Lord Ripon and Ilbert Bill | KPSC KAS Preparation: All subjects - KPSC KAS (Karnataka) PDF Download

Lord Ripon (1880 – 1884)

• Lord Ripon assumed the position of Viceroy of India in 1880, displaying a liberal mindset.
• He comprehended and empathized with the ambitions of the educated Indians.
• His objective was to grant Indians an increased role in governing the country.
• Ripon annulled the oppressive policies of Lytton, gaining substantial popularity among Indians.
• One of his significant actions was the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act, which further boosted his standing among the populace.
  • Factory Act 1881
  • Repeal of the Vernacular Press Act 1881
  • Census of India 1881
  • Hunter Commission 1882
  • Local Self Government 1882
  • Ilbert Bill 1883

Factory Act 1881

• Ripon's Government enacted the initial Factories Act in 1881.
• To enhance the working conditions of factory laborers in India.
• The legislation prohibited the employment of children under seven in factories.
• It set specific limits on the hours of work for children under twelve.
• The law mandated the installation of protective fencing around hazardous machinery.
• Inspectors were designated to ensure the enforcement of the Act.

Repeal of the Vernacular Press Act 1881

• In 1881, Lord Ripon repealed the widely criticized Vernacular Press Act enacted by Lord Lytton.
• This repeal restored freedom of the press.

Census of India 1881

• A comprehensive census was conducted in India in 1881 to gather demographic data.

Hunter Commission 1882

• Ripon aimed to reassess the functioning of the education system based on the Wood's Despatch recommendations.
• Lord Ripon established an Education Commission in 1882 under the leadership of Sir W.W. Hunter.
• The Commission proposed enhancements in Primary and Secondary education.
• It recommended the establishment of model schools in every district for improved educational standards.
• Encouragement was given to Secondary education through increased grants to private institutions.
• The Commission emphasized the necessity for the government to prioritize and enhance female education.
• Lord Ripon played a pivotal role in founding the University of Punjab (Pakistan).

Local Self Government 1882

• The significant reform introduced by Ripon was aimed at decentralizing administrative and financial control.
• Ripon's administration enacted a series of laws between 1883 and 1884 to establish Local Self Government in India.
• These Acts led to the formation of District and Taluk Boards across the nation.
• These local self-governing bodies were given responsibilities such as advancing education, public health, access to clean drinking water, hygiene and sanitation, and maintaining roads.
• Adequate funds were allocated to these bodies to effectively fulfill their duties.
• In a move to empower Indians in managing their own affairs, the system of election, rather than appointment, was put into place.
• This initiative earned Lord Ripon the moniker 'Father of Local Self Government'.
• Ripon envisioned a gradual transfer of power to educated Indians within India.
• He stressed the importance of electing local bodies instead of having them selected by the government.

Ilbert Bill 1883

• Lord Ripon's initiative in 1883 aimed to eliminate discriminatory practices existing in the Indian judiciary system.
• The prevailing law dictated that a European could only stand trial before a European Judge or Magistrate.
• This biased disqualification unfairly tainted the reputation of Indian-born judiciary members.
• C.P. Ilbert, as the Law Member, proposed a bill to eradicate this discrimination within the judiciary.
• European opposition to the bill was intense, leading to subsequent amendments.
• The revised version allowed British defendants to face trial with a jury comprising at least half European members.
• The Ilbert Bill controversy significantly bolstered the Indian nationalist movement.
• Seen as a pivotal moment in Indian history, the Ilbert Bill Controversy marked a milestone in the Indian National Movement.
• Lord Ripon's resignation post the controversy and departure for England had profound implications.
• This awakening within India culminated in the establishment of the Indian National Congress in 1885, merely a year after Ripon's exit.