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Acts and Regulations Under the Crown
Acts and Regulations Under the Crown
The British Parliament became increasingly involved in Indian affairs as the Crown
assumed control of Indian affairs by the Act of 1858. Between 1858 and 1947, the
British Parliament passed 196 Acts pertaining to the continent, frequently reviewing
the administration of India. The viceroy and the chosen members of his council
served as the head of the Crown's government, which was entirely composed of
British officials.
All India Federation: The Act provided for the establishment of an All India
Federation.
o The federation was to be based on a union of the provinces of British
India and the Princely States.
Provincial administration: A new system of government for the provinces on
the basis of provincial autonomy was introduced.
Dyarchy: Dyarchy was replaced from provinces to the central level.
o Now Viceroy would control important subjects like defence and foreign
affairs.
Financial control: The Act transferred the financial control from the Secretary
of State to the Government of India headed by the Viceroy.
Public Service Commissions:
o Federal Public Service Commission for the services in the centre.
o Provincial Public Service Commission for the services in the Provinces.
o Joint Public Service Commission for the joint services in two or more
provinces.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI): The Act provided for the establishment of an
RBI to control the currency and credit of the country.
Federal Court: The Act established the Federal Court to interpret the
provisions of the Act and also to deal with inter-province conflicts.
Council of India: The Act abolished the Council of India established by the
Act of 1858.
Electorate: The electorate was enlarged from 6.5 million to 30 million.
Reservation of seats: In the central legislature, 30-40 percent of seats would
be filled by the nominees of the rulers.
o It was done to deprive the Congress to enjoy the majority.
Burma: Act separated Burma from India.