The Government of India Act 1858 is also known as ‘An act for the better governance of India 1858.’In August 1858, less than a month after the revolt of 1857 was lost by the Indian side, and the British parliament passed the Government of India Act 1858. In the GOI Act 1858 UPSC notes, we will briefly discuss the history of the act, along with some of its provisions.
History of the Government India Act 1858
- With the passing of this act, the East India Company transferred its power over India to the British. The transfer seemed necessary due to the Revolt of 1857 and the East India Company’s ineptitude to run India effectively.
- Many people in Britain felt that the ineffective policies of the Company were the reason behind the revolt.
- The Government of India Act 1858 was also known as “An Act for the Better Government of India 1858,” got royal permission of the Queen in August and became a law on 1st November 1858.
Government Of India Act 1858 Key Provisions
Certainly, here’s the content rewritten in bullet points with useful topics in bold:
1. Liquidation of the East India Company:
- Resulted in the collapse of the East India Company.
- Transferred control of Indian colonies to the British Crown.
2. Governance in the Name of the British Queen:
- Stated that British Indian possessions would be administered in the name of Queen Victoria, who later became Empress of India.
3. Scrapping of the Court of Directors and Board of Control:
- Transferred powers from the Company’s Court of Directors to the Secretary of State for India.
- The Secretary of State became a member of the British Parliament and the Prime Minister’s cabinet.
4. Introduction of the Secretary of State and Council:
- Secretary of State for India facilitated communication between the British and Indian governments.
- Held significant powers, including the ability to dispatch secret despatches to India without consulting the council.
- Assisted by a council of 15 members.
5. Appointment of Governor-General and Viceroy:
- Established the positions of Governor-General and Viceroy, both representing the British government in India.
- These roles were unified to minimize complications.
6. Establishment of the Executive Council:
- The Viceroy was supported by an Executive Council, aiding in the administrative tasks of British India.
7. Abolition of Dual Government and the Doctrine of Lapse:
- Repealed the dual government system outlined in Pitt’s India Act.
- Eliminated the doctrine of lapse, which allowed the British to take over states without a male heir.
8. Introduction of Indian Civil Services:
- Set the foundation for the Indian Civil Services, responsible for administering the country.
- Allowed Indians to join the military.
9. Status of Indian Princes and Chiefs:
- More than 560 Indian princes and chiefs retained their independence under the condition of recognizing British suzerainty.
Salient Features
- it abolished the Board of Directors and the Board of Control and vested their powers in one of Her Majesty’s Secretaries (a Minister in the British Cabinet),
- he was designated as the Secretary of State for India and was empowered to superintend, direct and control all the governmental affairs in India,
- the Secretary of State was to be assisted by a Council of India,
- the Governor-General and Governors of the Presidencies were to be appointed by the Crown and the members of their Councils by the Secretary of State-in-Council,
- Lieutenant Governors were to be appointed by the Governor-General, subject to the approval of Her Majesty, and appointments to the covenanted civil service were to be made through open competition with the assistance of the Civil Service Commission.
Limitations of the Government of India Act 1858
- Dominance of Absolute Imperial Power:
- Following the Government of India Act of 1858, imperial power remained overwhelmingly dominant in the governance of India.
- The British government held extensive authority and control over Indian affairs.
- Inadequate Indian Representation:
- The Indian population was inadequately represented in the decision-making processes.
- Indian voices and concerns were largely marginalized in the governance of their own country.
- Exclusive Authority of British Parliament:
- The British Parliament had exclusive authority over India’s administration and policies.
- The Secretary of State for India was answerable solely to the British Parliament, leaving little room for Indian input.
- Centralized Authority:
- The governance of India during this period was characterized by centralized authority.
- Major decisions and policies were made at the imperial level, limiting local and regional autonomy.
- Limited Indian Participation:
- Indians had limited participation in the administration and governance of their country.
- Decision-making was largely in the hands of British officials, with few opportunities for Indian involvement.
Conclusion
The act of good governance is also known as the Government of India Act 1858. The administrative control of British India was to be handed over to India’s East companies by the parliament. Following the Government of India Act, 1858, India was made into British colonies in which the dual government was abolished, which was proposed by the Pitt’s India act of 1784.
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