Q. With reference to the Indian Councils Act of 1861, consider the following statements:
1.It marked the beginning of associating Indians with the law-making process by nominating them to the Viceroy’s legislative council.
2.It initiated the process of decentralisation by restoring legislative powers to the presidencies of Bombay and Madras.
3.It introduced a system of direct elections to the provincial legislative councils.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer: A
Notes:
Explanation:
- Indian Councils Act of 1861 allowed the Viceroy to nominate Indians as non-official members to his expanded legislative council. This was a token gesture toward Indian representation.
- This was a reversal of the centralising trend from earlier Acts. The Act allowed provincial legislatures to frame laws again, laying early groundwork for future provincial autonomy.
- The system of elections (even indirect) was not introduced by this Act. Direct or indirect elections came much later under the Indian Councils Act of 1892 and 1909.
Source: Laxmikant (Polity)
