INDIA

Evening Star, Issue 16780, 8 July 1918, Page 6

INDIA

PHOBLEI IN EMPIRE BUILDING. FRAftIING NEW CONSTITUTION. GRADUAL SELF-GOVERN-MENT. COMMITTEE'S PROPOSALS, Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. AuntaUmn and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, July 6. (Received July 8, at 8.40 a.m.) The report of the Committee on Indian Constitutional Reform is a bulky document, which contains proposals, based on j investigations occupying nearly half a | vtv.ir, as the iirsi step towards carrying "out the AYar Cabinet's pledge- to take substantial steps in the direction of a gradual development of self-government. _ Ihe committee's instructions were to frame proposals with a view to the progressive realisation of responsible government lor India as an equal part of the Kmpirc. 'tis pointed out thai the report now published will afford a basis tor discussion and criticism, but the Government have not yet formulated any conclusions on the proposals. The report candidly surveys tho diffi euities of'the problem. It pays a tribute to the Indian peoplo's hearty and genuine sympathy with the Allies' cause. It states: Our own and America's declaration of their war aims give new lorce ami vitality to the Progivssivists' demand fur seil-"oVernnient ) this evolution to take the, forrri of giving responsibility on certain subjects which afford the most opportunity for'the local knowledge of the Civil Service: therefore it is proposed that, exe-cu-t-ive government should be granted to all the major provinces, exclusive of Burma. This Executive shall consist of two partsone comprising the Governor and Executive Council of two members, one of whom skill be an Indian; unci the other part comprising the Governor, with cue or more Ministers chosen from elected members. The Legislative Council of each province will haven substantial majority of elected members chosen on a broad franchise. It is | possible that eontri'iutionr- for the mainte- j nance of all t lie Indian Services will be e j lirsf charge on the provincial revenues. The Provincial Governments will administer the remaining revenues, and will also be given limited powers of taxation and borrowing. What h=,s hitheilo been known as the Viceregal Leui-lalure will be bifurcated. The I'vistiug Council will become n Legislative Assembly, and will consist of about a hundred members, two-thirds of whom will he elected, and the remainder nominated by the Viceroy. One-third of these nominees must be non-officials. The Second Chamber will be a Council of State, which, with the experience a.ud dignity of the elder statesmen comprised in it. will participate in ordinary legislative business, and will be the final authority in all matters which the Government rrer.rd as essential. The Council of State will consist of 60 members, of whom 21 vi'! he elc-1-ed and the remainder Humiliated. Other proposals include establishing a permanent Council of Princes, to consider questions affecting the native States: the appointment of a Commission It) years heiice to survey the situation, and ,iur!ge what further devolution is possible. Oilier similar Commissions will fie appointed subswjuenHy at 12-year intervals. PRESS COMMENT. • .MORNING POST'S' TORY BLAST. LONDON. July 6. I I i\ d J i m J lilt i ( n i t : i til m| I \ th iu t 1 m i i tl 1 j <! t Imi g J t 1 1 i ti< II < 1) i \ ( 1 u 1 el r it \ U « t 1 stli ; i ml I a l o it n tl ! 1 i\ f hli t \ I | i i l*■ i i i r ct 1 ill i | l i Hi tl " i d 1 it u i ii n ii u \ hj m I i n d l 1 tl i It b (,n tl' ll r th 1 il _ ( inn l t I !)i hj I 1 „ i hj \ c'( m I t ! 1 1 Of 1 \ T 1 tl t 1I ] I II ll Mill ol r n i ill Ihj lilt i 1 tl M 1 e i t lit i ilc M 1 111 I m I int it' i till j. ii g til * til e i itli nt i 11 I \I ii t, P)°t s-u \\ !, 11 P i I ) r rot I ' et i r ft l i I T l 1 1 in hj l ll I I I n lti t i il II ) \ V i th l i i( s It I St <e 1 in ( th nii l t t i i i 1 tl t<r fhj t ! I fl l il