Consider the following statements:The Regulating Act of 1773 was passe...
The Regulating Act of 1773 act is of great constitutional importance as
(a) it was the first step taken by the British Government to control and regulate the affairs of the East India Company in India;
(b) it recognised, for the first time, the political and administrative functions of the Company; and
(c) it laid the foundations of central administration in India. It designated the Governor of Bengal as the ‘Governor-General of Bengal’ and created an Executive Council of four members to assist him. The first such Governor-General was Lord Warren Hastings.
Consider the following statements:The Regulating Act of 1773 was passe...
The correct answer is option 'A' which states that all the given statements are correct. Let's discuss each statement in detail:
1. The Regulating Act of 1773 was passed by the British Parliament in order to establish Parliamentary control over the administration of the East India Company's territory in India.
- The Regulating Act of 1773 was indeed passed by the British Parliament. It was an important legislative measure that aimed to address the issues of mismanagement and corruption within the East India Company's administration in India. The Act was passed in response to the severe criticism faced by the Company due to its exploitative policies and activities.
- The Act introduced significant changes in the governance of British territories in India. It established a regulatory framework to bring the Company's administration under the control and supervision of the British government. This marked the beginning of direct parliamentary involvement in the administration of India.
- The Act recognized the need for greater oversight and control over the Company's affairs in India. It established a Governor-General of Bengal and four members of the Governor-General's Council to assist in the administration. The Governor-General of Bengal was given powers to superintend, direct, and control the civil and military affairs of the Company's territories in India.
2. The Act aimed to make the Governor of Bengal the Governor-General of Bengal.
- This statement is also correct. The Regulating Act of 1773 indeed aimed to create the position of the Governor-General of Bengal. The Act recognized the need for a single authority to oversee the administration of the Company's territories in India and to bring unity and coherence in governance.
- The Governor of Bengal, Warren Hastings, was appointed as the first Governor-General of Bengal under the provisions of the Act. This consolidated the administrative powers under a single authority and marked a significant shift in the governance structure.
3. The Act aimed to end the dual system of administration in India.
- This statement is also correct. The Act sought to end the dual system of administration in India. Prior to the Act, the Company's territories in India were divided into separate presidencies with their own administration and governance. This led to inefficiencies, conflicts, and corruption.
- The Act abolished the existing dual system and brought the territories under the control of the Governor-General of Bengal. It aimed to centralize the administration and establish a unified governance structure. This was a crucial step towards establishing stronger control and regulation over the Company's affairs in India.
In conclusion, all the given statements are correct. The Regulating Act of 1773 was indeed passed to establish Parliamentary control over the administration of the East India Company's territory in India, make the Governor of Bengal the Governor-General, and end the dual system of administration in India.