UPSC Prelims 2005 Q23: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
Consider the following statements :
The Government of India Act, 1935 provided for
1. The provincial autonomy
2. The establishment of Federal Court
3. All India Federation at the centre
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- (a) 1 and 2
- (b) 2 and 3
- (c) 1 and 3
- (d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
Government of India Act, 1935
| Provision | Included? |
|---|---|
| Provincial autonomy | Yes — dyarchy ended in the provinces |
| Federal Court | Yes — set up in 1937 |
| All India Federation | Provided for at the Centre (never fully implemented) |
All three statements are correct as provisions of the Act.
Answer: (d) 1, 2 and 3.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Act also provided for an All India Federation.
- (b) Incorrect. It also provided provincial autonomy.
- (c) Incorrect. It also set up a Federal Court.
- (d) CORRECT. All three provisions were in the Act.
Key point
1935 Act: provincial autonomy, dyarchy at Centre, Federal Court, RBI, Federal Public Service Commission.
Remember
The 1935 Act provided for provincial autonomy, a Federal Court and an All India Federation.
Common mistakes
- Thinking the Federation was never provided because it was never implemented.
- Dropping the Federal Court from the list.
- Confusing with the 1919 Act (dyarchy in provinces).
Exam tip
Provided for vs implemented: the Federation was provided but not brought into being.
Sources
- Bipan Chandra — India's Struggle for Independence
- Government of India Act, 1935
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Historical Background)