what was the India act of 1935? [4]

• Some level of provincial autonomy was granted under the Government of India Act 1935.
• it was based on the white paper, suggested in 1933 by simon comm and RTC.
• a team worked under lord linlithgow, it included safe selected nominees to represent various indian groups, their job was review white paper and make recommendations for the future of india.
• this team submitted its report in 1934
• The bill was passed by the British Parliament in August 1935.
• It became law as the Government of India Act 1935, also known as the Indian Constitution Act of 1935.
• This was the last major legislation enacted by the British Government before India gained independence.

terms of the act

• A federal system of government was introduced at the center.
• The Federation consisted of British Indian provinces and princely states.
• A bi-cameral system (two houses of parliament) was introduced at the center.
  • Upper House: Called the Council of State.
    • Total members: 256 from British India (provinces) and 156 from princely states.
  • Lower House: Called the Assembly.
    • Total members: 250 from British India and 125 from princely states.
• The Governor-General (Viceroy) was in charge of:
  • Defence, foreign affairs (external relations), religious affairs, and tribal affairs.
• Other subjects were controlled by ministers.
• At the provincial level, representative governments were introduced, elected by the Indian people.
• Some provincial autonomy was granted, giving decision-making power to elected representatives.
• Ministers in the provinces controlled all departments except when:
  • The Governor (always british) chose to intervene in cases of public order or to veto a bill.
• Additional rights for the local population to vote were provided.
• Qualification for voting was lowered, raising the number of voters to 35 million (including 5 million women).