HPAS/Allied Mains 2022 Answer Writing Challenge Day 281: Model Answer

Question: “Lord Ripon, the savior of India and his rule-the beginning of a Golden age in India”. Elaborate. (8 marks/120 words)

Answer.

Lord Ripon came to India as a viceroy in 1880. William Gladstone sent him to India to play the role of Viceroy and Lord Ripon proved his worth as a ‘Good Viceroy’ in India within the four years of his ruling period.

His role can be examined by the different reforms done by him. These are:

First Factory Act (1881) to Secure factory Labours’ Safety:

The initiative for the implementation and adoption of the First Factory Act was taken by Lord Ripon in 1881. The children under the age of seven were no longer allowed to work in the factories. The risk factors of working with dangerous machines were considered in the act. Mid-day meals and four leaves a month were provided after the adoption of the First Factory Act.

Lord Ripon and Repeal of Vernacular Press Act (1882):

Previously Lord Lytton imposed Vernacular Press Act to restrict the use of Indian regional languages in newspapers. Lord Ripon showed a generous gesture by repealing the Vernacular Press Act in 1882, and it provided the liberty to the Indian press to publish news in several languages.

Financial Decentralization for a Better Financial Administration:

Lord Ripon showed the positive sides of financial decentralization. He divided revenue into three sections.

• Imperial heads were meant to collect the revenue from customs, telegraphs, military receipts, posts, land revenue, salt, etc.
• Provincial heads were meant to collect revenue from jails, general administration, roads, printing, etc. A part of land revenue was sanctioned to fulfill the lack of funds in provinces.
• The revenue collection of the Divided heads started with the initiative of Lord Ripon. The central and provincial governments got an equal part of the revenue from forest, registrations, stamps, and excise.

Lord Ripon and Resolution of Local Self-government (1882):

Lord Ripon is called the Father of Local Self-government. The idea of creating urban and rural self-governments worked well in empowering the local bodies. This initiative raised the voice of Indian citizens as some of their rights were fulfilled after the Resolution of Local Self-government in 1882.

Educational Reforms with Hunter Commission (1882-83):

He appointed William Wilson Hunter in 1882 to understand the deficit in the system.

Primary suggestions to improve the education system were:

• Government’s active interventions needed to grow the primary education
• Literary and vocational training in secondary education must be included
• Government’s support and active involvement were suggested to improve women’s education

Lord Ripon tried to implement most recommendations to elevate the country’s education quality.

Ilbert Bill Controversy During Lord Ripon’s Period:

Courtenay Peregrine Ilbert introduced Ilbert Bill in 1883 during the ruling period of Lord Ripon. This bill created a lot of controversies later on.

Lord Ripon wanted to eradicate the discrimination between the Indian and English Judges. Such discrimination of rights was based on racism, and Indian judges did not get as freedom as the European judges.

Conclusion:

So, from the above reforms done by the Lord Ripon, we can say that he was saviour of India and his rule was the beginning of a Golden age in India.