Government of India Act 1935 facts for kids
The Government of India Act 1935 was the last constitution of British India. It lasted until 1947, when British India was split into Pakistan and India.
The act
- Gave Indian provinces more independence
- It allowed the establishment of an All India Federation. Princely states were also invited.
- For the first time direct elections were introduced. Women were also allowed to vote.
- Sindh was separated from Bombay, Orissa was separated from Bihar, and Burma was separated from India. The number of provinces were increased to eleven by giving NWFP the status of fully-fledged province and creating two new provinces, Orissa and Sindh.
- The System of Diarchy was dropped at the provincial level but introduced in the central government level
- Two Houses of Parliament at central government level were introduced with Council of State being the Upper House and Assembly being the Lower House.
- Special Responsibilities and Safeguards vested in British Executive power in London
Background
Despite the failure of round table conferences, in March 1933 the British government announced its proposals for how India should be governed. These were published in a 'white paper' (a discussion issued before a Bill is presented to the British parliament). After discussions by the British politicians and consultation with Indian delegates, nominated by the government to take part in the talks, a Bill was introduced before the British parliament in December 1934. In August 1935, the Government of India act became law. This was the last major legislation that the British government passed before independence was granted. The act was an important point in the move towards independence. It provided the basis for negotiations which resulted the British leaving India.
