Sunday, March 18, 2018

Piit's India Act of 1784 Explained in Detail

Some deficiencies remained in the Regulating Act of 1773 which were sought to be removed through the Pitt's India Act of 1784.

This Act was named after Sir William Pitt who was the Prime Minister of Britain at that time.

This act for the first time separated the Political actions of the Company from their Commercial actions.

The East India Company territories in India were for the first time called as "British Possessions in India"

Pitt's India Act of 1784 was officially known as - 

An Act for the better Regulation and Management of the Affairs of the East India Company and of the British Possessions in India, and for establishing a Court of Judicature for the more speedy and effectual Trial of Persons accused of Offences committed in the East Indies

Important Facts regarding Pitt's India Act of 1784

1. Establishment of the Board of Control -

A Board of Commissioners for the Affairs of India famously known as Board of Control was established which sought to achieve the purpose of dual government in India.

Till now the British East India Company was somewhat sovereign in its political sphere but through this Pitt's Act 1784, the company was made directly subservient to the British Government.

The President of the Board of Control was the Secretary of the State.

It had all the powers to exercise control over the civil and military government and also over the revenue powers of the British East India Company.

2. The autonomous and independent powers of the presidencies of Bombay and Madras were taken away and power was vested in the presidency of Bengal in the matter of diplomacy, revenue and war.

3. All servants of the East India Company whether civil or military were asked to declare their properties to the Court of Directors. More heavy punishment was fixed for those officers who were found to be corrupt.

4. A committee was formulated to ensure the transmission of instructions of Board of Control to the Court of Directors for their implementation in India.

5. The Governor General's council was reduced from 4 members to 3 members and the Governor General was give the power of casting vote and he was made indirectly answerable to the Board of Control.

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