Introduction
The Government of India Act 1858, also known as the Act for the Better Government of India, was a historic piece of legislation passed by the British Parliament that marked a significant change in the government of India. It formally ended the rule of the British East India Company in India and transferred it to the British Crown. The Government of India, 1858, did not establish the British Raj in India, which remained in force until independence in 1947. It was a response to the Indian Rebellion of 1857.
The Government of India Act 1858 was passed on August 2, 1858, by the British Parliament. It transferred power from the East India Company to the British Crown. This happened because the previous system of rule had many problems. After Prime Minister Lord Palmerstone resigned, Edward Stanley introduced a new bill called “An Act for the Better Governance of India.” This act gave the British government direct control of India and ended the Company’s rule, replacing it with a better system of governance.
Provision
The Government of India Act 1858 was made after the 1857 revolt. It ended the East India Company’s rule and gave control of India to the British Crown. The act was made to improve the way India was governed.
Transfer of Power:
The Government of India Act 1858 took all power from the East India Company and gave it to the British Crown. Now, the British government directly ruled India. The Governor-General became the Viceroy, who represented the British King or Queen in India.
Establishment of Secretary of State for India:
The Government of India Act 1858 created the role of Secretary of State for India, a British official who managed Indian affairs. A 15-member Council helped him, but final decisions were his. He acted as the link between the British government and India and could send secret messages to India without asking the council.
Governor-General and Viceroy:
Under the 1858 Act, The Governor-General of India became the Viceroy, who acted as the British Crown’s main representative in India. The first Viceroy was Lord Canning.
Abolishment of Dual Government:
The 1858 Act removed the two-rule system by ending the powers of the Board of Control and the Court of Directors.
Reorganization of Indian Civil Services:
The 1858 Act created the Indian Civil Services (ICS), and allowed Indians to join through competitive exams
Criticism
Power stayed with the British:
Even though the East India Company was removed, all control was still with the British Crown. Indians still had no real power.
No Indian representation:
Indians were not given any role in decision-making or government. Only British officials were in charge.
Too much control with Secretary of State:
One person in Britain had full control over Indian affairs without much accountability.
No democratic rights:
The Act didn’t introduce any elections or give rights to Indian people.
Administrative change only:
It was just a change in rulers (Company to Crown), but the system remained unfair to Indians.
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