Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy’s authority over his Executive Council by substituting “Portfolio” or departmental system for corporate functioning?

Question

YESPYQ · Accepted Answer

Correct answer: Indian Council Act, 1861. The Indian Councils Act of 1861 strengthened the Viceroy’s authority over his Executive Council by replacing corporate functioning with a portfolio system. In the portfolio system individual members of the Viceroy’s Executive Council were assigned specific departments to manage, replacing the previous collective decision-making process. This shift strengthened the Viceroy’s authority, enabling more efficient governance. Before the Act, the Council functioned collectively but after it, the Viceroy had greater centralized control with Council members responsible for key areas like finance, law, and home affairs. This reorganization reinforced British control over colonial governance. 209

Which one of the following Acts of British India strengthened the Viceroy’s authority over his Executive Council by substituting “Portfolio” or departmental system for corporate functioning?

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