The Government of India Act- 1935: A Way to the Responsible Government

Abstract

The congress thought that the Montagu – Chelmsford reforms were not adequate and satisfactory according to the responsible governments for India. Moreover, Jallianwala Bagh Tragedy and Rowlatt Act annoyed Indian leaders and Gandhi Ji started non-cooperation movement to oppose British policies in India. Likewise Khilafat movement also started and it bridged the gulf between Hindu & Muslim community. Now the Indian leaders clearly stated that they want to attain the status of Swarajya in India by all peaceful means. In this sequence Simon Commission was sent to India in Nov. 1927 to enquire into the working of the system of Government; but there was no Indian leader as a member in this commission. That is why; it was opposed throughout India.  For the peaceful resolution of the constitutional dead lock in India, the round table conference started in 1930 and in the 3^rd Round Table Conference in 1932, a white paper was issued in March 1933 which gave some details of the working basis of the New Constitution of India which paved a way to the responsible government in India as the Government of India Act – 1935. The present research paper highlights some salient features and basic provisions of this act.