Question

Which legislation for the first time used the term ‘Scheduled Castes ?
1. India Councils Act of 1909
2. Government of India Act, 1919
3. Government of India Act, 1935
4. Constitution of Indian Republic

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 3 : Government of India Act, 1935

• The Government of India Act of 1935 first used the term “Scheduled Castes”, in stating its commitment to providing a separate and communal electorate for certain sections of society. The Scheduled Classes in this Act are referred to as Depressed Classes as well.
• The GOI Act of 1935 is an important milestone in the constitutional history of India because it allowed for more decentralization of power, which was now being transferred to provincial legislative assemblies. This act was a result of a long drawn struggle by Indian nationalist leaders for getting constitutional rights from the colonial government.
• The correct Option is Option 3. 
• The Indian Councils Act of 1909 is also known as the Morely - Minto Reforms. These reforms allowed for the Central Legislature seats to be expanded from 16 to 60 and increased the number of members in the Legislative councils of the 3 Presidencies. It was through these reforms that Indian were first given space in the imperial legislative councils. This act also introduced separate electorates for Muslims.
• The Government of India Act 1919 introduced the system of dyarchy in British India i.e. heralding the coming of a provincial government for the first time, this Act was implemented when Lord Chelmsford was the Viceroy of India. The executive now had two parts to it one which was appointed by the crown and the other comprised of ministers who were chosen by the governor from the provincial legislature, these were mainly Indians.