Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy’s authority over his executive council by substituting “portfolio” or departmental system for corporate functioning?
- AIndian Council Act, 1861Correct
- BGovernment of India Act, 1858
- CIndian Councils Act, 1892
- DIndian Councils Act, 1909
Explanation
The correct answer is A because the Indian Councils Act of 1861 introduced the portfolio system in India. Under this system, members of the Viceroys Executive Council were put in charge of specific departments, such as home, military, or finance. Before this Act, the Council functioned as a whole for every matter, known as corporate functioning. Lord Canning had actually started this practice in 1859, but it was given statutory recognition and legal validity by the 1861 Act. This change allowed the Viceroy to issue orders on behalf of the Council, thereby strengthening his individual authority and creating the foundation for the modern cabinet system of government in India.
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