Simon Commission (1927) – UPSC Notes

Simon Commission (1927) Background & Appointment The Government of India Act, 1919 included a provision for appointing a commission after 10 years to evaluate constitutional progress and suggest reforms. The British Government, under Stanley Baldwin’s Conservative Ministry , set up the Indian Statutory Commission (Simon Commission) on November 8, 1927 —two years earlier than scheduled. Reason for early appointment : The Conservatives feared losing power to the Labour Party , which might take a different approach to India's constitutional reforms. Composition : All seven members were British, with Sir John Simon as the chairman . Objective : Assess the working of 1919 Act and recommend whether India was ready for further reforms. What was the Simon Commission? It was a British-appointed commission to review India's governance and suggest reforms. Formed 2 years early (in 1927 instead of 1929) because the Conservative government feared losing power to the Labour Party. Members : 7 British mem…