GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT 1935 AD

Several reasons were responsible for the passing of the Government of India Act of 1935. First, according to the Act of 1919, the facilities which were given to the Indians were much less than their expectations. Second, the British Government appointed the Simon Commission in 1927 to take stock of the backward and 1919 Act reforms. This commission released its report in 1930. In this some more reforms were recommended for the Indians. Thirdly, in 1932, a White Paper was issued at the Third Round Table Conference in London. In this, the basis of the Act of 1935 AD was prepared. The Act of 1935 was the longest and complex. The main features of this act were as follows-

1. Supremacy of British Parliament -

The supremacy of the British Parliament was established by the Government of India Act of 1935 AD. Only the British Parliament was given the right to make any kind of change related to this act. India’s Central or Provincial Legislative Councils themselves could not change it.

2. All India Federation —

According to the Government of India Act of 1935, arrangements were made to establish an All India Federation. In this, it was necessary to include 11 provinces of the Governors and 6 provinces of the Chief Commissioner. The kings of the princely states were given freedom to participate or not to participate in it.

3. Two Legislatures in the Center -

According to the Act of 1935 AD, two legislatures namely State Council and Federal Assembly were established in the center. The State Council had 260 members (156 from the provinces and 104 from the princely states) and the Federal Assembly had 375 members (250 from the provinces and 125 from the princely states). The State Council was a permanent house while the term of the Federal Legislative Assembly was fixed at 5 years.

4. Dyarchy at the Center -

Dyarchy system was implemented in the center. All the central subjects were divided into two parts reserved and variable. Reserved subjects included matters relating to defence, foreign affairs, religious and tribal affairs, etc. These were arranged by the Governor-General with the help of his Council. The governor-general used to manage changeable subjects with the help of ministers. These ministers were responsible to the Legislature.

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Mahatma Gandhi and the National Movement (Part — 6–1935 Act) (ancientmodernhistory.gq)