Q26 · UPSC Prelims 2017 · Set A · History (Ancient, Medieval, Modern)

← Q25 Q27 →

The object of the Butler Committee of 1927 was to

A Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.
B Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.
C Impose censorship on national press.
D Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

Correct answer: (d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

Explanation

  1. A

    Define the jurisdiction of the Central and Provincial Governments.

    (a) Define jurisdiction of Central and Provincial Governments. That is closer to the later Simon–federalism debates, not the Butler Committee’s charge. Not the key.

  2. B

    Define the powers of the Secretary of State for India.

    (b) Define powers of the Secretary of State for India. Butler did not exist to redraw the Secretary of State’s statutory powers. Not the key.

  3. C

    Impose censorship on national press.

    (c) Impose censorship on the national press. Unrelated to Butler. Not the key.

  4. D

    Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States.

    (d) Improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States. The Indian States Committee (Butler Committee, 1927) examined paramountcy and the States’ relation with the Government of India. This is the official key.

Summary. Official key is (d) improve the relationship between the Government of India and the Indian States. Harcourt Butler’s 1927 committee advised on the future of princely States vis-à-vis British India and held that paramountcy must remain with the Crown. It did not draw provincial boundaries, rewrite the Secretary of State’s office, or censor the press. Chamber of Princes (1920) is the neighbouring States institution.