Chapter: 11th 12th std standard History autobiography life Higher secondary school College Notes

Indian Councils Act of 1861 and 1892

Indian Councils Act of 1861

The Indian Councils Act of 1861 increased the number of members in the Governor-General's executive Council from 4 to 5. Further the Governor-General's Executive Council was enlarged into a Central Legislative Council. Six to tweleve 'additional members' were to be nominated by the Governor-General. Not less than half of these members were to be non-officials. Thus a provision was made for the inclusion of Indians in the Legislative Council. The functions of these members were strictly limited to making legislation and they were forbidden from interfering in the matters of the Executive Council. They did not possess powers of administration and finance.

Legilative Councils were also established in the provinces. The number of additional members in the provinces was fixed between four to eight. So, this Act was an important constitutional development and the people of India came to be involved in the law malking process. The mechanism of Indian legislation developed slowly and reinforced further by the Acts of 1892 and 1909.

Indian Councils Act of 1892

The Indian Councils Act of 1892 was the first achievement of the Indian National Congress. It had increased the number of 'additional members' in the Central Legislative Council. They were to be not less than 10 and not more than 16. It had also increased the proportion of non-officials - 6 officials and 10 non-officials. The members were allowed to discuss the budget and criticize the financial policy of the government. In the provinces also the number of additional members was increased with additional powers.

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11th 12th std standard History autobiography life Higher secondary school College Notes : Indian Councils Act of 1861 and 1892 |