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SSC CGL - Detailed Guide 2025

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Constitutional Developments in India

Reference: Lucent GK, NCERT Class 6–12

1. Indian Councils Act, 1909 (Morley-Minto Reforms)

  • Year: 1909
  • Objective: Pacify moderate nationalists, introduce Indians in governance.
  • Key Features:
    • Increased size of legislative councils (Central: 16 → 60)
    • First time Indians allowed in Executive Council (e.g., S.P. Sinha)
    • Separate electorates for Muslims introduced
    • Members could discuss budgets, ask questions (limited power)
  • Significance:
    • Start of communal representation
    • No real power to Indians
Historical Constitutional Developments of india
illustration of important timeline

2. Government of India Act, 1919 (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms)

  • Year: 1919
  • Objective: Fulfill Montagu Declaration (1917): gradual self-governance.
  • Key Features:
    • Diarchy in provinces:
      • Reserved: Law, Police (British control)
      • Transferred: Education, Health (Indian ministers)
    • Introduced Bicameralism at Centre
    • Direct elections for first time
    • Franchise limited to taxpayers, landowners
    • Continued separate electorates

3. Government of India Act, 1935

Aspect Details
Year 1935
Objective Provide complete provincial autonomy
Key Features
  • Diarchy at Centre, abolished in Provinces
  • Introduced Provincial Autonomy
  • Proposed All-India Federation (not implemented)
  • Separate electorates continued
  • Elections held in 1937
  • Set up:
    • Federal Court (1937)
    • Reserve Bank of India (1935)
    • Federal Public Service Commission

4. Cripps Mission (1942)

  • Year: 1942 (during WWII)
  • Head: Sir Stafford Cripps
  • Objective: Gain Indian support for war
  • Proposals:
    • Dominion Status after war
    • Constituent Assembly to frame Constitution
    • Provinces can opt out of Indian Union
  • Result:
    • Rejected by Congress & Muslim League
    • Called by Gandhi: "Post-dated cheque on a crashing bank"
Cripps Mission

5. Cabinet Mission Plan (1946)

Aspect Details
Year 1946
Members Pethick-Lawrence, Cripps, Alexander
Objective Transfer power & form Constituent Assembly
Proposals
  • United India, no Pakistan
  • Provinces grouped into 3 sections (A, B, C)
  • Assembly to draft Constitution
  • Interim Government formation
Reaction
  • Congress accepted (with objections)
  • Muslim League rejected → Direct Action Day (16 Aug 1946)
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