Q. With reference to the Government of India Act of 1935, consider the following statements:
1. The Act provided for establishment of India as a federation of the British provinces and princely states.
2. The Act introduced bicameralism in the British provinces.
3. The Act designated the Governor-General of India as a nominal head of the State.
How many statements given above are correct?
Solution: (a) Exp) Option a is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect. The Government of India Act of 1935 provided for the establishment of an All-India Federation consisting of provinces and princely states as units. The Act divided the powers between the Centre and units in terms of three lists. Residuary powers were given to the Viceroy. However, the federation never came into being as the princely states did not join it.
Statement 2 is correct. The Act introduced bicameralism in six out of eleven provinces. Thus, the legislatures of Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar, Assam and the United Provinces were made bicameral.
Statement 3 is incorrect. The Indian Independence Act of 1947 (and not the GoI Act, 1935) designated the Governor-General of India and the provincial governors as constitutional (nominal) heads of the states. They were made to act on the advice of the respective council of ministers in all matters.
