The Government of India Act of 1935 was a major piece of legislation that aimed to introduce further responsible government in India. It was extensive and detailed, consisting of 321 sections and 10 schedules.
Key Features:
- All-India Federation: It proposed an All-India Federation of provinces and princely states. The division of powers was based on three lists: Federal List (59 items), Provincial List (54 items), and Concurrent List (36 items). However, the federation never materialized as princely states did not join.
- Provincial Autonomy: It abolished dyarchy in the provinces and introduced provincial autonomy, allowing provinces to act independently within their defined areas.
- Dyarchy at the Centre: The Act proposed dyarchy at the Centre by dividing federal subjects into reserved and transferred categories. However, this provision was not implemented.
- Bicameralism in Provinces: The Act introduced bicameral legislatures in six provinces (Bengal, Bombay, Madras, Bihar, Assam, and the United Provinces).
- Representation: It reserved seats for Scheduled Castes (depressed classes) and provided special representation to women and labor.
- Abolishment of Council of India: The Act abolished the Council of India and instead provided the Secretary of State for India with a team of advisors.
- Extended Franchise: About 14% of the population was granted the right to vote.
- Reserve Bank of India: It established the Reserve Bank of India to manage the country's currency and credit.
- Public Service Commissions: It created a Federal Public Service Commission and Provincial Public Service Commissions.
- Federal Court: It established a Federal Court, which began operations in 1937.
- Separation of Burma: Burma (now Myanmar) was separated from India.
- Creation of New Provinces: It created two new provinces, Orissa and Sind.
- Minority Safeguards: The Act included safeguards for the protection of minority interests.
- Federal Railway Authority: It established a Federal Railway Authority for the administration of railways.
- Auditor-General of India: It provided for the appointment of an Auditor-General of India to audit the accounts of the federation and provinces.
