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HM211 Pakistan Studies

Course Instructor:

Mahboobul Rahman Khan

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Government of India Act, 1935

The Round Table conference ended without results. Thepolitical deadlock, particularly between the Congress andthe Muslims could be removed.

The British government published their own scheme known as

communal award in Aug,1932. It retained separateelectorate for the Muslims and all other minorities but theMuslim majorities in Punjab and Bengal were reduced. Theaward was rejected by the Indian political parties.

The British parliament adopted on Aug2,1935 the government

of India Act 1935,as a workable constitution for India. TheAct consisted of two Parts, Part 1 pertained to provincialsubjects while Part 2 contained provisions for Federalgovernment.

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Its salient features were as under

1. A large measure of autonomy was granted to the provincesof India. The system of Dyarchy was abolished.

2. Provided the establishment of a Federation of India to bemade up of provinces of the British India and the princelynative states.

3. System of direct electorates was introduced.

4. The number of electorates was increased.5. Responsible government was introduced in the provinces.

6. Sind was separated from Bombay.

7. Bihar and Orissa were split into separate provinces.

8. The provincial governors were given special powers for theprotection of the rights of minorities.

9. The country was divided into 11 provinces.

10. A Federal court was established.

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The central part of the Act could not be

enforced and was suspended for sometimesto throughout the inclusion of native states in

the Federation.

Both the Congress and the Muslim agreed towork the schedule. Elections were held in

1937 and governments were formed in the

provinces.