Fill in the blank:
The Indian Councils Act 1892 for the first time permitted legislative councils to ____.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Answer: To discuss the annual budget.
Explanation:
The Indian Councils Act of 1892 marked a significant turning point in India's constitutional development. For the first time, this Act granted members of the Legislative Council the right to discuss the annual budget and to ask questions of the Executive. However, members still did not possess the right to ask supplementary questions or to vote on the budget. This reform was the result of persistent demands made by the Indian National Congress. The Act introduced a method of limited and indirect elections, thereby paving the way for Indian participation in legislative bodies.
Additional Points:
Viceroy's Powers: The Viceroy still retained the power of veto and could overrule the decisions of the Councils.
Number of Members: Through this Act, the number of additional (non-official) members in both the Central and Provincial Councils was increased.
Act of 1909: Subsequently, under the 'Morley-Minto Reforms' (1909), the right to ask supplementary questions was also granted.
Potential Exam Questions and Answers:
Question: Which Act introduced the system of indirect elections in India?
Answer: The Indian Councils Act of 1892.
Question: Could members vote on the budget under the Act of 1892?
Answer: No; they possessed only the right to discuss it.