Question

What were the main features of the Government of India Act, 1935?

Discuss any four features of the Government of India Act 1935.

Answer 1

1. Provincial Autonomy: Provinces were given autonomy with elected ministers responsible to the legislative assemblies. This marked the end of dyarchy at the provincial level.
2. All-India Federation: The act proposed a federation of British Indian provinces and princely states. However, this federal scheme was never implemented because the princely states did not join.
3. Dyarchy at the Centre: While dyarchy was abolished in provinces, it was introduced at the central government level, dividing subjects between ‘reserved’ and ‘transferred’ categories.
4. Bicameral Legislature: A bicameral federal legislature was to be established, consisting of a council of state and a federal assembly.
5. Extension of Franchise: The number of voters was increased to about 10% of the population by expanding the property and education-based qualifications.
6. Federal Court: The act established a federal Court of India to resolve disputes between provinces and interpret constitutional matters.
7. Division of Powers: It introduced three legislative lists, federal, provincial, and concurrent, to distribute subjects between the centre and provinces.

Answer 2

The Government of India Act 1935 was a key constitutional reform introduced by the British, Its key features were as follows:

1. Provincial Autonomy: The Act granted provinces sovereignty to govern themselves in sectors such as education, healthcare, and agriculture. The British retained control over defence and foreign affairs.
2. Introduction of Federal Structure: The Act divided authority between the Central Government and the provinces in order to establish a federal system for India. However, this federation was never put into full effect.
3. Bicameral Legislature: The Act established a bicameral legislature with the Federal Assembly (Lower House) and the Council of States (Upper House) as its core.
4. Separate Electorates: The Act continued the system of distinct electorates for various religious groups, which further deepened already existing divisions amongst communities.