The 'Indian Councils Act of 1892' represented a limited expansion of Indian participation in the legislative councils.
What was a notable feature of this Act regarding the selection of Indian members?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer: It permitted the nomination of certain Indian members by the Governor-General and provided for indirect elections through electoral colleges.
Explanation:
- Indirect Elections: The most significant feature of the Act of 1892 was the introduction of the principle of 'election' without explicitly using the term itself. It provided for indirect elections for the appointment of non-official members.
- Nomination Process: Members of the Central Legislative Council were nominated by the Governor-General based on the recommendations of the Bengal Chamber of Commerce and the Provincial Legislative Councils.
- Electoral Colleges: Members of the Provincial Councils were recommended by bodies such as municipalities, district boards, universities, and trade associations.
Additional Facts:
- Discussion on the Budget: This Act granted members of the Legislative Council the right to discuss the budget and ask questions of the Executive (although the right to ask supplementary questions had not yet been granted).
- Number of Members: The minimum number of additional (non-official) members in the Central Legislative Council was fixed at 10, and the maximum at 16.
- Background: This Act was introduced primarily in response to the political demands of the Indian National Congress (established in 1885).
Potential Questions for Upcoming Exams:
- Question: Through which Act was the 'principle of election' accepted in India for the first time?
- Answer: The Indian Councils Act, 1892.
- Question: Which Act granted Indians the right to debate the budget for the first time?
- Answer: The Indian Councils Act of 1892.
- Question: The Act of which year is referred to as the 'Morley-Minto Reforms'?
- Answer: The Indian Councils Act of 1909.