SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 2

Solution: The correct answer is Indian Councils Act, 1861.
Explanation:
☛ The Indian Councils Act of 1861 marked an important landmark in the constitutional history of India by associating Indians with the law-making process.
☛ Under this Act, the Viceroy was empowered to nominate non-official members to his expanded council for legislative business.
☛ In 1862, the then Viceroy Lord Canning nominated three Indians to his legislative council: the Raja of Benares, the Maharaja of Patiala, and Sir Dinkar Rao.
☛ The Act initiated the process of legislative decentralisation by restoring legislative powers to the Presidencies of Bombay and Madras.
☛ It also gave statutory recognition to the portfolio system introduced by Lord Canning in 1859.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Indian Councils Act, 1892: Increased the number of non-official members in legislative councils and granted them the right to discuss the annual budget and ask questions on public interest.
☛ Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms): Provided for the association of Indians with the executive councils of the Viceroy and Governors; Satyendra Prasad Sinha became the first Indian to join the Viceroy's Executive Council as a law member.
☛ Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms): Introduced dyarchy in the provinces and established a bicameral legislature at the Centre.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Who was the Viceroy of India when the Indian Councils Act of 1861 was passed? → Lord Canning
☛ Which Act officially recognized the portfolio system in British India? → Indian Councils Act, 1861
☛ Who became the first Indian member of the Viceroy's Executive Council in 1909? → Satyendra Prasad Sinha
☛ Which Act allowed members to discuss the budget for the first time in India? → Indian Councils Act, 1892
☛ Which Act introduced the system of Dyarchy in the provinces? → Government of India Act, 1919