Last of the series of Charter acts passed by the British Parliament.
Important Provisions
- Separated the executive and legislative functions of the Governor General council.
- Provided for the addition of six new members called legislative councillors to the council.
- Introduced open competition in Civil services and thus covenanted civil services were now open to Indians.
- Extended the company’s rule and allowed it to retain possession of Indian territories on the trust of the British Crown. But any particular period was not specified, unlike previous charters. This was a clear indication that EIC’s rule could be terminated at any time.
- Introduced local representation in the Indian Central legislative council, for the first time. Of the six new legislative members of the Governor-General’s council, four members were appointed by the local (provincial) governments of Madras, Bombay, Bengal, and Agra.
Importance
- Initiated proper legislative process in India on the lines of the British Parliament.
- Initiated the entry of Indians into the civil services.
- Started representative democracy in India by nominating Indians to the legislative council.
Limitations
- Although the Act separated the legislative and executive functions, there was a huge control on the legislative powers of the council.
- Exam for civil services was opened for Indians, but they need to go to Britain to appear in that Exam.
- Allowed Indians in the legislature only, but they were not accepted as executive members.
