Government of India Act, 1935 – Easy Explanation
Background
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In 1932, the Third Round Table Conference was held, but Congress did not participate.
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After discussions, the British government passed the Government of India Act, 1935.
This was the longest British law passed for India, and it was supposed to give more self-rule, but in reality, the British kept control over important matters.
Main Features of the Act
1. All India Federation (Central Government)
The Act planned to create a federation (union) of:
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British Indian provinces (like Bombay, Bengal, Madras).
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Princely states (ruled by Indian kings).
Conditions for Federation:
The federation would start only if:
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52 princely states agreed to join.
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Their total population was 50% of all princely states.
✅ Since these conditions were not met, the federation never started.
✅ The 1919 Act continued until 1946.
2. Federal (Central) Government Structure
A. Executive (Governor-General’s Powers)
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The Governor-General (British official) was the most powerful person.
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Administration was divided into “reserved” and “transferred” subjects:
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Reserved subjects → Controlled by the British Governor-General.
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Transferred subjects → Indian ministers had some control, but under British supervision.
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The Governor-General had special powers to protect British rule.
B. Legislature (Law-making Body)
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Two Houses (Bicameral System):
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Council of States (Upper House) – 260 members (directly elected).
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Federal Assembly (Lower House) – 375 members (indirectly elected).
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Key Provisions:
✅ Council of States was permanent (1/3rd members retired every 3 years).
✅ Federal Assembly had a 5-year term.
✅ Three lists for making laws:-
Federal List – Parliament could make laws.
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Provincial List – States could make laws.
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Concurrent List – Both Parliament & States could make laws.
✅ Only the Federal Assembly could remove ministers (vote of no confidence).
✅ 80% of the budget was non-votable (only the British controlled it).
✅ The Governor-General had the final decision-making power.
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3. Provincial Government (State Governments)
🔹 Before this Act, provinces had a British-controlled system called "dyarchy".
🔹 Now, provinces got more power, but the British still kept control.
A. Provincial Executive (Governor’s Powers)
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The Governor was a British official, representing the Crown.
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He had special powers over:
✅ Minorities.
✅ Law and order.
✅ British business interests.
✅ Princely states. -
The Governor could dismiss the government and rule directly if needed.
B. Provincial Legislature (Law-making in Provinces)
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Separate electorates continued (Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs voted separately).
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All members were directly elected.
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Voting rights (franchise) were extended, including for women.
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Ministers were responsible to the legislature (could be removed by vote of no confidence).
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40% of the budget was non-votable (controlled by the British).
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The Governor could reject bills, pass ordinances, and make laws directly.
Evaluation (Problems of the Act)
❌ Governor-General had too much power – self-rule was just an illusion.
❌ Provincial Governors also had too much control.
❌ Only 14% of Indians got voting rights.
❌ Separate electorates increased divisions between Hindus and Muslims.
❌ No flexibility – India could not change the Act without British approval.
Why Did the British Pass This Act? (British Strategy)
The British had a hidden agenda behind these "reforms":
🔹 Short-term control: Suppress protests and keep British rule stable.
🔹 Long-term division: Weaken the national movement by creating divisions.
🔹 Encourage moderates: They hoped Congress leaders would join the system and stop fighting for complete independence.
🔹 Create internal fights in Congress:
✅ Give right-wing (moderate) Congress leaders some power.
✅ Suppress radical leaders using police.
🔹 Strengthen local leaders: Provincial autonomy would make state leaders powerful and weaken the national movement.
How Did Indians React? (Nationalist Response)
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The Congress strongly opposed the Act.
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Almost all Indian leaders rejected it because it kept British control.
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Congress leaders wanted full independence, not partial self-rule.
Final Summary (In Super Simple Words)
✔ British planned to give Indians some power, but kept real control in their hands.
✔ Governor-General (British official) was the most powerful person.
✔ Provincial governments got some independence, but the British Governor still had the final say.
✔ Indians rejected the Act because it did not give full independence and increased Hindu-Muslim division.
✔ British wanted to weaken the freedom movement by giving some power to moderates while controlling everything from the top.