Sambhav-2025

Approach Provide a brief overview of the Simon Commission. Analyze the Simon Commission's role as a precursor to constitutional reforms. Highlight the main criticism of the Simon Commission. Conclude by reflecting on how the Commission intensified nationalist demands.

Introduction

The Simon Commission, appointed in 1927 by the British government, was tasked with reviewing the Government of India Act of 1919 and suggesting constitutional reforms. It comprised seven members, all of whom were British, and notably, there was no Indian representation. Despite its failure to include Indian voices, the Simon Commission marked a pivotal moment in the British government’s approach to constitutional reform in India.

Body

The main recommendations of the Simon Commission were:

• Abolition of Dyarchy: It proposed the abolition of dyarchy and the establishment of representative government in the provinces which should be given autonomy.
• Expansion of Legislative Councils: It proposed the expansion of the legislative councils in both Central and Provincial legislatures to include a larger number of elected Indian representatives.
• Provincial Autonomy: The Commission recommended that provinces should have greater autonomy, with more control over their finances and legislative matters, but still under the overarching authority of the British government.
• Reorganization of the Central Legislature: It recommended changes to the composition and functions of the Central Legislative Council, which was seen as unrepresentative of Indian interests. It called for a reorganization that would allow greater participation of Indians.
• Introduction of Separate Electorates for Minorities: The Commission supported the idea of separate electorates for religious and social minorities, a controversial proposal that had been introduced in the earlier reforms, including the 1919 Act.
• Indianisation of Army: It also suggested that the Indian army should be Indianised though British forces must be retained.

The most significant criticism of the Simon Commission :

• The Exclusion of Indian Representation: The lack of Indian representation led to massive protests across the country, spearheaded by leaders such as Lala Lajpat Rai, who famously led the protest in Lahore.
  • This exclusion sparked widespread protests across India, leading to the slogan "Simon Go Back."
• Rejection of Full Self-Government: The Commission did not recommend full self-governance or dominion status for India, which was a major demand of Indian nationalists.
• Inadequate Representation in Legislative Councils: While the Simon Commission recommended expanding the legislative councils and increasing the number of Indian representatives, critics felt this was insufficient
• Conservative Recommendations: The Simon Commission's recommendation to retain separate electorates for minorities was criticized for fostering religious and communal divisions.

Conclusion

The British government’s inability to appease Indian leaders through the Simon Commission led to greater involvement of Indian leaders in the Round Table Conferences (1930-1932), which eventually influenced the Government of India Act, of 1935, a significant step towards constitutional reforms. Thus, despite its shortcomings, the Simon Commission marked a pivotal moment in the evolution of India’s constitutional journey towards independence