Q – Which Act for the first time made it possible for Indians to take some share in the administration of their country?
(a) Charter Act, 1833
(b) Charter Act, 1853
(c) Government of India Act, 1858
(d) Indian Councils Act, 1861
U.P.P.C.S.(Pre) 2012
Ans. (a)
Explanation – Section 87 was one of the most important sections of the Charter Act, 1833. It stated that ‘no Indian or natural-born subject of the Crown resident in India should be by reason only of his religion, place of birth, descent, colour or any of them, be disqualified for any place of office or employment under the Company.’
Subsequently section 87 of the Act, 1833 laid down the foundation for the participation of Indians in the administration during the political movement.
In actual practice, however, very little was done to give effect to this pious provision. This declaration formed the sheet-anchor of political agitation in India.