial autonomy led to the Government of India Act 1935 provincial elections in early 1937. The 1937 elections saw overwhelming victories for Congress, leading to the formation of Congress Ministries 1937 in eight out of eleven provinces
Conclusion
In conclusion, mastering the Government of India Act 1935 UPSC material is critical for consolidating your UPSC History Notes. It stands as a pivotal constitutional bridge connecting colonial administration with modern democratic India.
UPSC Prelims: PYQs & Practice Questions
Practice Questions
Q: In the Federation established by the Government of India Act, 1935, residuary powers were given to the:
(a) Federal Legislature
(b) Governor-General
(c) Provincial Legislature
(d) Provincial Governors
Answer: (b) Governor-General
Explanation:
The
Government of India Act, 1935 divided legislative subjects into three lists:
Federal List, Provincial List and Concurrent List.
Unlike the present constitutional arrangement, the
residuary powers under the 1935 Act were vested in the
Governor-General.
The Governor-General could determine whether a residuary subject would be dealt with by the
Federal Legislature or a Provincial Legislature.
Q: With reference to the Cabinet Mission, which of the following statements is/are correct?
1. It recommended a federal government.
2. It enlarged the powers of the Indian courts.
3. It provided for more Indians in the ICS.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) None
Answer: (a) 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The
Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 proposed a federal constitutional arrangement with a
limited Union dealing mainly with defence, foreign affairs and communications.
Statement 2 is incorrect. The Cabinet Mission did not propose the enlargement of the powers of Indian courts.
Statement 3 is incorrect. It did not contain provisions for increasing Indian recruitment into the
Indian Civil Service (ICS).
Practice Questions
Q: With reference to the Government of India Act, 1935, consider the following statements:
1. It abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced Provincial Autonomy.
2. It provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation comprising British Indian provinces and Princely States.
3. The All-India Federation came into existence immediately upon the passing of the Act in 1935.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct. The
Government of India Act, 1935 abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced
Provincial Autonomy, giving elected provincial ministers greater control over provincial subjects.
Statement 2 is correct. The Act proposed the establishment of an
All-India Federation consisting of British Indian provinces and Princely States.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The proposed federation
never came into existence because the required number of Princely States did not accede to the federation.
Q: Which of the following institutions were established or provided for under the provisions of the Government of India Act, 1935?
1. Federal Court
2. Reserve Bank of India
3. Federal Public Service Commission
4. Provincial Public Service Commission
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 1, 3 and 4 only
(c) 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Explanation:
The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for several important institutions.
Federal Court: The Act provided for the establishment of a Federal Court, which began functioning in
1937.
Reserve Bank of India: The constitutional framework under the Act recognized the institutional role of the
Reserve Bank of India in currency and credit administration.
Public Service Commissions: It provided for a
Federal Public Service Commission,
Provincial Public Service Commissions, and
Joint Public Service Commissions.
UPSC Mains – Previous Year & Practice Questions
Mains Previous Year Questions
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Analyse the significance of the Government of India Act, 1935 in shaping the administrative and federal structure of independent India. (UPSC CSE Mains 2021, GS Paper I)
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Discuss the extent to which the Government of India Act, 1935 influenced the framing of the Constitution of India. (UPSC CSE Mains 2016, GS Paper II)
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Why was the Government of India Act, 1935 described as a “charter of slavery” by Jawaharlal Nehru, despite its introduction of Provincial Autonomy? (UPSC CSE Mains 2005, GS Paper I)
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Evaluate the working of the Congress Ministries formed after the 1937 elections under the Government of India Act, 1935. (UPSC CSE Mains 2000, GS Paper I)
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Trace the evolution of federalism in India from the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms to the Government of India Act, 1935. (UPSC CSE Mains 1995, GS Paper I)
Mains Practice Questions
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: “The Government of India Act, 1935 gave us a machine with all brakes and no engine.” Critically evaluate Jawaharlal Nehru's assessment in the light of the constitutional features of the Act and the discretionary powers retained by the imperial executive.
[15 Marks | 250 Words]
Question: Compare and contrast the scheme of Dyarchy under the Government of India Act, 1919 with the concept of Provincial Autonomy under the Government of India Act, 1935. To what extent did the 1935 Act represent a genuine transfer of power?
[10 Marks | 150 Words]
Question: Examine how the electoral framework of the Government of India Act, 1935 led to the landmark Provincial Elections of 1937, and discuss the impact of the Congress Ministries on provincial governance before their resignation in 1939.
Government of India Act 1935-FAQs
What was the Government of India Act 1935?
The Government of India Act 1935 was a major colonial constitutional law that introduced provincial autonomy, a federal scheme, and administrative reforms in British India.
What were the major features of the Government of India Act 1935?
Major features included provincial autonomy, proposed All-India Federation, division of powers into three lists, bicameral legislature, Federal Court and RBI.
What is provincial autonomy under the 1935 Act?
Provincial autonomy abolished dyarchy in provinces and made elected ministers responsible to provincial legislatures.
Why did the federal scheme of the 1935 Act fail?
The federal scheme failed because princely states were not willing to join the proposed federation voluntarily.
Why is the Government of India Act 1935 important for UPSC?
It is important because many features of the Indian Constitution, including federal structure, emergency powers, judiciary and administrative provisions, drew influence from it.
