Indian Council Act 1892 UPSC Prelims 2020

Summary

The video delves into the Indian Councils Act of 1892, examining its background, key changes, and the demands from the Indian National Congress. It highlights the central and provincial legislative reforms, particularly focusing on the increase in the number of additional members, their method of nomination, and the introduction of discussions on financial matters in the central legislature. The act marked a shift toward greater Indian representation in governance, with several changes aligned with Congress's demands, improving political representation and credibility. The video provides a detailed overview of these pivotal legislative reforms.

Takeaways

• 😀 The video discusses the Indian Councils Act of 1892, explaining its background, provisions, and the changes in the legislative system.
• 😀 The Indian National Congress (INC) played a key role in demanding reforms and pushing for more Indian representation in governance.
• 😀 The Indian National Congress raised concerns about the inadequacy of the previous reforms and advocated for further changes in the legislative process.
• 😀 The Government of India was controlled by the Secretary of State in Britain, with the Viceroy managing the administration through the Executive Council.
• 😀 The Indian Councils Act of 1892 did not make any changes to the Executive Council's structure or powers, continuing the previous setup.
• 😀 The Central Legislative Council saw an increase in the number of additional members, from 6 to 12, as a result of the 1892 reforms.
• 😀 The INC demanded that additional members in the Central Legislative Council be elected, rather than nominated by the Viceroy, and their suggestion was partially accepted.
• 😀 Financial matters were allowed for discussion in the Central Legislative Council for the first time under the 1892 Act, marking a significant change.
• 😀 Provincial Legislative Councils saw the introduction of elected additional members, with representatives from universities, district boards, municipalities, and the Chamber of Commerce.
• 😀 The Indian Councils Act of 1892 increased Indian representation in both Central and Provincial legislatures, which was seen as a positive step for Indian participation in governance.

Q & A

What was the main reason behind the passing of the Indian Councils Act of 1892?

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was passed due to increasing demands for Indian participation in governance, primarily from the Indian National Congress (INC). The INC wanted more Indian representation in the legislative bodies, leading to reforms that increased Indian involvement in both the Central and Provincial Legislative Assemblies.

What changes did the Indian National Congress demand in the legislative process before the Act was passed?

The INC demanded an increase in the number of additional members in the Central Legislative Assembly, a shift from nomination to election for these members, and the allowance of discussions on financial matters within the legislature, which were previously prohibited.

How did the Indian Councils Act of 1892 change the composition of the Central Legislative Assembly?

The Act increased the number of additional members in the Central Legislative Assembly to between 10 and 16. While these members were still nominated, some were nominated from provincial assemblies and other institutions, bringing regional representation into the assembly.

What was the role of the Indian National Congress in shaping the Indian Councils Act of 1892?

The Indian National Congress played a crucial role by presenting demands for greater Indian participation in the legislative process, many of which were incorporated into the Indian Councils Act of 1892. Their efforts increased the number of additional members and introduced some new powers for Indian legislators.

What significant change occurred in the Provincial Legislative Assemblies after the 1892 Act?

The 1892 Act introduced elections for additional members in Provincial Legislative Assemblies, allowing representation from institutions like universities, district boards, and chambers of commerce. This was a significant step towards incorporating a broader range of Indian voices into governance.

What was the impact of the Indian Councils Act of 1892 on the representation of Indians in governance?

The Act allowed more Indians to participate in governance by increasing the number of Indian members in both the Central and Provincial Legislative Assemblies, though these members were still largely nominated. This represented a step forward in Indian political participation within the British colonial system.

Did the Indian Councils Act of 1892 allow Indian members to vote on financial matters in the Central Legislative Assembly?

No, while the Act allowed discussions on financial matters in the Central Legislative Assembly, Indian members were not allowed to vote on these issues. The lack of voting rights on financial bills remained a limitation.

How did the Indian Councils Act of 1892 address the issue of Indian civil services exams?

One of the demands raised by the Indian National Congress, which was addressed in the Act, was to hold Indian civil services exams in India as well as in England. This was part of the broader push to make the governance system more inclusive of Indians.

How did the Indian Councils Act of 1892 affect the role of the Executive Council?

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 did not introduce any significant changes to the structure of the Executive Council, which continued to function under the Secretary of State's authority. The Executive Council still had the same powers and composition as before.

What were some of the limitations of the Indian Councils Act of 1892, despite its reforms?

Despite the reforms, the Indian Councils Act of 1892 had significant limitations. The number of elected members remained small, the majority were still nominated, and Indian members had limited powers, particularly in voting on financial matters. Additionally, the Act did not fully address the INC's demands for greater autonomy and Indian control over legislative decisions.