GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20542, 18 February 1935, Page 1

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA.

Governor-General’s Powers Outlined. British Official Wireless. (Received February 18. 12.50 p.m.) RUGBY, February 17. The instructions to the GovernorGeneral and Provincial Governors provided for in the Government of India Bill are set out in a White Paper. The drafts are bas:d in the main on the recommendation of the Joint Select Committee and also contain some passages and phrases included in the existing instructions. The latter include the final instructions to the Gov-ernor-General, under which the Gov-ernor-General “ should so exercise the trust reposed in him that the partnership between India and the United Kingdom within our Empire may be furthered to the end that India may attain its due place among our Dominions.” The section which deals with the executive authority of the Federation provides that the GovernorGeneral shall do all that in him lies to maintain the standards of good administration, to encourage religious toleration, co-operation and goodwill among all classes and creeds and to promote all measures making for

moral, social an deconomic welfare.” The Governor-General’s powers are outlined regarding his selection of Ministers an dhis discretion in following their advice, his responsibility for safeguarding the financial stability and credit of the federation, and protection of the legitimate interests of the minorities. Sections of the drafts require consultation with the Finance Minister on matters affecting the finances of the federation and joint consultation between the GovernorGeneral, his counsellors and his Ministers in regard to the administration of the Department of Defence. Among the other provisions, instructions are given that in choosing representatives of British India for seats in the Council of State, the Governor-General by nominations' may redress inequalities on representation which may have resulted from the election particularly in regard to securing representation for the scheduled castes and women.