The Government of India Act, 1935 was the largest constitutional reform introduced by the British in India before independence. It was also the most comprehensive reform. It provided a framework for provincial autonomy and laid the foundation for India’s future democratic structure.
1. Background & Reasons for the Act
✔ Failure of Government of India Act, 1919 – The 1919 Act introduced dyarchy. However, it failed because it did not give real power to Indians.
✔ Simon Commission (1927) – The commission reviewed the 1919 Act. It suggested constitutional reforms. However, it faced strong opposition for lacking Indian representation.
✔ Round Table Conferences (1930-32) – Held in London to discuss constitutional changes but ended in a deadlock.
✔ White Paper (1933) – The British government proposed constitutional reforms. These reforms became the basis for the Government of India Act, 1935.
2. Key Features of the Act
A. Establishment of All-India Federation (Never Implemented)
✔ Proposed a Federation of British India and Princely States.
✔ Princely States had the option to join. However, they refused. As a result, this part of the Act was never implemented.
B. Provincial Autonomy
✔ Ended dyarchy at the provincial level (introduced by the 1919 Act).
✔ Provinces were given full autonomy and could form ministries.
✔ Governors still had discretionary powers and could dismiss ministries.
✔ First provincial elections were held in 1937, and Congress formed ministries in 8 out of 11 provinces.
C. Bicameralism in Central Legislature
✔ Created a bicameral (two-house) legislature with a Council of State and a Federal Assembly.
✔ The system was still not fully democratic. British-appointed officials controlled key areas like defense and foreign affairs.
D. Division of Powers
✔ Introduced three lists:
- Federal List (for central government)
- Provincial List (for provinces)
- Concurrent List (shared powers)
✔ This was the basis for India’s Constitution in 1950.
E. Creation of Federal Court
✔ Established a Federal Court (now Supreme Court) to resolve disputes between provinces and the center.
F. Separate Electorates & Communal Provisions
✔ Extended separate electorates for Muslims, Sikhs, Anglo-Indians, and other minorities.
✔ This deepened communal divisions and was opposed by Congress.
3. Significance & Impact
✔ First step towards self-rule → Provinces had real power for the first time.
✔ Congress Ministries (1937-1939) → Congress used this opportunity to implement reforms at the provincial level.
✔ Strengthened Communalism → Widened Hindu-Muslim divide due to separate electorates.
✔ Led to Demand for Full Independence → Congress rejected the limited autonomy and started demanding complete freedom.
4. Criticism of the Act
❌ Did not grant full independence – British still controlled key areas like defense and foreign affairs.
❌ Princely states were not forced to join the federation, making it ineffective.
❌ Governors had overriding powers, which limited provincial autonomy.
❌ Separate electorates increased communal divisions, strengthening the Muslim League’s demand for Pakistan.
5. Key Facts for Competitive Exams
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Act | 1935 |
| Purpose | Grant autonomy to provinces, introduce federation |
| Ended Dyarchy? | Yes, at the provincial level |
| Introduced Federation? | Yes, but not implemented |
| Established Federal Court? | Yes |
| Separate Electorates? | Extended to minorities |
| First Provincial Elections? | 1937 |
| Governor’s Powers? | Could override elected ministries |
| Basis for? | Indian Constitution (1950) |
6. MCQs on Government of India Act, 1935
1. The Government of India Act, 1935 was based on recommendations of which commission?
(a) Simon Commission
(b) Cripps Mission
(c) Cabinet Mission
(d) Rowlatt Commission
✔ Answer: (a) Simon Commission
2. Which system was abolished by the Government of India Act, 1935?
(a) Bicameralism
(b) Dyarchy in provinces
(c) Separate electorates
(d) None of the above
✔ Answer: (b) Dyarchy in provinces
3. Which feature of the 1935 Act was later adopted in the Indian Constitution?
(a) Three Lists (Federal, Provincial, Concurrent)
(b) Separate electorates
(c) Dyarchy at the central level
(d) None of the above
✔ Answer: (a) Three Lists (Federal, Provincial, Concurrent)
4. When were the first elections under this Act held?
(a) 1930
(b) 1935
(c) 1937
(d) 1947
✔ Answer: (c) 1937
Conclusion
The Government of India Act, 1935 was an important step in India’s constitutional development. While it provided provincial autonomy, it failed to satisfy Indian leaders, ultimately leading to the demand for complete independence. Many of its provisions were later included in the Indian Constitution (1950).
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