UPSC Prelims 2010 Q51: Modern History – Constitutional Developments & British Plans (1909 - 1947)
- (a) It recommended the replacement of diarchy with responsible government in the provinces
- (b) It proposed the setting up of inter - provincial council under the Home Department
- (c) It suggested the abolition of bicameral legislature at the Centre
- (d) It recommended the creation of Indian Police Service, with a provision for increased pay and allowances for British recruits as compared to Indian recruits
Answer: (a) It recommended the replacement of diarchy with responsible government in the provinces
Explanation
Simon Commission's recommendations: finding the correct statement
The Simon Commission (1927-28) reviewed constitutional progress in India, triggering widespread protests ("Simon, Go Back") for having no Indian members.
| Option | Verdict | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| (a) Recommend replacing diarchy with responsible government in provinces | Correct | The Commission recommended abolishing dyarchy in the provinces and introducing responsible government there, while deferring full responsible government at the Centre |
| (b) Propose an inter-provincial council under the Home Department | Incorrect | This is not a recognized Simon Commission recommendation |
| (c) Suggest abolishing the bicameral legislature at the Centre | Incorrect | The Commission did not propose abolishing the Centre's bicameral structure |
| (d) Create the Indian Police Service with pay disparity favouring British recruits | Incorrect | This is not a Simon Commission recommendation; it misattributes an unrelated administrative detail |
Simon Commission key recommendation:
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Provincial level | End dyarchy, introduce responsible government |
| Central level | Full responsible government deferred |
| Reaction | Widely boycotted for excluding Indian members |
Answer: (a) It recommended the replacement of diarchy with responsible government in the provinces.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Commission recommended ending dyarchy and introducing responsible government in the provinces.
- (b) Incorrect. An inter-provincial council under the Home Department is not a recognized Simon Commission proposal.
- (c) Incorrect. The Commission did not propose abolishing the Centre's bicameral legislature.
- (d) Incorrect. This pay-disparity claim about the Indian Police Service is not a Simon Commission recommendation.
Key point
The Simon Commission (1927-28) recommended replacing DYARCHY with RESPONSIBLE GOVERNMENT in the provinces, while deferring full responsible government at the Centre.
Remember
Simon Commission (1927-28): recommended replacing dyarchy with responsible government in the provinces.
Common mistakes
- Confusing the Commission's provincial-level reform with unrelated claims about inter-provincial councils or legislature structure.
- Not knowing the specific target of reform: dyarchy's replacement in the provinces.
- Overlooking the Commission's broader political context (all-British membership, nationwide boycott).
Exam tip
Simon Commission's core recommendation: end dyarchy, bring responsible government to the PROVINCES (not yet the Centre).
Sources
- NCERT — Modern Indian History, the Simon Commission and its aftermath
- Indian Statutory Commission — Report of the Indian Statutory Commission (the Simon Commission), 1930