Charter Act of 1833

Charter Act of 1833

The Regulating Act of 1773 made it compulsory to renew the Company's Charter after twenty years. Hence, the Charter Act of 1793 was passed by the Parliament. It extended the life of Company for another twenty years and introduced minor changes in the existing set up. The Charter Act of 1813 provided one lakh of rupees annually for the promotion of Indian education. It also extended the Company's charter for another twenty years.

The Charter Act of 1833 was a significant constitutional instrument defining the scope and authority of the East India Company. The liberal and utilitarian philosophy of Bentham was made popular by the provisions of this Act. Following were the important provisions:

The English East India Company ceased to be a commercial agency in India. In other words, it would function hereafter as the political agent for the Crown.

The Governor-General of Fort William was hereafter called 'the Governor- General of India'. Thus, Bentinck was the first Governor-General of India'.

A Law Member was appointed to the Governor-General's Council. T. B. Macaulay was the first Law Member of the Governor-General-in-Council.

The Act categorically stated 'that no native of India, nor any natural born subject of His Majesty, should be disabled from holding any place, office, or employment, by reason of his religion, place of birth, descent or colour'. It was this enactment which laid the foundation for the Indianisation of public services.

After twenty years, the Charter Act of 1853 was passed and it was the last in he series of Charter Acts.