Lord Ripon, Reforms, Ilbert Bill Controversy

Lord Ripon (George Frederick Robinson) served as the Viceroy of India from 1880 to 1884. Lord Ripon as a representative of the British monarchy introduced several significant reforms during his tenure, such as the Factory Act of 1881, the Mysore Rendition of 1881, the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act (1882), and the Hunter Commission on Education (1882).

He also introduced local self-government through the 1882 resolution, earning him the title “Father of Local Self-Government in India.” His liberal approach earned him respect and a legacy as one of British India’s most progressive Viceroys.

Lord Ripon

George Frederick Robinson, known as Lord Ripon, was born on October 24, 1827, into a politically prominent family. His early career featured several significant governmental roles, including Under-Secretary of State for War (1859–1861), Under-Secretary of State for India (1861), Secretary of State for War (1863–1866), and Secretary of State for India (1866).

• He was appointed as Viceroy of India during Prime Minister William Gladstone’s administration, succeeding Lord Lytton in April 1880.

Lord Ripon Reforms

Lord Ripon, who served as the Viceroy of India (1880 to 1884) introduced several reforms including the Factory Act to improve labour conditions, the Mysore Rendition restoring local rule, the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act for press freedom, the Education Commission for educational improvements, and introduced local self-government, Ilbert Bill for judicial equality.

• Factory Reforms (1881): It aimed to improve working conditions in Indian factories. The Factory Act of 1881 regulated working hours for women and children, set age restrictions for child labour, and mandated health and safety standards.
  • It also established the role of inspectors to ensure compliance and emphasized the welfare of workers.
• Mysore Rendition (1881): After the British took control of Mysore in 1831 due to alleged misgovernance, Lord Ripon acknowledged the exaggeration of these claims. In 1881, he restored the administration to its rightful ruler, Chamaraja Wadiyar X.
• Repeal of the Vernacular Press Act (1882): One of Lord Ripon’s major reforms was the repeal of the Vernacular Press Act of 1878, which restricted Indian-language newspapers.
  • Revoked in 1882, this repeal restored press freedom and allowed vernacular publications to operate without government censorship.
• Educational Reforms: In 1882, Lord Ripon established the Education Commission, chaired by Sir William Hunter. The Hunter Commission was established to evaluate education in India and recommend improvements.
  • The Hunter Commission report emphasized expanding access to primary and secondary education, improving teacher training, and enhancing institutional quality.
• Local Self-Government (1882): In 1882, Ripon introduced local self-government, decentralizing power through elected municipal boards and district committees.
  • This reform boosted Indian participation in governance and earned him the title of “father of local self-government” in India.
• The Ilbert Bill Controversy (1883-1884): The Ilbert Bill aimed to remove legal barriers preventing Indian judges from presiding over cases with European defendants. Despite its goal of judicial equality, it faced strong European opposition, leading to protests.
  • The amended Bill was enacted on January 25, 1884, as the Criminal Procedure Code Amendment Act.
• Land and Tenancy Reforms: Concerned about agrarian issues, Ripon formed the Rent Commission in 1880 to investigate tenant grievances in Bengal.
  • Its recommendations led to the Bengal Tenancy Act of 1885, which protected tenant farmers while limiting zamindar excesses.

Lord Ripon UPSC PYQs

Question 1: Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2017)

1. The Factories Act, 1881 was passed with a view to fix the wages of industrial workers and to allow the workers to form trade unions.
2. N.M. Lokhande was a pioneer in organizing the labour movement in British India.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b)

Question 2: The Ilbert Bill controversy was related to the (UPSC Prelims 2013)

(a) imposition of certain restrictions to carry arms by the Indians

(b) imposition of restrictions on newspapers and magazines published in Indian languages

(c) removal of disqualifications imposed on the Indian magistrates with regard to the trial of the Europeans

(d) removal of a duty on imported cotton cloth

Answer: (c)