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Which of the following administrative reforms were undertaken by Lord Cornwallis?
  1. Introduction of the policy of making merit-based appointments
  2. Depriving the collectors of their judicial powers
  3. Reduction of the salaries and allowances of officers
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
  • a)
    1 and 2 only
  • b)
    2 and 3 only
  • c)
    1 and 3 only
  • d)
    1, 2 and 3 
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Which of the following administrative reforms were undertaken by Lord ...
Administrative reforms by Cornwallis (governor general of India from 1786-1793): 
  • The greatest work of Cornwallis was the purification of the civil service by the employment of capable and honest public servants. He persuaded the Directors of the Company to pay handsome salaries to the Company servants in order that they might free themselves from commercial and corrupting activities. 
  • Further, Cornwallis inaugurated the policy of making appointments mainly on the basis of merit thereby laying the foundation of the Indian Civil Service. 
  • Another major reform that Cornwallis introduced was the separation of the three branches of service, namely commercial, judicial, and revenue. The collectors, the king-pins of the administrative system were deprived of their judicial powers and their work became merely the collection of revenue. 
  • Hence option (a) is the correct answer
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Which of the following administrative reforms were undertaken by Lord ...
Introduction to Lord Cornwallis's Reforms
Lord Cornwallis, the Governor-General of India from 1786 to 1793, implemented significant administrative reforms aimed at improving the efficiency of the British administration in India. His reforms are crucial for understanding the evolution of colonial governance.
Key Reforms Undertaken
- Merit-Based Appointments:
Cornwallis introduced a policy focused on merit-based appointments in the civil service, thereby aiming to reduce corruption and favoritism. This reform was pivotal as it established a framework for hiring officials based on their qualifications and capabilities, rather than personal connections.
- Depriving Collectors of Judicial Powers:
One of Cornwallis's notable reforms was the separation of executive and judicial functions. He deprived the district collectors of their judicial powers, which were transferred to separate judicial authorities. This move aimed to ensure a more organized and impartial judicial system, mitigating the conflicts of interest that arose when one person held both executive and judicial roles.
- Reduction of Salaries and Allowances:
While there were financial adjustments during Cornwallis's tenure, the specific act of reducing salaries and allowances of officers was not a hallmark reform. Instead, Cornwallis focused on establishing a more structured system of financial management without widespread cuts to salaries.
Conclusion
Given the details, the correct answer is option 'A' (1 and 2 only), as both the introduction of merit-based appointments and the depriving of collectors' judicial powers were indeed reforms undertaken by Lord Cornwallis, while the reduction of salaries was not a primary reform initiative.
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Which of the following administrative reforms were undertaken by Lord Cornwallis? Introduction of the policy of making merit-based appointments Depriving the collectors of their judicial powers Reduction of the salaries and allowances of officersSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
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Which of the following administrative reforms were undertaken by Lord Cornwallis? Introduction of the policy of making merit-based appointments Depriving the collectors of their judicial powers Reduction of the salaries and allowances of officersSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for UPSC 2025 is part of UPSC preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the UPSC exam syllabus. Information about Which of the following administrative reforms were undertaken by Lord Cornwallis? Introduction of the policy of making merit-based appointments Depriving the collectors of their judicial powers Reduction of the salaries and allowances of officersSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for UPSC 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Which of the following administrative reforms were undertaken by Lord Cornwallis? Introduction of the policy of making merit-based appointments Depriving the collectors of their judicial powers Reduction of the salaries and allowances of officersSelect the correct answer using the code given below.a)1 and 2 onlyb)2 and 3 onlyc)1 and 3 onlyd)1, 2 and 3Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
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