The Government of India Act of 1934 was a landmark legislation that marked an important point in India’s evolution towards democracy. It established the framework of British India’s governance, and it is often regarded by many as the biggest step towards independence before India attained its independence in 1947. In this article, we’ll delve into the act and its key features, as well as its historical context, impact, implications, and importance for India’s political landscape.
1. History
The Government of India Act of 35 must be understood within the context of India’s growing demand for self-government. It was shaped by a number of key events, including:
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The Montagu-Chelmsford reforms (1919).After World War I, Britain introduced reforms allowing for limited self government but falling short of Indian ambitions.
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Simla Conference (1932).It was hosted by the British Government and attempted to reconcile differences among the Indian National Congress (INC), the All-India Muslim League (AIML) and other factions. However, no substantial agreement could be reached.
- Lahore Resolution, 1940The Muslim League adopted a resolution in which it demanded that Muslims be granted their own independent states in the northwest and east zones of India. This later led to the partition of India.
The 1935 Act was the result of the dissatisfaction over the constitution.
2. Government of India Act 1935: Features and Key Features
The Act introduced a number of features including:
2.1 Federal Structure
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Bicameral LegislatureThe Act proposed that India have a federal system with a national government and provincial governments. The Act introduced a bi-cameral legislative body at the centre, consisting of the Council of State (the central government) and the Legislative Assembly.
- Division of PowersThree lists were created: The Federal List, the Provincial List, and the Concurrent List. The federal government was responsible for matters of national significance, whereas the provinces were in charge of local affairs.
2.2 Provincial Autonomy
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DyarchyThe Act introduced a dyarchy system at the provincial levels, meaning that certain subjects were given to Indian ministers and others remained under British rule. This was the very first time Indian politicians had legislative power.
- Provincial ElectionsThe Indians’ political participation increased as a result of the Act.
Central Government
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Governors’ powersThe Governor has been granted extensive powers. These include the power to legislate unilaterally and dissolve legislative assemblies in the event of conflict.
- SovereigntyIn spite of the autonomy granted to provinces, the central government still retained its sovereign powers and limited the autonomy which the provinces were able to exercise.
Representation
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Separate ElectoratesThe Act continues the practice of having separate electorates to represent different communities. It allows Muslims, Scheduled Castes and other minorities, to elect their own representatives.
- Representation in Legislative BodiesThe law increased the number of seats allotted to minorities within legislative bodies.
2. Other Provisions
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Reserve Bank of IndiaThe Reserve Bank of India was established under this Act and assumed control over India’s currency and credit matters.
- Emergency PowersThe Act allows the central government control over provincial legislatures in times of emergency.
3. Act implications
The Government of India Act of 1935 had many social and political implications for India.
Political Landscape
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Rise of Provincial PoliticsThe Act encouraged regional parties to be formed and increased the regionalism of politics. This has had lasting effects on Indian politics today.
- Indian National Congress and CooperationThe Congress participated in the elections in 1937, which led to an increase in its political influence.
3.2 Limiting the Self-Government
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Britain’s PowersBecause of the extensive powers that were retained by Britain, real self-government was still very limited and in many cases unenforceable.
- Frustrations among Indian politiciansLeaders of the Indian community were disappointed by the Act’s limitations, and in particular the unaccountable power of the Governor.
Set the stage for future reforms
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Blueprint for Post-Independence GovernmentThe Indian Constitution of 1950 incorporated elements from the Act, especially the federal structure.
- Increased Political EmpowermentThe Act helped to create a more politically aware society and set a precedent for future independence struggles.
4. The Act is implemented
The implementation of Government of India Act of 35 was complicated:
4.1 Provincial Elections, 1937
- The Indian National Congress was able to win the 1937 elections, which were the first ones held under this Act. They created governments in various provinces and tested the Act’s provisions.
Political Unrest: Responses and Reactions
- The Congress enjoyed a successful political career, but dissatisfaction with British rule continued to increase, leading to movements such as the Quit India Movement of 1942.
World War II Impact
- The Act’s effectiveness and governance were questioned by the British after World War II, when they decided to include India in the conflict without consulting Indian leaders.
5. The conclusion of the article is:
The Government of India Act of 35 was a milestone in India’s legal history. It did not achieve the goal of total self-rule but it was a crucial intermediate step in establishing India’s legislative framework and political participation. It has profoundly affected India’s federalism, governance and political structure. It set the stage of future reforms and eventual independence.
FAQs
Q1 What were the main goals of the Government of India Act of 35?
A1: The main goals were to create a legal framework for British India, introduce a federal system, ensure provincial autonomy, increase Indian political representation, and implement a federal government.
How did it affect India’s relationship with Britain?
A2: The Act was designed to satisfy Indian demands for increased self-governance, but in the end it strengthened nationalist feelings. As a result, there were more demands for independence from India and tensions between British and Indian authorities.
Q3: What role did the governor play under the Government of India Act of 1935?
A3: The Governor was a powerful figure who could legislate, control many subjects and dissolve the legislature, and undermine the autonomy of the elected representatives.
Q4 Did the Government of India Act of 1934 succeed in creating a government with full autonomy?
A4: While the Act provided some autonomy, it didn’t provide total autonomy. Major powers were retained by the British authorities.
Q5: What impact did the Act have on the Indian Constitution
A5: The Indian Constitution adopted several features of the Government of India Act of 35, particularly in relation to the federal structure, the division of powers and the legislative process.
Q6: Why was the Government of India Act of 1934 passed?
A6: The failure of several conferences between Indian leaders and British officials and their dissatisfaction over earlier reforms led to the need for a more comprehensive law that addresses the Indian demand for self-government.
Q7. Did any political parties form as a result of the act?
A7: The Act did encourage regional parties, and it strengthened existing parties such as the All India Muslim League and the Indian National Congress, which has had a lasting impact on Indian politics.
Q8. What are the shortcomings of the Government of India Act of 1935?
A8: Some of the key drawbacks were the British retaining significant powers, the introduction to dyarchy that created administrative challenges and the continuation of separate electoral systems which increased communal divisions.
Q9 What was the result of the 1937 election under the Act
A9: The Indian National Congress was able to win a majority across several provinces. This gave them a strong presence in the government, but this was curtailed in the aftermath of WWII by the British government.
Q10 Why is the Government of India Act of 1935 regarded as a prelude to the Indian Independence Movement
A10: It was a catalyst in the political awakening of Indians. It showed the limitations of British concessions. And it highlighted the need for total independence. This intensified the fight against colonial rule.
