All About Administrative Reforms in Colonial India (Post-1857)

Introduction

The British learned from the revolt of 1857 and organized a mass action, realizing the potential threat to British rule. In colonial India, efforts were made to narrow the gap by reducing alienation from the administration. There was the Inclusion of natives in administration to understand the customs, traditions, and values of the ruled population.

Central Administration

• Transfer of Power and Dual System End (1858): The Act for Better Government of India, 1858, transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown.
  • In colonial India, the company’s limitations in administering were exposed by the 1857 revolt.
  • Power to govern was wielded through a secretary of state, a member of the British cabinet.
  • In colonial India, the Secretary of State was assisted by a council of 15, which was accountable to the British Parliament.
  • The dual system, which was introduced by Pitt’s India Act, 1784 came to an end.
  • Parliament to retain the ultimate power over India.
• Viceroyalty and Executive Council (1858)
  • Government in India was carried on by the governor general, now titled viceroy.
  • The viceroy was assisted by an executive council, and the members acted as heads of various departments.
  • The authority of the viceroy was gradually reduced with the concentration of power in the secretary of state.
  • In colonial India, the concentration of authority increased the influence of British industrialists, merchants, and bankers over Indian policy.
  • Indian administration became more reactionary post-1858.
• Indian Councils Act, 1861
• • A fifth member, a jurist, was added to the viceroy’s executive council.
  • The viceroy could add six to twelve additional members for legislative purposes.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Course

• Provincial Administration

  • Legislative Powers Restoration (1861): Indian Councils Act, 1861 returned legislative powers to Madras and Bombay provinces which were taken away in 1833.
    • Bombay, Madras, and Calcutta presidencies enjoyed more rights and powers than other provinces.
  • Administrative Structure: Presidencies were administered by governors and executive councils, other provinces by lieutenant governors and chief commissioners were appointed by the Governor-general.
    • Three presidencies had administrative privileges, and governors were appointed by the Crown.
  • Financial Decentralization Attempts: Some steps were taken towards financial decentralization, but mainly it was an administrative reorganization.
    • It aimed at increasing revenues and reducing expenditure, not indicative of progress towards provincial autonomy.
  • Financial Reforms under Lord Mayo’s Administration: 1870 Lord Mayo,  initiated the bifurcation of central and provincial finances by granting fixed sums for certain services like police, jails, education, medical services, and roads.
    • Provincial governments were given autonomy in administering specific services, marking a shift in financial responsibilities.
  • Progressive Revenue Division (1877-1882): Lord Lytton transferred the heads of expenditure like land revenue, excise, general administration, and law and justice to provinces.
    • Provincial governments received a fixed share of income from stamps, excise, and income tax.
  • Categorization of Revenue Sources: Revenue sources were categorized into general (going to the center), provincial (going entirely to provinces), and those to be divided between center and provinces.
  • Provinces gained control over specific revenue sources, leading to financial division.

• Central Government’s Supreme Control

• • In colonial India, despite financial decentralization, the central government remained supreme.
  • Detailed control was retained over the provinces by the central government.
  • Centralized Administration: Both central and provincial governments were subordinated to the secretary of state and the British Government.
  • Central government maintained overall authority, demonstrating the subordination of both levels of government.

Enroll now for UPSC Online Classes

Conclusion

• The period following the Indian Rebellion of 1857 saw significant administrative reforms in colonial India. 
• These reforms aimed to streamline governance, bifurcate finances, and establish clearer lines of authority between central and provincial administrations. 
• Despite the reforms in colonial India, tensions between colonial authorities and Indian subjects persisted, setting the stage for further political developments in the quest for self-governance and independence.

DOWNLOAD PDF