Indian Council Act 1892 – Provisions, Features, Governor-General
By BYJU'S Exam Prep
Updated on: November 14th, 2023
Indian Council Act 1892 was a British Parliamentary act to alter the size of the Legislative councils in British India. It was introduced by Richard Assheton Cross in 1892 to fulfill the demands put forward by the Indian National Congress. The Indian Council Act of 1892 is considered the first step toward the representative form of Modern Indian government.
However, the Indian Council Act 1892 was repealed by the Government of India Act of 1915. Below, you will find all the information about the 1892 Act, its history, features of the Act, assessment, and the causes for the failure of the Indian Council Act of 1892.
Table of content
Indian Council Act 1892
The Indian Council Act 1892 was introduced by the British government as an amendment to the composition and function of the Legislative councils in India. Though it is considered a positive step yet, it failed as the Indian members were restricted from holding discussions on matters relating to finances. The basic overview of the Indian Council Act 1892 is as follows-
|
Overview |
Details of 1892 Act |
|
Enacted by |
United Kingdom’s Parliament |
|
Introduced by |
1st Viscount Cross, Richard Assheton Cross |
|
Extent |
Territories falling under the British rule |
|
Royal Assent |
June 20, 1892 |
|
Commenced on |
Feb 3, 1893 |
|
Status |
Government of India Act 1915 repealed the act |
Background of 1892 Act
With the foundation of the Indian National Congress in 1885, the feeling of nationalism spread throughout the country. The masses began to put forward their demands in front of the British Government.
- They asked the authorities to reform the legislative council of British India. Along with this, they demanded replacing the nomination process with the principle of elections.
- The Leaders of the Indian National Congress wanted to control the country’s financial matters and, thus, put forward their demand for official discussions on issues related to the country’s finances.
- Seeing the large wave of nationalism in the country, a committee was set up by Lord Dufferin, the Viceroy. However, these demands to hold elections were rejected by the State Secretary, and perhaps, he agreed to conduct indirect elections.
Provisions of Indian Council Act 1892
With the introduction of the Indian Council Act of 1892, the number of non-official members or additional members was increased for the legislative councils. The provisions of the Indian Council Act of 1892 include the following-
- The increase in the number of members was – North Western Province: 15 members, Oudh: 15 members, Bombay: 8 members, Madras: 20 members, Bengal: 20 members, and Central Legislative Council: 10 – 16 members.
- Before the introduction of the Indian Council Act 1852, there were 24 additional members on the Legislative Council and out of these members, only 5 were Indians.
- The Act provided these members with the right to ask questions related to the finances and budget (However, this right was barred after the amendment in the Act in 1861) and matters of public interest after a notice of 6 days.
- They were restricted from asking supplementary questions.
- The Act initiated the principle of representation. The Zamindars, chambers of commerce, municipalities, universities, and district boards became the authorized representatives responsible for recommending members to the provincial councils.
- The members had the power to form new laws and alter or repeal old laws with Governor-General’s permission.
Features of Indian Council Act 1892
The main features of the Indian Council Act were that it lead to a surge in the number of Indians in the representative system of Government. The principle of elections was formulated. The non-officials were also bestowed with the power of discussing the financial strategies laid by the government was heard. The Government also used to present the details of the strategies to clear the confusion. The Parliament of the United Kingdom passed the legislature which was presented by Richard Assheton Cross. All the territories under British Rule were affected by this Act. This act received royal assent on 20th June and hence was implemented.
Analysis of Indian Council Act 1892
The Act of 1892 was the first step in India toward the representative form of Government in British India. However, it was not related to the common man. After the Act’s introduction, the number of Indians in the Legislative Councils increased. This was a positive change for Indians. However, the prominent leaders of the country were not in favour of the act because of its flaws.
Flaws of Indian Council Act 1892
Indian Council Act of 1892 was viewed as a revolutionary movement in India. But, it was opposed by prominent Indian leaders like Bal Gangadhar Tilak. Tilak blamed the Indian National Congress’s moderate petitions policy and wanted positive developments. He asked for the formation of a more aggressive policy against British Rule in India.
The Indian Council Act 1892 has the following flaws:
- Indians were not allowed to have control over the annual budget.
- It restricted the INC from holding discussions on matters related to finances.
- They were restricted from asking supplementary questions.
Indian Council Act 1892 UPSC
Indian Council Act of 1892 had a special significance in Indian History. Thus, it forms an important part of the UPSC Exam. Several Questions have been raised from Indian Council Act, 1892 UPSC in the prelims and mains exam. Aspirants can learn about the topic by downloading the PDF with the above link. You can also go through the Indian History Notes to learn about the related topics.
