GROUP I MAINS POLITY

" ALTHOUGH THE GOVERNMENT OF INDIA ACT 1935 REPLACED DIARCHY WITH PROVINCIAL AUTONOMY, THE OVERRIDING POWERS OF THE GOVERNOR DILUTED THE SPIRIT OF AUTONOMY." ELUCIDATE.

          The 1935 Government of India Act replaced the 1919 Act and ended the system of dyarchy, provided for the establishment of a Federation of india, to be made up both British India and princely states.

          However, the degree of autonomy introduced at the provincial level was subject to important limitations: a) The provincial governors retained important reserve powers. b) The British authorities also retained a right to suspend responsible Government.

          The administration of provincial affairs were to be ordinarily carried on by a council of ministers appointed by the governor from among the elected members of the provincial legislature and responsible to them only. The ministers held office so long as they enjoyed the pleasure of the governor. His position was allmost modeled on that of the governor general.

          He had lot of powers, he was not only act as the constructional head of the provience but also acting on the advice of the council of ministers, in the discharge of his special responsibilities he was authorized to act in several matters in his discreation with out consulting his ministers and to give his individual judgement.

          The Governor had enormous powers which included many legislative powers as well as over non votable items comprising about 40% of the budget. He could by a proclamation take the entire or partial government of the provience into his own hand. In this way the spirit of autonomy of the provience was diluted due to overriding powers of the governor.