INDIAN COUNCILS ACT, 1892

Introduction

The British Parliament passed the Indian Councils Act 1892, which made significant changes to the composition and operation of legislative councils in British India. The act sought to improve Indian participation in governance by increasing the number of non-official members on central and provincial councils. While the act indicated progress toward a more representative government, its minimal concessions indirectly encouraged India’s revolutionary forces.

Features of Indian Councils Act 1892

• Expansion of Non-Official Members: The non-official members were increased in Central and Provincial Legislative Councils though the official majority was maintained.
• Expansion of Functions of Legislative Councils: There was an increase in the functions of Legislative Councils. 
  • It gave them the power to discuss the budget and address the questions to the Executive.

• Nomination of Non-Official Members: It provided for the nomination of some non-official members:
• • In Central Legislative Council: The Viceroy on the recommendation of the Provincial Legislative Council and Bengal Chamber of Commerce.
  • In Provincial Legislative Council: The Governor on the advice of the District Board, Municipalities, Universities, Trade Associations, Zamindars, and Chambers.
• Introduction of Limited and Indirect Election: The word ‘Election’ was nowhere mentioned, but a limited and indirect election for the Nominated members was introduced in this Act.
• Budgetary Powers: The Act increased the powers of legislative councils by allowing them to discuss budgets and financial matters. 
  • This was a significant step toward greater financial oversight and accountability.

Conclusion

The Indian Councils Act 1892 marked a pivotal turning point in the constitutional and political history of India. This significant piece of legislation expanded the number of legislative councils in India, thereby increasing Indian participation in the governance of British India. It represented the initial step toward a more representative form of administration in modern India.

Despite the British making relatively modest concessions through this Act, it set in motion a series of events that ultimately led to the emergence of revolutionary forces in India. The Act’s limited reforms served as a catalyst for more assertive and confrontational approaches to British authority.

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