Question

The British Government announced the formation of the Simon Commission in 1927. In this context briefly explain the purpose of its formation and its main recommendations.

Answer 1

 The British Government sent a Commission under the chairmanship of Sir John Simon in November 1927 to prepare a report on the working of the reforms of 1919. The Congress decided to boycott it because no Indian was appointed to this Commission. The people protested against this Commission and raised a cry ‘Simon Go Back’. It took a serious turn at Lahore, where Lala Lajpat Rai received serious injuries in the Lathi charge. He was so seriously wounded that he died. Shortly after the whole country rose in great anger.
However, the Simon Commission completed its task and submitted its report. The following were the main features of the report:

1. Complete autonomy in the Province, including the department of law and order, but the Governor was given over-riding powers in certain matters.
2. British troops and British officers to stay on in Indian regiments for many years.
3. Federal Government at the centre, embracing not only British Indian but the Princely States as well.
4. Provincial Legislative Councils to be enlarged.
5. The Governor General to select and appoint members of his cabinet.
6. High Courts to be under the administrative control of the Government of India.