UPSC Polity Question
The Government of India Act of 1935 had provision of establishing an All-India Federation. In this context, how this act differentiated Indian Princely States from the Governor's Provinces? 1. Indian Princely states were mandatorily needed to join Indian federation whereas it was voluntary in case of Governor's Provinces. 2. Unlike Princely States, in case of Governor's Provinces the federal authority was extended to only legislative matters and not to executive matters. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer:
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Accession to the federation was compulsory for the Governor's Provinces but voluntary for the Princely States. Statement 2 is incorrect: In the case of Governor's Provinces, federal authority extended to both legislative and executive matters. For Princely States, the extent of federal authority was defined by their individual Instrument of Accession.