UPSC Prelims 2003 Q90: Modern History – British Economic Policies
During the colonial period in India, what was the purpose of the Whitley Commission?
- (a) To review the fitness of India for further political reforms
- (b) To report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations
- (c) To draw up a plan for financial reforms for India
- (d) To develop a comprehensive scheme for Civil Services in India
Answer: (b) To report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations
Explanation
Whitley Commission
| Commission | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Whitley Commission (1929-31) | Royal Commission on Labour in India — existing labour conditions and recommendations |
| Simon Commission | Fitness for further political reforms |
| Hilton Young | Financial reforms, 1926 |
| Lee Commission | Civil Services, 1923 |
The Whitley Commission reported on the existing conditions of labour and made recommendations.
Answer: (b) To report on the existing conditions of labour and to make recommendations.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Simon Commission reviewed political reforms.
- (b) CORRECT. The Whitley Commission studied labour conditions.
- (c) Incorrect. The Hilton Young Commission studied finance.
- (d) Incorrect. The Lee Commission studied the services.
Key point
Commissions: Lee 1923, Hilton Young 1926, Simon 1927, Whitley 1929, Linlithgow (agriculture) 1926.
Remember
The Whitley Commission studied labour conditions in India.
Common mistakes
- Mixing Whitley with the Simon Commission.
- Thinking that it concerned agriculture instead.
- Forgetting that its report came out in 1931.
Exam tip
Whitley = labour; Linlithgow = agriculture.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — Modern India
- Royal Commission on Labour in India (Whitley Commission) — Report, 1931