INDIA

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 13 January 1931, Page 5

INDIA

THE FEDERAL STRUCTURE REPORT OF SUB-COMMITTEE Official Wireless) RUGBY, 12th January. Lord Sankey read to the Federal Structure Committee of the Indian Conference a 20 page draft report on the subjects the committee liad been considering. It is expected that discussion on tlie report will be completed to-morrow. The report is based on the broad assumption that the constitution will recognise the principle subject to special conditions that responsibility for tlio federal government of India will in fact rest upon the Indians themselves. In the opinion of the sub-committee the proper method of giving effect to this principle is in following the precedent of all dominion constitutions to provide that executive power and authority shall he vested in the Crown or in the Governor-General as representing the Crown, and there shall be a Council of Ministers appointed by the Governor. It is suggested that the instrument of instructions should direct him to appoint those persons who command the confidence of the legislature and it follows they would retain office only so long as they retained that confidence.

The report continues: — “There was general agreement in the sub-committee that assumption by India of all powers and responsibilities which hitherto rested on the British Parliament cannot be taken at one step, and that during the period of transition, firstly, the Governor should he responsible for defence and external relations, including relations with Indian States outside the federal sphere; secondly, in certain circumstances that may arise outside the sphere of these subjects the Governor must be at liberty to act oil his own responsibility and must be given tlie powers necessary to implant his decisions.” The sub-committee recommends that efforts he made to establish on a sure foundation and free from any political influence as early as possible a reserve bank entrusted with the management of currency exchange. In regard to the legislature the sub-committee proceeds on the basis that there be two chambers, an Upper House or Senate, containing 150 members, and a Lower House of 200 members. As to the qualifications of members of the Upper House, it is suggested that tlie principle similar to those in force for the Council of State would apply in BritishIndia ancl that tlie States would take measures to ensure men of similar standing. The committee suggests that a fixed proportion of members of the Senate be replaced at regular intervals. The term of Lower Chamber members should be five years, unless the legislature was dissolved. As regards the distribution of seats, there was a difference of opinion in committee as also oil the method of election, whether direct or indirect.