Question

Answer the following question.
Outline the main features of Provincial Autonomy under the Government of India Act of 1935.

Answer 1

The main features of Provincial Autonomy under the Government of India Act of 1935 were:

This Act established a ‘Federation of India’ consisting of British Indian Provinces and Indian states and provided for a provincial autonomy with a government responsible to the elected legislature in every province. The ministers would control the departments and would remain responsible to the legislatures.

The Federal structure of the government of India was to comprise the Governor-General and a Council of Ministers. Governors were to be aided and advised by the Council of Ministers.

The Federal Legislature was to be a Bicameral Legislature the Council of States and the House of Assembly. The ministers were to be selected by the Governor-General and they were to hold office during his pleasure. In the Council of States, the representatives of the native states were to be chosen directly by the rulers.

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Defence were reserved exclusively for the Governor-General. The other Federal subjects would be administered by the Governor-General with the assistance and suggestions of a Council of Ministers. Thus, Diarchy was introduced at the Centre.

The voting right was based on property qualifications. The separate electorate and the system of weightage were retained.